This is the Christmas shopping season in London and it is an activity that is dreaded by many, mainly the husband/boyfriend, but others enjoy it and tackle it head-on. London is one of the most popular Christmas shopping destinations in the world, so come the crowds, big crowds! So when you’ve been on your feet all day, from 8am, stomping from Covent Garden to Oxford Street and back, there’s always the need for a cheeky little stop to recharge your batteries, reflect on a successful shopping session and maybe build yourselves up for your next session.
There are some fantastic hidden bars and pubs just waiting to be explored that won’t be on the tourist trail, filled to the brim with shopping bags and loud, obnoxious tourists. I’ll take you through some of my favorite places for a holiday shopping drink that will warm your heart and give you the energy and motivation to keep going!
First of all, one of my favorite places to have a glass of wine with class and a relaxed atmosphere is Chopper Lump, in the Bond Street area. This place has a fantastic selection of wines from around the world, has delicious steaks if you’re already hungry, and an atmosphere that will soothe those aching feet and stressed mind. So you’re back on the streets, dodging pushchairs, buggies, taxis and Chinese tourists and you’ve managed to get out of Selfridges, albeit with a hefty credit card bill. Feel thirsty again as you approach Oxford Circus and desperately need a G&T or a Winter Pimms to wash away those shopping nightmares. So where are the bars and pubs? Less than 5 minutes away is one of my favorite cocktail bars in London, Aqua Spirit. This is a taste of Tokyo, Asian décor and style, so it never fails to transport you to a faraway place. Be prepared to spend the money as the drinks are not cheap, but I think it’s worth it for the rest and the calm atmosphere.
You’ve visited the Apple Store, wrestled at Hamley’s, and ventured into the crowds at Piccadilly Circus. The sun begins to set on a crisp winter day and the mouth feels dry. You’re in luck because the 5th View Bar is waiting for you. Located above Waterstones Bookstore, this bar overlooks Piccadilly Circus and offers some fantastic views of the city you’ve just walked through. There is a list of strong drinks and happily affordable prices.
My final recommendation for your epic London Christmas shopping trip is a visit to one of my favorite pubs in Soho. You can’t visit London without a trip to a Soho Pub and this gem offers fantastic beers and ales that will make that trip to London a little more bearable. Now, to a little surprise, they serve beer for £2.27 a pint, making it one of the cheapest places to drink a pint in London! It’s called Glasshouse Stores. and it’s a Samuel Adams pub. This isn’t a Wetherspoon pub either, it’s cosy, atmospheric and the perfect spot for your London Christmas drink.
