TRAVEL : A 24 hours Eating and Drinking in London with Lumo Travel
We headed to London for a ‘date night’ or 24 hours of eating and drinking which is probably the more true statement! I do love to fly but catching the train from Edinburgh to London is so much more convenient and with Lumo providing this service it is now cheaper than ever to visit London for the price of a night out in Glasgow!
Lumo train travel is an exceptional way to experience both comfort and convenience whilst travelling along the East Coast line from Edinburgh to London. Lumo is a fully electronic train and can whisk you from Edinburgh City Centre to London City Centre in just over 4 hours! It has 3 stops inbetween - Morpeth, Newcastle and Stevenage.
Fares are much cheaper than any other trainline and you can purchase tickets for as little as £30 one way. As I write this, there are tickets available on Lumo website for £34.90 one way, which is a steal!
24 HOURS OF EATING AND DRINKING IN LONDON WITH LUMO TRAVEL
My HOT TIP for the Edinburgh to London journey is to book a seat on the LEFT HAND SIDE. You’ll get to see the best coastal views that really make this trip worth taking during day light.
Lumo trains have comfortable seats, a fold down table and plug and USB ports for changing. There are some table seats but mostly sets of two seats on either side of the aisle. There is a snack cart which will provide hot drinks, cold drinks, biscuits and crisps but no other food - so do buy something to eat at the station before you depart.
I have to comment on the Lumo train staff - they are fantastic. Super friendly, very helpful and really work wonders on packing everyone’s luggage into the overhead racks or the coach holding racks. Their ability to play jenga has to be acknowledged and commended. Lumo do have severe restrictions on luggage ie no golf bags and you will be made to disembark and book yourself onto another train line that will allow larger, bulkier luggage!
With great wi-fi connectivity and attentive service from the dedicated staff, the Lumo train guarantees a seamless and enjoyable journey from start to finish.
London, the captivating metropolis of the United Kingdom, has long been a magnet for travellers seeking a heady blend of history, culture, and innovation. With its iconic landmarks such as the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and the majestic Big Ben, the city effortlessly weaves together centuries-old heritage with modernity.
As you stroll through the bustling streets, you'll encounter an incredible array of world-class museums, diverse culinary offerings, and vibrant neighbourhoods brimming with art, music, and theatre.
From the red lanterns of China Town to the bustling upmarket shopping area of Mayfair, London offers an unparalleled tapestry of experiences. Whether exploring the historical marvels of the British Museum or indulging in a traditional afternoon tea, London never fails to captivate visitors with its unique charm and relentless energy.
London is a gastronomic paradise that caters to every culinary craving. From traditional English fare to international delicacies, the city offers an incredible array of dining options. Explore the vibrant street food markets, such as Borough Market or Camden Market, or savour global street food flavours at Itsu (read my review HERE) or tuck into Gordon Ramsays pizzas (read my review HERE).
Don't forget to indulge in classic afternoon tea, experiencing the elegance of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and a selection of tantalizing pastries - try Rubens at the Palace (read my review HERE).
With an abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants and innovative eateries, London truly satisfies the palate of every food lover - try Masalchi by Atul Kochhar (read my review HERE) or Sticky Mango (read my review HERE)
When it comes to hotels in London, the city offers a plethora of options to suit every traveller's taste and budget. From luxury five-star establishments with breathtaking views of the River Thames to cozy and budget-friendly boutique hotels nestled in charming neighbourhoods, London has it all.
The city boasts an impressive array of historic hotels, where guests can step back in time and experience the elegance and grandeur of centuries past. Moreover, London's hotel scene is constantly evolving, with new properties popping up in trendy areas such as Shoreditch and Camden, offering stylish accommodations with a contemporary flair.
We stayed at London’s greenest hotel - The Corner, London City. Read my review HERE
The Corner London City Hotel is located in Whitechapel, which was a distance away from all the places we were dining at. But in London, distance really isn’t a problem with the London Underground, affectionately known as the Tube, weaving its way through diverse neighbourhoods, allowing you to hop from the eclectic Whitechapel to the dazzling lights of Piccadilly Circus with effortless ease.
However, to our surprise we found that taxi’s were the easiest way to get around London, costing only a few pounds more than the price for 2 people on the underground. I recommend using Bolt or Uber - you can download their apps with ease.
Two must stops on our 24 hours in London where a nightcap at Milroys and Harrods Food and Drink Emporium to browse and make a purchase or two from their whisky shop.
Milroy's Bar and Shop is nestled amidst the vibrant streets of London, an absolute haven for whisky aficionados and discerning libation enthusiasts alike. Stepping into this hidden gem is like entering a time capsule, where the charm of a bygone era melds seamlessly with a modern whisky haven. The shelves are adorned with an impressive array of whisky bottles from every corner of the UK, each one promising a journey of flavour and craftsmanship. As you settle into the cosy ambiance, Thom Smythe and his team will guide you through a curated selection of whiskies, with their passion and knowledge enhancing the entire experience. Milroys also have a secret speak-easy. Ask on the way on. Slainte!
We took the 1130am train from Edinburgh to London, arriving in London 330pm-345pm. We took the tube to our hotel, booked in, a quick freshen up and change then headed out to dinner.
We caught a taxi to Americana Restaurant near Piccadilly Circus and the West End. An American Diner feel with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and a menu filled with some American Soul greats like Ribs, Burgers and Prawn Cocktails. Read my review HERE
After breakfast, we headed back across town this time to Mayfair. Browsed the shops, ate some posh chocolate, enjoyed an iced coffee and then it was time for lunch.
Kanishka by Atul Kochhar is simply stunning. I have dined at 2 of Chef Atul’s restaurants before and they are fabulous. The Signature Chicken Tikka Pie is a must. Read my full review HERE
With a very full belly and a head full of bubbles we headed to Harrods for a little cool air (London’s temperature was around 34 degrees) but also to look at the whiskies on offer. Purchases made, we wandered around, found some incredible massive strawberries, ogled at the amazing array of fruit and vegetables street vendors, another iced coffee or two and then the journey over to Fitzrovia for dinner at Kibako.
Kibako is a new contemporary Japanese restaurant based in Fitzrovia’s Windmill Street. Chef Padam Raj Rai, a highly skilled sushi chef with over 21 years of experience, leads the kitchen at Kibako London. Chef Padam trained as a sushi chef in Osaka, Japan before working at some of London’s best loved restaurants, including including Tsukiji Sushi at the Westbury Hotel, Nobu and Sake No Hana. In 2018, he joined the Hot Stone group as Executive Chef and Co-Owner of their first restaurant, Hot Stone.
Kibako was incredible and one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a while. Read my review HERE
We dined at Kibako early, the 530pm slot so that we could catch the 8pm train home to Edinburgh.
You could of course extend your stay and head to the Skuna Hot Tub Boat Experience along the Thames. Their last slot is 8pm and you can enjoy around a 70min float along the river in hot tub! As well as floating hot tubs, they also have BBQ boats too. (photos of the Skuna experiences are taken from their Skuna Facebook page)
They look so much fun and I am gutted that we had to cancel our experience.
When you’re thinking of something a little different for a date night, why not hop on the Lumo train to London and treat your loved one!
London has never been so accessible!
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1
1130am - Lumo Train, Edinburgh Waverley
345pm - arrive in London Kings Cross
5pm - check in at The Corner London City
6pm - dinner at Americana
8pm - nightcap at Milroys
10pm - back at hotel
Day 2
9am - hotel breakfast
12pm - lunch at Kanishka
530pm - dinner at Kibako
8pm - train back to Edinburgh
Thank you to Lumo Travel, The Corner London City, Americana, Kibako and Kanishka for a wonderful 24 hours in London!