Lunchtime London - no nippers!

[JandLandG]

Hi there

am self employed but not strictly relevant here - just wondered if anyone had any thoughts/ideas for me.

i sometimes go into london to start work around 3pm, and have recently been thinking that if i go in early i could be there for 11am and do things...probably on my own, but not to worry.

i work near the south bank, so my first early trip is going to be to the tate modern

any nice restaurant recommendations for lunch nearby? or even coffee shops within ten mins walk say?

so what else could i indulge in...i fancy a walk over the bridge round where parliament is...what specifically should i go and see round there?

any other thoughts/suggestions for quirky, quite quick lunchtime london ideas? anyone know about lunchtime concerts at wigmore hall for example?

curiosities/hidden gems/anything really

give me some ideas if you can....all thoughts and suggestions most appreciated

thanks

Lunch : Bistro 1, Southampton Street near Covent Garden. Been there many times. Very cool about single lady diners.
To Do : Covent Garden, Longacre, Neals Yard, National Gallery
yup, lots of concerts - websites best for that.
People watching in Trafalgar Square kills a good hour.

I know this was posted ages ago but am new to the site and just trawling through. The South Bank is a perfect area to wander around! I am sure you have discovered Gabriel's Wharf which is lovely for lunch, especially when the weather gets better. Further down towards the millennium bridge (a really nice walk) there's a Pizza Express (nice design) and The Real Greek (lovely) next door. The area around the Globe Theatre is really nice too. You could visit the Clink Musuem, Vinopolis and there are a couple of nice places for lunch. I know it's just a chain (and I don't even eat meat!) but the Nando's under the arches there is a really nice building. You could also nip along and have a quick go on the London Eye! Takes around 40 mins. The National Theatre, the South Bank Centre....you will be busy for a long time! Have fun :)

hey thanks for these...really useful...looking forward to spring and some nice walks

Hi there

Just to revive this thread, I'm lucky enough to be going out for a fairly lengthy, slightly boozy early Christmas lunch with some freelance work colleague this week

Were eating at the Skylon restuarant on the South Bank but I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for somewhere slightly swanky for cocktails and general ponciness later in the afternoon and into the evening in Soho or the West End

Don't go out in London too often so would like a nice treat on a cold winter's afternoon!

All thoughts/advice very much welcomed and appreciated

Ta!

The Champagne bar in the Royal Opera House extension.
People watching PAR EXCELLENCE
or
the balcony of the Punch and Judy : less posh but such fun to gawp
in fact any of the bars overlooking the main drags of Covent garden.

I would walk over the river and go to the bar at the new Corinthia hotel - very swanky. Or even the Savoy.

Hey thanks so much for these...on way home now after a v pleasant day. Will save these for another time...while I'm on though, went to Gordons wine bar in Villiers St for the first time in a while...pop in if you've not been before...my friends enjoyed their first visit.

Thanks again

There are quite a few churches that do free lunchtime concerts. St Martins in the Fields, by the National Gallery, have free concerts most weekdays and the standard is really excellent.

Now this thread has made me realise that since I went back to work last Feb, I have not done anything with my lunchtime other than grab a quick sandwich to take back to my desk - and I work next to St Katherine's dock / Tower bridge. I wonder if I could be doing a lot more with my lunchtimes.

Ooh Le Cave - a lovely little French place tucked into a corner under the bridge next to Southwark Cathedral. Went there the first week it opened (feb 2003!) and always had an affiliation to the place. Great food, fine wines.