Time Out Shortlists Guides 2008: London is quite likely to be the most popular title in this extremely useful series, and as a calling card for the Shortlist books, it is exemplary. Here we have the cream of London's restaurants, shopping, nightlife and entertainments all laid out in highly accessible and concise form. And because the series is annual, it can acquaint the reader with current venues and openings, as well as giving a host of other tips to the reader to ensure we’re au courant with all the things that are happening at the moment in this liveliest of great cities (and because of the modest price, most of us will have little objection to buying a new edition in a year’s time -- after all, we don't want to turn up at a restaurant or nightclub and find it’s closed, do we?). Of course, it is the sightseeing element which is at the heart of guides such as this, and that is perhaps the most user-friendly aspect of the book, laid out in clear sections with carefully detailed maps and other useful indicators. Another plus factor is the exclusive events calendar, so that those visiting London (and even residents) can make plans. So if you're tempted by the new £30 million Wellcome Collection (a truly fascinating collection of medical memorabilia -- often grisly!), or a visit to see some of the world's greatest actors at the National Theatre on the South Bank or in London's Theatreland, Shaftesbury Avenue, all the wherewithal is here in handy digest size. --Barry Forshaw
