Joe's Blog : A local's guide to Olympia for BETT visitors09/01/2012

Here at Firefly we're based just around the corner from Olympia in bustling Hammersmith, so we've put together a local's guide to make your visit to BETT even BETTer (hopefully this guide is better than our puns)!

Transport

Olympia is a bit of a nightmare to get to as the station called "Kensington Olympia" is on a strange branch line of the District Line (green), which is only accessible from Earl's Court. 

Update for 2012: District Line trains to Olympia have become even more uncommon, operating only on weekends, evenings, and during "special events".  We recommend against relying on the District Line to Olympia.

However, Olympia is also on the London Overground network, so if you are coming from outside London check if you can get to Olympia by train.  Beware its opening hours, if you hang around too late the trains all stop running!

Alternatively, travel to Hammersmith which is well served by the Piccadilly Line (blue), Hammersmith and City (pink), Circle (yellow) and District Line (green).  Then get a 9, 10, or 27 bus (direction Kensington) from the bus station located right above the tube station, and it's about a 10 minute direct journey, stopping right outside the exhibition centre.

You can also travel to High St Kensington (District Line but Edgware Road branch, Circle Line) and take the same buses in the opposite direction, towards Hammersmith.

Food

There are a few cafés in the venue itself serving the usual array of slightly overpriced food and snacks.  Immediately outside the venue there are a few restaurants but hardly anywhere to buy sandwiches.  You can try Tesco Express opposite but if you go at peak time forget finding a sandwich left!

Our tip: if you're prepared to go a bit further, walk (15 mins) or get a bus to Kensington High St where there a range of sandwich places including all the usual favourites.  If you're after hot food, try the excellent and friendly W8 catering on Abingdon Road, or for some of the best burgers in London, try Byron on Kensington High St.

Relaxing

You're a short walk away from the diminutive but very pretty Holland Park which is worth a visit if you want a brief escape from two exhibition halls full of IT vendors (although come and see us first of course!).

If you want entertainment in the evening, Kensington can get a little sleepy, but you're not far from Notting Hill Gate. Alternatively, go to Hammersmith or Earl's Court and get the Piccadilly Line into the centre.

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