Right here at City & Nation, we’re creatures of behavior—particularly in relation to nights on the theater. In New York Metropolis, it is a burger at Joe Allen earlier than a present. In London, a seafood platter and fries at J. Sheekey forward of a curtain is nearly at all times the transfer. However there’s one thing to be stated for breaking with custom, particularly, it seems, in relation to London’s West Finish.

Whereas the identify of the neighborhood has turn out to be synonymous with theater—and for good purpose, there are dozens within the space—there’s rather more to it than simply performs and musicals. There are eating places, certain, but in addition world-class lodges, high-end buying, eating, nightlife, and rather more. Lately, T&C tried to work in as a lot as doable in a single day to see simply how rather more than theater counts as a West Finish expertise—and we have been as stunned as you may be.

8AM

Get up on the Resort Café Royal off Regent Avenue, the place Oscar Wilde and David Bowie each stayed. We love room service breakfast—boiled eggs and toast troopers, please!—however you’re only a brief stroll from the Wolseley, so make the trek for those who can. For those who’re sensible, you’ve got booked an appoint on the in-house Akasha Spa; we’re keen on the 90-minute Thai therapeutic massage as quickly as we examine in. There is no higher method to beat jet lag.

10AM

London’s Burlington Arcade, which is residence to high-end retailers and has its personal police power.

Ebook an early slot on the John Lobb atelier on St. James’s Avenue in your made-to-measure sneakers. (We’re keen on the Norwegian slipper.) Then stroll Bond Avenue and the Burlington Arcade—the posh buying vacation spot, open since 1819, which boasts outposts of Manolo Blahnik, Lauderee, Gagosian, and E. Marinella, amongst others, in addition to its personal police power—for a number of the finest buying on the town. Nonetheless feeling the urge to splurge? Hatchard’s, the oldest bookstore in London, is not far off; Fortnum & Mason’s four-story Picadilly vacation spot is among the world’s best locations to spend money and time; observe your nostril to Floris, which has bought scents to Winston Churchill and Marilyn Monroe; or amble over Princess Arcade—one other historic buying stretch—to attempt on London’s smartest sneakers at Grenson’s and seize a mid-morning espresso at Compane.

12PM

The facade of Selfridge’s, the legendary West Finish division retailer.

Head to Selfridge’s on Oxford Avenue, one in every of London’s go-to shops since 1909. Take a look at the merch—that is, in spite of everything, the birthplace of Paddington—however respect the historic constructing, too. Earlier than braving the bustle of Oxford Avenue, slide right into a sales space on the tranquil and stylish in-store eatery Brasserie of Mild, the place you’ll be able to go for one thing gentle (like, say, the oysters and Champagne) and benefit from the view from the outsized home windows.

2PM

Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans in Backstairs Billy.

One other brief stroll—previous W1 Curates, a public artwork platform on Oxford Avenue—and also you’re in your method to the Duke of York’s Theatre, the place Backstairs Billy, a brand new comedy in regards to the Queen Mom and her most colourful servant, starring Penelope Wilton and Luke Evans, is operating via January 24.

5:30 PM

Afternoon tea on the Ritz is offered at any of 5 seating occasions, seven days every week.

Afternoon tea, if carried out accurately, can even function an early dinner. And no place does it higher than the Ritz, the place visitors (in correct apparel, in fact) can get pleasure from tea, sandwiches, scones, pastries, and a number of the finest folks watching on the town. Select from 18 sorts of free leaf tea (or a drink; it’s after 5pm), and do not be shy about asking for refills on the sandwiches; cheddar cheese with chutney is our favourite.

7:30PM

Stranger Issues: The First Shadow is open now on the Phoenix Theatre.

Sandwiches scarfed and teacups drained, you’ll be able to stroll to the Phoenix Theatre, the place Stranger Issues: The First Shadow, starring T&C fave Patrick Vaill, brings the beginnings of the hit Netflix collection to the stage. One thing to remember about London theater: at interval (their phrase for intermission), it is conventional to purchase a cup of ice cream for a second-act sugar rush. Who’re we to argue?

10pm

Finish your day with cocktails at Swans Bar at Maison Assouline on Piccadilly.

You’ve earned some peace and quiet. Get pleasure from it at Swans Bar at Maison Assouline on Piccadilly, the place the cocktails are impressed by glamorous worldwide locations. Maybe a dry martini in honor of a really perfect day in London.

Adam Rathe is City & Nation‘s Deputy Options Director, protecting arts and tradition and a variety of different topics.