A step-by-step guide on how to make the most of a fleeting, foody visit to the vibrant UK capital – from morning to night…
A mere hop, skip and a jump from us is London City, with its combination of history, culture, art and contemporary allure offers a 24-hour experience that will quickly capture the essence of the city. From medieval towers to cutting-edge art, vintage bargains to haute couture, indulgent dining to rooftop cocktails, London has everything to ensure a day well spent…
MORNING
Breakfast: As the sun rises over the River Thames, kick start your 24-hour London adventure with the most important meal of the day – breakfast. There is nowhere quite as iconic for the quintessential London breakfast as The Wolseley in Piccadilly. Omelette Arnold Bennett is perhaps the most famous dish on the menu, but in the words of the inimitable AA Gill, “whenever breakfast comes, it is a mouthful of stoic optimism”. www.thewolseley.com
With breakfast ticked off, hit the streets and take a gentle 30 minute stroll through the heart of the city before stopping at The Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221b Baker Street; fictional home to the infamous super sleuth. The intimate setting of 221B is filled with authentic Victorian furniture and curiosities along with a treasure trove of items belonging to Sherlock, his friends and his foes. www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk
MID-MORNING
Shopping splurge: Thread your way back through Marylebone until you reach Regent Street with its abundance of famous shops. Explore the visual feast that is Liberty London before a wander around Carnaby Street. Those in the market for some exquisite tailoring should make an appointment with Irish designer, Ruby Slevin of The Banshee of Saville Row, the only fully bespoke tailoring house for women on Saville Row. www.bansheeofsavilerow.com
Following your shopping visit, make your way to Fortnum and Mason in Piccadilly for a wander around the spectacular food hall before enjoying a well-earned pre-lunch aperitif in The Wine Bar, adjacent to the food hall. www.fortnumandmason.com
LUNCH AT LAST
A mere eight-minute walk from Fortnum and Mason will bring you to the recently opened Devonshire Soho, the latest opening from intrepid Irishman Oisin Rogers with partner Charlie Carroll. The upstairs restaurant menu features a delicious range of pub classics such as potted shrimp, lamb hotpot and a rib sticking beef cheek and Guinness suet pudding along with lighter fare options including a ‘pile’ of langoustines. www.devonshiresoho.co.uk
AFTERNOON DELIGHT
A 20 minute post-lunch stroll will bring you to The British Museum where even those with just a passing interest in history will be wowed by the cultural feast it offers. Housing a vast collection of international art and artefacts, the British Museum offers a captivating journey through human history. From the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies, you will find yourself plunged into the stories of civilizations long gone and what’s more, admission is free, allowing you to explore at your own leisurely pace. www.britishmuseum.org
Alternatively, hop on the Underground and head to the South Bank for an afternoon immersed in contemporary art at the Tate Modern. Housed in a former power station, this avant-garde gallery showcases masterpieces by artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. Upcoming exhibitions for 2024 include “Yoko Ono, Music of the Mind”. Roam through the vast Turbine Hall, and don’t miss the panoramic views of the city from the reopened Level 10 viewing platform at the Blavatnik Building. www.tate.org.uk
AFTER DARK
It goes without saying that London has a plethora of delicious restaurants to choose from – and therein lies the problem, choosing. Downton fans would enjoy Indian Cuisine at the highly regarded Masala Zone in Piccadilly Circus. Formerly known as Criterion, this stunning Grand Salon was the filming location for Lady Edith’s dinner date with Michael Greyson. www.masalazone.com
Purists will be wowed with a visit to Bebe Bob where it’s all about the rotisserie chicken, the caviar and the Champagne. A sibling to the famous Bob Bob Ricard, with its ‘press for Champagne’ button in each booth, Bebe Bob is located where Soho meets Mayfair and with décor inspired by the Golden Age it is quite possibly the most glamorous rotisserie restaurant in existence. www.bebebob.com
If the sky is the limit and you want to dine in swishy style, follow food critic Grace Dent’s advice and head to The Ledbury in Notting Hill for a Michelin star feast with a price tag to match. www.theledbury.com
Post prandial, continue your evening with cocktails at one of London’s iconic rooftop bars. The Shard’s Gong Bar boasts a sky-high setting with 360-degree views of the city, while music lovers won’t do much better than an after diner tipple at the legendary jazz club, Ronnie Scott’s. www.ronniescotts.co.uk