On my own in London on Friday night

[Pandaandpurple]

I’m going to be in London on my own on Friday night (I don’t live near so don’t go very often, and this is due to a change of plans). I don’t fancy just staying in my hotel all evening - does anyone have any recommendations for nice restaurants where I can eat alone without feeling too self conscious, or somewhere I could go and get a nice glass of wine? My first thought was somewhere like Wagamama for dinner, which has the big shared tables, but it’s not that exciting a choice. Anything else?

If you are up for a play something like Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall is brilliant and often there are single seats available.

Lots of options locally to grab something to eat beforehand.

If you want theatre, go and see Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre - it's a fantastic show: get a standing/'immersive' ticket which is £39.50. It's a brilliant evening. Plenty of places for something to eat close by or in Borough Market. The theatre itself is a lovely place to sit and have a drink beforehand.

I've been to Brasserie Zedel alone and it was absolutely fine! They had a pile of newspapers and magazines that they offered, a sign that they're accustomed to lone diners!

Quite a few restaurants have a counter which I prefer as a solo and happy to recommend:
Polpo
Cafe Murano (I like the one in Covent Garden)
Barrafina (I like the one near Charing Cross)

I do agree with others that for a Friday night solo I think I’d try and see a show (you’ll probably get to see whatever you want as there’s always a return!)

enjoy

I think Brasserie Zedel will be too full on on a Friday night with groups unless you go a bit earlier. You could eat there then go to a show or to say, the National Portrait Gallery which is fab and open late. Not a long walk between the two.

I like Bloomsbury at the moment - a glass of wine at the Renoir Cinema (some great films and documentaries there too) and then dinner at the Hare and Tortoise opposite (Japanese). Laid back, student vibe, not expensive but fab food. Two minute walk from Russell Square tube.

Lots of great hotel bars and brasseries too which are very comfortable for solo nights. The Standard Hotel opposite Kings Cross has a lush lounge, restaurant, rooftop bar and garden. Nice laid back vibe. Kings Cross has interesting places to pop in to off Coals Yard and there's a nice atmosphere wandering round. Roti King (Euston, 5 minutes walk away) has great budget food but there'll be a queue.

Otherwise head into Soho/Chinatown for the atmosphere.

I was on my own a couple of weeks ago and saw Witness. The setting, acting and play are brilliant. A very unique experience.

I would opt for Barrafino Drury Lane, if you like Tapas. Great place for solo dining. And I would choose a film at one of the Curzon’s or an Everyman, unless you can find a bargain at a show. Plus a mooch around Soho. The beauty of central London is how safe it feels/is. Enjoy!

Kiln is great if you like Thai/ spicy. And Koya for Japanese / noodles. They're both in Soho and have counter seating.

If you fancy going east Brat has such good food, and also has counter seating.

And a bit further out in Hampstead is Jin Kichi. Its a cute Japanese that does yakitori, and you can reserve a seat around the grill.