Hyde Park, London
I'm going to London for work, never been before and am traveling alone. Anyone know where I can eat a nice cheap lunch and a moderately priced dinner. There is a restaurant in my hotel, but I don't want to sit alone at a stuffy hotel restaurant.
Also, does anyone know of any grocery stores around Hyde Park where I could buy some snacks and drinks, hotel does not have a shop.
Thanks for any suggestions.
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7 Comments:
What side of the park will you be on? If you're on the Kensington side, Kensington High Street offers a lot of choices, including a brand new (and really expensive) Whole Foods.
Wagamama is a good choice for lunch/dinner - many branches around central London. My favorite is the one in Covent Garden where there are tables for single diners where you look out at the room, rather than at a post (as many of the other branches force one to do).
I always visit the Sainsbury's on Gloucester Road - in fact, there's a Waitrose supermarket right on top of the Gloucester Road Tube station - both good choices for snacks, etc. The Sainsbury's in question is about a 5 minute walk from the station, and is open 24 hours (or it used to be).
Bakerloo Line at 10:29AM on 04/16/08
Not sure what side I am on, if it helps on staying on Lancaster Gate.
allakarasik at 11:37AM on 04/16/08
I'll think you'll find hotel restaurants not at all stuffy these days.
Barbara Hanson at 11:49AM on 04/16/08
There are several Chinese places on Queensway, which is quite close to where you'll be staying (for dim sum, try Royal China. I used to like Mandarin Kitchen, and as far as I remember, they're relatively inexpensive).
brooke29 at 12:52PM on 04/16/08
There's a small grocery store on Queensway near the tube stop, but if you go a bit further down, you'll see a large shopping mall called Whiteley's. Inside on the ground floor is a Marks and Spencer, which is precisely what you are looking for. They sell reasonably priced (for London) groceries, including a large variety of cheeses, but they also have an extensive selection of ready-meals you can take away to eat as is or to heat, if you are able.
Mandarin Kitchen is awesome for roast duck. Note the crowds of people trying to get in.
There is also an indoor market (not for veg, for stuff) closer to the park. There's a kebab shop at the front that does a decent couscous.
I envy your London trip.
renzata at 1:06PM on 04/16/08
Thank you all for the suggestions, I will only be in London for 4 days, I think you have supplied me with enough places to eat. I tried searching some UK websites but wasn't having any luck with local shops or restaurants. Frommers suggested Gordon Ramsey's restaurant, and though I know it would likely be very good, I don' think my bosses will be pleased with me if I expense a solo dinner at Ramsey's place, lol.
Thank you all, wish me luck!
allakarasik at 9:02PM on 04/16/08
Fwiw, Ramsay has taken ownership of several pubs around London, including one of my old locals (Warrington in Maida Vale).
Also, if you're caught out and hungry, there are several high-quality sandwich chains in London, like Pret a Manger and EAT. Organic ingredients, excellent soups, good coffees, and mercifully priced. Avoid Benjys.
renzata at 9:24PM on 04/16/08