We recently had the pleasure of spending a couple of days in London, and there’s no better time to visit the city than during the festive season. The atmosphere in London is always magical this time of year, buzzing with the anticipation of Christmas and sparkling with twinkling lights. Our trip was a whirlwind of activity, perfectly planned to take in the best of the city’s holiday charm.

A Smooth Journey to the Heart of London

Our adventure began with a delightful train journey from Norwich to London Liverpool Street, courtesy of Greater Anglia. We travelled on one of their brand-new trains, which was spotless, comfortable, and ran perfectly on schedule. The staff were polite and attentive, making the trip both relaxing and enjoyable. Upon arriving in the city, we took a short walk to our first destination—a delicious lunch at Smiths of Smithfield.

Smithfield is renowned for its historic meat market, which has been a staple of the area for over 800 years. It remains one of the largest wholesale meat markets in Europe, and the surrounding neighbourhood is full of character, blending old London charm with a vibrant, modern dining scene. “Smiths of Smithfield” is a landmark restaurant, known for its hearty British cuisine and relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect start to our festive visit.

A Cozy Stay at Premier Inn Aldgate

After lunch, we made our way to the Premier Inn Aldgate, where we had booked a Premier Plus room. This was an ideal choice—located conveniently near a tube station, it offered easy access to all our planned activities. The room was immaculately clean, and the bed was incredibly comfortable, ensuring we got a good night’s sleep after our busy days. Just a short walk from the hotel is the stimulating Van Gogh Exhibition. Well worth a trip taking around 90 minutes, the experience is both immersive and enlightening.

An Unforgettable Evening of Cabaret

Our first night in London was dedicated to theatre, and we were in for a treat. We headed to the KitKat Club to see Cabaret, a dazzling production that has swept the awards, winning 7 Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival. True to its promise, the show invited us to “leave our troubles outside.” We dined by the stage, sipping Moët champagne, as we were transported into the world of the 1930s Berlin cabaret scene. The performance was intimate and electrifying, with incredible music, stunning costumes, and unforgettable acting. It’s no wonder that these are the hottest tickets in town right now!

A Day of Christmas Cheer at Fortnum & Mason

The next day, we embraced the holiday spirit with a visit to the legendary Fortnum & Mason for lunch and some Christmas shopping. Fortnum’s is a London institution, famous for its luxury food and gifts, and during the festive season, it transforms into a winter wonderland.

From stunning Christmas decorations to unique gifts, they truly capture the magic of the season. We treated ourselves to a decadent Knickerbocker Glory and a delicious Croque Monsieur at The Parlour, a delightful way to refuel amidst our shopping.

West End Lights and Laughter at Fawlty Towers

As the evening set in, we took a stroll to admire the dazzling Christmas lights of the West End—a true highlight of any festive visit to London. The twinkling lights, themed displays, and bustling crowds made for a magical walk through the city’s heart. We then made our way to the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue for a classic dose of comedy with Fawlty Towers. John Cleese has recreated the beloved TV show on stage, and the result is a night of laughter and nostalgia. The show captures all the best scenes from the original twelve episodes, with fantastic performances that bring the quirky characters to life. It was a wonderfully funny evening, reminding us why Fawlty Towers remains a comedy classic.

Ending on a High Note with a Brick Lane Curry

After the theatre, we wrapped up our festive fun with a delicious curry on Brick Lane, a street famous for its vibrant South Asian cuisine. Sharing a meal with friends was the perfect way to end our trip, enjoying a warm, flavorful dinner amid the lively atmosphere of this iconic London neighborhood.

Final Thoughts

Our festive trip to London was a perfect blend of culture, theatre, shopping, and dining, all wrapped in the warm glow of Christmas cheer. From the historic charm of Smithfield to the luxury of Fortnum & Mason, and the dazzling West End lights to the laughs at the Apollo Theatre, London truly knows how to celebrate the season. If you’re looking for a festive getaway, there’s no better place to soak in the magic of Christmas than in the heart of London.