15 replies to this topic

[Bawbag]

Being new to the area we're a bit daunted by the thought of hopping on the Met into London for a few drinks. There are obviously many stops and I doubt that all of them would make for a pleasant evening! We're mid-thirties (just, in my case) so looking for an eclectic mix of pubs, bars & restaurants within easy striking distance of a tube stop.

Where's best for a quick dinner/few drinks without a) breaking the bank, riding right into the middle of the city or c) getting mugged.

Dubstep nights are out, anything else fairly civilised considered!

[jkracing]

The place im going to suggest doesnt really fit the criteria in that it does break the bank if you opt for certain things, but for me the best best thing about going out into London into Amersham is hoping on the Chiltern Line and only a few minutes later and a very very short walk from the station there is my fav hotel, The Landmark, nice bar, top food, amazing amazing atmosphere, so unique, the indoor palm trees look amazing. You wont any rubbish people in there. Afternoon tea is £35 each for the basic but you do get alot. Im sure everyone else will agree with me.

[PeterC]

Avoiding the very centre of London makes it more difficult:
The periphery isn't usually much cheaper
Choice is very limited unless you travel right through the centre
When it comes to personal safety I would rather be anywhere in inner London at midnight than somewhere like Aylesbury!

On the spec given I would suggest the area near the Post Office Tower (or whatever they call it now). Fairly close to Marylebone and a good mix of pubs and small restaurants.

[Bawbag]

Thanks. My wife and a visiting friend went into Marylebone a few weeks ago and, not really knowing where they were going, they spent most of the night wandering about aimlessly! Guides (Time Out etc.) seemed to point them to places that weren't really suitable (bars that were really restaurants etc.) and of course there is so much choice that you hardly know where to start.

We were hoping to avoid that kind of thing, but don't have any objection to travelling into the city proper other than we though it might save 20 mins travel time.

[Fran]

Where's best for a quick dinner/few drinks without a) breaking the bank, b.) riding right into the middle of the city or c) getting mugged.

I have lived near London all my life and travelled there often, and I can honestly say I have never feared I would be mugged. I don't go to obviously dodgy areas, but neither have I confined myself to expensive areas, and I have even travelled unaccompanied at night. I think one needs common sense and to be observant, but not to be fearful.

As to where to go, I don't really go anywhere just for a drink, so I can't advise on that count. If eating in London, it's Chinatown, somewhere special and expensive or else meeting with friends, in which case it tends to be something innocuous and central, but not fundamentally different to what's round here.

If it's just the two of you, I would either stay local (plenty of choice around Amersham) or look for something that's not so easy to get round here, which rather goes back to my first two categories. Sorry not to be more helpful.

[PeterC]

and of course there is so much choice that you hardly know where to start.

I would start with a particular object in mind, perhaps a music venue or a specialist restaurant and build the evening on that.
I must admit that if a drink and a meal was the only object I wouldn't bother with spending the best part of two hours travelling but would look for somewhere local.

[Eaton]

I would start with a particular object in mind, perhaps a music venue or a specialist restaurant and build the evening on that.
I must admit that if a drink and a meal was the only object I wouldn't bother with spending the best part of two hours travelling but would look for somewhere local.

I completely agree! The thought of all that travelling just for a drink and a meal without a particular venue in mind seems a little pointless to me!

On the other hand, I love going for a good meal and then onto the theatre in London and try to do it at least 3 times a year. However, I start with the show and work the meal around it.

[Bawbag]

I would start with a particular object in mind, perhaps a music venue or a specialist restaurant and build the evening on that.
I must admit that if a drink and a meal was the only object I wouldn't bother with spending the best part of two hours travelling but would look for somewhere local.

We visit the local pubs & restaurants quite frequently with the family in tow, going into the town on a kid-free excursion gives us a chance to relive our youth a bit!

[TBN]

There are several nice pubs/bars/restaurants (and clubs, if you feel brave enough) to go near Farringdon and Smithfield Market, but I also think you have to plan ahead on what sort of food/night you want. One thing you have to bear in mind is that if you want to eat somewhere in Central London you need to book in advance, as the Christmas Parties probably take over most good places. I used to live near there, so if you would like I can give you some suggestions (but you probably need to be a bit more specific ).

[Jeannie686]

As a South Londoner come Cheshamite can I recommend Euston Square? The Gower Street exit leads to a few nice bars and pubs (and you're a stones throw from the British Museum), and not far from Covent Garden or Shaftesbury Avenue either. You can have all the fun of being in Central London but know that you will get home straight on the Met Line afterwards.

[elli]

you do not need to worry about getting mugged if you have a good head on your shoulder, i go into london alot from amersham and i am a young girl...
we go to a great pizza place in spittlefield market... aldgate east/liverpool station. for drinks there is a great place called zoo and bar, which is in leicester square, on bear street... not as expensive as most would think. camden is great too!!! camden market is full of interesting people, shops and atmosphere, plenty to buy, look, eat and drink!! and do not be put off by the punks in the area, most of them are pussy cats!! hope you have many great times in the fab place called London!!

[PeterC]

camden is great too

Not within the original spec or I would have mentioned it before.

You need to be a little more aware about your personal security around there but its still a pretty safe area. Not on a direct route from Chesham / Amersham but some interesting music venues for a variety of tastes.

If you aren't drinking its also a pretty easy drive (straight hour from Little Chalfont in the early evening, less coming back) and there is a decent amount of on street parking around Primrose Hill, about 10 minutes walk from Camden Town proper.

[K&P]

I'm with Fran: Chinatown is a safe, vibrant place and easily accessible from our 'island'. Husband and I tend to do an early evening there (we're too old for late nights, LOL!).

K

[ThreeDaysGrace]

Bit late into the mix, but Wahaca does the BEST mexican food! There's one in Soho, and one in Covent Garden, plus another one somewhere else. But get there early as it gets very busy and you can't book!

[jarrod]

OK, so I'm very late to this conversation but thought that I would add a few thoughts as we tend to venture into London a couple of times a month for a night out whether it be a meal, a few beers, the theatre, a concert or the (very) occasional all-nighter at a club.

First and most obvious, if possible get the Chiltern train home rather than the Met line as it's much quicker (although if you fall asleep after a late night at least you'll get woken up at Amersham if you're on the Met line, not that this has ever happened to me of course ).

Camden is a great area to go out in, quite lively with a diverse range of bars, restaurants and music venues (Jazz Cafe and Koko to name two that we've been to recently). Consider walking from Euston Square, it only takes about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively get the No. 31 bus from/to Finchley Road, bus stop is 5 minutes walk from tube and goes to Camden Town tube.

Use the TFL website to look for other useful bus routes or alternatives such as the Overground. Finchley Road & Frognal Overground station is about 7 minutes walk from Finchley Road tube station and opens up a world of possibilities in South West, North and East London with trains going to Richmond in the West and Stratford in the East. For example I recently went to a concert at The HMV Forum, Kentish Town and took the Overground to Gospel Oak and then a 10 minute walk. The whole journey from Finchley Road to the venue took about 30 minutes, which gave me plenty of time after the gig to get back to Finchley Road in time for a Met line train (and not even the last one).

Covent Garden and Leicester Square areas are lively but can get overrun with tourists. Try bars and restaurants that are just a couple of streets away from the main tourist attractions/thoroughfares and they will be much less hectic but still have a great atmosphere. There are a whole host of websites with information about where to go, but I find Time Out very good for events/exhibitions/gigs etc.. and Beerintheevening is good for getting fairly honest pub reviews and a feel for a pub, e.g. is it your type of place?

Night owls can spend all night at the Ministry of Sound and then get a 453 bus back to Baker Street in time for the first tube home...............who needs a hotel room !!

As per previous comments, we find London perfectly safe, although as with any big city you do need to be sensible and aware of your surroundings.

Lastly a recommendation for a superb fish restaurant, Fish Works on Marylebone High Street. It's 10-15 minutes' walk from Marylebone and serves the most delicious fresh fish dishes. In addition to the superb menu you can select fresh fish from the fishmonger that is attached and have them cook it for you. We had a late lunch there last Saturday and the bill came to £94 for a meal for two ( 2 courses each + a bottle of wine and a couple of coffees, incl. service).

[Bawbag]

Stuff

Cheers! It's getting to the time where me and the wife might actually manage another night out again.

We've both been out a few times with folk from work since the last time we managed a night out together, so have a few more options now

p.s. I've nearly done the 'waking up in Aylesbury' thing - not good!