Radisson Blu Edwardian Guide to Leicester Square.

 

Our guide to shopping, eating and entertainment in Leicester Square.

One of the most famous squares in London, always known to have a great atmosphere. Leicester Square is the prime location in London for major film premieres and has seen the likes of James Bond films, animation films such as Shrek and even co-hosts the London Film Festival each year.So there is always something great happeining or about to happen in the square!

 

Read our guide to find out what you can do when you are in and around the square. We have listed shops and restaurants/cafes you can expect to find when roaming around Leicester Square. And have also given some of our suggestions to some great hidden gems and unique shops that you may not have heard of, but that are definitely worth a visit.

 

 

Shopping in Leicester Square

Long Acre is the closest shopping street to us here, you will find Marks and Spencer and Next here along with a whole host of shops for the keen shopaholic.

Covent Garden Piazza is the place where you can shop, eat and watch the various street performers that congregate everyday to entertain the crowds.You will find all the popular high street shops there such as Zara, Reiss, French Connection etc as well as more high end shops like Hackett and Oakley. And there is a Disney store to occupy the kids with.

Regent street is a short 5 minute walk away, here you will find the likes of Burberry and the new National Geographic shop which is definitely worth a look at. Also anyone visiting London should make a visit Hamleys, as the biggest toy store in England the kids will love it (old and young).

Carnaby street is a short 15 minute walk away and has a wealth of shops ranging from Souvenir shops to Libertys department store. Visit here and try to get a feel for the 1960s as this was the most 'happening street' way back in that era.

Top 5 unique shops in Leicester Square

 
1. Cyber Candy
A few minutes walk away from the Square,this is a sweet shop like none other. Stocking goodies from different countries all over the world, so whatever 'sweeties' you miss while you are away, you should be able to find them here.

                                             Address: 3 Garrick Street,Covent Garden, London,WC2E 9BF

 

 

2. Dress Circle
This has everything and anything that has something to do with Theatre. From programmes to soundtracks, this is a must visit for every theatre lover.

Address: 57 Monmouth Street, London, WC2H 9DG  

 

 

3.Kid Robot
The only shop in England where you can purchase the unique Limited edition art toys and apparell which they exclusively stock.

Address: 19 Earlham St, London, WC2H 9LL

 

 

4. Freed
This Bespoke Ballet Shoe shop has been dressing the finest ballet dancers in the world for the last 80 years.

Address: 94 St. Martin's Lane, Covent Garden
London, WC2N 4AS

 

 

5. Mysteries
This shop has everything from Wellness products to metaphysical products aswell as physic readings and Reiki.

Address: 9-11 Monmouth Street,London WC2H 9EQ

 

 

 

Cafés and restaurants in Leicester Square

 

On the square itself there are many food outlets, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating in and around Leicester Square. There are many great places to satisfy any of your cravings. The Leicester Square Bar and Restaurant is great for fish and The Hampshire Bar and Restaurant that serves food with a modern British and Mediterranean influences. However if you are craving Chinese you have China town at one end of the square, for Italian you have Piccolo Diavlo on Crompton Street. If you want Mexican you have Chiquito that is actually located on the square. If you fancy a good Thai you have Busaba Eathai on Panton Street so you will never be stuck for choice!

 

Top 5 hidden Gems

J Sheekey - Located in St Martins court,in a small alleyway in between Charing Cross Road and St Martins Lane. This is one of the best if not the best fish restaurant in London.

Giovannis - Located in Longs Court, this is a family run restaurant which makes for an authentic 'old world Italian feel' and the food is simply excellent.

Mon Paisir - Located on Monmouth Street,  this is London's oldest French restaurant, serving excellent food for over 50 years.

Rules -  Located on Maiden Lane, this is the oldest British restaurant in London serving the best Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding, as well as the most indulgent desserts.

The Ivy - Located in West street, The Ivy is probably the most sought after dinner location for visiting guests. Who knows which celebrity you may be sitting next to you while you dine in this exclusive eatery.

 

 

Entertainment and going out in Leicester Square

 

Here we are in the Heart of entertainment land, not only are we in walking distance of almost 42 theatres but we are next to 5 cinemas and the Trocadero which is the place to go if you need a fix of arcade games, bowling lanes and pool tables.

The main cinema here in Leicester square is the Odeon Leicester Square which holds most of the new films as well as hosting World Premieres, so Celeb spotting on these days is a must.

Walking around the Square can be very entertaining as well, you can even have a self portrait or caricature done on the square as there are many artist around.

 

 

 

Getting around and public transport in Leicester Square

Leicester Square tube station and Picadilly tube station are the closest stations to the Square. However, you can also get to Leicester Square via the following bus routes; 1, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 22, 23, 24, 29, 38, 87, 91, 94, 134, 139, 177, 243

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Hotels on Leicester Square

 

Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire Hotel
Luxury 5 star hotel on Leicester Square.
Telephone: +44(0)20 78399399
Find out more: Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire Hotel

 

 

Radisson Blu Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel
Luxury 4 star deluxe hotel in Leicester Square.
Telephone: +44(0)20 79308641
Find out more: Radisson Blu Edwardian Leicester Square Hotel