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Original poster

Unexpected day to self in central London - wwyd?

24 replies

bonusday · 09/12/2021 16:47

Just as the title says really. Due to be on central London tomorrow for the day for a meeting which has just been cancelled. My lovely boss said she is happy for me to go anyway to do some Christmas shopping if I want as the tickets are booked and paid for.

It might be a bit late to book a lovely lunch somewhere but I do like wandering around London, would like to browse at Liberty. Wwyd if let loose in the capital for a day?

OP posts:

AtlasPine · 09/12/2021 16:52

Oo how lovely. I’d go to the National Gallery and just visit a couple of rooms. It’s free but you need to book online. I’d have coffee at Fortnum and Mason and cruise Carnaby Street including Liberty’s. Lunch in Chinatown at Wong Kei and then a walk through Soho to pick up a few gifts.

Have a lovely day and bring spare masks.

LaurieFairyCake · 09/12/2021 16:53

Yes to Liberty

And a walk up Bond Street, plus Fortnums and the huge Waterstones down from Fortnums on Piccadilly- the food on the fifth floor of Waterstones isn't great but the bar is good so have a G and T with the great view

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 09/12/2021 16:53

Def browse Liberty!
Any exhibitions on that you fancy?
A walking tour? Have you ever seen the sights? Theres a 2 hr self guided walking tour that crams a lot in.
Are you into photography? Id visit Leadenhall market or that church that lost its roof in ww2. They are very instagrammable.
Is there a particular type of food you like? Wheres best for that?

Original poster

bonusday · 09/12/2021 17:01

Love sushi (and all food to be fair) - was thinking the British museum as I'd like to see the Sutton Hoo finds but all these suggestions sound good.

I've done the touristy bit so a chance to explore off the beaten track would be good

OP posts:

StillSmallVoice · 09/12/2021 17:06

John Soane museum. It's eccentric and wonderful and walking distance to Covent Garden.

Clymene · 09/12/2021 17:13

@LaurieFairyCake

Yes to Liberty

Sadly the cafe on Waterstones is shut at the moment.

The cafe at the national gallery also has great views though so worth going for a drink there if you can. I also love the unsung treasure that is the national portrait gallery which is just behind the national gallery

FlowerArranger · 09/12/2021 17:20

National Gallery, definitely. I was there a couple of days ago and their was no need to book for general entry. They currently have a fantastic Dürer exhibition - check online whether booking is advised.

Alternatively, the Courtauld gallery at Somerset House recently reopened after refurbishment. They have a smaller but fabulous collection, and it's a beautiful building. Just down the road from Covent Garden and it's market.

There's also a Christmas market in Trafalgar Square.

FlowerArranger · 09/12/2021 17:21

its, not it's...

Nomorepinkcurtains · 09/12/2021 17:23

I walked 8 miles when DH was in Guys for most of the day in October, it was a warm day and I loved it, first I went to Oxford street to a specific shop and then wandered down Charing Cross road and to Traf Square, onto Westminster, Big Ben, crossed the river and back along the embankment. I didn’t know how long I was going to get to I couldn’t plan but if I were to go again I would go to a museum.

I used to work in London for a few years and it was a brilliant reminder of my life. I was like a tourist taking photos of the horses at horse guards and Big Ben etc. Reminded me what a fabulous place London is.

Have a wonderful day, I’m rather jealous.

chesirecat99 · 09/12/2021 17:46

Sir John Soanes Museum is a good call if you haven't been. Maybe book a tour?

How about the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Achaeology at UCL?

The Wallace Collection is a lesser known gem if you like art. Their winter garden cafe in the courtyard is a great place for lunch or afternoon tea. Marylebone High Street has lovely shops and restaurants, including the amazing Daunt Books.

Leighton House museum in Holland Park is great too.

If you want sushi, you could head to the Japan Centre on Panton Street. There are lots of amazing sushi restaurants around Piccadilly: Yoshino, Sakagura and Machiya. Engawa does an amazing tasting menu of sushi and Wagyu beef if you fancy treating yourself. There is always Aqua Kyoto across the road from Liberty.

TwoBlondes · 09/12/2021 17:49

Dennis Sever's house then Spitalfields market.

Daisydoesnt · 09/12/2021 17:54

Just coming on to second the Wallace collection - they've currently a small exhibition of male portraits by Franz Halls (laughing cavalier). It’s absolutely wonderful.

notsureofname · 09/12/2021 17:54

The Christmas Rose Garden of Remembrance in Grosvenor Square - only a temporary thing 12noon-8pm. Would go when it is dark and roses all lit up. All proceeds from dedicating a rose onine to the Royal Marsden Hospital.

LondonMummer · 09/12/2021 17:56

Have a foodie day. I've been wandering around Central London a couple of days this week and both Fortnum's and Borough Market have filled my heart with (Christmassy) joy

Newgirls · 09/12/2021 18:01

The royal academy have the summer exhibition on if you are going to fortnams. Not far from Liberty.

The v and a have an Alice exhibition on but that’s a bit further

Alpinechalet · 09/12/2021 18:05

Bus tour of the Christmas lights

AtlasPine · 09/12/2021 18:06

I think the Portrait Gallery is still shut for its 3 year refurb.

Be aware that pickpockets are particularly busy at the moment in central London. You just need to take a few extra precautions.

eightlivesdown · 09/12/2021 18:09

Theatre in the evening if you're OK with catching a late train home.

MotherWol · 09/12/2021 18:22

If you’re going to the British Museum, Menya Ramen on Museum Street is tiny and delightful.

HolidayTime2021 · 09/12/2021 18:28

@AtlasPine

I think the Portrait Gallery is still shut for its 3 year refurb.

Be aware that pickpockets are particularly busy at the moment in central London. You just need to take a few extra precautions.

It is

chesirecat99 · 09/12/2021 18:57

@notsureofname

I walked through Grosevenor Square a few days ago, I'm not sure it is worth a detour to see but it is a lovely idea. I shall be donating. Of course, if you were heading to Claridges for a cocktail anyway... You could also go for a browse in the Mayfair antiquities dealers. Sometimes they have things that are better than the British Museum! Grays Antique Market is a worth a browse too, if you are passing by.

Clymene · 09/12/2021 19:05

@AtlasPine

I think the Portrait Gallery is still shut for its 3 year refurb.

Be aware that pickpockets are particularly busy at the moment in central London. You just need to take a few extra precautions.

Oh bugger. We need a thread of things which are shut!

lucascriesalot · 09/12/2021 19:06

slather yourself in sudocrem and slither about like a worm

chesirecat99 · 09/12/2021 19:08

@TwoBlondes

Dennis Sever's house then Spitalfields market.

Denis Sever's house is only open during the day at weekends. If you can stay later, they have their candlelit, silent Christmas tours on Friday evenings from 6pm. They are absolutely magical. Lots of great places for dinner nearby too.

Another good sushi place is the Parisian mini chain of French/sushi fusion restaurants, Sushi Shop. There is a branch in Marylebone.

www.mysushishop.co.uk/en/store/weymouth-london

The menu:

www.flipsnack.com/sushishop/carte_sept_21_uk.html

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