London: central restaurant/ activity for family get-together with young adults

[Bouffe]

I have five nieces, nephews and more distant young relatives living in London at the moment. I'm going to be spending a long weekend there in February. I'm in my late 50s, they are in their early-mid 20s. I don't see them from one year to the next, so I'm planning to invite them to meet me for lunch and then we'll go on to something in the afternoon. I'll pay for lunch/ dinner/ drinks and cost of the activity, but there'll have to be a ceiling of around £100 per head.

I'm wondering about a Hamilton matinee: that's at the Victoria Palace in Victoria, which isn't an area I know well. Anyone done anything similar? What's worked, what hasn't? If you know Victoria, can you think of somewhere nice to eat?

If you do end up going to Hamilton then there is a 'flight club' literally next door to the theatre. I went to see Hamilton last night and noticed it. You can eat there too. If you are worried about them getting on then you could do flight club (great fun) as that's an activity which breaks the ice -then then theatre next door.

In your shoes I would probably station myself in a cafe/brunch place for a couple of hours and say it would be lovely to see whoever is free to pop in. Then go to Hamilton by yourself - offer to take others by all means but expect most may not take it up. Otherwise I suspect you will get a lot of polite excuses.

How about life sized monopoly near Tottenham court Road and then wander along fitzrovia or down into soho for something for lunch?

They're all in London but only a couple of them are in touch with each other, even though when we communicate and I mention the others, they say 'Oh, I really should get in touch with him/ her.' I thought I'd do something to get them together so they can see if they have anything in common and whether they want to get to know each other better.

I really wouldn't call Hamilton or Guys & Dolls culture: they're very accessible popular entertainment! If I wanted to introduce them to culture I'd be taking them to the opera or the RSC or the new hanging at the National Portrait Gallery.

I took my 22 year old DD to London recently and we saw The Mousetrap (matinee - £28! per ticket - bargain!) then had afternoon tea at The Sanderson,

Bloody brilliant fun 🤩

But... culture...

Was it so-bad-it's-good sort of fun @CantFindTheBeat , or was it actually good?

Which bit, OP?

The Mousetrap was very cheesy and old fashioned but lovely and cosy and the theatre is beautiful. A proper old Agatha play in real life 🥰

Afternoon tea was fab. Lots of great places near theatre land too.

Yes, spoiled for choice for food in the West End.

Glad you had fun with Agatha Christie.

The sub £50 tickets are the back row of the auditorium or restricted view. That might be fine for you but worth bearing in mind. It mounts up quickly if you want better seats.

Quoted the wrong post but you get the gist.

I do, thank you for letting me know.