Anya Ryan

Need a place to stay in London? You’re in the right place. Every year, a wealth of new hotels open in the capital – a testament to the fact that London remains one of the most desirable places to visit in the world. That can, however, make it rather tricky to decide which to choose. But worry not: we have slept our way across the city and hand-picked our favourites, to bring you this ultimate list of London hotels, from Mayfair to Shoreditch and far, far beyond.  Newcomers to our list include a few hotshot openings – the likes of Six Senses, the Newman and Zetter Bloomsbury – as well as a plenty of old classics. We’ve made sure to include budget-friendly, family-friendly and tourist-friendly stays, and we’ve included our favourite spots to visit nearby too. This is Time Out London, after all. In other words, we’ve made it all rather easy for you. Thank us later: here are the best hotels in London.  🏘️ Looking for even more options? Check out our list of the best Airbnbs in London Which area is best to stay in London? That entirely depends on what you’re looking for. If you’ve got cash to splash and and want to be right in the thick of it all for sightseeing, theatre and royal parks, stay in the West End. Want to live like a local and try out the city’s best wine bars and small plates? Try Hackney. For a homely, family-friendly vibe that’s a little further out, try Walthamstow. Or for our full breakdown, head to our full guide to where to stay in London.  How we curate our

‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life,’ the great 18th-century poet Samuel Johnson once said. Still, there’s no denying a break from the Big Smoke is very tempting every now and then, especially if you’re a regular on the Northern Line at rush hour. Can’t wait until your next holiday for a little escape? Just fancy exploring somewhere new? A day trip is the perfect solution and won’t break the bank. There’s little point in a day trip if you spend half of it getting to your destination, though. So, we’ve chosen six intriguing towns and cities that it only takes an hour or less to get to from one of London’s main railway stations. All you need to do is jump on a train and keep your fingers crossed for good weather. Here are the best places to visit near London, selected by expert editors and we've added in Colchester and Southend, fresh for 2026. Day trips within an hour of London at a glance 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒Best for families: Windsor 🏛️Best for history lovers: Oxford 🍕Best for foodies: Brighton RECOMMENDED: 🚂 The best day trips from London🏘️ The best Airbnbs in the UK This guide was written by Time Out editors from all over the UK. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

The best hotels near King’s Cross have three big things going for them: location, location, location. London’s gateway to Kent, the North and Europe – thanks to St Pancras International station and the Eurostar terminal – this area also has the best-connected tube station in London – all of which explains the proliferation of very good hotels in King’s Cross. Before you zip off away from the station, check out Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard, to the north, where you can play Snake in the fountains, brunch noisily at Caravan and sunbathe on the astroturfed steps down to Regent’s Canal. To the south is Bloomsbury, while Islington is just a hop, skip and a jump east. Check out below for our pick of the best hotels near King's Cross for 2026. 📍 Updated for 2026: We’ve added the grand dame Kimpton Fitzroy London and our brand-new review of St Pancras Renaissance Hotel – which, conveniently, is actually inside the station. 🏘️ Looking for even more options? Check out our list of the best Airbnbs in London Best hotels in King’s Cross at a glance 🥂 Best luxury: Kimpton Fitzroy London  🏊 Best pool: St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London 💰 Best budget: Clink261 Hostel 🌇 Best view: The Standard, London How we curate our hotel lists Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our

Planning a stay in one of the best hotels in the hip and trendy Shoreditch? With Brick Lane market, Boxpark, and regular street-art tours, east London’s Shoreditch is almost as busy during the day as it is by night, when some of the best late-night venues in London welcome hipsters and fashionistas until the early hours. Thankfully, there are cheap hotel options along with the boutique stylings of Shoreditch House and the Boundary. And once you're there, book into some of the local restaurants like Hoppers, Gloria or even brave the queue at Dishoom. So, without further ado, here's our pick of the best hotels in Shoreditch. We've even added in Art'otel Hoxton, South Place Hotel and One Hundred Shoreditch fresh for 2026. 🏘️ Looking for even more options? Check out our list of the best Airbnbs in London Best hotels in Shoreditch at a glance 🥂 Best luxury: Shoreditch House 💰 Best cheap: Shoreditch Inn 🏩 Best boutique: Art'otel Hoxton 🌇 Best view: One Hundred Shoreditch How we curate our hotel lists Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our pool of trusted hotel experts, every hotel on this list has been individually reviewed and selected for a reason: we’ve been there, we think it’s great and we’d genuinely recommend it. By the way, this article includes affiliate l

Could Marylebone be one of London's coolest neighbourhoods? Sure, Oxford Street is just around the corner, but here you'll find independent boutiques, destination restaurants, excellent cafés and leafy streets that feel a world away from the West End crowds. Regent's Park and the Wallace Collection are both within easy walking distance, making it an ideal base whether you're here for shopping, sightseeing or simply eating your way around. So, check into one of the best hotels in Marylebone and you'll soon see what all the fuss is about. Here is our updated list for 2026: ➡️ For more hotels in London, check out our other London hotel guides. Best hotels in Marylebone at a glance ♕ Best luxury: The Landmark London 🎸 Best for music lovers: The Cumberland Hotel 🏩 Best boutique:  Dorset Square Hotel 🍲 Best for foodies: The Churchill How we curate our hotel lists Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spends its time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our pool of trusted hotel experts, every hotel on this list has been individually reviewed and selected for a reason: we’ve been there, we think it’s great and we’d genuinely recommend it. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

If you’ve got cash to splash, there’s nowhere better to check in than Mayfair. London’s glitziest neighbourhood is packed with five-star hotels where Michelin-starred restaurants, marble bathrooms and impossibly attentive service come as standard. Step outside and you’ll find yourself within walking distance of Green Park, Bond Street, Piccadilly and Soho, plus some of London’s finest restaurants, bars and luxury shops. For London’s glamorous side, there’s nowhere better. Here are our favourite hotels.  📍 Updated for 2026: One of our favourite hotel openings of last year has made it into our top spot for 2026 – the very slick (and very green) 1 Hotel Mayfair.  ➡️ Looking for even more options? Check out our list of the best Airbnbs in London Best hotels in Mayfair at a glance 🥂 Best luxury: The Dorchester 💰 Best foodie: Nobu Portman Square 🏩 Best boutique: The Twenty Twenty Two 🌇 Best views: Four Seasons Hotel Park Lane How we curate our hotel lists Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our pool of trusted hotel experts, every hotel on this list has been individually reviewed and selected for a reason: we’ve been there, we think it’s great and we’d genuinely recommend it. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our edit

Whenever you dream of London, you’re probably thinking about Soho. The epicentre of the city, Soho has bars, shopping, theatres and excellent restaurants galore. And the same goes for its hotels – everything from cheap-and-cheerful pod rooms to glam hangouts frequented by celebs. Ready to experience the heart of London in all it’s glory? Read on, friends – here is our list of the best hotels in Soho, updated fresh for 2026.   Best hotels in Soho at a glance ♕ Best luxury: Hotel Cafe Royal 💰 Best cheap:  The Z Hotel 🏩 Best boutique: Broadwick Soho 🌇 Best view:  Courtyard Hotel London 🏘️ Looking for even more options? Check out our list of the best Airbnbs in London How we curate our hotel lists Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our pool of trusted hotel experts, every hotel on this list has been individually reviewed and selected for a reason: we’ve been there, we think it’s great and we’d genuinely recommend it. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to the best hotels and Airbnbs in London

When you think of London Bridge, you probably think of commuter central, swarming with people with somewhere important to be. But, despite the ever-busy train station, it also has plenty of places to explore including the famous Borough Market, The HMS Belfast and the many nearby theatres and museums. Standing in the impressive shadow of the Shard, the local bars and pubs offer watering holes for locals, tourists and thirsty workers who stream out of the area’s offices every evening. For foodies, there are restaurants aplenty, including the ever-tasty Rambutan and cheap plates of pasta at Padella. Here, our local experts give you the best things to do in London Bridge. Recommended: Our London area guides. 

Once upon a time, there was pretty much nothing in Stratford. But since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it has become a destination in its own right. Your shopping needs are covered by Westfield Stratford City, Europe's biggest shopping centre. You can pop on down to watch ABBA strut their stuff at ABBA Voyage, and even have a nosey around the V&A East Storehouse. Add to that some tasty restaurants and bars where you can drown your sorrows, and you've got yourself an up-and-coming area that would give its neighbours a run for their money.  Of course, the former Olympic venues are now open to the public for any sporting and fitness needs too, while thrill seekers can climb up the ArcelorMittal Orbit and ride the world's longest tunnel slide down. But, if you want a guide of what to do in 2026, Time Out have got you covered. Here are the best things to do in Stratford, as recommended by our experts.  RECOMMENDED: Our London area guide

Nowhere does Christmas quite like London. Come December, this city comes alive with dazzling festive lights, Christmas markets, theatre and endless shopping. Whether you’re venturing in from a nearby city or travelling from across the pond, there are endless reasons why a stay in the UK’s capital should be at the top of your list this festive season. Ready for some serious Christmas spirit? Look no further – we’ve handpicked the best hotels to stay in at Christmas in the Capital. And we’ve covered all the bases: hotels with Christmas markets on your doorstep, hotels that look out over ice skating rinks, and hotels that go all out for their very own festive offerings, with everything from bespoke Christmas packages to mega trees and blowout festive menus. And yes, you can stay on Christmas Day too. Ready to get festive? Us too. Read on for the best Christmas hotels in London this year.  📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to the best hotels and Airbnbs in London  The best hotels for Christmas in London at a glance 👪 Best for families: Claridges 🏢 Best views: Shangri-La The Shard ⛄ Best for snow lovers: The Berkeley 🎄 Best Christmas tree: Landmark London ☕ Best festive afternoon tea: The Dorchester Who makes the cut? Headed up by editor Joe Mackertich, our team at Time Out London spend their time reviewing hotels all over the Capital – new openings, old classics and everything in between – to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. Along with our pool

What makes a hotel ‘cool’? Well, a lot of it is entirely subjective, of course. But there are a few things we look out for in a cool hotel here at Time Out. Perhaps it’s design-led and perfectly aesthetic, or it’s situated in one of its city’s coolest neighbourhoods. It might have a hotel bar we actually want to spend time in, a proper sustainability focus, or a food and drink offering that’s second-to-none.  But sometimes, it’s just a vibe. A hotel that you love as soon as you walk in the door. A hotel where the staff feel like your best friends. A hotel that makes you feel like you’re ready to pack up and move to this brand-new city for good. Are you catching our drift? A hotel can be cool just because it was. So if you’re after a bit of inspo, these are some very cool hotels our writers and editors have stayed at recently, in some of our favourite cities ever. From Copenhagen to Berlin, here are the coolest hotels in Europe right now.  ➡️ Check out our ultimate guide to Europe’s best hotels Ella Doyle is Time Out’s Europe editor. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by experts across Europe. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

  One of the joys of being London is that it's surprisingly easy to feel like you're somewhere completely different. This hodgepodge of a city is full of wooded corners, rugged hills and flower-filled fields, provided you know where to look for them. So if you're in the mood for a decent walk, there's no need to head off down the M5 in search of adventure. You can easily immerse yourself in nature for a few hours – without ever being more than half an hour away from a decent macchiato or a TfL station. Here are some walks that are perfect for enjoying solo, or with a gang who are equally ready to discover London's hidden wild side. Wear some sensible(ish) shoes, check the weather forecast, and make evening plans where you can show off the virtuous glow that only comes from exercising in the great outdoors. If London’s not cutting it at the moment, why not check out our list of ridiculously scenic walks near the capital? Or if you fancy a spot of forest bathing, here’s a load of walk suggestions that take in some of the best woodland around the city. RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in London London's prettiest walks at a glance: 🚂 Best for railway lovers: Parkland walk 🏢 Best for city views: Hampstead circular walk 🦌 Best for deer spotting: Wimbledon park to Richmond 💂 Best for seeing parks and palaces: Diana Princess of Wales memorial walk 🖼️ Best for culture lovers: The Line

What is it? Think ‘London’, and you’ll probably picture Trafalgar Square. With its gargantuan, 52-metre-high Nelson’s Column, it’s one of London’s most iconic public spaces and perhaps the most ostentatious reminder of the nation’s former imperial might, commemorating Britain’s triumph in the Napoleonic Wars. It was once notorious for its large pigeon population, but like Louis XIV, they’ve now been seen off. From the 14th to 17th centuries, the site was home to the Royal Mews but once they moved to Buckingham Palace, John Nash stepped in to redesign the square. Officially opening in 1844, it remains much the same today, although in 2003, a pedestrianised area was added.  Why go? As well as Nelson's Column there's lots of history to soak up here. Have a look at the Trafalgar Square police box, which was the smallest police station in London, or throw a coin into the iconic central fountain, redesigned by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the 1930s. Don't miss: The square’s Fourth Plinth (that’s the concrete block in the northwest corner) always sports a sculpture created by a contemporary artist, changing every couple of years. The artwork might make a political statement, like Samson Kambalu’s ‘Antelope’ which celebrated an anti-colonial hero, or it might be completely absurd like  Heather Phillipson’s ‘The End’, which depicted a massive melting dollop of whipped cream topped with a festive cherry and a less pretty fly perching on the fatty mess.  Throughout the year Trafalgar Square als

What is it? At 1.5 miles long and about a mile wide, Hyde Park is one of the largest of London's Royal Parks. It’s also probably the most famous stretch of greenery in the capital. The land was appropriated in 1536 from the monks of Westminster Abbey by Henry VIII. But, despite opening to the public in the early 1600s, was only frequented by the upper echelons of society. Nowadays, it is a favourite of Londoners in the summer months, particuarly as it is home to the city's oldest boating lake, The Serpentine. Hyde Park is a place of great historic interest too: it was a hotspot for mass demonstrations in the nineteenth century and remains so today. The legalisation of public assembly in the park led to the establishment of Speakers' Corner in 1872 (close to Marble Arch tube), where political and religious ranters – sane and otherwise – still have the floor. Why go? To enjoy a day in London's fresh air and soak up the greenery. Don't miss: If you're exploring on foot and the vast expanses defeat you, look out for the Liberty Drives (May-Oct). Driven by volunteers (there's no fare, but offer a donation if you can), these electric buggies pick up groups of sightseers and ferry them around. The Joy of Life fountain, next to Aldford Street North Gate, alongside Park Lane, is a popular spot for splashing around in when the weather heats up. The divisive Winter Wonderland takes place in the park each year, so if you're a fan of festivities, grab a mulled wine and head on down. When

What is it? Britain’s first state-funded scientific institution, founded in 1675 by Charles II, the Royal Observatory was the birthplace of modern astronomy.  While it’s no longer a working research facility, today the structure that stands at the top of Greenwich Park is home to an Astronomy Centre and Peter Harrison Planetarium. The Centre on the south site contains the free-entry Weller Astronomy Galleries, where visitors can marvel at a 4.5-billion-year-old meteorite. Flamsteed House, the observatory built in 1675 on the orders of Charles II, contains the apartments of Sir John Flamsteed and other Astronomers Royal, as well as instruments used in timekeeping since the 14th century. John Harrison’s four timekeepers, used to crack the problem of longitude, are here, while the onion dome houses the country’s largest (28in) refracting telescope – it was completed in 1893.  Why go? If you want a trip to space without actually having to leave earth, the Royal Observatory is the only place to go. Whether you're a lover of astrological history, a science fanatic, or simply a star lover, it has something for everyone. Don't miss: The 120-seater planetarium, which cleverly reflects its astrological position takes you right up into the skies. When to visit: Open daily from 10am-5pm. Ticket info:  Tickets can be bought from the website and are £24 for adults and £12 for children. Time Out tip: Check out the other Greenwich museums while you're there. We love Cutty Sark in particular!

When Richard Nelson's Springwood was announced last year, it arrived with an impressive pedigree: it was set to mark Stanley Tucci's directorial debut. Since then, Tucci has dropped out (starry scheduling conflicts!), with US playwright Nelson stepping into the director’s chair himself. It's hard not to wonder whether Tucci might have coaxed something more dynamic from the material.  This stage adaptation of Nelson’s film Hyde Park on Hudson dramatises the 1939 state visit to the United States, when King George VI and the future Queen Mother met President Franklin D Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt for the first time. Here, then, are the origins of the so-called ‘special relationship’. Hitler’s power is on the rise, and Britain is desperate for an ally. But before they can secure American support, they must first survive a country-house weekend, a public picnic and the thorny business of mastering beer etiquette and eating hot dogs with dignity.  So, there’s the initial question of whether opposites can actually attract. Yet as the President and the King spend more time together, they discover they have more in common than first appears. Robert Lindsay's Roosevelt is an easy-going, wise-cracking paternal figure, while Andrew Havill’s Bertie – as the king is known – is awkward, reserved and still finding his feet as monarch. They bond over whisky, conversations about women, stamp collecting and public perception, but also through their shared experiences of disabilit

What is it? A romantic and beautiful old cemetery, home to legends like Karl Marx, George Michael, George Eliot and more.  Following an 1832 Act that encouraged the building of private cemeteries outside of the City of London, seven major cemeteries were built – including Highgate, in 1839. Originally run by a private company, the cemetery fell into disrepair in 1970 which led to its new carers ‘The Friends of Highgate Cemetery’ taking over the day-to-day running of things, from 1975 up to the present day. Today, you can go and witness Highgate Cemetery in all its crumbling glory. Several of its catacombs are Grade II-listed (English Heritage has even pronounced the site as a whole Grade I-listed) and architect Stephen Geary's graves are just as impressive as ever. Why go?  A day out at a cemetery may not seem like everyone’s cup of tea, but for Highgate Cemetery, you might want to make an exception. Not only does it have status as a nature reserve and is a haven for birds and foxes, but it is the burial place for many historical figures including poet Christina Rossetti and architect Sir Lawrence Weaver.   Don't miss: The cemetery is perhaps most famous for being the final resting place of Karl Max. His tomb is Grade I listed and not to be missed.  When to visit: It is open daily, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, from 10am-5pm. Ticket info:  Tickets are available from the website or in person.  Adults £10; Children 8-17 £5; Children 0-7 Free; Members Free.  Time Out

What is it? London’s oldest food market that dates back to the 13th century. This historic bazaar is a sprawling cornucopia of gourmet goodies. It has been in its current location since 1956 and now boasts over 100 stalls. While its history is in British produce, nowadays you can find a global smorgasbord of traders. You might recognise it from films like Bridget Jones and Harry Potter, too.  Why go? To try some of the best food sellers London has on offer and soak up the hustle and bustle of this historic market. It’s best to visit Borough Market on an empty stomach so you have room to snaffle samples of the bread, cured meats, cheese, olives and pastries on offer.  And if you’re after something a little more substantial, its street-food vendors offer all manner of top quality dishes; everything from succulent and salty French confit duck sandwiches, aromatic Ethiopian stir-friend stews, Spanish chorizo sarnies, Tuscan porchetta-inspired spit roast and even the humble scotch egg (elevated, of course). Don’t miss: The Italian sandwiches from the Black Pig are among some of the best in London. Their signature is the honey truffle and parmesan pork ciabatta.  Ticketing info: No ticket needed, just turn up.  When to visit: 10am-5pm Tues-Fri; 9am-5pm Sat; 10am-4pm Sun The market is closed on Mondays, except during December when it’s open seven days a week for Christmas shopping. Not all traders are there all the time.  Time Out tip: Being London’s best and most famous food ma

What is it? The world's last surviving tea clipper, now restored to be a venerable attraction. More than a century ago the ship was the fastest and greatest of her age, now, perched on her glass pedestal on the water's edge in Greenwich, she’s still a great sight for those visiting London.  Following a fire in 2007 the ship underwent extensive renovation, and a visit now includes the chance to stand directly underneath all 963 tonnes of her, thanks to the having been raised three metres above ground. Visitors can also discover the ship's history and explore the many cargoes that have filled the lower hold, from tea and whisky to wool and buffalo horns. The attraction also holds the world's largest collection of merchant-ship figureheads, which were donated to the Cutty Sark Society back in 1953.  Why go? At Cutty Sark you get the opportunity to voyage through 150 years of seafearing history. There's films, photos and interactive maps to have a look at. For sailors in the making there's even the chance to grab the ship's wheel and imagine riding the waves.  Don't miss: Keep an eye out for special events and occasions too, including afternoon tea, ‘toddler time’ shanty sing-alongs at 'musical mayhem' and meets with the Cutty Sark 'characters', where actors play crew from the Cutty Sark's past.  Time Out tip: The Cutty Sark is one of the attractions clustered as the Royal Museums Greenwich: the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and the Queen's House complete the ga

This review is from 2024. Tender returns for 2026 with a brand new cast of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers and Nadi Kemp-Sayfi Eleanor Tindall’s new play hangs on a chance meeting. Ash and Ivy bump into each other outside a nightclub, when Ivy asks for a light. But then, their paths cross again – first in a coffee shop, and then in ways that get more implausible over time. Their interactions move from awkward exchanges, through to something like friendship and then into full-throttled romance. This is their love story; unexpected, all-encompassing and like letting out a held breath.  But things couldn’t possibly be as simple as a meet-cute fling. Ivy is supposedly happy with her boyfriend Max and is trying hard to bury the feeling that something isn’t right. Ash has just left her husband-to-be Cas at the altar, but he is refusing to leave her alone and let go. Her phone is constantly ringing, her flat is overflowing with the flowers he sends to her daily. Ash and Ivy’s lives play out next to each other, merging only in the frustratingly short seconds that they do. In their own way, both are lonely and hiding big secrets. Their real selves struggle physically from beneath their skin, fighting for a way out of hiding. Tindall’s dialogue crackles and pops, although at times the multi-rolling muddies the clarity of the narrative. Annabel Baldwin plays both Cas and Max, as well as Ivy, so in scenes of quick paced conversation, their identities sometimes get confused. As Ivy and Ash th

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="14b7b1a6-5c71-4d1d-b126-80c30ada687b" data-turn-id-container="14b7b1a6-5c71-4d1d-b126-80c30ada687b" data-testid="conversation-turn-11" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:5536120a-58c9-4de0-9160-0902c032bd4c-5" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:5536120a-58c9-4de0-9160-0902c032bd4c-5" data-testid="conversation-turn-12" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> The George Inn is much what you expect from a classic London pub. Right in the heart of London Bridge, it dates back to at least the 16th century and was rebuilt after the Southwark fire of 1676. It is also the last remaining galleried inn in London, which is quite the claim to fame. And theatre buffs listen up: William Shakespeare is said to have frequented the pub, and performances of his plays once took place here. You can still spy the old galleries on the pub’s exterior, where audiences would have crammed in to catch the theatrics below. It’s easy to imagine the bustle of centuries past while standing in the courtyard today. Meanwhile, the interior is as cre

At Bread Street Kitchen Stratford, part of the Gordon Ramsay stable, you can look down at the Olympic Park and dazzle in its beauty. This restaurant sits on top of some stairs (giving you the view to die for) but, on a clear summer's night, there's a terrace you can sit on, too.  The menu has all the Ramsey favourites, with influences from Britain, Italy, the States and beyond; there’s lots of fish, but also pork chops and ribeye (courtesy of the Josper grill) and the likes of oriental duck salad. It’s a nice place to eat, with plates that are forever reliable.  Roasted cod with capers, artichoke and a red wine sauce was hearty and rich, but a salad of couscous, cranberries, radish and mint was too much like an M&S takeaway pot. Sides include macaroni cheese and classy chips – fluffy interior, crunchy golden exterior. BSK also offers breakfast and weekend brunch, so turn up morning, noon and night for all the tasty goodies. If you've got lots of friends, you can make a reservation here for up to 600. Not sure you'll be getting that anywhere else in the city?

You can arrive early at Tina, We Salute You. This café opens its doors at 10am, serving hot coffee and breakfast treats. Then why not stay for the whole day? Come lunchtime, there’s a menu packed with brunch favourites, from smashed avocado on toast to fried eggs with serrano ham and black garlic if you're after something with a little more punch. As evening rolls around, the cocktail menu emerges, helping you end the day in exactly the right way. The drinks list champions local suppliers, featuring East Ham’s Gaslight Gin alongside draught lagers and ales from Greenwich brewery Meantime. With a programme of drag shows and regular events, this is the kind of place that has something waiting for you whatever time of day you rock through its doors.

Fancy a craft beer? (Or two, or three, or four?) Well, there's no better place in Stratford to sink a few than Mother Kelly’s. With 20 beers on tap plus cans and bottles from breweries around the world, there’s plenty of scope to discover a new favourite – or completely forget who you arrived with in the first place. There’s food, too: generous charcuterie boards piled high with meats and cheeses, alongside toasties so gooey they'll send you into a cheesey dream state. Better still, there’s WiFi, making this one of east London’s finest spots to WFB (work from the bar) and make the day go by a little faster. 

When it comes to blockbuster sporting events, few things come close to the Super Bowl. The NFL’s showpiece fixture is less a match and more a full-blown cultural phenomenon – and while the game takes place thousands of miles away, London will be very much awake for it.  In 2026 the Super Bowl heads to Santa Clara. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, around 45 miles southeast of San Francisco, the California city won a fiercely competitive bidding process to host the game (a privilege that reportedly costs close to $100m once security and production are factored in). It’s not Santa Clara’s first rodeo either, having previously hosted the Super Bowl 50 back in 2016. As ever, the action on the field will be joined by all the familiar Super Bowl trimmings: high-stakes drama and, most importantly, a globe-stopping half-time show. I mean, who could forget Beyoncé? And Rihanna? Prince? Pop-culture milestones one and all. So sure, you could watch it from your sofa with a multipack of crisps. But for anyone after a proper Super Bowl experience – big screens, booming sound systems, flowing pints and American food – London has plenty of late-night parties worth staying up for. These are the best places in the city to catch it. When is the Super Bowl?  Super Bowl LX takes place on Sunday February 8, kicking off at around 11.30pm GMT. Who is performing at the Super Bowl? Bad Bunny was announced as the headline performer for the Super Bowl Halftime Show back in September. Green Day are