I will be visiting London and the UK for the first time in late May, beginning with the RS London Tour. I will arrive Heathrow early on a Sunday morning, and my plan is to spend my first night and day and a half in the South Bank area, and have one night booked at the Premier near Waterloo Station, before joining my tour group late Monday afternoon. My plan, depending on how I feel after my flight, and the weather, is to visit major sites like the Globe Theater, Tate Modern, and riverside walk, and also Greenwich and/or Hampton Court.
My questions for you: (1) if the weather is rainy or overcast, should I go to Greenwich or Hampton Court anyway, or not bother? And (2) could any of you suggest good restaurants for my first English meals in these areas, just me, nothing elegant or very expensive, but not chains or fast food either, just good typical food in an informal and friendly atmosphere, maybe an olde pub or seafood place, ideally a little off the tourist trail, in the £15 to £25 range I would guess? Thanks for any help in making my first days in UK good ones!
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
795 posts
I wouldn't miss Hampton Court in any weather. It is fantastic. I always tell those going to London for the first time to be sure to carry a raincoat and umbrella. We have lived there and are there frequently for work. Two places I recommend in Southbank are:
(1) Pieminister- savory pies and sides, good British food www.pieminister.co.uk/restaurants/gabriels-wharf It is in Gabriel's Wharf.
(2) The Mulberry Bush- a nice pub with good food- www.mulberrybushpub.com/southbank
Posted by
London, England.
662 posts
Larry, great plan. As you have in essence two half days (assuming you clear Heathrow in a reasonable time), I think a trip to Hampton Court, whilst very worthwhile, might be pushing it time wise. Greenwich is very do'able though.
You can get the River Bus to Greenwich, under the London Eye in Westminster, which is fairly close to your hotel. I'd go to Greenwich rain or shine, just take a brollie (umbrella) and a smile and make the most of your time. Weather in London is totally unpredictable, but in late May, a beautiful warm sunny day is entirely possible.
As for food, on Sunday a nice roast is always good. http://www.swanlondon.co.uk/ is right next to Shakespeare's Globe. It is a step beyond a 'local pub' but shouldn't be too formal either. They do a 2 course Sunday menu for £23.50 + 12.5% service (no need to tip if service is included). This may not fulfil your 'off the tourist trail' criteria, but the food is likely to be very good. Along the South Bank, it might be tough to find a place not packed with tourists, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
There are so many pubs about, all tend to do reasonable food, especially Sunday Roasts, maybe just wander about and jump into one that takes your fancy, you can always just get a drink while you assess the menu and the atmosphere, if you like it, stay and get some food, if not, move on to the next one.
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
If you are looking for a pub with a great atmosphere and good food try The George Inn which is a British Trust Property. It is near Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral.
Posted by
Seattle, Wa, USA
449 posts
I enjoyed a Sunday roast at the Warwick Pub located in the Victoria neighborhood (you will have cross a bridge). Sunday was their trivia night. I visited twice and joined up with some really friendly teams. So you get typical English food and get to meet people. Most likely there are places like this near the Waterloo station.