We've been out and about exploring London again in recent weeks. Discover the team's highlights from February and plan your own London adventures this month with our guide to what's on in March.
Carole: Becoming immersed in climate negotiations with Kyoto
Given I’m studying for a Master’s in Climate Change, my friends couldn’t have given me a better Christmas present than tickets to Kyoto, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s groundbreaking new play. Watching the origins of UN climate talks unfold on stage – from their shaky beginnings to the tense make-or-break moments of the Kyoto summit – was really thought-provoking.
From the start, we were not just audience members, but delegates. We were told to take our seats not for a performance, but because the conference was about to begin. The stage buzzed with shifting alliances between countries, last-minute rewrites, and the weight of history in the making. Immersive and sharp, Kyoto pulled us right into the heart of the action, making us feel the urgency of those fighting for the planet’s future.
Charlotte: Seeing the light at St Paul’s Cathedral
After discovering St Paul’s Cathedral was set to host an immersive light show for one week only, I had to head down to the historic landmark to see this magnificent spectacle for myself.
On first entering the cathedral, I had no doubt that Luminous by Luxmuralis was going to be impressive. The combination of projections, music and grand architecture was unlike any light show I’d seen before, with artworks depicting the cathedral’s rich history, transforming the interior into a dazzling canvas. I was taken aback by the projections' intricate details throughout, from ancient scripts draping the cathedral’s arches to vibrant beams of light extending up inside the dome.
Make sure to keep an eye out for other takeovers by Luxmuralis in the capital, as they continue to tour the UK with their spectacular installations. In the meantime, book tickets to visit St Paul’s Cathedral.
Georgie: Mixing London shows with a seaside staycation
After seeing the new stage adaptation of the hit ‘90s film Clueless (stay tuned for my review on the Visit London blog), I was thrilled to snag tickets to see A Streetcar Named Desire in its limited three-week run at the Noël Coward Theatre. The cast – including Olivier-winning, Hollywood heartthrob Paul Mescal – created a truly gripping and powerful depiction of Tennessee Williams’s 1940s classic.
Then, I escaped the city for a seaside staycation in Brighton. Admittedly, the weather wasn’t great, but there’s something deliciously refreshing about a blustery coastal retreat less than 90 minutes from London. The highlights? An exceptionally good vegetable samosa at Dishoom’s Permit Room, natural wine at Plateau and flaky pastries at The Flour Pot Bakery.
Plan your own Brighton adventure with these Brighton day trip ideas from London.
Sigrun: Enjoying Ethiopian eats in Elephant and Castle
Elephant and Castle has plenty of great eateries – among them is my favourite Ethiopian restaurant in London: Beza (8A Sayer Street). It’s very close to the train station and its rustic decor allows for a cosy, homely atmosphere. I love introducing friends to the cuisine… especially the choice of savoury toppings, such as stewed lentils, spinach and string beans, on a gigantic sourdough pancake called injera.
So, I gathered some friends together and we went for the injera platter, which comes in at £19 per person. You can order rice instead if you’re not a fan of the slightly sour-tasting pancake-like bread, but we went with the traditional option, which comes with little spice trays on the side that have quite the kick to them – be careful with the red one! I also tried the spiced tea for the first time and was surprised at all the different flavours. Next time I’ll be sure to leave some space for the chocolate cake…
Discover more tasty treats at these African restaurants in London.
Kirstine: Taking gaming to new levels in Platform
This month’s highlight has to be Platform (2b Worship Street) in Shoreditch. Nestled in one of London’s most vibrant areas, this console and computer gaming bar offers everything from Street Fighter and FIFA to the crowd-pleasing Mario Kart, making it a must-visit for gaming fans. We enjoyed a semi-private booth with comfy sofas, a massive screen and game-themed cocktails (I went for the Rainbow Road!). If, like me, you love getting a bit competitive, it’s the perfect spot for a different and fun night out in London.
Find more activity bars in London.
Lucie: Finding pie paradise at The Pelican
Having visited Notting Hill institution The Pelican (45 All Saints Road) for crisp al fresco pints during the summer and huddled around the buzzy bar for mulled wine in December, we were smug to finally be sitting at our very own dining table as the waiter gracefully inscribed each of the daily specials onto our paper menu – each option more tempting than the last.
The highlights? Delicate battered cod cheeks with a punchy curry mayo, root crisps sprinkled over a pile of roasted Jerusalem artichokes with a generous lashing of olive oil. And the pie. My gosh, the pie. A rich and buttery pastry filled with sharp Wigmore cheese cut through with a comforting pumpkin puree. Delightful.
After months of waiting, it lived up to every expectation. So, if you’re looking for a proper hearty pub lunch with a bit more than what you’ll find at your average gastropub, book a table here!
Find more gastropubs in London.
Hannah: Filling up on flowers and fry-ups
I enjoyed a wholesome Sunday with friends wandering through Columbia Road Flower Market having a look at all the beautiful flowers and plants on display (the tulips were my favourite). Having worked up an appetite, we then headed to The Breakfast Club Hoxton for brunch, where I enjoyed The Greasy Spoon (crispy bacon, sausages, hash browns, beans, toast and eggs your way).
Looking for more tasty breakfast spots? Don’t forget to take a look at the best English breakfasts in London, compiled by yours truly!
Jonny: Polishing off Polish fare at Daquise
I returned to one of my all-time favourite London restaurants this month for something hearty to take the edge off the winter chill. Daquise (20 Thurloe Street) has been tucked away next to South Kensington Underground Station since 1947, making it London’s oldest Polish restaurant. Its decor remains traditional and elegant, and it serves up generous portions of classics such as dumplings, borscht and goulash, alongside lesser-known dishes.
I plumped for the delicately spiced kaszanka (black pudding) to start, followed with my go-to breaded pork chop which is flattened to the width of glossy magazine, coated in glorious golden breadcrumbs, crisped in butter, and served with a dill-spiked mash – classy comfort food at its best, not to mention one of my favourite dishes in London. I couldn’t turn down the offer of a vodka digestif at this friendly spot... only to keep the chill at bay on the journey home, of course.
Find your next favourite London restaurant.
Learn more about our team and stay tuned for our highlights from March this time next month.