A few hours in London tomorrow - what to do?

[supersun23]

Hi,
I am booked to see an exhibition tomorrow for a few hours near the Strand. Therefore I have a few further hours to fill. I am on my own. Looking for somewhere to eat, browse, explore. Does anyone have any recommendations of great places to try around central London? Usually I have kids with me so looking for some me time! I'm a vegetarian, like pizza, pasta, Thai etc... TIA

PS. I quite fancy a visit to Uniqlo and Sostram Greene while I'm there... Think they are on Tottenham Court Road.

Cafe Murano is nearby, and have a very reasonable pre-theatre menu. Absolutely stellar food - simple ingredients treated beautifully because that Michelin starred Angela Hartnett knows what she’s doing.

Shops around Seven Dials are good for a browse.

There’s a branch of Uniqlo on Long Acre, which is on the way to Seven Dials from The Strand, just by Covent Garden.

Ahh, great I didn't know that. Yes, Covent Garden is a good shout.

Thank you - looks great. Do you think it would be ok to dine alone here, or is not that type of place? It doesn't bother me, but just wanted to check!

Given the weather I’d probably go and sit by the lake at the Barbican for a lazy couple of hours. Maybe wander the building and the gardens - but probably mostly sit with a drink …

https://www.barbican.org.uk/

I work just off the Strand and occasionally treat myself to lunch at Cafe Murano by myself, nobody bats an eyelid. Ave Mario also does lovely pasta and is a few mins walk to the Uniqlo on Long Acre.

I’d probably also go to see the Munch portraits exhibition at the NPG, and eat at Bocca di Lupo on Archer Street — serves all day, modern Italian, buzzy, nice service, small plates, and counter seats so they can usually fit in a one.

Mildred’s at the top of St Martins Lane is vegan and lovely with a great buzz and you wouldn’t need to worry about eating on your own in there. Then Uniqlo in Long Acre - other nice shops along there and around Seven Dials. Then I’d just do a nice wander along the Thames - maybe cross over Hungerford Bridge and have a drink on the Southbank and just do a circular walk back via Westminster Bridge or walk down the other way towards the City and cross over the millennium bridge by Tate Modern and work my way back x

I’d walk over the river and along the South Bank for a browse and food (and wine!) at Borough Market. It’s beautiful weather to be by the river and it won’t be too mobbed since it’s not quite the weekend and it’s not school holidays.

I dine there by myself and feel very at home - the staff are just amazing. They are knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming, I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.

I book on the day (if not a weekend) on the early side and never have a problem getting a table. It’s not her posh Michelin starred restaurant, it’s more casual and like a really excellent bistro.

Risotto is the best I’ve ever had anywhere.

Thanks all - great ideas!

Probably a bit late now but we nearly always go to Bar Remo on Princes st, just off Regent st. It’s a family run Italian restaurant with reasonable prices and really good food.

I have seen people dinning alone and I wouldn’t hesitate if I was in that part of London by myself.