24+ Hrs. in London on July 13/14th-- what to do?

I have been to London well over a dozen times and had the chance to see everything I wanted to see on those many trips. But, I haven't been back for around 15 years and I will be there for three days later this summer. So for me, the decision as to what to do came down to what sites do I really want to see again?

a cool pub or two since we can drink together now

Please have a Fullers London Pride from the cask.

Way too many choices....

Weather may play a role, but:

• Wimbledon mens singles final is that afternoon
• there is a play at the Globe, matinee and evening shows, and the rest of London theater
• Sunday roast dinner at a local pub
• London Transport Museum is probably pretty close by
• Borough Market can be a zoo but there are great eats
• Afternoon evensong service at St Paul's or Westminster

You actually have Monday morning to wander around also, you probably don't need to leave
for Heathrow until noon or a bit later.

Hi! What a fun dilemma to have!

I am dropping in to say that (a) you are going to get some excellent advice here (this board is great) and (b) if you want fish ‘n’ chips, the best in town IMHO is our regular spot: The Golden Union, at 38 Poland Street. It is just off Oxford Street (near Liberty London and Carnaby Street). It isn’t cheap, but it also isn’t stupidly expensive, like the Mayfair Chippie. The fish is incredibly fresh. The batter is ethereally light and crispy. The portions are huge. The shop is cute (they just had comfy booths installled last week). And the staff is very friendly. https://goldenunion.co.uk/

As for pubs? If you like Guinness, drop in at the Devonshire. The pint is beautiful. This pub is convenient to “tourist London,” as it is on Denman Street, just off Piccadilly Circus. Food is excellent (they age their own beef!) and a “cut above” pub grub. https://www.devonshiresoho.co.uk/

Since you’ve seen many of the tourist highlights, do you want to do something more relaxing/neighborhoody this time? If so, how about a stroll through Little Venice, to see the canal and the boats? Then you could have a pint and/or a pub lunch at the Prince Alfred, which is an absolutely stunning Victorian pub with a marvelous old interior. https://www.theprincealfred.com/

Have fun!

Great suggestions all! I especially like the food centric ones! Volva-- I'm putting your pubs and fish n'chips suggestions directly into our planning doc.

Keep em coming!

I have been to London many times and have never failed to find something new and odd to see. It all depends on what you like. For something odd not far from Covent Gardens, have you seen the John Sloan Museum? The Courtauld Gallery is at Somerset House and is worth seeing. You really only have Sunday afternoon and Monday morning to see things.

My questions are…. Walkers? Shoppers?

I can definitely offer pub ideas.

The White Cross or the Angel and the Crown in Richmond. If you choose the White Cross then you can stroll along the Thames River Path down the Ham House and Gardens.

Closer to East Sheen, the Mitre on St Mary’s Grove. It’s lovely. Say hello to Chris, the owner, and bestow belly rubs for Rudi, the sweetest pub dog ever. No fish and chips but Edgar concocts the best pizzas and salads.

The Mitre Paddington then a meal at Tudkin. These days reservations probably needed at Tudkin.

Closer to Covent Garden search for the Red Lion Pub down the Crown Passage. It’s proper pub but no food service. Over the decades have had some interesting conversations with members of Parliament in this pub.

Personally I go to Rock and Soul Plaice for your fish and chips then ….do you like cats? Walk off your meal and head over to the small and well run Seven Stars pub to meet the General. Probably a 20-25 minute amble on foot . You could also pop into the Royal Courts of Justice in route to the Seven Stars to see a trial if you had an interest. At the very least you’ll get to see barristers in their white wigs and robes.

Lastly, suspect the Venerable Lamb and Flag pub in Covent Garden ticks your boxes.

Claudia-- thank so much!! We are walkers and huge cat lovers... a bit of shoppers but more for vintage/antique/books/quirky stuff!

OP you are welcome.

The Seven Stars has great pasta carbonara! Here’s a link to their website.
https://www.thesevenstars1602.co.uk/

As far as quirky and vintage shops I’d look in the Shoreditch, Islington, Portobello Road and Hackney neighborhoods. Since you are only there such a short time definitely hit up Brick Lane.

Depending on the actual days you are there: (Monday or a Sunday etc) you can google street markets. I’ve noticed that East London seems to have more interesting vintage spots.

Look for OxFam stores.

Great second hand bookstore is Hurlingham Books. From Covent Garden to Putney Bridge is a 25 minutes on the District Line. It’s around the corner from the venerable River Cafe where I go each visit to enjoy a traditional full English breakfast. The bookshop is also around the corner from the Eight Bells pub. I think they serve food but Google to be certain You could then walk along the River Path up to Hammersmith Bridge. Really nice amble. Rowers, dog walkers, et al.

Have a great short visit to my favorite city on the planet.

EDIT: Foster books in the Turnham Green neighborhood is good. From it could walk to the Chiswick area and enjoy food and a pint at the cozy George and Devonshire pub. Lovely meander. Walking underneath beneath the Roundabout is fun. I stayed at the close by Premier Inn and the George and Devonshire became my local.

For shopping, you might enjoy Spitalfields market. If you're interested in touring the Globe I would just combine that with a walk along the South Bank- you'd have a great day just doing that.

Wow... you all have delivered! Thank you, thank you!! What a wealth of wonderful suggestions.

I just wanted to chime in and say that I have been discovering London a few hours/days at a time, so it can be done. As a matter of fact, I enjoyed the Covent Garden/Seven Dials area on a 24- hour layover in November 2023. If your flight is on time, you should be in the Covent Garden area by 10-10:30am. You will also not have much jetlag to deal with, so you pretty much have all day to enjoy London. And till about noon on Monday. I think you can plan something on Sunday afternoon (possibly something flexible), but London is also so much fun to wander around! Enjoy!