The Best Places to Visit near The Strand

Linking London’s political centre, Westminster, with the City, the capital’s trade and banking hub, The Strand is a bustling thoroughfare packed full of shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and theatres.

If you find yourself in the area with time to kill, you won’t be disappointed. 

Stretching over a mile in length, from Trafalgar Square to Temple Bar, The Strand has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a bit of culture or somewhere to catch up with friends. 

Somerset House is one of the area’s best known landmarks. Overlooking the River Thames, this working arts centre hosts an eclectic range of exhibitions and installations throughout the year, many of which are totally free. Past events include the Sony World Photography Exhibition and London Fashion Week. 

If it’s history you’re after there’s plenty to keep you busy. You could take a tour of the Royal Courts of Justice where you’ll get to wander the corridors of the neo-Gothic buildings while hearing stories about the history of the British legal system.  

You could also visit the home of Dr Samuel Johnson, the father of the modern dictionary. Dr Johnson’s House welcomes visitors on Fridays and Saturdays and contains a stunning collection relating to the writer’s life and times. Temple Bar, the only surviving gateway to the City of London, is also nearby. 

Pop into The Old Bank of England, now a stunning pub for a quick pint before heading off for some retail therapy – there’s no shortage of shops in the area. 

The bustling Covent Garden is just a few minutes walk away, with its world-renowned ‘Beauty Corner’, home to the likes of Charlotte Tilbury, Nars, Deciem, Jo Malone and Aesop. There are also plenty of fashion brands, including Tom Ford, Mulberry, Ted Baker and Paul Smith.

Covent Garden, with its huge range of cafes and restaurants, is also the perfect place to grab a bite to eat.

Our favourite brunch spot is Balthazar, which serves some of the best pancakes we’ve ever tried. We also love Petersham Nurseries and Pivot.  

For stunning views across the piazza, visit Sushisamba, located at the famed Opera Terrace. Or there’s The Ivy Market Grill for alfresco dining and great cocktails. 

If you’re looking for somewhere full of atmosphere to meet friends, Ave Mario is the place. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, it serves unbelievable Italian cuisine including the best gelato in London (in our opinion).  

Roka Aldwych is our pick for high-end, contemporary Japanese cuisine and The Delaunay is our top choice for breakfast. 

There are also plenty of bars on and around The Strand. 

For somewhere a bit special, try The American Bar at The Savoy, which claims to be the longest surviving cocktail bar in London and has served a host of famous faces, including Winston Churchill. 

There’s also Blind Spot at St Martins Hotel, a late-night speakeasy serving an impressive array of cocktails. 

Dirty Martini, which as the name suggests, is the place to go for a martini, with over 10 different varieties on offer. Or you could try Radio Rooftop Bar at the ME Hotel, which has stunning views of some of the most iconic London landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, The Shard and Tower Bridge. 

If you want to experience some of London’s best stage shows, there are several theatres in the area including the Novello, home to Mamma Mia! There’s also The Lyceum where you can see the world famous Lion King.

Of course, if you’re after shared coworking space, look no further than The Clement Rooms. These high quality private offices directly opposite the Royal Courts of Justice are perfect for legal professionals and small businesses looking for flexible office space in the heart of the capital.