Happy World Toilet Day!

No kidding! There is a special day in the calendar to celebrate the toilet on the day our modern toilet was first patented. On this day we're supposed to think about all of the people in the world who don't have toilets. But I'd like to take a look back...reminisce a bit about toilets from my past. Join me at New York Toilets.

And I promise, my survey of London's loos will resume shortly.

The Crown Tavern

Before my first real review, I must apologize to the citizens of the UK. As a foreigner to your land, there my be some things in your WCs that I find odd, or confusing, and I may harp on them mercilessly. But I will either learn the error of my ways in time, or I may only appeal to foreigners traveling to the UK. We shall see...

My first toilet is located in the Crown Tavern, also known as the Crown on the Green, in Clerkenwell. The ladies room is located up the stairs, to the right of the large upstairs sitting room, which remains virtually empty until after 6:30. The decor is the first thing I noticed in here. There were live potted-plants on the sinks. There was wood paneling on the walls with beautiful wall paper above it. Unlike in most bathrooms in American bars, the designers here did not forget the bathroom. There are two stalls with a descent amount of space in them, but with only two for the entire 2 story pub, there will inevitably be a line. The rubbish bin is located a bit too close to the toilet, so unfortunately you rub up against it while you sit. There is a large mirror above the two pedestal sinks, good for the make-up and hair touch-ups before heading out to rejoin your party.

• Cleanliness - 1 flushes
• Aroma - 1.5 flushes
  
• Soap - I believe it was blue and smelled a bit like strawberries (but I did have a couple glasses of wine)
  
• Pros - good lighting, beautiful decor, live plants
  
• Cons - only two toilets, no paper towels (but this seems like something I'll have to get used to since they don't ever seem to be offered)
  
• Overall experience - 1.5 flushes

My temporary toilet

Welcome to London Toilets! This website is dedicated to providing reviews of public bathrooms around London. However, as a get-to-know-you feature, here is my toilet. Located near Russell Square, this toilet is located in my temporary flat. The bathroom itself is spacious (larger than my kitchen) and located just in front of you as you walk into the flat. There is ample light coming in from the frosted window and from the overhead light. The pedestal sink has a mirror above it, which is positioned slightly higher than this average size American is used to.

• Cleanliness - 1 flushes
• Aroma - 2 flushes (the whole flat smells of cigarette smoke)
• Soap - bar soap, scentless
  
• Pros - good lighting, large space, close to home
  
• Cons - very cold in the morning, mirror is a bit too high, I can't figure out how long to hold down the handle on the toilet for
  
• Overall experience - 1.5 flushes

Coming Soon

Check back after January 6th, 2008 for insight into London's loos.