Got the girl’s coming up for an action-packed weekend trip in London? Then look no further, as we’ve created the ultimate guide on what to do, where to go and what to see during your girl’s getaway in the capital city.
Think prosecco-fuelled brunches, elegant afternoon teas, world-class shopping and a little bit of culture thrown into the mix. To top it all off, perhaps a soul-soothing afternoon at a top spa hotel in London is in order too…why not treat yourself?
Whatever the vibe you’re going for, we’ve got you covered…
Boozy Brunch…
You’ve arrived in London ready to kickstart your girly weekend, and what better way to do that than with a boozy brunch at an ultra-chic hotel. At the Montcalm Royal London House (a sister hotel of The Montcalm Marble Arch), the Aviary restaurant and rooftop bar serves a delicious weekend brunch paired with fabulous views of the city skyline, making it the ideal spot for those precious insta snaps.
Tuck in to a brunch of mouth-watering buttermilk pancakes with berries, vanilla and yoghurt, or for lovers of all things savoury, the smoked haddock with creamed spinach and eggs, and wash it all down with a delicious cocktail of your choice. Ours will be the Peacock Fizz, a delectable and zesty cocktail comprising Chase Rhubarb Vodka, grapefruit and rhubarb cordial, peach and Dopff Crement, making that view all the more sweet.
Yum!
Shopping in Shoreditch…
Once you’re suitably pepped up, hop in an Uber from Marble Arch to Shoreditch for a spot of retail therapy.
Just 4 miles away from the hotel Montcalm London, it’s one of London’s most vibrant areas. Browse all manner of interior stores, trendy fashion and jewellery, as well as quirky gift shops along Shoreditch High Street and Redchurch Street, before making your way to Old Spitalfields Market.
On a Saturday this buzzy market sells everything from clothing to books, vintage accessories, handmade crafts and food, so there’s ample opportunity to flex that Amex. What’s more, the market is fringed by brow and nail bars – so you and the girls can treat yourselves to a fresh mani ahead of your night out. An ideal way to while away an afternoon if you ask us…
Afternoon Tea…
If you’re in need of a little mid-afternoon pick me up, you really shouldn’t miss the quintessentially London experience of afternoon tea. There are plenty of great spots around the city for the traditional experience – think delicate homemade pastries, salmon and cucumber finger sandwiches, paired with English breakfast tea or a glass of Fizz.
If you’re staying at The Montcalm Marble Arch, you won’t have to venture far for afternoon tea, either with champagne or without, accompanied by delicious cakes and much more. The perfect way to indulge.
Cocktails, Dinner & Dancing…
Once you’ve had chance to relax in your hotel for a couple hours, perhaps unwinding in a hot bath with a glass of wine, you’ll no doubt be ready to start thinking about dinner.
At Montcalm London, you’ve got three great options for food – The Crescent Restaurnt & Lounge, Hankies and Nirvana Bar. In each case, you’ll find exception service, tasty good, and bubbly drinks that the whole group is sure to enjoy.
After dinner, don your glad rags and head out for (more) drinks and dancing around Old Street, where you’ll find numerous hip cocktail bars, pubs and games bars – even a competitive ping pong themed bar. What’s more, some of London’s most renowned clubs like XOYO and Aquarium are in the area, so if you fancy it, you and the girls can dance with abandon until the early hours.
Sunday
Breakfast and a visit to the Barbican Conservatory
We can’t promise you’ll wake up feeling fresh after the previous day’s activities, but what better way to cure it than to set yourself up for the day with a delicious breakfast of eggs and bacon at the hotel’s delicious buffet breakfast before blowing away the cobwebs with a brisk walk.
For something you can’t find in every other city, we’d recommend a visit to the Barbican’s beautiful conservatory, home to over 2,000 tropical plants and trees as well as exotic fish. A fusion of earthy, lush smells and colourful sights, with the possibility of a guided tour too, this oasis in the city is free and well worth a visit.
South bank and the Tate Modern
It’d be remiss of us not to include some of the city’s best spots for culture vultures during a weekend trip in London, and the Tate Modern is undoubtedly one of the best spots.
If the weather’s nice, take the tube to Waterloo and start with a stroll along pretty South bank, a riverside walk packed with theatres, galleries, street performers, live music and more. Once inside Tate Modern, you’re sure to be blown away by its extensive collection of contemporary art from the likes of Picasso, Barbara Hepworth, Yayoi Kusama and more, while the views of St Pauls and the Thames from the on-site cafe are picture perfect. The collection here is always growing while the temporary exhibitions tend to be real blockbusters, so even if you’ve been before, there’ll be something new to see.
An afternoon at the Spa
After all that exploring, you’ll no doubt want to kick back and relax with the girls, transporting mind, body and soul to a far more tranquil space.
If you haven’t already looked into spa deals London then you’re missing out…A lazy afternoon at the Montcalm spa hotel in London should no doubt help you re-balance the equilibrium – complete with four treatment rooms, a fitness room, a steam room, sauna and spa pool – so you and the girls can relax and unwind at your leisure. With an extensive menu of body, face and massage rituals, it would be rude not to treat yourself!
Try the luxurious Polynesian spa ritual and feel the stresses and strains of everyday life melt away as one of the highly-trained therapists massage away any underlying tension, allowing you to emerge feeling rested and revived.
