Skip to main content

A couple of days in London

A friend recently asked me about where to go and eat in London for a long weekend. There is so much one can do in London - so it's very hard to be prescriptive. Still, here is a suggested on-foot itinerary if one had a couple of days in London:


Day 1: Covent Garden / Soho

Morning: For a real change, eat breakfast at Dishoom where everything has an Indian twist. Also a fairly quiet place to start the day. Afterwards, explore the boutiques on Neal Street. Walk down to Covent Garden to enjoy the buzz all around. Remember to visit the Apple Store - nicely slotted into a period building.

Lunch: A light Thai lunch at Busaba on Floral Street. Their Phad Thai is not half bad.

Afternoon: Walk up to Soho (but avoid Leicester Sq as it's still a building site as of Jan 2012), and explore the unusual shops around Old Compton St and Berwick St. Here are a few suggestions for afternoon tea and coffee: Flat White on Berwick St for a gritty feel. Princi has good Italian coffee and pastry, but could be crowded. The Hidden Tea Room in Soho serves up traditional scones, cakes and tea - but it's hidden!

Evening: How about an early evening cocktail at the Covent Garden Hotel?


Day 2: Mayfair / St James's

Morning: Get up and head over to Nopi for breakfast where one is treated to delightful bakeries (of Ottolenghi fame) and other Middle-Eastern inspired delicacies. Cross Regent Street and meander through the streets of Mayfair and window shop along Bond Street, New Bond Street and numerous Victorian arcades. Don't miss Asprey - even if you can't afford their diamonds.

Lunch: Try the delightful Cecconi's behind the Royal Academy of Art, or Wild Honey on St George Street.

Afternoon: Perhaps a post-lunch stroll around Berkeley Square. Pop by Dover Street Market to check out some well-curated fashion goodies. Or peep at the numerous art galleries dotted around Mayfair. For a Continental Kaffee und Kuchen, go to Wolseley on Piccadilly. You don't need a reservation in the anterooms. If Fortnum & Mason is still open, pick up some Royal Blend tea leaves and champagne marmalade.

Evening: How about a drink at the National Portrait Gallery Portrait Restaurant where one can get an unexpected view of London?
Labels:
Location: London, UK

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Westin, Shanghai (上海)

It's only 5 minute's from The Bund (外灘) and a relatively new hotel, The Westin Shanghai ought to be a fantastic place for both business and pleasure. Quite a few tourist guides have also rated this highly. It took me about two days to work out why I never warmed to it. The reason? The sense of proportion is erratic across the entire hotel - some corridors are too narrow, beds too close to the wall (even though I was in a mini-suite), some staircases have irregular steps, etc. The list goes on. What was enjoyable? The location. One could  stroll down to The Bund for dinner, drinks or the view. The staff are nice too - always trying to help. What was not enjoyable? Where shall we begin - the fake palm trees, the tightly spaced cafe, the finishing touches, etc.
Post a Comment
Read more

Król Roger, Royal Opera

The Polish barihunk Mariusz Kwiecień sang the title role on the first performance of Król Roger at the Royal Opera. Kwiecień's portrayal of Król Roger was subtle and involved (might have helped with him having a head cold as Kasper Holten came and told us after the interval). Pappano did full justice to Szymanowski's lush score.
Post a Comment
Read more

Macbeth, Glyndebourne

Not having read any reviews, I had no idea what to expect at this new production of Macbeth at Glyndebourne Festival Opera. Was I shocked, disappointed, annoyed? Words fail me here. The music was fine - Jurowski commanded the LPO with usual eloquence and fire. The soloists and chorus were on good form too (though the latter had had one or two wayward moments). The problem appeared, alas, when you opened your eyes. As the witches came out of the caravans (trailer-park analogy) it was comical. But when the whole stage design was around some undecipherable social-psychological coding, it became enormously hard to form any understanding between the visual and the audio - the stage was the distraction. Glyndebourne played a crucial role in bring early Verdi operas back to the UK - it was ever more disappointing to see a production of such poor quality.
Post a Comment
Read more