Some days deserve to feel a little more special. With my mum’s birthday coming up, I wanted to treat her to an early celebration — and what better way than 24 hours in London? From coffee on the platform to pasta and the strongest limoncello known to man, our whirlwind city escape had it all. Not forgetting the most amazing show at the theatre – keep reading to see which one 🙂
Morning: Coffee for the Train
Every adventure has to start somewhere, and ours began on the station platform. With our bags in hand and plenty of excitement, we grabbed a Costa Coffee — the only option before boarding, but sometimes the simplest rituals make the best memories. Cups in hand, we settled into our seats, chatting away as the countryside blurred into the capital. It felt like the perfect beginning to our little birthday adventure.
Lunchtime: Quick Bite at Ovis
By the time we arrived, London was already buzzing with midday energy, and we were ready for lunch. We stopped at Ovis, a great spot for something quick yet satisfying. It was exactly what we needed — light, tasty, and not overly fussy. The kind of lunch that doesn’t slow you down but keeps you going for the rest of the day.
Afternoon: A Birthday Treat at the Theatre
The real heart of our day was the afternoon: a trip to the Dominion Theatre to see The Devil Wears Prada. I’d chosen it as an early birthday gift for Mum, knowing how much she’d enjoy the glamour, the music, and of course, the fashion.
There’s something magical about the West End — the lights, the energy, the buzz as the curtain goes up. It was honestly a 10/10 – I couldn’t recommend it enough.
Evening: Checking into Radisson Blu, Tottenham Court
After the theatre, we checked into the Radisson Blu at Tottenham Court Road. The location couldn’t have been more convenient — just a short walk away — and the hotel itself felt like a little slice of calm in the heart of the city.
Our room was modern and comfortable, with everything we needed to freshen up before heading out again. For a short city stay, it ticked all the boxes: style, comfort, and location.
Dinner: Pasta & the Strongest Limoncello
Dinner was at Pasta Brown, a family-run Italian restaurant near Covent Garden. It had that warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at home. The pasta was hearty and delicious, but the star of the evening? The limoncello.
Let’s just say it was the strongest limoncello I had ever tasted 🙂
In just one day, we managed to capture so much of what makes London special: the everyday comforts (like coffee on the platform), the spontaneity of a quick lunch, the glamour of the West End, the luxury of a central hotel, and the joy of sharing pasta and limoncello (for me) at a family restaurant.
But what made it truly unforgettable was sharing it all with my mum. A city can give you a million experiences, but the best ones are always about who you’re with. Our 24 hours in London weren’t just about ticking off sights — they were about celebrating, laughing, and making memories together.
Click here to watch my vlog on the whole trip > London Vlog
