I have from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m between flights....although probably more like 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. after customs. A friend suggested going to Santa Monica because it's close to the airport...hoping to get an hour of sunlight on the beach and then eat and drink some delicious things before heading back to LAX. Ideas?! I like everything (veg, meat, ethnic, booze)...maybe just a bit on the lighter side as I'll be heading into a week of serious Thanksgiving eating.

I lived in Kensington for the first 6 months after I moved to London from NYC 2 years ago...I agree with ManInTransit - it's pretty but a lot like the Upper East Side of Manhattan culturally. I was VERY happy to move. That said I lived over a Lebanese restaurant and a deli called Ottolenghi and both have some of the most delicious food I've ever eaten!

For variety and adventure (esp if you're into ethnic food and more spicy) I'd recommend my current neighborhood, Shoreditch (like the East Village/Lower East Side in spirit without the rats and lots of great street art). I *love* it here. There are a ton of great Vietnamese restaurants near Curtain Road and Old Street, Brick Lane the mega curry street is here as well (although I'm sure many will argue rightfully there's more authentic curry to be had in London) - it has great markets with everything from Venezuelan arepas to Ethiopian food (Sunday UpMarket). Lots of great more upscale options too: St John's (a nose to tail joint), Hawksmoor (delicious steak place). There are tons of fun bars and pop up restaurants as well.

Agree Borough Market is a must do - I have friends that live in Bermondsey near there and love it food/neighborhood-wise.

Food/atmostphere wise I'd also recommend looking at Islington, Clerkenwell & Primrose Hill (fancier and more ££ but beautiful with nice food and a great little park).

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I have work to do. My apartment is hot. I don't like the Bean very much. Ideas??