Hi,
We have enjoyed several trips to London and visited the major sites. This trip we may be meeting two groups of friends on their first visit there. So, I am looking for interesting places for us to meet in the early evening after they have toured the major sites. Theatre district behind Trafalgar with restaurants and small mall might be option. Are there some musuems with evening hours and cafes? We are not night club people but enjoy pubs. But,we'd like to add interest and atmosphere with a light meal to expose them to more of London on their short first visits. Would you recommend Soho or market areas?
The Leicester Square area ("behind Trafalgar") is usually crowded with tourists. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is a lovely pub dating back to the 16th or 17th century. 145 Fleet Street. Before you choose seats, head down the several levels for more options. The V&A Museum is open til 10 on Wednesday and Friday. The British Museum is open til 8.30 on Thursday and Friday. The National Gallery is open til 9 on Friday. The National Portrait Gallery is open til 9 on Thursday and Friday. The Tate Modern is open til 10 on Friday and Saturday. I believe they all have cafes and/or cafeterias, but you should check for opening hours on late nights.
Meet in Trafalgar Square and dine at the St. Martin in the Fields Crypt Cafe. http://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/cafe-in-the-crypt/ OR http://www.timeout.com/london/restaurants/rock-sole-plaice. in Covent Garden.
We had lovely dinners at both the Tate Modern and the National Portrait Gallery. Both restaurants are on the top floor of their buildings and have views. They aren't open every evening and you need reservations at either one. If I had to choose one, we liked the National Portrait Gallery better....We have also enjoyed pub meals at the Sherlock Holmes, near Charing Cross station, not far from the theatre district.