London ideas

[whostolethesocks]

Hi. Just booked a night away in London for myself and OH. As we don't get much time alone I'd like to plan something (this could be part of OH's Christmas present too as I'm a bit stuck there). So any recommendations for a massage type thing (for just him or maybe a couples one) in London and any alternative things to do. I did wonder about one of the walking food tours but wondered if these were mainly aimed at foreign tourists? Also nice places for cocktails (I like high places) which aren't stupidly expensive. (By the way we did the Shard last year). Thanks.

Which part of London are you staying in?

Near the British Museum/Holborn.

The Shard for cocktails if you like high places.

My favourite museum in the whole world is John Soane's House - it's just full of quirky artefacts and little nooks and crannies crammed with collectibles and even has an Egyptian sarcophagus in the basement. They have nights when it's all lit up by candlelight which must be magical. Another lovely museum I'm dying to go to is Dennis Severs' House - it's an old townhouse that's been set up to look as if the owner just popped out for a pint... in the 17th century. Apparently it's magical at Christmas time. Two cosy pubs in central London are The Chandos and The Harp near Trafalgar Square. I'm also a huge fan of London Walks - they're really inexpensive and can introduce you to pubs and historical sites in London you wouldn't discover on your own. I'm searching for a high-up cocktail spot other than the Shard myself!

Heron Tower in Liverpool Street for cocktails...

Maybe a Spitalfields history walk during the day?

I liked the sky garden, hard to hook but free (think tickets come out every other Monday). Drinks dear but not extortionate.

And yy to John Soane's and Dennis Severs' house.

Try the OXO Tower for cocktails. Great view. Perhaps a wander around Borough Market for a foodie treat.

It would have to be the theatre for me.

John Soane's house is terrific. It is very narrow in some places though, and all visitors have to put their bags etc into clear plastic bags to avoid any of the exhibits being damaged by buckles etc, so I'd take the minimum with you.

There is also this map from the brilliant www.londonist.com.

Vertigo Bar in Tower 42 in the City is great for champagne and cocktails, beautiful 360 view of twinkly London below.

Dinner at Barbacoa in New Change is great and you get a spectacular view of St Paul's Cathedral opposite.

I second a wander round Borough Market sampling foods, and also walking down the South Bank all the way to Waterloo is really nice - great views of London, Tate Modern...

How about a trip to the theatre as you OH's Christmas present? There's something for every taste

Thanks for the ideas so far everyone. Will investigate further. I knew I'd get some brilliant ideas on here.

Just checked out Dennis Sever's house and really wanted to go but it's fully booked for the time we are in London. Also checked out the Sky Garden and will be checking daily for ticket availability for when we are there as that looks good. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

Oh and really wanted to go to Clos Maggiore but left it too late to book :-( Any other suggestions for similar restaurants?