The Summer Bank Holiday marks the last Bank Holiday of the year until Christmas, so you might as well make the most of it. And if you have a spare 24 hours, we have just what you need on Oxford Street to experience the most memorable day.
Start the day right with a tasty breakfast
Whether you want to have a leisurely brunch or want to grab breakfast on the go (you only have 24 hours after all), there are plenty of tasty treats to get you going on Oxford Street, whether you have a sweet or savoury tooth. For quick options, we love Benugo for pastries and coffee and Huffkins for scones and cakes. If you have time to sit down, try Berners Tavern for classic English breakfasts in a gorgeous traditional setting or Brasserie of Light for tasty eggs as well as chia pots and pancakes in an art deco venue.
Sweat it out
Nothing beats a good endorphin-inducing workout. You’ll love the brand new Selfridges SPORTOPIA, newly opened for the summer, which will allow you to enjoy fun and games on every floor of the department store. There will be unexpected immersive activities, including fashion archery and underwater rugby. Highlights include a 40ft climbing frame, sports bar, tennis and Olympic swimming pool experiences.
Take in some art
Love art? Then you’re in luck. Frameless, situated in Marble Arch, is a one-of-kind immersive art venue. Imagine four galleries which showcases dozens of the world’s greatest works of art, by artists including Cezanne, Monet, Dali and Van Gogh to name just a few. If it’s virtual reality you’re after, head straight to the world-renowned Outernet, home to the biggest screens in the country, which showcase everything from art exhibitions to live music.
Have lunch on a rooftop
Mix sightseeing and tasty food at one of the several rooftops on Oxford Street, from which you can spot some of London’s famous landmarks. 1864 Rooftop Bar & Restaurant on the rooftop of John Lewis resembles an English garden, and serves modern British sharing platters. Over at Selfridges, you’ll find Alto by San Carlo, an Riviera-inspired lunch spot offering mouth-watering Italian dishes. Further down the street, Aqua Kyoto is all about Japanese dishes including tuna tataki with fermented tomato & shiso sorbet. For something a little more casual, try The Nest at the Treehouse Hotel, which offers market-driven cocktails and light bites as well as 360 degree views of London.
Go for some retail therapy
Of course, you’d be amiss to visit Oxford Street without indulging in some retail therapy. From womenswear to menswear, kidswear to homeware, beauty and tech, there is a store for everyone and to suit all tastes. You can discover all the shops here, but some highlights include the iconic department stores including Selfridges, John Lewis and Flannels, Beyond Retro for some vintage gems, The Disney Store for magical toys, HMV for the best in music, film and gaming and Lush for organic, delicious-smelling bath and beauty products.
Taste world cuisines for dinner
If you can’t decide what to have for dinner, have it all! Market Halls is the perfect venue for this, as it houses street food kitchens from around the world. There is Hotbox for meaty barbecue treats, GF Tacos for Mexican dishes, Le Bab for kebabs, Inamo Sukoshi for sushi and Krapow for Northern Thai street food amongst many others. For pudding, there is Whipped for mouth-watering cheesecake (but not as you know it).
Play a game or see a show
No matter your age, some fun games are the best way to end a full day on Oxford Street. Try Boom Battle Bar for some games that will bring out your competitive side, big time. Alternatively, head to Cavendish Square and see a show at Underbelly Festival, perfect for whiling away the hours with their bars and food truck stalls.
Go for cocktails
Who doesn’t love cocktails? Whatever your tipple of choice, there’s a bar for it. Try Bond St. Lounge Bar, Punch Room at the London Edition, or Aqua Nueva, for everything from cocktails to wine, beer and Japanese liquor. Not a big drinker? All venues offer some great non-alcoholic alternatives too.
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