First solo London trip! (Advice & recs, please)

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 7/31/24 at 9:21am

Hi all!

On a whim this morning, I bought myself a ticket to see The Great Comet at the Donmar at the end of January. My last trip in 2022 was abruptly cancelled a few days before leaving because my husband caught COVID, and I’ve been jonesing to get back. I’ll be heading over there solo for the first time ever, and I’m in need of some advice and recommendations.

Looking for any thoughts. Where to stay that won’t break the bank, but isn’t just a Hilton; places you love to eat where you won’t feel crazy for going alone; what shows are playing at the end of January; etc. etc.

Also, for reference, I’m seeing Comet on a Wednesday evening, so should I build in a weekend there or stick to my plan of going during the week and leaving Saturday?

Thanks in advance! :)

Updated On: 7/31/24 at 09:21 AM

[sinister teashop]

Posted: 7/31/24 at 10:02am

Definitely stop by Maison Bertaux on Greek Street for some old school English “French” sweet cream pastries. It’s tiny and adorable.

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 1/17/25 at 10:24am

Resurfacing this thread for myself now that I’m a week out (excited!). I’m all booked up on shows, so I’m mostly looking for some good food recs and things to do during the day.

My final show schedule is:

• A Good House
• The Importance of Being Earnest
• Titanique
• Oedipus (Old Vic)
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• Matilda
• The Little Foxes
• Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812

[inception]

Posted: 1/17/25 at 12:56pm

I find the Tripadvisor forums a good resource for questions about restaurants 

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 1/17/25 at 1:09pm

I have enjoyed lunch twice at a place called "The Phoenix" which is near Buckingham Palace.

[LushyBear]

Posted: 1/17/25 at 1:37pm

I like Busaba Thai (in Soho) quite a bit. Their calamari are really nice. You can get decent lunch at Pret a Manger (sandwiches and wraps and the like).

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 1/17/25 at 2:44pm

J Sheekey is one of my favorite places to eat in London (sit at the bar if you feel awkward sitting by yourself), and is conveniently open fairly late so you can also grab a bite after some shows.  Also in the area, The Barbary was great and Browns was quite good for basic British fare.  Giovanni's of Covent Garden is apparently Patti LuPone's favorite place but I thought it was solidly average (the owner loves talking about the other famous people who've been through which could be interesting or annoying depending on your tastes).  A little further out, I like Sofra's and it's in a great area for people watching.  If you have some free time I also like walking along the canal from Regent's Park to Camden (I enjoyed Alexander the Great for Greek food)

It's kind of basic, but I like doing a cream tea at Fortnum and Mason's (just in their restaurant, no need to make a full afternoon tea reservation).  I haven't been but Overtures Piano Bar is supposed to be the London equivalent of Marie's Crisis if that interests you, and if you like bars in general then I like the Mr. Fogg's series of bars.

[Dusoleilcanwhistle]

Posted: 1/17/25 at 2:57pm

Highly recommend Story Cellar for lunch or dinner - great place to dine on your own at their Chef's Counter

[Wick3]

Posted: 1/17/25 at 10:36pm

Not sure if it reopened but during my visit to London back in December, Theatre cafe was closed on St. Martin's Lane. If it did reopen, check it out. They only play West End songs and each table/booth has a musical theme.

[ggersten]

Posted: 1/18/25 at 1:53am

Bancone (Covent Garden) for dinner (on William Street) 

The Black Penny for breakfast (on Great Queen Street)

spend time at V&A museum

It’s kitchy - but i always enjoy Tower of London tour

[Skywalker3]

Posted: 1/18/25 at 4:55am

I always stay at an Hub by Premier Inn
https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hub.html

The locations near the theaters are somewhat more expensive than the locations outside the center. But all affordable for the quality you get.

I always eat at Pizza Union, which is located just behind the Shaftesbury theatre. Perfect place to eat alone.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 1/18/25 at 7:53am

CitizenM - Victoria Station. Great location - right across from Wicked and Hamilton. And it’ll likely be cheap. And built for solo travel. 

Not sure food wise. I just kind of ate on the go. 

[Tom5]

Posted: 1/19/25 at 5:16pm

Crossing streets can be treacherous. Cars come in from, er, wrong direction and always fast.  

[Chuck Lawrence]

Posted: 1/19/25 at 10:17pm

Dishoom Covent Garden, Upper St. Martin’s Lane, for superlative Indian. Go after theatre and you won’t have to wait more than ten minutes (they don’t take bookings).