A day/night in London

[PretLea]

I have not lived in the UK for very long and have spent only a handful of days in London. I don’t get much time to myself and would really like to travel to London for a night. First night away from DD since she was born. I was hoping for some suggestions please. 1) A nice area in which to book accommodation (a hotel possibly). 2) Suggestions on a café/deli (hidden gem - and not overhyped - with good coffee a must. 3) A suggestion for an informal jazz bar/lounge would be a plus. Or if that’s too specific, a nice bar possibly, where I would be okay to be by myself.

I would need to be able to walk or catch the underground during my time in London. Hoping to visit an art gallery at some point during the day too.

If anyone has any thoughts on any of the points (or anything else), I’d be incredibly grateful.

Sounds ideal. Hope you get some suggestions soon

Thanks @SiouxsieSiouxStiletto Really hoping someone can help!

If I was in London on my own I’d book Charing Cross hotel, it’s super central, or the Strand Hotel or the kimpton fitzroy Russell Square. Can’t help with jazz bar but very happy going to theatre on my own. Go to ticket booth Leicester Square or online and get last minute tickets.

Book dinner at Brasserie Zedel (near Piccadilly Circus) and a cabaret show afterwards at Crazy Coqs. All in the same building.

The area around Bloomsbury and Russell Square is quiet and leafy. I always feel safe walking through that area, even at night. Lots of reasonably priced hotels too.

Thanks @BarrelOfOtters this is so helpful. I’ll be coming in from King’s Cross, so I’ll have a look at those suggestions. I actually wanted to go to the theatre initially, but then got really confused with the sheer number of shows on and not knowing what’s good. Plus I don’t really like musicals and they all seem to be just that.

Thanks @Rocknrollstar I’ll take a look!

Thanks too @Fivemoreminutes1 I don’t know London at all, so this is really helpful. I can only go with what I Google…Bloomsbury is one that has come up a few times.

A couple of really fabulous exhibitions on at the moment. Have a wonderful time.

https://www.wallacecollection.org/whats-on/exhibitions-displays/portraits-of-dogs-from-gainsborough-to-hockney/

https://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/whats-on/crown-to-couture/?utm_source=Fashion+Museum+Bath+Newsletter&utm_campaign=aec264f00d-mailchimp_FM+may+2023&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b430de4e5f-aec264f00d-85107978#gs.x0r988

@BunnyBettChetwynd those look great. I gravitate towards the Tate, but the Wallace looks nice. That seems to be in Marylebone, which Google seems to think is also a nice neighbourhood.

I'd love to stay at the Standard so would stay there! Kings cross.

See what's on at Ronnie Scott's jazz club. Also jazz cafe in Camden.

I also hate musicals. See what's on at the national theatre(s) Southbank centre, old Vic, young Vic, Soho Place.

Art - I'd go to the RSA to see the summer exhibition

Thanks @Plugsockets1 I had a quick look and these are great suggestions. I’ll have a look into more detail and report back.

There is such incredible variety in London, which is great, but also pretty overwhelming!

Oh and good coffee - opposite Ronnie Scott's is Bar Italia. It's an absolute classic

Bloomsbury is absolutely gorgeous for a mooch. I usually stay in the Premier Inn Hub at Kings Cross (book a larger room).

And definitely book an exhibition. I’m going to the dogs one at the Wallace next week. The RA summer exhibitions are good, but I find the RA horribly crowded.

I went to the dogs exhibition at the Wallace the other week. It’s v good. I also love their cafe. It’s a lovely museum.

OP if you a bit quirky the sir John soames museum is fabulous.

Thanks everyone, I’m starting to see the light. I’ll aim to stay in Bloomsbury then, and will visit the Wallace. Not completely figured the rest out yet, but maybe I’ll just explore the cafes in the area when I’m there.

Thanks @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie I try avoid the crowds in general. Will give RA a miss.

@BarrelOfOtters I’m quite run of the mill, really, but do enjoy a bit of quirk now and then 🙃 Will check out the museum you mention!

I think the exhibition about Milk is still on at the Welcome Foundation on Euston Road, it's free and I found it really interesting.

There's a couple of nice coffee shops in Bloomsbury. Check out Restoration Roasters,. especially their Guinness cake.

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie I had a look and assume you meant redemption roasters. Looks exactly like the kind of cafe I’m after. Thanks!

+1 for this. I've eaten at Zedel alone and was made very welcome, it's my favourite restaurant in London. If you prefer a play to a musical check what's on at the National Theatre on the South Bank.

Ah yes. That’s it. Sorry!