London for The Slow Weekenders: a Friday-to-Monday weekend
Two thousand years in layers, and a pint in every one.
The weekend as rest. A hotel worth staying in, a hammam or a thermal bath, one unhurried sight each day, lunches that run into the afternoon, and early nights.
Friday: Steam and an early supper
- Porchester Spa
A 1925 public baths with steam rooms, a hot pool and an old-fashioned feel; book a two-hour session and take your own flip-flops.
- The Churchill Arms
A flower-draped Victorian pub with a back room serving good Thai curries; it is a short bus ride from the spa and you are in bed by ten.
Saturday: Kew and a proper tea
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
A huge garden with the Palm House and a Victorian glasshouse, a slow place to spend a morning.
- The Original Maids of Honour
A Tudor-style tearoom selling the almond custard tarts that Henry VIII supposedly loved; sit down for tea and a scone.
- Richmond Riverside
A pleasant walk along the Thames lined with pubs and boat hire; stop on a bench for the view and the swans.
Sunday: A concert and a grand lunch
- Wigmore Hall Sunday morning concert
An intimate hall with great acoustics; the Sunday morning concert comes with coffee and a biscuit.
- The Wolseley
A grand Viennese-style cafe in an old car showroom; lunch here is unhurried, with schnitzel and a good strudel.
- St James's Park
A lake, pelicans and the best view of Buckingham Palace; take a deckchair and watch the light change.
Monday: Canal and a pub lunch
- Little Venice
A quiet junction of canals lined with painted narrowboats; walk the towpath, then sit by the water with a coffee.
- The Waterway
A canal-side pub with a sunny terrace and an easygoing menu; a good last lunch before the flight.