London afternoon

[misspollysdolly]

I am meeting my lovely best friend in London next Wednesday as it is her birthday, but we only really have the afternoon together and I just wondered if you lovely mumsnetter had any suggestions of how to make her feel really special in a quite limited space of time....? I am meeting her at Liverpool Street station around midday and she will need to get back on a train home by about 8pm. Where shall we go and what shall me do? Also recommendations of a nice (but not hugely expensive) place to eat would be much appreciated. TIA! MPD

Well, what sort of things would you like to do? If you fancy something a bit cultural, you could try lunch at the Wallace Collection, followed by a look around the museum and then a spot of shopping round St Christopher's Place. You could then go and have an early dinner somewhere nice in Mayfair (or the City if you don't want a dash to the train station afterwards!)

Alternatively (and closer to Liverpool St) you could do the South Bank - lunch and some free music at the NT, a look round the Tate Modern, followed by dinner somewhere a bit nicer like Canteen.

Or you could go and see a show - Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Les Mis, Little Voice and lots of other shows do matinees on Wednesdays.

Have a look at www.toptable.co.uk and have a look at their special offers. You can sometimes get offers for some really pretty swanky places.

I think I'd head towards the Thames and have a wander down the South Bank, which isn't so far away.

you could have a look at www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ and www.southbanklondon.com/ to see what's on.

the south Bank is great to wander around, there's lots to see, such as browsing shops etc on Gabrial's Wharf

You could eat at one of the restaurants on the South Bank - or if you really want to spoil her and have the budget, take her to the Oxo Tower. That page has some special offers listed.

If you don't go for the special offer, personally I'd book the Brasserie rather than the restaurant. It's plenty posh enough to feel like a really special treat but not as pricey as the restaurant (we went there for may parent's wedding anniversary and it was lovely). Unless you're seriously loaded, of course!

I would also make sure you leave enough time for a leisurely meal there, it would be a shame to rush it! The views there are stunning.

Oh sugar just saw you said Wednesday - did you mean this week?

If so let us know where you did go!