24 hours in London by myself - what should I do?

[Ilearnitfromabook]

Hi everyone
On Saturday I am going to London to the Tate (tickets booked) and have decided to treat myself to an overnight stay. I will be in London from Sat - Sun lunchtime and any ideas of what I could do or where I could eat in the evening would be great. For context, I’m 43 and a lone parent - DD6 will be with her dad - and I don’t get much time to myself. I like art galleries, books, the outdoors, classical and jazz music and good food. Any ideas would be great!

I'd be tempted to do afternoon tea at the Wolseley on Saturday, if it worked time-wise with the gallery. Could have a mooch in Hyde Park before or after. I'd then look for a nice bar near the hotel and have a light dinner (salad or cheese) and couple of glasses of wine in the evening. Brasserie Zedel is fun and often has live music. Or somewhere like Vinoteca at Kings Cross, but it really depends where you're staying.

On the Sunday I'd decide on a bookshop and nearby cafe, or maybe go to the British library. Or the B FI and a wander on the South Bank.

I do a 2 day stay in London by myself every year. Things I have done are:-

Breakfast at The Wolseley
Bodyworks at Piccadilly Circus ( I found this fascinating and it doesn't get too busy)
Wander around markets (Notting Hill, Brick Lane, Spitalfields, Borough)
I like to find areas that I haven't explored much and spend ages there just walking
A show or comedy night (might not be possible at the moment)
Dinner somewhere I would like but noone else in my family does!

I'm going next month and I'm planning to eat lots of food! So trying Mercato Mayfair, the new shipping container market at Camden, Maltby Street, also going to explore more around Kensington/Chelsea and Notting Hill.

There's a new place called Eataly which has opened near Liverpool Street. I haven't been but it looks amazing (if you like food).

@JW13

There's a new place called Eataly which has opened near Liverpool Street. I haven't been but it looks amazing (if you like food).

I really want to go here. DS and I tried a few days after it opened and the line to get in was 2 hours long so we gave up! Hopefully it has calmed down by now.

Thank you everyone that’s really helpful. Lots to think about!

As a solo diner, I’d really recommend Barrafina (there are a few, I go to the one on Drury Lane). You can just turn up, it’s Michelin starred tapas but normal London dinner prices. You sit around a bar and watch the chefs cooking for you while you eat, which is a great evening of theatre by itself and wonderful entertainment for solo diners. I’m not sure if it’s re-opened yet, but the Globe Theatre is probably your best bet for live theatre atm as it’s open air (also better value than the west end), it’s next to the Tate.

I really hope you have a wonderful time @Ilearnitfromabook, always great to hear a mum is getting a night to herself, I hope London delivers a rejuvenating break for you.

Seems like a few things have reopened if you want to go to the theatre www.londontheatre.co.uk/whats-on/calendar/may

@Moules thank you for the kind wishes. I separated from exDH about six months ago and it has been hideous; DD doesn’t always want to stay with him and he is by turns shouty, unpleasant and rude. He is quick to point out my faults and very slow to take any blame for anything himself. You will not be surprised to learn that I do not miss him in the least, but I do worry for DD who still has to put up with him. He does love her, I know that, but I am exhausted dealing with his tantrums and random outbursts and abuse. Hoping for a whole day of peace in London on Saturday!

oldoperatingtheatre.com love this little museum.

Tate Modern or Tate Britain? Where are you staying? SO many good things to do, this will help me narrow down my recommendations. :)

What a treat!!!!! Lots of good suggestions. Hope you have a fabulous time.

I'd go to a posh cinema and drink wine, my favourite shops, cocktail somewhere, dinner, people watch.

Do try and book stuff if you can.

Have you had a look at Ronnie Scott's if you like jazz? The main shows are often on early around 5pm then later at 8.30. also jam nights upstairs. Book online!

Go for a pre show drink at Bar Italia opposite. Looks a bit tatty but authentic.

I love Bocca Di Lupo in Soho for Italian food. See if they have a spare counter seat. Likewise Kricket restaurant not far. Or Kiln for Asian.

If you like film then cinema - Curzon lovely in Soho.

I personally wouldn't bother with a park and would concentrate on stuff you can't get at home.

But yes tell us where you are staying. You could for example have a lovely full day at Barbican - drinks, dinner, film, architecture tour if it's on likewise with any music etc

@JW13

There's a new place called Eataly which has opened near Liverpool Street. I haven't been but it looks amazing (if you like food).

We went at the weekend, had lunch and drinks at their Terraza - it was fab! Will definitely be back soon. Definitely recommend it

Do you like cheese? This place is magnificent and lots of wandering and looking at stuff to do in the nearby area. Covent Garden is really quiet at the moment, unlike Soho which is seriously packed.

www.thecheesebar.com/seven-dials/

Seconding the Barrafina suggestion, but just adding a note of caution that as with everything now, you need to book as they're now taking reservations (didn't previously). Lovely food though, and sitting at the counter makes you feel less on your own.

If you like classical music and don't mind the context then choral evensong at St Paul's Cathedral at 5pm is free. The Globe has a wacky Midsummer Night's Dream at the moment. You could have a quick meal in between at The Refinery - not fine dining but a nice space and as it is supposed to be nice weather you could eat on the terrace.

Sunday morning you could have breakfast at the Wolsey or Fortnum and Mason's restaurant (45 Jermyn Street) and then look at books at Hatchards and Waterstones.

I went to evensong at St Paul’s and it was beautiful. That’s well worth considering.

Thanks so much everyone - I am so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to post recommendations. I am staying near the Tower of London and have tickets for Tate Britain on Saturday afternoon. Have now booked a seat at Barrafina for supper on the strength of these posts!

Do take the river boat to/from Tate Britain - a much nicer way to travel...

@Londonmummy66 that’s a lovely idea - thank you

Shamelessly place marking for all these wonderful suggestions! Hope you have a fabulous time OP. Exploring London solo is a perfect 24 hours imo.

So sorry to hear you’ve had such a tough year @Ilearnitfromabook, all the more important to have this day of pure freedom and me time. Really hope the energy of London gives you what you need.

And as for DD, unfortunately most of us have difficult family members that we have to put up with, and a parent is particularly unavoidable. She might not enjoy it now, but it will stand her in good stead when dealing with difficult characters in the future. At least she has you as her permanent sanctuary and thank God you no longer have to live with this oaf.

Re the boat idea, the Thames Clippers (they are the ones sponsored by Uber now) are fast and frequent and much cheaper than one of the traditional tourist boats. You can get on at Tower Hill and go up to Greenwich and back down to the London eye. It’s great fun and there is indoor and outdoor seating. It passes by Canary Wharf etc and picks up some speed on the way to Greenwich. If you have time for a wander in Greenwich and don’t mind hills you can wander up past the Curry Sark towards the observatory and get some great views on a sunny day.

If you like reading, the massive Waterstones on Piccadilly is well worth a visit.