Thinking of visiting London? You might be tired after a long day of sight-seeing but London by night is a treat not to be missed. Don’t cut your visit short by rushing for the last train home, instead make the most of your break in the capital and book one of the fabulous short-term lets in London.
There’s an electric atmosphere in the evenings and so many places to eat, drink and be merry! Performance is a big thing in this city and you must pick up a theatre show or go to a gig while you are here. Stay for a few days, there are so many short-term lets in London, book one and enjoy a few days (and nights) of fun and good times – London style.
There is no sincerer love than the love of food – George Bernard Shaw
Good grub makes for a happy holiday and in London there’s no shortage of places to fill you belly. You can spend as little or as much as you like, there are cheap and cheerful food outlets offering everything from tasty pizza to Korean burritos. Keep an eye open for fashionable pop-up restaurants and street food carts offering cuisine from around the world. If the weather is on your side you can enjoy dining el-fresco in one of the many restaurants with outdoor areas.
If fine-dining is more your bag then you’ve come to the right place, London is home to numerous Michelin starred eateries including Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Outlaw’s at The Capital, The Ledbury and Locanda Locatelli, to name but a few. London is a 24-hour city so you can grab a bite to eat even late at night, head to Beigal Bake at Brick Lane for an appetising Bagel, try out the 24-hour diner VQ Bloomsbury, or enjoy late night coffee and cake at Bar Italia in Soho.
Wine is Bottled Poetry – Robert Louis Stevenson
Whatever your favourite poison – be it wine, ale, gin or cocktails there’s a drink and a drinking establishment for you in the capital. Head out early and you might catch Happy Hour at some bars and pubs – two for one and half price and words we love to hear!
There are traditional boozers, including a few that are reportedly haunted – including The Spaniards Inn and The Viaduct Tavern (which used to be a prison)! Visit one of the historical inns such as Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – Charles Dickens pub of choice or take a stroll along the Thames and stop off at one of the many pubs that line the riverside.
If you are looking for something a little more contemporary you won’t be disappointed. London offers swish cocktail bars and stylish champagne bars that are designed to wow. Take a seat at one of the many rooftop bars and sip a fine wine as you take in the beautifully lit London skyline. Still thirsty? Head to a late-night drinking den and carry on the party until the wee hours.
I think there is no world without theatre – Edward Bond
You can’t visit London without taking in one of the wonderful shows. The West End is full to the brim of talented performers showcasing their dancing, singing and acting skills and a trip to the theatre makes for a great night out. Prepare to be wowed by Wicked and shed a tear or two as you marvel at Les Mis. If small and intimate is more your thing then check out a pub theatre, where you can enjoy a pint while you watch a play.
I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist – Tammy Faye Bakker
You can shop in the evening in London, the capital is the perfect place for shopaholics and you will be spoiled for choice. Large malls such as the Westfield centre are open until 10pm and if you make your way to Oxford Street you will find that the stores are open until 10pm on Thursdays – where you can find department stores and designer boutiques.
Culture is the widening of the mind and spirit – Jawarharlal Nehru
Museums and galleries are traditionally places to visit during the day, but many also open their doors in the evening and you can often take part in a workshop, watch films, and enjoy listening to interesting talks. There are also night-time tours available that will show you the capital by evening – head to the Tower of London and witness The Ceremony of the Keys which takes place at precisely 9.53pm every evening.