START & END - Charing Cross Tube Station - 1

 

As you walk up and out of the tube look to your left (west) and head towards Trafalgar Square - 2. If you love art walk into the National Gallery of Art (NGA). James Bond & Q. in the movie Skyfall, have a famous scene in the Turner Room that is worth the visit.  As you exit the NGA look to your left (east) and walk towards St. Martins in the Fields Church (SMF). This neoclassical inspired many colonial churches in America. It is well worth going inside and taking in the simple sanctuary and if possible a concert or worship service. There is also an excellent restaurant and bookshop downstairs. This congregation has fully embraced their urban location and has services available not only for tourists and visitors but also homeless and refugees. 

Exit SMF and turn right (north) and walk one long block along Charing Cross Road and turn left on Irving St. just past the National Portrait Gallery (NPG). Walk along Irving St. through a long row of restaurants and come to Leicester Square. On the south end you will find the TKTS kiosk which sells discount theatre tickets for shows on the West End. This is great place to secure tickets for ‘day-of-shows’ for dozens of plays and musicals.  After determining which shows you want to see proceed up Cranbourn St. NE and left at Upper St. Martins Lane which turns into Monmouth St. and arrive at the Seven Dials.  This is a charming intersection of seven streets that converge like the spokes on a wheel. 

 

Half way up Monmouth St. you find the eponymous Monmouth Coffee Company. Step inside, if the line is not long outside, and order a drink from the coffee bar. As you come back out onto the the street turn right and walk a few yards and turn right into the alley Neal’s Yard. This will lead you into a courtyard surrounded by shops and restaurants and a place to sit and take in the atmosphere. Continue on and out of Neal’s Yard and take a right on Short’s Garden and walk another few years until you spy Neal’s Yard Cheese Shop. Don't miss going inside this cheese monger’s shop.  They represent some of the best cheeses from all around England. The mongers are eager to tell you about and sample the cheeses they sell. They also sell crusty baguettes to go with your cheese selection wrapped and ready to have at a moments notice. 

 

Heading out the door of NYC walk back to the center of the Seven Dials intersection. Stop and locate Mercer St. and walk along it south for two blocks. At Long Acre take a right and be on the lookout for easy to miss alley, Rose St. Turn left  and walk a few yards and on your left is the charming Bageriet, Swedish Bakery. They have all the best of Swedish baked goods including Cardamon rolls and Lucia buns. 

 

Continue a few yards on Rose street until you come out on Floral street. Turn left and then right again as Rose St. ducks under a building and you emerge into the open space of an ideal English pub on your right, The Lamb & Flag. It may be time for a pint, a tonic, or a Pimm’s. If you order a beverage take it outside and stand amongst the locals. 

 

Walk to the end of Rose St. and take a left on Garrick and then quick left on King St. Follow King two blocks and you come upon the historic Covent Garden Market (CGM). Lose yourself amongst the shops and restaurants. There is frequently an open air paella pan serving the Spanish dish for passerby's. Just beyond CGM is the immense Royal Opera House. The opera and ballet are world class. If you are not able to take in a production at least walk inside and admire the grand foyer and the second level banqueting hall. 

 

Exiting the ROH turn right, south on Bow St that quickly turns into Wellington St. In four blocks you will see The Somerset House (TSH). This massive building contains the world famous Courtauld Gallery. TSH has an immense courtyard that you may recognize from many a film set. Inside is a nice cafe for a spot of tea and rest your feet. Afterward wend your way a few steps to the Embankment of the Thames River and take in the many sights of the south bank of the river. Your tour is complete and the starting point of Charring Cross Station is just a few blocks to your west for your return trip.