It may not sound terribly English depending on how you pronounce it but Pimlico is very typical of London and right in the middle of it, next to Victoria behind the parliament and by the river. There could be no better spot for the visitor as you can walk to all the city's attractions. Tate Gallery is just round the corner and its carrot cake is recommended. But above all its very quiet with a moderate amount of traffic despite its centrifugal location. The shopping may be mediocre but it doesn't matter as you have access to the best the city can offer by just taking a few steps. Walk in any direction and you find the most agreeable spots in town, bridges, parks and Palladio architecture. No need to pay for transport, grab a bike and go for it all along the cycleway by the river. But if you do use the local bus it will take you to Parliament Hill with its panoramic view of the city, the endless delights of Hamstead and its heath and a poetic pause at John Keats House, all on the famous 24 bus right at your door. It will take you to the free concerts at St Martins in the field, the National Gallery and the Portrait Gallery . It will take you to Mornington Crescent, beloved by Frank Auerbach whose paintings are at the Tate alongside with the carrot cake. It will stop at the Curson Victoria where the latest films are showing and carry you passed all the tourists in line while you gratuitously enjoy splendid views of Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. When in London stay in Pimlico.