The ultimate day out in the West End with 116 Pall Mall
Let’s get going..
Ok, so it would be virtually impossible to squeeze everything we love about this area into one day, but let’s start with 116 Pall Mall as our base. There are so many incredible buildings, exhibitions, parks and cafes to visit, but first – we need to get here! Whether you reach us by travelling by London Underground to Green Park and walking through not one but two beautiful parks (Green Park and St James’ Park – look out for the pelicans!) and along The Mall, or by train to Charing Cross and strolling through Trafalgar Square and resisting the urge to cool off in the fountains, there’s something to see from every angle.
No good adventure can start on an empty stomach, so why not head to Café Duke at 116 Pall Mall when you arrive for breakfast and then head up to our beautiful terrace for a refreshing iced coffee, fresh juice or – depending what time it is – a mocktail? Our welcoming garden is the perfect place to plan your day and get a sense of your surroundings.
Ready, Steady..
Off we go! With so much art on our doorstep it would be crazy not to take advantage of it! Whether you’re visiting the National Portrait Gallery for the classics, the Mall Galleries or La Galleria right across the road from us, there’s something for everyone with a passion for art. (Be sure to double check these galleries’ opening times and dates before you set off, as some restrictions may still be in place in certain venues.)
Lunchtime! While we’d love to have you back at 116 Pall Mall for lunch, there are so many great food options near us that it wouldn’t be fair for us not to share! Check out the food market on Rupert Street from Street Food Union – nestled between theatres on a cobbled street, the market has everything from jerk chicken to Yorkshire pudding wraps, via confit duck, Thai green curry, burgers and more!
If you’ve already enjoyed St James’ Park or Green Park on your commute in, why not take your food market goodies down to St James’s Square for lunch – a real hidden gem with beautifully landscaped flower beds surrounded by the impressive Georgian architecture of this area. With Soho Square and Golden Square also a short stroll, there’s a surprising amount of green space hidden amongst the beautiful architecture!
Retail (and regal!) Therapy
It’s hard to visit central London without being lured in by the shops – from the big hitters on Oxford Street and Carnaby Street to hidden gems tucked away on side streets in Soho, you can lose yourself for hours window shopping or picking up those summer essentials. And with the famous billboards in Piccadilly Circus ever-changing, you’ll have a new experience each time you visit over the coming months.
If shopping isn’t for you, why not tick a visit to Buckingham Palace off your bucket list? Head back to 116 Pall Mall and follow Waterloo Place past the Edward VII Memorial Statue, then take the iconic steps down past the Duke of York Column onto The Mall. From there, take in the park, flags and postcard perfect walk to the Palace and wave to the Queen. And if you’d like a break from all the walking you’ve done so far today – there are Santander Cycles (Boris Bikes to you and me!) stations near 116 Pall Mall that you can rent by the minute or hour.
Into the evening..
The best thing about summer nights is how much longer it stays light – but it also means we have to wait much longer for those gorgeous city sunsets. Thankfully golden hour comes sooner, so why not enjoy the changing light with a stroll along the river – the South Bank is bustling with performers, shops and bars, but can get very busy, so why not pick a bench along the North Bank and enjoy a bit of peace and quiet, taking in the sights of Big Ben, the London Eye and the river..
While we still can’t take in a show in the West End for a couple more weeks, the area itself is enough entertainment to keep you singing and dancing long into the night! Whether you’re taking in the sights and sounds (and delicious smells!) of China Town and it’s lanterns, or exploring deep into Soho’s art and music scene, why not stop off back at 116 Pall Mall for one last glass of Fitz Sparkling Wine in our wine bar before slipping into the night to catch your train home..
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EVENT SPACE FOR HIRE AT 116 PALL MALL
116 Pall Mall, a historic, Grade-1 listed Georgian masterpiece in the heart of London can be hired as a venue for any kind of event, from weddings to conferences, launch parties to fashion shows.
Make an enquiry to find out more information, including arranging a personal tour of 116 Pall Mall.