Colin,
My best drinking buddy Mike, who's from Ealing [imagine having an Englishman as best buddy!
], says you would have no trouble getting in to London centre and coming in via the M23 as you suggest. Ignore the congestion thing, and drive on in, there are loads of multistory car parks with space. You could in theory drive practically up to Westminster with no trouble. There is a multistory very near the London Eye, and that's worth a visit, I've been there.
He will check up his A-Z and offer me a couple of streets near car parks as suggestions by email tomorrow. Will pass on to you whatever he sends me. Also, at 11 AM you will miss all the rush hour, driving should be OK.
Joe
PS I call to Chester every time I am driving for Holyhead. Lovely town, really nice place.
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