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There's more to Westminster than Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Galleries, lunchtime concerts and top-notch cafés are just waiting to be discovered. Here's how to spend a day in one of the most recognisable parts of London.
9am
Kick off the day with a hearty breakfast at The Regency Café. Famous with the Hollywood set (it was the location for Layer Cake in 2004), the café is also loved by locals for its no-nonsense atmosphere (proof is in the long queues at lunchtime). You won’t find chia seeds or quinoa here, but their English Breakfast is bound to set you up for the day.
10am
With a new spring in your step, wind through Westminster’s streets to Tate Britain by the river. Whether you take in a new exhibition or just wander through the galleries, the Tate is a fantastic way to spend an hour or two. It also happens to house the super Djanogly Café upstairs, with fresh pastries and baked goods served every day. Carrot cake anyone?
12pm
Just around the corner is St John’s Church, on Smiths Square. Pop over for one of their lunchtime concerts to snatch a moment of calm in the city. You’re in the heart of historic Westminster here; once you’ve finished, leave the square via Lord North Street, home to politicians and prime ministers of the past. Pick up a sandwich or two and head over to St James’s Park for a picnic by the lake. If you sit in the right place, you’ll get a cracking view of Buckingham Palace.
3pm
You can’t spend a day in Westminster without visiting the Churchill War Rooms, the bunker that kept Churchill and his government safe from the Blitz while they plotted their route to Allied success. Make sure you visit the map room, where nothing has been changed since victory was announced in 1945.
5pm
Right, that’s enough culture for one day, but definitely not enough cake. Sit yourself down for a proper afternoon tea at the Royal Quarter Café at Buckingham Gate. If you fancy making it slightly more saintly, try one of their freshly pressed green juices.
7pm
This area has its fair share of big theatres (Billy Elliot and Wicked certainly pull in the crowds), but check out the small ones too. Try St James Theatre which opened in 2012 on Palace Street and offers a great variety of fantastic new productions, often before they hit the West End.
Alternatively, opt for culinary theatre at The Cinnamon Club on Great Smith Street. It was converted from the historic Old Westminster Library in 2001 and you will be in awe of both the building and the cuisine. A favourite of both locals and MPs, the restaurant has a fantastic atmosphere and delicious, ever-evolving menus that combine traditional Indian cooking techniques with European influences. If you’re feeling brave, opt for the incredible eight-course tasting menu.
10pm
Time for a quick drink to round off the evening. Check out the Bassoon Bar at the Corinthia Hotel for one of their legendary cocktails – Whitehall Lady or Victorian Mojito?