I'm off to London

In a previous thread, I mentioned a trip my brother and I have planned to hike the length of Hadrian's Wall in Northern England (Northumberland and Cumbria). It turns out that I'll have a few days in London afterwards"”the evening of May 3rd to the morning of May 6th. This is my first trip ever to London.

I have two full days to work with (Monday and Tuesday). One day will be museum day. Bare minimum, I have the National Gallery (if only to see the Arnolfini Wedding) and the Tate Modern on the agenda. May also try to hit the British Museum, but that may be too ambitious.

Second day will be shopping day. Nothing bespoke as I have neither the time nor the resources. Here's what I have so far:

James Smith for a solid stick umbrella
Turnbull & Asser for a tie
Truefitt and Hill for shaving stuff
Regent Street to look at fabrics

What else am I missing? Food, I have covered"”large number of vegetarian restaurants throughout the city. I'll certainly need to bring back gifts for my wife and daughter (age 9). Anything you might recommend?

Sounds like a great trip! I miss London! If you have time try checking out the Design Museum on Shad Thames. It's really a cool little museum.

Originally Posted by PandArts

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Sounds like a great trip! I miss London! If you have time try checking out the Design Museum on Shad Thames. It's really a cool little museum.

Checked out the website. It's an interesting looking place. May have to add it to the itinerary.

James Smith & Sons would tie in very nicely with a visit to the British Museum as they are about 2 minutes walk door to door.

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

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Checked out the website. It's an interesting looking place. May have to add it to the itinerary.


I loved it! When I was there the had an exhibition on the design of Apple from beginning to present day. It's well worth the trip.

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

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James Smith for a solid stick umbrella
Turnbull & Asser for a tie
Truefitt and Hill for shaving stuff
Regent Street to look at fabrics


EG or JL or C&J for a pair of shoes.....

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

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James Smith for a solid stick umbrella

Is there an option f being fitted for an umbrella? Just out of interest

IMO and depending on your interests, I would pick British Museum over the Tate Modern, they just have collections of stuff in there that you can't find anywhere else on the planet, literally. If you're strapped for time, just do the Parthenon exhibit.

Oh and go to Geo. F Trumpers for a shave!

Originally Posted by StephenStyle

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Is there an option f being fitted for an umbrella? Just out of interest

As I understand, they'll cut the umbrella as appropriate for your height. So, yes.

Oh, also, don't miss the Indian food.

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

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As I understand, they'll cut the umbrella as appropriate for your height. So, yes.

Thought so. I'd be interested to know the price difference between being fitted for an umbrella and just buying one from the rack.

Sounds like a great trip, as long as you are fully prepared for rain! Early May along the wall can be beautiful, bucketing rain and anything in between, often on the same day.

I think your museum agenda is quite ambitious. You can easily spend a full day and more in either the Tate Modern, the National Gallery or the British Museum. I can't imagine trying to do all three in one day!

As you're already going to Jermyn Street for T&A, drop in at Harvey & Hudson. Their shirts are unbeatable at their price point -- 3 for 90 pounds, IIRC. They have two locations on Jermyn Street but one of them is much bigger and has many more shirts in stock. I will also tip you off to a great place for an afternoon coffee/snack. There's a Waterstones on Jermyn Street. When you go in, there will be a sign for Costa Coffee in the basement. Ignore it and go all the way to the top floor. There's a cafe up there which is both quite reasonable and has outstanding views of London. (There are also quite nice public restrooms on the landing half a floor down -- a precious commodity in London.) I'm not sure this is actually a secret as I believe this is Waterstone's main store, but I've never seen a crowd in the cafe, which I find surprising.

You might even consider visiting Jermyn Street after visiting the National Gallery as it's just around the corner. I believe most of the Jermyn Street shops close at 5:30.

Go to a Spurs match!! COYS!!

Originally Posted by jimmyoneill

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James Smith & Sons would tie in very nicely with a visit to the British Museum as they are about 2 minutes walk door to door.

I was going to say the same thing. When I got mine, the store needed a little time to cut the stick to size and package it, so I wandered around the museum for a bit. Have them box it up for you to take on the plane. That was a big help.

If you're over on the other side of the river by the Tate Modern, I recommend wandering over to Borough Market about a 15 minute walk away. I know you said that you have food covered, but I really enjoy walking through there. I like the restaurant Roast, which overlooks the market.