Destination • December 2014
Six ways to do London after dark
London can be at its most atmospheric during the cold, winter evenings, especially in the run-up to the festive season. The cast of West End stage show Shakespeare in Love nominate their favourite places to soak up late-night London
The post-theatre meal: Mon Plaisir
David Ganly, playing Burbage
“‘Food as a reward’ is not limited to our dog Barney in the show – it’s also used to get us through a two-show day. The reward in this case is supper at this family-run French restaurant (the oldest in London) on Monmouth Street in Covent Garden. Uncles, brothers, nieces and nephews joyfully serve up dishes such as onion soup, steak frites and an unrivalled cheese board – all great value. Ask for the back room for a particularly cosy night.”
The late-night museum: Dennis Severs’ House
Abigail McKern, playing The Nurse
“This 18th-century private house in Spitalfields is my dream museum: the entire 10-room, four-storey building is lit by candles, so it has the most wonderful atmosphere – especially at night. You feel as if you have entered a time machine and are visiting a real family whose members have only just left each room. Fresh food, drinks, flowers, crackling fires and creaking floorboards add to the illusion.”
The killer view: Whitehall to Lambeth Bridge
David Oakes, playing Marlowe
“A short walk from the Noël Coward Theatre, past St Martin’s Lane, along Whitehall and over Lambeth Bridge gives you all you could want to see of our wonderful city: the home of our Prime Minister on Downing Street; the site of the execution of Charles I outside the only remaining part of the palace at Whitehall; Barry’s Houses of Parliament; Pugin’s Elizabeth Tower, aka ‘Big Ben’; and Lambeth Palace – the oldest part of which dates back to 1435.”
The cosy bar: The Social
Ferdy Roberts, playing Fennyman
“The Social on Little Portland Street is run by the chaps behind Heavenly Records and has the best-stocked jukebox in town. Open till 1am from Thursday to Saturday, it’s a great place to avoid the hordes, with an ever-changing list of DJs and unsigned bands. It also has a cracking line-up of ales and craft beers – and its beans on toast are notoriously good.”
The walk: Hyde Park
Daisy Boulton, playing Kate
“The place I find myself drawn to when I need some headspace is Hyde Park, which is open until midnight all year round. It’s where the real-life counterpart to one of my favourite parts I’ve played, Harriet Westbrook from the play Bloody Poetry (she was the first wife of Percy Bysshe Shelley) drowned herself. When I’m there in the park, I feel miles away from the chaos and busyness of this city.”
The bright lights: Waterloo Bridge
Ian Bartholomew, playing Tilney
“As you approach the central span of the bridge, take in the great sweep of the river running beneath you. You can see the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and the National Theatre, along with the skyline’s new arrivals, the Gherkin and the Shard. On a cool, crisp winter’s evening, every light reflects in the water below. Then, when you add all the multi-coloured lights that festoon the Southbank and surrounding streets at Christmas time, you can enjoy a truly magical walk through a living, twinkling fairy grotto.”
British Airways is supporting Shakespeare in Love, showing at London’s Noël Coward Theatre. Executive Club Members will receive a free seat upgrade when booking tickets to the show between 5 January and 17 April 2015, from Monday to Friday. Book your tickets now
This article has been tagged Destination, Culture