city-living-523y

Summer in the City 2026

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:26:13 GMT

Plan your City Living London stay this summer

The English summer season is packed with events intended to reward us all for our patient hibernation, bringing us together to experience something special. Summer 2026 is no exception and with something for everyone depending on your passion, below is just a small selection of what London has to offer this year:

Solo Queens – Olivia Dean, Raye, Ariana Grande & Lily Allen are all playing at the O2 this summer. It’s not too late to get tickets at this huge venue.

The Lads – The Weeknd, Bruno Mars and Bon Jovi are all playing at Wembley this summer too.

The Fringe event – prefer your music a bit more underground? The Brick Lane Jazz Festival returns over 3 days in June, showcasing a huge range of new and established acts across a range of local intimate venues.

The Outdoorsy One – Garth Brooks, Maroon 5, Lewis Capaldi are all playing British Summer Time. Since 2013, this has been an annual institution in outdoor music right in Hyde Park and the scale and organisation of it has to be seen to be believed. On the other hand, if it rains you will definitely get wet but that’s part of it isn’t it?

One for the Geeks – Dungeons and Dragons Fan Expo is being held in the O2 on the 21st and 22nd of August. This is one for D&D traders and gamers who take things seriously.

For Foodies – Taste of London food festival comes to Regent’s Park offering five continuous days of feasting in June. Masterclasses are on offer as well as a chance to purchase direct from artisan suppliers and plenty of cocktail opportunities.

For Designers – Clerkenwell Design Week takes place over 3 days in May with the usual plethora of talks and events as well as hundreds of brands and emerging talent exhibiting their latest offerings. A feast for the eyes with plenty of high quality options for you to rest your legs in style too by testing out one of the many chairs.

The Perennial Classic – still impressive for its scale, popularity and colour; the Chelsea Flower Show. Held in the vast grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, this veritable institution is televised for the BBC and never fails to deliver. Its scale has to be seen to be believed. Warning: has the power to convert even the most reluctant gardener.

The Grand Master – with the full programme not announced until late April, expect an eight week season of daily orchestral classic music concerns set in the Royal Albert Hall. “Prommers” can expect the pinnacle in the famous “Last Night of the Proms” which traditionally celebrates patriotic music of the United Kingdom. Pick up a “Day Promming” last minute ticket for just £8.

The Decadent Option – for some of the most impressive set and costumes you will ever see, The Royal Opera House is a distinguished cut above the competition. Offering a range of both opera and ballet performances, this summer’s highlight is a classic; The Marriage of Figaro runs from the 4th of June to the 2nd of July 2026.

The Niche – tagging onto the end of the season to such an extent that it is almost off season, The Lapada art and antiquities fair returns to Mayfair’s Berkeley Square at the end of October. Exhibitors cover nearly every discipline across the art and antiquities spectrum, meeting strict knowledge and expertise requirements with highly vetted wares only. Browsing essential, purchases optional.

The Warm Up Act – tickets to Wimbledon can be virtually impossible but the lesser subscribed Queen’s Club Tennis Championship takes place just before in June. Head over to West Kensington to assess the favourite’s form played on grass.

For Children – a lovely venue in the heart of one of the Royal Parks; Regent’s Park’s Open Air Theatre is showing Anansi the Spider for the over 4s in August and September. Bring an umbrella.

The Comedies – Shakespeare’s wonderful classics A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, Love’s Labour’s Lost and As You Like It are all being performed throughout this summer. Which will you choose?

The Spectacle – Back by popular demand, War Horse is on at the Olivier Theatre on the South Bank between 16th May and 30th July 2026. Based on the famous novel by Michael Morpugo, it is performed entirely by the Handspring Puppet Company with life size horses.

The Musical – it shouldn’t be funny but it is; The Book of Mormon continues its run at the Prince of Wales Theatre in the West End. Expect jaw dropping irreverence and a certain crisis of faith.

Each of these events is between 2 and 60 minutes' travelling distance from each of our 7 centrally located buildings.

London's best free museums & art galleries

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 10:25:31 GMT

Manage the travel budget with these show stopping free museums and galleries

London has a reputation for being expensive but one thing that makes London unique is its wealth of top quality museums that are completely free of charge, something you don’t usually get in other global major cities.

Funded by a combination of grants and public spending from the Arts Council, National Lottery, central and local government, you can enjoy some truly world class museums. Instead, to support our wonderful museums, consider making a voluntary contribution or buying something in the gift shop. Some special exhibitions may be chargeable but the bulk of the museum is free at the point of entry.

Here is a list to help you plan your visit:

The British Museum – the fifth most visited museum is also widely considered one of the top three museums in the world. A good tip is to book your free one hour entry timeslot online to beat the queues. See the famous Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles (Parthenon Sculptures), Benin Bronzes, Easter Island statues and Egyptian mummies. The oldest exhibit is the Olduvai Stone Chopping Tool which is some 2 million years old. You could spend anything from 1 hour here to 6 and still not see everything.

The Natural History Museum – possibly London’s most iconic museum, it is as impressive for its Gothic architecture as it is for its animatronic T-Rex and giant blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling. Again, prebooked timed entry tickets are advisable as they are free of charge and help you skip the queues. At Christmas time there is a charming ice skating rink on the grounds.

The Victoria & Albert Museum – located just adjacent to the Natural History Museum and nicknamed “the V & A”, its theme can be hard to describe. With changing displays that range from iconic fashion by Dior and Chanel through to Islamic ceramics and plaster casts of Michelangelo’s David and Trajan’s Column, it’s most famous object is Tipu’s Tiger; a mechanical item from 18th century India. Heavy on sculpture and glass blown objects I suppose you could day it celebrates art outside the canvass. The building features the simply stunning Gamble Room Café which is worth a visit in itself.

The Science Museum – the third museum in South Kensington’s little Exhibition Road patch celebrates the history of innovation. With lots of interactive fun combined with exhibits behind glass cases, the first X ray machine and Stephenson’s rocket are a highlight. Paid experiences include the interactive Wonderlab and IMAX cinema. The space gallery inspires wonder and as you would expect, the exhibits don’t stay static as the nature of science is that it should always be forward facing. If you have been before, perhaps you should go again.

Tate Modern – many years ago one of the main exhibits was Tracey Emin’s unmade bed. Some may dismiss modern art as “low effort” or simply ridiculous but others simply adore its break from the confines of classical tradition. Whatever your position, the Tate Modern is a riverside former Bankside Power Station awash with large open spaces. It is one of the largest museums of contemporary art in the world saved from demolition when repurposed. It features a Picasso, Dali, Matisse and a Warhol as well as a world class restaurant and very decent gift shop. Well worth whiling away an hour or two.

The National Gallery – super famous building located on Trafalgar Square, it houses a collection of more than 2,300 paintings including Monet’s The Water Lily, various Boticellis and da Vincis, works by Rembrandt, Stubbs, Goya, Velazquez, Renoir and of course van Gogh’s Sunflowers. One visit is not enough, firstly because you need to take your time and secondly because of the vastness of the collection and space.

The National Portrait Gallery – prior to social media, important historical figures would celebrate themselves via portraits (often self-portraits) and they really didn’t hold back. If you want to look at the faces of important British people from history then this is the place for you. From Shakespeare, Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn (not together) to Samuel Johnson, this celebration of self-importance also depicts modern photography of icons such as Vivienne Westwood and the Beatles.

The Imperial War Museum – covers conflicts from the Great War (WW1) to the present day. The Holocaust Galleries are particularly moving but you must be 14 years and over for admission. Worth the trip south of the river.

The Bank of England Museum – this one is actually quite cute and somewhat reminiscent of a certain scene from Mary Poppins where young Michael struggles to part with his tuppence. It’s small and manageable, allowing you to pick up a gold bar and learn about the fundamentals of our economy.

The London Museum in Docklands hosts 9 galleries that are free to the public, all based around the themes of London’s river, port and people. Set in a converted riverside warehouse, around 2 hours are recommended for a full tour. Excitingly, a new museum is due to open in late 2026 in Smithfield which is very hotly anticipated. Most of the river Thames in London is technical coastal, meaning tidal, did you know that?

The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich actually hosts quite an eclectic range of exhibits under its maritime theme all accessed free of charge. Another riverside museum and architecturally impressive, you can get to Greenwich by riverboat for extra fun and the local area has much to offer including the Cutty Sark, Greenwich Mean Time line, Royal Observatory, the Trafalgar Tavern pub and a fabulous view of the London skyline from Greenwich Park.

The National Army Museum – we need not describe this; the clue is in the name but actually it showcases soldier stories from the Army’s origins to the present day. With a strong emphasis on history and travel it offers perhaps a more interesting perspective than first meets the eye.

This is not an exhaustive list! There are many many more free museums all over London and sometimes it is the smaller, lesser known venues that can pique your interest the most. A little bit of research can go a long way.

London in the Autumn: Crunchy Leaves & Cosy Sleeves

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:41:45 GMT

There is a chilly nip in the air and the colours are changing; Autumn is here. Whilst there are very good reasons for adding “New England in the Fall” to your bucket list, why not visit good old England in the Autumn?

Here is our guide to getting the best out of London this season.

Firstly, the best parks for those photogenic colours and squirrels doing what they do best; squirrelling:

Richmond Park - Stunning autumn foliage and rutting deer season (September-October) including a 7 mile circular taking in the Isabella Plantation

Hampstead Heath - Golden leaves and crisp walks to Parliament Hill viewpoint, one of the best views of London

Greenwich Park - Royal Observatory views framed by autumn trees

Regent's Park - Queen Mary's Gardens with late-season roses

Hyde Park - Serpentine Lake surrounded by changing leaves

St. James's Park - Pelican feeding continues through the autumn months

Kensington Gardens - Italian Gardens and Diana Memorial surrounded by autumn colours

It’s not all parks and trees, some other recommendations for London’s best head clearing walks include:

Thames Path Autumn Section - Westminster to Tower Bridge with golden plane trees

Hampstead Heath to Kenwood - Through ancient woodland with stunning views

Canal Walk - Regent's Canal from Camden to Little Venice with autumn reflections

Literary London Autumn Tour - Keats House and poets' haunts in Hampstead

The calendar is full of events this season with a mixture of homegrown & adopted cultures as well as historical events providing the context:

Diwali Celebrations the Hindu, Sikh and Jain festival of light with fireworks displays all over London including festivities at Trafalgar Square on Sunday 12th Oct 2025.

Remembrance Sunday 9th November 2025 – head to the Cenotaph at Whitehall for a respectful and well attended ceremony and memorial services commemorating Armistice Day. Please consider buying a poppy from the Royal British Legion.

Black History Month is in October in the UK rather than February in the US due to historical and culture differences. Watch out for free events, exhibitions, and talks celebrating Black heritage

London Oktoberfest draws on the Munich tradition which needs no explanation and takes place over three October weekends in Finsbury Park and Hammersmith. Lederhosen optional.

Hallowe’en (31st October) is muted in some areas and impressive in others, especially where there are American communities. Kensington, St Johns Wood and Knightsbridge are all excellent for trick or treating and instagrammable house decorations. Free Halloween activities include self-guided ghost walks through historic areas, Covent Garden and the West End for retail displays, pumpkin picking in some city farms such as Kentish Town and Stepney and underrated graveyard tours in Highgate and Kensal Green Cemeteries to take in the resting places and lore of bygone celebrities. The London Dungeon and The Tower of London are also excellent choices for the spooky season.

Bonfire Night - remember remember the 5th of November is famous for Guy Fawkes’ gunpowder plot when he tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and King Charles I in 1605. [GF didn’t get the King in the end but the parliamentarians did later on when HRH was found guilty of treason and executed in 1649 resulting in a temporary republic. Irony eh?] We have been celebrating this failed/foiled attack with bonfires and fireworks ever since. The best locations for such cavalier displays are Alexandra Palace, Blackheath, Clapham Common and Victoria Park. Some events are tickets only.

Perhaps you have heard something about British weather being unpredictable. Don’t stress as many of the best Autumn cosy experiences can be found indoors, including:

British Library - Free exhibitions and warm reading rooms

Wellcome Collection – Free and special exhibitions with café

Royal Festival Hall - River views and free events

Barbican Centre - Brutalist architecture, lakeside dining and conservatory

Somerset House - Courtyard and river terrace

Historic & riverside pubs - The George Inn, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, so many others. Reward yourself with pub pit stops along the way

Traditional Sunday roasts - Many pubs offer reasonably priced meals but the best Sunday roast we have ever consumed was courtesy of the Builder’s Arms in Kensington where you can order a sirloin, chicken and lamb rump “to share” for a meagre 4,081 calories

Seasonal Tips:

• Pack layers and thermos for longer outdoor exploring

• After 1st November it will get dark by 4pm so get up and out early

• Use heating in cafés and museums as free warming stations

• Autumn is known for its harvest so choose produce at markets like Borough

• Always carry umbrella for sudden London showers

• Wear comfortable waterproof shoes for leaf-covered paths

• Check museum late-night openings for shelter during rain

• Keep an open mind- you may need to tweak your plans in line with the weather but with a good jacket you may still be able to sit outdoors in some cases.

Our verdict:

Is Autumn a good time to come to London? Yes! The weather can actually be very mild and city breaks can be uncomfortable during a heat wave. It’s a great time to get away before proper winter.

Where should I stay? Our choice would be either near the river or the parks if the outdoor scenes appeal to you and Eldon Chambers is ideal. If you prefer the pre-Christmas retail vibe then perhaps you might prefer Interlude House .

Eating out in Bloomsbury

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 20:01:27 GMT

Bloomsbury has a strong academic and literary history and is, of course, home to the British Museum. As you would expect, there are various restaurants catering to tourists that are best avoided if you want a good meal out. Here is our guide to some of the best choices within a 15 minute walk of Virginia House.

My Old Dutch is a pancake restaurant on High Holborn. Aside from a multitude of sweet options, they have a surprising selection of savoury options too. If you imagine the sort of toppings you might get on a pizza but instead on a large crêpe then you get the right idea. Absolutely every dish is customisable and they also have a really good salad menu. Reasonably priced.

Cocoro on Coptic Street serves hearty bowls of authentic ramen, sashimi and hot pot in an izakaya setting. We love the display food so typical of Japan to help you choose your dish.

Flight Club Bloomsbury is more of a social bar that serves food. After a competitive game of darts (yes, darts!) tuck into a sharing platter or a burger. A particularly good spot for groups and located on New Oxford Street.

Uzumaki on Gt Russell St is an immersive anime restaurant where you can eat a lovely bowl of brothy ramen, admire the amazing character mural and then exit via the gift shop.

Eggslut is just off Tottenham Court Road on Percy Street. It is messy food to eat but the sort of place where you want to eat without conversation so that you can concentrate on the food’s comfort. Everything is set within a sandwich and honestly it’s the best place eat when you are particularly starving. Make your choice and apply to face.

The Life Goddess is a Greek deli restaurant on Store Street serving healthy fare such as giant butter beans, kleftiko and crispy liver. A great spot for lunch or dinner with limited outdoor seating.

Honey & Co have two local spots; one on Store St and another on Lambs Conduit Street. It offers a modern menu with a Middle Eastern influence. They have a decent breakfast menu and a generous sharing menu for lunch or dinner.

Fortitude Bakehouse is not a restaurant and, aside from some sandwiches, they mostly serve delicious pastries and filled doughnuts, sorry, "beignets", in a converted mews garage. All food is to take away and there is some outdoor seating but it’s really very good and has become an internet sensation which is why it is included here. Be prepared to queue unless you get there very early. Located just behind Russell Square underground station.

Ciao Bella on Lambs Conduit St is an old fashioned Italian restaurant that has been there for years. It is not the kind of Italian that centres around pizza and pasta but an actual Italian restaurant with actual Italian food on the menu like actual Italians eat.

Eating out in Temple

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:42:43 GMT

Temple is a riverside legal district sandwiched between Covent Garden and Blackfriars. Unless you are in the legal profession or follow the Knights Templar, you may not have heard of it. It can be tricky to find the right places to eat locally as many of the local eateries are grab and go sandwich bars so please find our recommendations which are no more than a 10 minute walk from Eldon Chambers. Where any establishment is closed on any particular day of the week we have tried to indicate that below.

Firstly, The Humble Grape is a great little place located in the crypt under St Bride’s Church. It is a wine bar with a really good food menu that includes small plates or a massive Tomahawk steak for two. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Barrafina on Drury Lane is another lovely option if you like eating up at the bar. You must have the Estrella Galicia on draught which is so hard to find in the UK (the bottled stuff is in supermarkets) and then remember that anything with an “x” in it like txistorra is from the Basque country and so is particularly good. Ditto anything Galician and remember that croquetas are always superb.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese dates back to the 17th century and is the famous waterhole of Charles Dickens, Samuel Johnson and Mark Twain although not necessarily at the same time. Enjoy beer battered cod and chips, steak and kidney pie or (if you want to stay awake after your meal) perhaps the Chop House Salad, all at reasonable prices. They offer a fabulous cheese board but perhaps the best choice is their warm kosher pork(free) scratchings. Located down a tiny alley just off Fleet Street so look for “Wine Office Court” in Google Maps.

Franco Manca St Pauls is a great place for a quick bite at reasonable prices. They offer gluten free options as well as lovely salads.

Toklas is a Mediterranean restaurant with an in house bakery with choices which include peaches with green beans and almonds, rabbit cacciatore and Amalfi lemon sorbet. Closed Sundays.

Sarastro is an Italian restaurant on Drury Lane. The sense of theatre comes from the décor as well as the food and they often have live music either in the form of a Latin singer, string quartet or live opera. Never a dull moment here.

Rules Restaurant is an incredible 200 year old institution that has the power to give you goosebumps if you are a James Bond fan (it’s where M meets Q and Moneypenny in Spectre). It also features in the script for Downtown Abbey. In real life it has been a literary destination for many an actor and author but it’s the sense of going back in time that makes it so special. Understated, unpretentious, uncompromising you either get it or you don’t. Have a look at the website and if a slice of Old England looks like your thing then get yourself booked in. The food, cocktails and service are very, very good indeed old boy.

Smith and Wollensky is an American steakhouse on John Adam Street. Lovely surroundings and great food.

Zizzi the Strand is a decent Italian chain located nearby with a good children’s menu.

Old Bank of England is a converted pub in the old law courts of the bank. Enjoy ham, egg and chips or a burger for a quick bite on Fleet Street.

Eating out in the City of London

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:34:36 GMT

As this is the City’s financial district, we have taken great care to choose places that are open at the weekend. All our recommendations are within a 15 minute walk of 48 Bishopsgate. Enjoy

The Ivy City Garden is located on Old Broad Street and delivers a mixture of British classics and Asian dishes. Their classics include Shepherd’s Pie with piped mash, steak tartar, Veal Holstein and Beef Wellington. A lunchtime menu is available with 2 courses for £20.95.

The Ivy Asia St Pauls delivers what is, in our opinion, a much more exciting menu and the décor is simply beautiful (especially the lavatories!). With a Dragon set menu for lunch and Samurai dinner menu priced at £28.50 and £38 respectively, you can enjoy all manner of delicious choices but what you simply cannot miss is the Golden Dragon sharing dessert which is exceptional, even for people who claim not to have a sweet tooth.

If you are looking for an amazing view of the London skyline while you dine, then try Duck and Waffle at 110 Bishopsgate. Choose duck benedict or caramelised banana for breakfast, generous Sunday roasts for the British tradition on the day of rest or aim for the classic duck and waffle which comes in vegan from too. With 24 hour dining, don’t let conventional meal times or jet lag tell you when you should and shouldn’t eat.

A group of restaurants particularly famous for their brunch menu, the Daisy Green Collection brings Australian food and coffee culture to London. 100 Bishopsgate is home to Paradise Green offering the Dirty Daisy, sweetcorn fritters, shakshouka, mars bar cheesecake and tiramisu for breakfast right up until 5pm. A different menu takes over for the evening. Wash it down with a Cold Aussie Brew Freddo (rum and mocha cocktail) or a non alcoholic blood orange spritz.

Sushi Samba is fusion food combining Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine with restaurants best known for their atmosphere. Ceviche crosses over with sashimi whilst kobe beef is cooked over Japanese coals. The cocktail menu is even more eclectic and the best part is that it’s on the 38th floor of 110 Bishopsgate with a stunning rooftop bar. Booking in advance is strongly advised.

Eataly London is located just by Liverpool St station on Bishopsgate and is host to several restaurants, bars and food hall dining choices. It is impossible to recommend just one but when we see the words “wood-fired pizza and traditional pasta” a certain amount of gravitational pull occurs.

Bob Bob Ricard City is on Leadenhall Street and we should caution that they are closed on Sundays and that guests under 15 years of age are not admitted, possibly due to each table having a “push for champagne” button. They offer an express lunch menu where three courses costs just £35 including steak tartare, grilled pork neck and a light floating island. The a la carte menu is great for a celebration meal as it features vodka shots served at -18C, an extensive caviar menu and, unusually, chateaubriand for one instead of two.

Caravan City is an all day restaurant in Bloomberg Arcade. Obsessed with the detail of bean sourcing and preparation, you’d be hard pushed to find a better cup of coffee locally. During the week they serve breakfast, renamed brunch at weekends as well as lunch and dinner. Our favourites include chorizo and potato hash with saffron buttermilk dressing, Korean buttermilk fried chicken with kimchi pancake, fried egg and gochujang ketchup, Dingley Dell pork schnitzel followed by caramelised brioche with miso caramel and ice cream. Treat yourself to a tiramisu martini or one of the many alcohol-free cocktails.

Coq D’Argent located at number 1 Poultry is a bit of an established institution and is famous for its roof terrace which is heated in the winter. The menu is French and not limited to poulet as per its address. It’s a little bit on the corporate side being in the financial district but always lively.

Across the road is The Ned . Cast your mind back to the scene in Mary Poppins when the children go to work with their father at the bank and are stunned by the sheer scale of the institution. Now imagine that same space turned into a venue housing a multitude of restaurants and bars including one in the original bank vault where the huge safe door is still intact. Visually, the place actually takes your breath away and regardless of which restaurant your choose (Californian, Mexican, Grill, burger or Italian) you should know that they serve the best Old Fashioned cocktail we have ever tasted.

Brick Lane by Spitalfields Market is famous for a multitude of curry houses all next to each other and the best one is called Taste of Jaipur . With over 150 items on the menu it is impossible to recommend just one dish. Enjoy a generous set meal from just £20 including lots of vegetarian dishes from this Rajasthani specialist.

Yotam Ottolenghi is rather a legend here in London and, thankfully, he decided to open a restaurant in Artillery Lane. He takes eating-with-your-eyes-first to the extreme; when you look at the food you become hungry when you weren’t before and that takes skill. A lot of the food takes the form of elaborate Middle Eastern salads so you can feel virtuous. Just take a look at some of the photos on the website and decide for yourself.

Eating out in Covent Garden

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 11:19:17 GMT

If you are staying with us in Covent Garden then the good news is that you have local access to some of the best restaurants in London, if not the world. That said, as a magnet for tourism, there are also several options which are mediocre, overpriced or both. Here is our guide to some of the best options, all of which are within a 10 minute walk of Interlude House:

The Ivy now has 15 locations in London but The Original Ivy on West Street is still known as a celebrity hang out and provides the best atmosphere. Their classics include Shepherd’s Pie with piped mash, steak tartar, Veal Holstein and Beef Wellington. Meals at the Ivy should never be rushed so be prepared to take your time to enjoy the dining experience.

On nearby Henrietta Street you will find The Ivy Market Grill , an equally sumptuous venue with outdoor seating on the piazza. Their breakfast is as good as their heritage menu which delivers 2 courses for just £20.95 if you are not looking for the full-on experience.

Balthazar has been known for its French food since 1997 when it first opened in New York but we have had one in London since 2013. The set menu pricing is very reasonable but you do need to book in advance. Enjoy oysters, mussels, macaroni cheese (did we say French?) and of course crème brulee. An orange and apricot spritz is waiting for you too.

Let’s face it, you can get sushi pretty much everywhere but often it’s pretty tasteless. This is not so at Sticks n Sushi where set menu “Come for a Swim”, the Sashimi Deluxe bowl and Temaki Setto gets you super excited about your Omega 3 intake. Salads are great too. Like so many great places it’s located on Henrietta Street.

Sushi again but with a difference, Sushi Samba is fusion food combining Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine but is best known for the atmosphere. Ceviche crosses over with sashimi whilst kobe beef is cooked over Japanese coals. The cocktail menu is just even more eclectic and, being up on the first floor of the piazza itself, you get a great spot for people watching.

Located below Sushi Samba and just inside the piazza is the Asian sharing experience Buns and Buns . Their breakfast menu is rather underwhelming but the main dishes are mouth watering. Consider a choice between lobster roll with yuzu mayo, crackling calamari salad and pork belly buns with bourbon glaze and then just order them all.

Jamie Oliver on Catherine St (between the Strand and Drury Lane) has a great outdoor terrace for summer dining and a “Proper Sunday Roasts” menu for when the month contains an 'r'. Try the black pudding scotch egg if that’s your thing or otherwise the highly sustainable chalk stream trout.

For a quick bite and lots of choice try the indoor Seven Dials Market . Most tables are kept for walk ins but you can book and this is a great option for when everyone in your group fancies different things. Highlights include Pick n Cheese with its conveyor belt cheese and biscuits options.

Mildreds vegetarian on St Martins Lane have been serving vegan and vegetarian food since 1988. Rather than a consolation prize, their food actually looks like the sort of thing you would actively choose even if there were meat and fish options on the menu which is no easy feat. The food is Mexican, British, Korean, Spanish and Japanese. They even have a specific onion and garlic free menu for those on a low FODMAP diet.

Keep Chaating is an Indian vegetarian restaurant on Neal St which is fantastic value for money. With lots of choice on the menu set in a colourful yet somewhat eye bruising setting, you could do a lot worse!

Dishoom is a small chain with 8 restaurants in London serving Indian inspired breakfast, lunch and dinner. They always have some walk in tables available although it is best to try to book in advance and despite the food being not entirely authentic, it is just delicious and the cocktails are excellent. Don’t miss their gunpowder potatoes, chicken ruby or house black daal and wash it all down with a mango lassi. Located on St Martin’s Lane.

Flat Iron on Henrietta Street has a simple centre piece in its menu: steak. Everything else dances around that including crispy bone marrow garlic mash, chips made from beef dripping and a choice of 5 different sauces. Mouth-watering for carnivores but if you don’t eat beef then this is not for you.

Finally, we love Barrafina on Drury Lane . You must have the Estrella Galicia on draft which is so hard to find in the UK and then remember that anything with an “x” in it, like txistorra, is from the Basque country and so is particularly good. Ditto anything Galician and remember that croquetas are always a good idea.

Eating out in Soho

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 15:16:44 GMT

Soho is absolutely teeming with places to eat, drink and dance late into the night but when it comes to eating out, how do you know which ones to head for or avoid? Let us help you with our guide of cafes and restaurants that have been tried and tested (sometimes many times) by us. All of them are within a 10 minute walk of our building in 7 Greek St and they are listed in no particular order.

Flat Iron on Beak Street has a simple centre piece in its menu: steak. Everything else dances around that including crispy bone marrow garlic mash, chips made from beef dripping and a choice of 5 different sauces. Mouth-watering for carnivores but if you don’t eat beef then this is not for you.

Govinda’s vegetarian restaurant has been established since 1979 and is part of the Hare Krishna Temple in London. As one of London’s very first vegetarian restaurants it serves good value plant based food in unpretentious surroundings (their most expensive main course with 12 items is the Thali Extravaganza priced at just £15.95). Located on Soho Street just off Oxford Street.

Another really good option for cheap eats is Bistro1 at the bottom end of Frith Street. The menu is unfussy but with lots of choice and they offer a 3 course lunch menu for £18.90 which is remarkable.

Gilgamesh offers contemporary pan Asian food in dark and opulent surroundings. The range of food covers dim sum, sashimi and tempura as well as signature dishes of beef rendang and ribeye bulgogi and yuzu baby chicken. An express lunch with a choice of 3 courses will cost just £20. Located on Upper St Martin’s Lane which is just on the cusp of Covent Garden.

Can you recall the scene in Eat, Pray, Love when Julia Roberts tries pizza in Naples for the first time and cannot believe her mouth? The restaurant she visited was called L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele which has been pizza making since 1906 and named “the world’s best pizza”. Luckily for us, they have two restaurants in London including one on Old Compton Street. The interiors of the restaurant are, if we are honest, a little bizarre with such dark decor you are left wondering if they have paid the electricity bill but the pizza is quite simply “the nuts” and they are huge. Don’t settle for bad pizza.

Another good option for pizza with more of a canteen feel is Ruby’s on Wardour Street. It’s well priced with unusual monthly specials on the menu alongside their good range of classics with vegan options.

Lina Stores started off life as a one site deli in Brewer Street which still exists today. They have since expanded to restaurants in several locations, but nothing beats the original deli for fresh pasta and salami as well as Christmas hampers and panettones. They have a café and bar to eat on site but if you wanted to buy some groceries or a meal kit then you could prepare your food back at the flat.

Pie and Mash is a working-class British staple which you simply must try. Sadly, so many of the old institutions serving pie, mash and “liquor” (a parsley sauce, not booze) have since closed down but Mother Mash is here to fill that craving. Choose your pie or sausages, style of mash (including Irish colcannon) and choice of gravy or liquor and tuck in. Finish off with sticky toffee pudding or apple crumble and leave the establishment knowing that you have had yourself a truly British experience.

A collection of restaurants particularly famous for their brunch menu, the Daisy Green Collection brings Australian food and coffee culture to London. Soho is home to Scarlett Green offering shakshouka, tandoori salmon, Asian chicken salad, mars bar cheesecake and tiramisu for breakfast right up until 5pm. A different menu takes over for the evening. Order a summer negroni with gooseberry gin and don’t look back.

The Breakfast Club also serves its menu all day and has several locations in London including two in Soho (D’Arblay Street and Old Compton Street). Enjoy pancakes, eggs and all manner of other classics with a strawberry matcha or immunity shot.

St Moritz on Wardour St was set up in the 1970s and appears to still be in the same decade which is just wonderful. With a wood panelled interior reminiscent of a ski lodge you can choose from several fondues, bratwurst, rosti, veal in cream & mushroom sauce, frogs legs and snails. The wine list is, of course, Swiss.

Chotto Matte ; Japanese Peruvian fusion starts here in this lively environment. Stand out menu items include gyoza paired with sea bass ceviche or red prawn truffles with smoked lamb chop. They have live Latin music every Thursday evening and a resident DJ on Friday and Saturday. As you would expect, the drinks menu is also super unusual. Really worth a visit for a unique experience where creative things happen with pisco.

Cecconi’s pizza bar (yes pizza again) is on Old Compton Street with a range of pizza and pasta choices that you might expect but it is worth noting that they have a Friday and Saturday late night food menu from 11pm to 1am. Try the chocolate negroni.

Bone Daddies on Peter Street is a great place to pop in and have a quick warming bowl of noodles swimming in delicious broths with Korean and Japanese options.

The Ivy Soho Brasserie is delightful whether you sit inside or out on Broadwick Street. Famous for their Shepherd’s Pie where the mash is beautifully piped on top, they have a two course heritage lunch menu for £20.95 and they also do an excellent traditional Sunday roast. It’s a great place for non-speedy dining.

Royal London

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 16:02:50 GMT

England has had a monarch since the 9th century although it wasn’t until centuries later that it became a London centric administration. The result today is a more modern monarchy that co-exists with some impressive monuments that provide the backdrop to some famous traditions. Whether you're a history buff, a fan of the Crown, or simply looking for iconic sights, you do not have to be a Royalist to appreciate exploring London’s Royal landmarks.

We start off with none other than Buckingham Palace , the official residence of the British monarch. The Changing of the Guard ceremony normally takes place from 11am on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays with the most impressive display being Trooping the Colour in the middle Saturday of June to celebrate the monarch’s birthday. During the summer months, it is possible to explore the opulent State Rooms by visiting inside the palace. Afterwards, take a walk through St James’s Park which is arguably the best urban Royal Park (there are 8 in total).

Located near Buckingham Palace, The Royal Mews houses the Queen’s collection of historic coaches and carriages, including the dazzling Gold State Coach used for coronations. It’s a fascinating look at the pageantry and tradition behind royal events.

More recently, the Royal Family have been basing themselves in semi rural Windsor Castle which is just a short train ride from London. It is the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle and very much a working palace. The Changing of the Guard here is less crowded than at Buckingham Palace and St George’s Chapel is a sight to behold, also being the venue for many a Royal Wedding including Harry and Meghan and the (then) Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles. It is also the resting place of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

In the days of King Henry VIII it was all going on at Hampton Court Palace including his marriage with Anne Boleyn (wife number 2 of 6) and the imprisonment of King Charles I prior to execution after his defeat in the Civil War which led to a temporary republic for 11 years. Visitors get to experience a serious step back in time as much of the building dates back to the Tudor area with a particularly impressive wine cellar and kitchens. The vast riverside gardens and famous maze are a real treat for visitors and it is worth spending the whole day there. They have a summer festival of open air concerts in June. Accessible by train from Waterloo.

From the outside, the Tower of London looks like a vast walled fortress with an historic building inside, which indeed it is, but it is only when you step inside that you see it open up as a whole village of activity from the half timbered Queen’s House which temporarily housed Anne Boleyn prior to her execution on the green outside to the Traitor’s Gate where prisoners were brought in by barge via the River Thames and their heads displayed on pikes to deter dissidents to the old enclosures for wild animals which were later moved to the newly established London Zoo. The most famous landmark is the White Tower built by William the Conqueror in 1080. You read that correctly; the building is almost 1000 years old and still standing. Save the best for last and visit the Crown Jewels. The words “breath-taking” and “impressive” can be overused but in the case of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is completely justified. Take a selfie before you go with a Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters.

Afterwards, we strongly recommend Tower Bridge . You can walk across the glass bottomed top of the bridge and a staff member will give you the exact times the bridge is expected to open for passing boats so you can see it from above. Did you know it used to be a battleship grey pre-WW2 to protect it from bomb damage until it was repainted in red, white and blue in 1977 to celebrate the late Queen’s Silver Jubilee. An underrated gem.

Westminster Abbey is a magnificent Gothic church that has been the site of every British coronation since 1066 and has hosted numerous royal weddings including William and Kate. Inside, you'll find the final resting places of 17 monarchs and a graves of a mostly British dead poets' society such as Byron, Blake, TS Eliot, Keats, Milton, WH Auden, Kipling, Shelley, Tennyson and Wordsworth. For more graveside bang for your buck you can also pay your respects to Darwin, Dickens, Handel, Purcell, Newton and the remaining matter of Stephen Hawking providing an extraordinary concentration of famous mortal remains all in one place. For the living, the elaborate architecture and stained glass is a must see.

Kensington Palace is basically a posh block of flats as it houses the London residences if the Prince and Princess of Wales and various Dukes and Duchesses making it a unique multi-generational family living space. If you are old enough then you may remember the scenes back in 1997 when millions left flowers outside its gates after the death of Princess Diana since she too resided here. Parts of it are now open to the public with special exhibitions showing gowns and jewels as well as a chance to see state rooms and gardens. It is in the Sunken Garden that Prince Harry and Meghan announced their engagement.

Located in Kensington Gardens, the Albert Memorial is a stunning tribute to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s beloved husband. Those two were hit hard by Cupid’s bow. This elaborate, gilded monument is a must-see for anyone interested in royal history. It’s also the perfect spot to relax after exploring the nearby Kensington Palace and is located directly in front of the Royal Albert Hall in Hyde Park.

Sadly, St James’s Palace is not open to the public but it is an important ceremonial backdrop. You can view it from the outside and enjoy a visit to the Chapel Royal, a beautiful active church often used for royal weddings and christenings. It is a short walk from Buckingham Palace. Nearby is Clarence House , the official London residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. This elegant residence has hosted many royal occasions and is open to the public during the summer.

The Palace of Westminster includes the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St Stephen’s Chapel and Westminster Hall which is 900 years old.

St Paul’s Cathedral is Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece and a visit will take you across town to the City of London. Site of the ill fated marriage of a certain Charles to Diana and the funeral of Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill, it is known for his airy architecture and vast capacity for a large crowd. It is on these steps that we were implored to “feed the birds” in Mary Poppins. Explore the whispering gallery sound waves phenomenon by visiting the famous dome.

Further east to Greenwich is home to a vast campus of buildings including the Royal Naval College , National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory Planetarium . Stand on the true anchor of the world’s timeline when you find the copper coloured line that marks Greenwich Mean Time or GMT.

The choices are so vast it does feel almost endless and you will find it impossible to tick everything off your list in one visit. For a full list of Royal options, you may find the following link useful: vi.me/PjOaV

Eating out in Clerkenwell & Farringdon

Mon, 12 May 2025 16:34:45 GMT

Farringdon station is incredibly well connected for getting out and about, but there is no need to hop on a train to go out for a great meal when there are so many excellent options in the area known as Clerkenwell since medieval times.

Just next to Farringdon station is the popular smart canteen chain Farmer J , famous for their healthy and appealing field trays and bowls. Select your own ingredients for breakfast, lunch or an early dinner since they close at 8.30pm. As the immediate area surrounding Farringdon station mostly serves local office workers, they do close at weekends.

The main eating heartbeat can be found at Exmouth Market, around an 8 minute walk up Farringdon Road from the station. Here you will find a huge amount of choice every day of the week and late into the night. Our favourites include Santore , a rustic Italian wood fired pizzeria with outside seating. Whilst there is no shortage of pizza restaurants in London, we once saw it half taken by a large group of visiting priests from Rome tucking in enthusiastically, giving Santore the (papal) seal of approval.

On the corner of Rosoman Street is the relaxed retro themed Coin Laundry . Open every day, the menu is modern British and European with lots of vegan and vegetarian options. They have a decent drinks menu too with cocktails although we have no idea why it is called Coin Laundry since they prefer card payments and there are no washing machines.

Macellaio RC is located in the middle of Exmouth Market and is well established as a mildly theatrical dining experience for steak lovers or as they call themselves “Teatro della Carne” . The staff provide the contagious enthusiasm and will take you to the raw materials in the display fridge for you to select your choice of cut. Watch out for their signature lard candle that melts into the blowtorched bread and a wine list that tours the whole of Italy. Open every day for lunch and dinner.

Next door is the institution known as Moro , and next door to that is little hermano Morito , both serving Spanish and North African tapas. Moro’s inventive style includes dishes such as seabass ceviche with cumin and pomegranate, chicharrones with cumin and lemon dressing and Malaga raisin ice cream with sherry. The food on your plate will come from each side of the Straits of Gibraltar. The restaurant first opened in 1997 and we have stumbled upon their cookbook in unusual corners including a little café in rural Cornwall. Open for lunch only on Sundays and lunch and dinner the rest of the week.

Exmouth Market’s opposite corner is home to Caravan , a small chain of eateries and coffee roasters. Obsessed with the detail of bean sourcing and preparation, you’d be hard pushed to find a better cup of coffee locally. During the week they serve breakfast, renamed brunch at weekends, and they are open for lunch and dinner every day apart from Sundays. Our favourites include chorizo and potato hash with saffron buttermilk dressing, Korean buttermilk fried chicken with kimchi pancake, fried egg and gochujang ketchup, Dingley Dell pork schnitzel followed by caramelised brioche with miso caramel and ice cream. Treat yourself to a tiramisu martini or one of the many alcohol-free cocktails.

Away from Exmouth Market you may like The Dovetail ; a Belgian themed bar serving moules mariniere and beef carbonade (Flemish beef stew). Wash it down with a cold beer from a huge range including the fruit flavoured ones for people who don’t really like the taste of beer. Located on Jerusalem Passage which runs between St Johns Square and Aylesbury Street, it is open until late every day except Sundays.

Mugen on Leather Lane is an established contemporary Japanese restaurant where the food looks far too pretty to eat. Choose from izakaya style sharing plates, fresh sashimi, hot pot or set bento boxes. They also offer take away but like many places, they are closed on Sundays.

Finally, Smiths of Smithfield . Located opposite Smithfield Market on Charterhouse Street, this whole building is a TV chef institution with a bar serving snacks on the ground floor, private dining rooms on the first floor, the Grill on the second floor and a covered rooftop restaurant with south facing views at the top. The general rule of thumb is that it gets a bit “posher” (ie more expensive) every time you go up a floor but the Grill still does an 8oz flat iron steak and chips lunchtime special for £25 (subject to change) and the bar does really good smash and plant burgers.

All our apartments in Clerkenwell are fully self catering with kitchens that will allow you to prepare all of your own meals should you wish to, but our guess is that you didn’t come to London to cook. With so many excellent options, why not try one or two on our recommended list?

Summer in the City 2025

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:45:19 GMT

Plan your City Living stay this summer

The English summer season is packed with events intended to reward us all for our patient hibernation, bringing us together to experience something special. Summer 2025 is no exception and with something for everyone depending on your passion, below is just a small selection of what London has to offer this year:

The Reunion – Some thought this would never come - and it still might not given the brothers’ fractious relationship - but Oasis will be playing 7 stadium concerts in the Wembley suuuunshiiiiiiinnnnne between July and September for a nostalgia fest after a 16 year hiatus

The Queens – Not only Beyoncé but Gaga are coming to London. Mrs Carter will be playing 6 nights in June at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the Lady is set for 4 nights at the O2 across September and October

One for the Geeks – Olympia will host Tech Week in June; a huge hothouse of new tech seeking to solve the world’s biggest problems. The range of exhibitors is huge and you may even get to meet Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the world wide web

The Perennial Classic – ah the Chelsea Flower Show; it just works. Held in the vast grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, this veritable institution is televised for the BBC and never fails to deliver. Its scale has to be seen to be believed. Warning: has the power to convert even the most reluctant gardener.

The Grand Master – with the full programme not yet announced until late April, expect an eight week season of daily orchestral classic music concerns set in the Royal Albert Hall. “Prommers” can expect the pinnacle in the famous “Last Night of the Proms” which traditionally celebrates patriotic music of the United Kingdom. Pick up a “Day Promming” last minute ticket for just £8.

The Decadent Option – for some of the most impressive set and costumes you will ever see, The Royal Opera House is a distinguished cut above the competition. Offering a range of both opera and ballet performances, this summer’s highlight is a deal with the devil; Faust runs from the 23rd of May to the 10th of June 2025.

For Children – a lovely venue in the heart of one of the Royal Parks; Regent’s Park’s Open Air Theatre is showing Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile (The Musical) in August and September. Bring an umbrella.

The Tragedy – Shakespeare’s rarely performed Troilus and Cressida is showing at the Globe Theatre in September and October this year. A Greek tragedy about tired heroes who no longer live up to their mythic narratives and who knows when we might get another chance.

The History – Back by popular demand, the South Bank’s Olivier Theatre is bringing back Michael Sheen to tread the boards as “Nye”; the story of Aneurin Bevan who spearheaded the genesis of the NHS and after whom the not so glamorous aneurism was named.

The Comedy – it shouldn’t be funny but it is; The Book of Mormon continues its run at the Prince of Wales Theatre in the West End. Expect jaw dropping irreverence and a certain crisis of faith.

Each of these events is between 2 and 60 minutes' travelling distance from each of our 7 centrally located buildings.