Discover a side of London that most tourists (and many Londoners) have never seen
Morning: Roman Amphitheatre and Police Museum
Start your day with the City of London’s Guildhall Galleries. Venture down to the basement, entrance is free to the public, and explore the remains of London’s Roman amphitheatre. Next, sleuth your way around the City of London Police Museum, which tells the story of crime and policing in the City.
Lunch: Café in the Crypt
Café in the Crypt underneath St Martin-in-the-Fields church in Trafalgar Square
In warmer months, you can stroll across the square for a drink at Vista, the rooftop bar at The Trafalgar hotel: the views of London are stunning. Whilst in Trafalgar Square, check out Britain’s smallest police station in the southeast corner of the square, and try to spot the famous nose sculpture affixed to the inside wall of the northern most arch of Admiralty Arch.
Afternoon: Islington’s hidden gems
Take the short Tube ride to Angel, in Islington, and dig out some bargains in the wonderful bric-a-brac shops and antique traders of Camden Passage.
After a dose of retail therapy, it’s time to hit the bars. Start off sipping cocktails from 5pm at the hidden speakeasy, The Bar With No Name (69 Colebrook Row); move on to the King’s Head (which has a theatre upstairs hosting regular weekend matinees); finish off at locals’ favourite, Exmouth Market, where you test out your table football skills at Café Kick.
Evening: Candlelit tour, dinner and trendy cocktails
Start your evening with a candlelit tour of Dennis Severs’ House, a time capsule created by Start your evening with a candlelit tour of Dennis Severs’ House, a time capsule created by artist Dennis Severs (open until 9pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays only). Alternatively, head to Old Truman Brewery, where you can get the swing at Junkyard Golf Club, a quirky mini-golf bar.
By now you’ll have worked up a healthy appetite, so why not tackle a “full English” (yes, even at this time of the day) at The Breakfast Club (or tuck into one of its more figure-friendly salads).
Ask to see The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, and you’ll be led through a fridge to a hidden hideaway that serves cocktails until late.
