Things to do in London - need inspiration

[ReviewingTheSituation]

I had 2 nights booked in a hotel in London earlier this year, which I obviously had to cancel. I've now re-booked for next weekend (they would move it, but not refund).
I've been to London loads, mainly for work but also for 'fun', but it's clearly a different place at the moment. I don't really fancy galleries/museums in a mask, and they'll still be there next year, so I'm looking for interesting things to do.

We are staying near Marble Arch (so quite near the Jubilee line), and I'm happy using the tube, buses, boats to get around. Equally happy to walk (in the dry).

We have lunch booked in Blackheath on Saturday, so ideally I'd like to be in that area most of the day. I think we'll find somewhere nice for cocktails/snacks in the evening (recommendations welcome).
We have Friday afternoon and evening and Sunday morning to fill. What shall we do? Where shall we eat?

I love hearing people's personal recommendations, and you have served me very well in the past... It's just me and DH, although we're trying to persuade friends to join us, so we may be 4.

Of course if it all goes belly up in the next week or so, then we'll be back to the drawing board again. But I'm working on the basis we can go.

[ReviewingTheSituation]

I did wonder about this...
www.timeout.com/london/theatre/dantes-in-furlough

Looks interesting, and certainly something we can't do around here.

[FairFriday]

So near bond st or Baker Street then. Have you been before?

Shopping sucks - but if you must you are next to selfridges.

[ReviewingTheSituation]

Been before? To London? Loads!

I definitely don't want to go department store shopping (although I may take myself off to where all the lovely fabric shops are - can't remember the name of the road, but I'll find it...)

[MouseholeCat]

These are fun and work for adult groups without kids: www.treasuretrails.co.uk/things-to-do/london

I love the London Wall Walk, you find loads of really unique places:
archaeology-travel.com/travel-reports/the-london-wall-walk/

[kshaw]

There's Berwick street for expensive fabrics, goldhawk road (bear Shepard's bush) and walthamstow market for fabric shopping. Walthamstow so cheap!

[TheVeryHungryTortoise]

Try and book a table at Dishoom for Friday night--absolutely amazing food that reminds me of my travels around India! Southbank is always a lovely walk if you haven't done it before and then you can head to Bermondsey Street for some nice independent grub!

[TheVeryHungryTortoise]

Oh, and Brick Lane for 24hour bagels!

[FairFriday]

There’s always Shepherd’s Bush for fabric shops or brick lane (well in ye olden days). Neither of which is really worth a journey!

[FairFriday]

I enjoy walking along the river.

[amusedbush]

Following this with interest as DH and I are hoping for a weekend in London in a couple of weeks but I'm worried that everything will need to be pre-booked and planned, taking the fun and spontaneity out of it. I'm wondering if we should save the money and stay at home

[FairFriday]

I guess it depends on how the lockdown will progress. At the moment most things are open-ish. Some shops have queues to get in and restaurants are pretty empty near us. Loads of (independent) coffee shops are closed now which is pretty sad to see.

[ReviewingTheSituation]

Dishoom is a great shout - thanks! There's one in B'ham now (which is near us), but haven't bothered going there as it's in local lockdown and we're out of the area.

I've walked the southbank (and run it) many times, but the London skyline changes, so I guess we could do it again.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

The area around Kings Cross is lovely now. Dishoom is there (definitely book), and there's also a couple of nice bars - Spiritland is cool, and there's a wine place called Vinoteca.

If the weather is nice, the walk over the heath between Greenwich and Blackheath is nice (love it on a sunny but blustery day in particular) and Greenwich park is lovely for a wander too.

The haberdashery department in Liberty is very lovely, even just for a mooch with no intention (!) of buying anything. And you're not far from Fortnums for essential tea purchases then either.

The Wolseley for afternoon tea?

[ReviewingTheSituation]

Ahhhh - afternoon tea. Now you've got me thinking. LOADS of great places in London for unusual afternoon tea. Might do that instead of dinner.

I've been to the Wolseley, but DH hasn't. Could do breakfast there - I seem to recall it was v nice.

[amusedbush]

Last time we were in London we went to the Carnaby Dishoom and it was truly crap! There was one nice dish but everything else tasted like a microwave ready meal and the naan was so crispy it shattered when you touched it. Everyone raves about it so I'd been so excited to go!

[ParisOnWheels]

The southbank is always a nice walk and the southbank centre good for a mooch round. It looks like they have an outdoor art exhibition on right now.