Mayfair – Marylebone – Notting Hill – Chelsea – Covent Garden – Borough – The City
London in the week before Christmas feels like a film set: the West End glowing after dark, side streets wrapped in fairy lights, and that constant “just one more detour” energy. We planned this long weekend around one simple rule: pick a neighborhood cluster, take the tube there, then walk. It keeps the pace relaxed, and it’s the best way to actually feel the city.
This itinerary is intentionally focused on atmosphere first, then food. Shopping is part of the backdrop – but the real magic is London’s winter mood and a few meals that are worth planning around.
Where We Stayed: Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell (IHG)
We stayed at Hotel Indigo London Clerkenwell and loved it: clean, friendly staff, and we could check in early, which is always a win. Clerkenwell isn’t the classic first-timer postcard location, but it’s a great tradeoff between price and convenience – with Farringdon and Barbican nearby and plenty of bus connections.
Getting Around London: One Tip That Makes Everything Easier
Use contactless or Oyster and let London do the math. Transport for London uses fare capping, meaning there’s a maximum you’ll pay in a day (calculated from 04:30 to 04:29) and a weekly cap that runs Monday to Sunday. Just make sure you tap in/out and use the same card/device all day.
Friday – West End Lights & First-Night Energy
New Bond Street → Ralph’s Coffee → Fortnum & Mason → Selfridges → Marylebone → Monocle Café → Brigadiers → Regent Street → Liberty
Friday was pure West End sparkle – the kind of day where you don’t need to “do” much, you just move through London’s most iconic streets and enjoy how festive everything feels.
Regent Street lights
Regent Street is famous for its Christmas lights – and for good reason. It’s widely credited as the first London street to have Christmas lights (back in 1954) and today the display is known for its angel installations.
Liberty at Christmas
Liberty is one of those places that simply belongs on a Christmas weekend route – the building alone feels like London heritage, and in December it leans all the way into the festive mood.
Dinner: Brigadiers
London and Indian food belong together. The city has deep roots in South Asian cooking – from old-school curry houses to modern takes – and you feel that history in the way Londoners talk about it: not as “something exotic,” but as proper comfort food and a real part of the city’s identity.
Brigadiers was exactly the kind of first-night place you want after a full day of walking. It’s warm, busy, a little loud, and feels like it’s built for sharing plates in the middle of the table. We ordered the chicken tikka masala, lamb, and basically everything you see in the photo — the kind of meal where you keep saying “okay, one more thing.”
If you order one must-try: the garlic bread. It’s dangerously good – the type of bread you’ll still think about the next day while walking through London.
Saturday – Notting Hill Wanders & The Savoy Grill Splurge
Layla Bakery → Notting Hill → Portobello Road → Kensington Gardens → Kuro Bagels → Harrods → Sloane Square → Covent Garden → Savoy Grill
Saturday was the most “London in December” day for us — a mix of charming streets, big-city icons, and a truly special dinner.
Portobello Road Market
Portobello is a full-on experience: antiques, vintage, food stalls, and the kind of browsing where you keep saying “wait, look at this.” Official Portobello guidance describes the market stretching through the area with antiques, clothing and food stalls along the route.
Tip: Go early on Saturday if you can – it’s the day with the most buzz, and it gets busy fast.
Dinner: Savoy Grill (Gordon Ramsay)
London has plenty of Gordon Ramsay options across price ranges, but we chose Savoy Grill because we wanted the full experience inside The Savoy.
What we ordered:
- Beef tartare (shared starter)
- Beef Wellington + red deer venison (mains)
- Sticky Toffee Pudding (dessert)
The setting was beautiful, the staff were attentive, and the food delivered. One honest note: it’s very expensive, even for this category – you’re paying for the Ramsay name and the Savoy atmosphere. If you love the idea of a “legendary London dinner,” it’s worth it.
Sunday – Markets, Landmarks & Our Favorite Dinner
Balthazar → Tower Bridge → Borough Market → Leadenhall Market → Canteen
Sunday was the perfect contrast day: iconic London in the morning, cozy market energy mid-day, and a relaxed dinner to finish.
Borough Market
Borough Market is a must for food lovers – and in December it’s especially atmospheric. They publish seasonal opening times (which can change around Christmas week), so it’s worth checking before you build your day around it.
Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall is one of the most atmospheric “quick detour” spots in the City – covered, historic, and incredibly photogenic in winter. Their official visitor info notes that the public areas remain open 24/7 (while individual shop/restaurant hours vary).
Dinner: Canteen (walk-in only)
Canteen was a highlight. The menu is built for sharing, so you can taste your way through everything.
Tip: it’s walk-in only – if you want to be safe, arrive around 18:00 (especially on weekends in December).
Monday – A Slow Chelsea Morning & One Last Bakery Stop
Granger & Co (Chelsea) → Ottolenghi → Sloane Square decorations → Aimé Leon Dore → Boxcar Bakery
Monday was our “use the last hours well” day: great breakfast, pretty streets, and a final pastry stop before leaving. If you can, always keep one morning flexible like this – it’s where the trip starts to feel effortless.
Practical Tips for a Christmas Weekend in London
- Build your days in clusters: tube to a neighborhood, then walk.
- Use fare capping: tap in/out and keep the same card/device.
- Expect crowds in December: go early for Portobello and markets.
- Big-city rule: keep belongings close in busy areas (markets, stations, tourist hotspots).
FAQ
Yes, if you want peak festive atmosphere: lights, decorations, seasonal menus, and that “big city in winter” energy. Expect crowds, especially in the West End.
How does fare capping work in London?
If you pay with contactless or Oyster, TfL automatically caps what you pay over a day/week, so you won’t pay more than the cap for your travel.
What’s the best day to visit Portobello Road Market?
Saturday is the busiest and most complete “full market” day, especially for antiques.
Is Borough Market open in December?
Often yes – Borough Market typically runs extended/extra opening days in December, but hours can vary around the holidays.
Do you need reservations for the Savoy Grill?
Strongly recommended, especially on weekends and in December (it’s a destination restaurant).
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