Charlie & Spencer
London Reception
South Bank Route
Covent garden/Big Ben/Parliament are nearby to the start of this route, as is Gordon's wine bar (right), so you might want to do it in reverse. Start at Embankment tube station, from here, cross over the river towards the London Eye, walk along the South Bank of the river, you'll pass the South Bank Centre, and then head towards the Tate Modern art museum. This is where Spence proposed! The Tate Modern is amazing and always has free exhibitions (check out the Turbine Hall). From the Tate Modern, cross Millennium Bridge (you can see Tower Bridge in the distance to the East) and walk to St Paul's Cathedral. This is quite a long walk, so you might want to break it up. It also joins up well with the East London and Barbican route if you are feeling very ambitious!
Gordon's Wine Bar
Oldest wine bar in London. Go inside, get a bottle and a cheese plate with all the trimmings!
East London and Barbican route
If visiting East London, start at Broadway Market, walk along Columbia Road (Flower Market is on Sunday), down to Brick Lane, and finish at the Barbican. The Barbican has a cool indoor garden and the Barbican Centre often has well curated art exhibitions.
Little Georgia
Very cozy and laid back. Great food. All of Broadway Market (up the street from here) has great food and bars. Market day is Saturday!
Exhibition Road route
Start at South Kensington tube station. Exhibition Road is home to the Natural History Museum, the V&A museum, Imperial College and the Royal Albert Hall. Imperial College is where Charlie did her PhD with Annie, Aina, Honor, Sophie, Weiyi and Sierra, who will be at the celebrations. Hyde Park is at the top of Exhibition Road, which leads to Green Park and then St James Park. There are pelicans! You can walk past Buckingham Palace towards the end of this route.
The Grapes
The Grapes is owned by Sir Ian McKellen a.k.a Gandalf! He runs the pub quiz on Monday evening. There are too many pubs to recommend, so let us know where you're staying and we can make some recommendations!
Hampstead Heath
Very beautiful park with a view over Central London. You could start at Camden Town and see the market. It's quite a touristy market, but fun. Then head to the serenity of the Heath and find a cozy pub. Hampstead Heath does have wild swimming ponds - mens, ladies and mixed ponds - though you would be VERY brave to swim in October. There are lots of places to swim outdoors in London, search for 'Lido', some of them are heated.
Brilliant Corners
Small capacity club in Dalston, East London, known for having one of the best sound systems in the world. They also do great sushi!