Hmmm. Difficult one. A very good friend came to stay with her 12 year old son this weekend and we needed a plan. Stuff to do that would keep two ageing women and two young boys happy for the day. This, as anybody who has ever tried to have a happy family day out is impossible. Entirely different needs. So we had to find a way to somehow blend two ends of a spectrum together.

So we decided on a mixture of stuff. A sort of day of bribery – we’ll take you here if you agree to go there….it worked very well apart from the occasional moan from one team or the other about walking too far or being stuck in a shop.

We started out with lunch at Satsuma in Wardour Street which was quite funky and different with the kids. My friend thought it was called Tangerine – and you can see why it’s got the name. Menu almost identical to Wagamama’s:-

Then (via a hideous arcade across the road) we walked to Chinatown and strolled about. Then to Leicester Square to hang out in the M & M shop which was packed. Vast displays of different coloured chocolate and peanut M & M’s and all manner of M & M paraphernalia. Lots of cinema’s round there too if you’re really bored. Trafalgar Square worth a look too.

FINALLY – our turn – a trip to the Hockney exhibition at the Royal Academy which we raced around so as not to traumatise the boys too much – my son could barely put one foot in front of the other – sore back, feet, head, everything….just a taster of it was all we needed to give them some culture and I’ll definitely go back again to look in more detail – but the key is not to take too long. A spectacular array of his art was on display and it’s clearly a very popular exhibition as they were staying open until midnight.

You could then check out Fortnum and Masons – maybe even have tea there. Very grand.

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Family Affairs

Navigating single parenting and life in London, supported by wine, theatre, travelling and friends.

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4 Comments
  • Expat Mum
    March 11, 2012

    Next time, think about the Dennis Severs House in Spitalfields. I’ve just discovered it and can’t wait to go there.
    http://www.dennissevershouse.co.uk/

    Reply
    • Family Affairs
      March 12, 2012

      OH wow – that looks amazon – never heard of it….they’d love it. Might try and go with him Lx

      Reply
  • Blue Trips
    April 12, 2012

    Difficult not to notice these pictures! And the top header too. I just read somewhere about sampling gourmet food in Borough Market. Never thought of that. It’s for anyone, it’s free and it allows you to discover new food…

    Reply
    • Family Affairs
      April 12, 2012

      THanks x

      Reply