London itinerary suggestions

[Floof79]

Hi, hive mind! I’m visiting London with a friend this Friday. Have finally got around to booking tickets for the National Portrait Gallery after which we are free for the rest of the day. Looking for restaurant / bar recommendations that are within a reasonable distance - hidden gems? - and something else for us to do in the afternoon, with a smattering of shopping too. Train home is KGX. 😊

(Brick Lane, Tate, Battersea, Borough Mkt, Covent Garden, Richmond, V&A, Natural History and Science Museums, Dungeons, Sky Garden, Shard all visited in the past)

Book a table at Brasserie Zedel on Piccadilly Circus for lunch. My favourite place in London. It’s half term so I would keep clear of Natural History and Science Museums. Maybe V n A? The National Gallery has had a rehang in the Sainsbury Wing. The Outernet at Tottenham Court Road is amazing .

Afternoon tea?
Hyde Park Afternoon Tea and High Tea | Royal Lancaster London
The Queen`s Gate Hotel | Animal Kingdom

https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/visit/cafe-in-the-crypt/

This is cute for a coffee before or after the National portrait gallery
The wellcome collection near Euston is also really interesting if you want another museum

Why would you not go to the NPG restaurant? It gets fab reviews.

Lots of things to do afterward - obvs the National Gallery right around the corner, but my choice would be The Edwardians at the King's Gallery. You could also consider Handel Hendrix House or Sir John Soane's Museum.