This half term I decided to do something a bit different. My teenage son and I spent a whole week in London just hanging out. Turns out we can get along after all and taking it slow and easy was just the ticket for both of us to recharge.
We stayed in Bermonds Locke , a trendy aparthotel in Bermondsey, which along with Southwark is one of our favourite places to stay in London. Once you’ve done all the usual sights, it’s quite nice to be in amongst cafes, bars, markets and small scale attractions. What I loved about Bermond’s Locke and the reason I decided this was the right place for my teen son is it’s pretty cool. Lots of young people in their open plan co-working space, an in house coffee shop and a great restauarant. They also put on events such as cocktail masterclasses and yoga, so something for everyone.
We had a great room with twin beds and a separate kitchen diner. As a wheelchair user my son could easily wheel around the apartment, although the bathroom was a bit snug. They do have an accessible room with a double bed, but who wants to share a bed with your mum when your 14!! So we managed and even cooked a few nights. The hotel allows deliveries and there are some great options locally.
Just around the corner from the hotel you’ll find the White Cube art gallery, which for art lovers is a fantastic space. We were lucky to visit before the end of exhibition Lazarus, a thought provoking experience looking at waste and cheap labour. For food lovers, there are delis and markets within walking distance, including Borough Market, one of our favourite places to hang out. Go along and pick up tasty samples, then take your purchases back to cook in the evening.
If shopping is more your thing then Vinegar Yard is open on the weekend if you want to mooch amongst antiques and collectibles, wander the local streets to find small independent shops selling anything you can think of or hop on the train to the West End, you’re never far from the main sights.
The Southbank is a tube ride or a decent walk away. Take a walk, visit the Tate Modern, have an ice cream, visit HMS Belfast and so much more.
Here are a list of our recommendations from our visit and I hope it helps:
A quick lunch in Bermondsey: WaWa – Great Ramen and Sushi
Dinner with Gordon Ramsay: Bread Street Kitchen, Southwark. Great food and staff. We preferred it when it was Union Street Café, but its still one of our top picks
Forget the West End: Witness for the Prosecution in County Hall. Great for budding lawyers. An interactive court case and why not pay for seats to be in the jury. Great production and one of the best plays we have seen in a while.
If you need advice or a package for your next London break, then get in touch!
World Explorer Holidays 