Must agree that Firecrest are cheap, but a bit over the top on minimums. I had over 400hrs and the CFI said no flying as a 10Kn cross wind was forecast
The plane was a C150 and that was well within limits. So i asked for my money back, including the check ride as i didnt at that time need someone to tell me i could fly a C150 as i had over 150hrs on type
You dont say which side of London, as Bomley to Elstree would take as long as Bromley to Lydd for example. If your north London then i suggest an hour up the A1 to Little Gransden and Skyline School as they are very competitively priced and you get to watch Mark Jefferies in his yaks and Extra for free
That will teach you some stuff no ppl cyllabus will even get close to!