Travel: London’s calling…
Thinking of a weekend break? As best moves to Leicester Square, we find out where to stay and what’s in walking distance of this famous London quarter
TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
London is vast, but if you only have a weekend to explore it, why not head for the centre? We started off from our new HQ in Leicester Square to discover everything that’s within walking distance. Home of the Red Carpet – remember Liz Hurley in THAT gold-pinned Versace dress? – the square is packed with hotels, bars and restaurants, and is within walking distance of fantastic shopping (Regent Street), iconic landmarks (Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square), the delights of Soho and a host of theatres. For more information, visit leicester square. london
INSIDER’S GUIDE
If you’re a fan of musicals, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is coming to the Aldwych Theatre this month. The National Gallery and Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square are free, and the views from the Portrait restaurant are worth the cost of the (somewhat expensive) lunch. If you don’t want to splash out, we suggest My Place in Berwick Street. Ask for Tony and tell him that best sent you (myplacesoho. com). Don’t forget to head to Chinatown in and around Wardour Street, and the Japan Centre situated on Panton Street ( japancentre.com/en).
DON’T MISS
Why not rent a deckchair in St James’s Park, enjoy a cup of tea at Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly, or join a summer tour of Buckingham Palace?
FOOD AND DRINK
Have you ever eaten Peruvian or Mexican tapas? Well, the Leicester Square Kitchen at the Hampshire Hotel in Leicester Square is the place to try both! These spicy mini dishes are delicious and include garlic steak bites, creamy corn on the cob and deep-fried chilli prawns. And don’t pass on dessert! Try turrón de hielo (frozen yoghurt with sesames and berries) or esfera de chocolate (warm caramelised doughnuts). We had both, and they were delicious! ( leicestersquarekitchen.co.uk)
STAYING THERE
The rooms at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire are a haven of calm in the heart of this bustling Square. And if you plan your stay correctly, you may even catch a film premiere from your bedroom window. The best seat in the house! Doubles start from £225 per room, per night (radissonblu-edwardian.com). Find up-to-date events information on Twitter @londonwestend
TRY… YOU COULD ALSO
CITADINES HOTEL Just two minutes’ walk from Holborn Underground Station, this hotel is nestled in the heart of London. Covent Garden and Leicester Square are easily accessible (just a 10-minute walk) and a stone’s throw from Soho and the West End. The hotel is made up of apartments fitted with fully equipped kitchenettes, meaning you can cook at ease and save money not having to eat out. Our room had a special handheld device to help plan your stay, with local info, maps and access to vouchers. Hot drinks are available 24 hours a day in the lobby, and for £12 you can enjoy a continental breakfast (kids under 6 eat for free). Prices start from £170 inc VAT in April, and £188 inc VAT in May (citadines.com).
You may even catch a film premiere from your bedroom window