The area of Holborn is often recognised as the realm of lawyers, thanks to the scattering of inns and chambers across the area and the solid presence of the Royal Courts of Justice to the south of Holborn, on the Strand. While you can still spot plenty of lawyers dashing around the narrow backstreets and across the wide squares, Holborn is also a popular spot with tourists and workers in search of somewhere to escape the office for a lunchtime sandwich spot, or post-work drink. Holborn is also in possession of London’s largest public square – Lincoln’s Inn Fields – which contains more than its fair share of hidden treasures to discover.
Photos by @urbanpixxels. Dutch expat + photographer + travel blogger living in London. Bit of a foodie and coffee addict.
Jacintha Verdegaal, Urban Pixxels
Situated on the edge of London’s Theatreland – heading east to the western boundary of the City – you’d be wrong to think there’s nothing to do to feel invigorated right here and now. With some of the best boutique studios, gyms and parks in London, you can find yourself caught up in the latest fitness trends. It’s all here. From indoor cycling and bootcamps to yoga and dance, Midtown is the perfect place to get your sweat on. And why not enjoy some rest and recuperation post-workout with a number of these fitness spots offering massage and beauty treatments.
Head north of Holborn towards this beautiful area of grass, benches, fountains and nature. Take a few friends or go along on your own and find yourself a space in the surroundings. Throw down a yoga mat and practice your asana, or download the latest personal training app to guide you through a workout. Or, simply find a spot on a bench and watch the world go by.
WebsiteLocated one-minute from Holborn tube station or five minutes from Chancery Lane, if it’s a party vibe and a good looking crowd you’re looking for, Gymbox is the gym for you. They manage to make sweating truly enjoyable, as resident DJs spin the tunes while you workout / dance* (optional) on the gym floor. With a studio timetable packed full of unique classes (try Tour de Holborn – a unique take on indoor cycling), a boxing ring and functional fitness, there is something to tickle anyone’s fancy.
WebsiteHealth and wellbeing courtesy of @keepitsimpElle. Health & Fitness blogger | Personal Trainer. Triathlete in the making!
Elle, Keep it simpElle
If you are shopping in Midtown, you’re most likely heading out for some last minute buys while on your lunch break. As a hub for many of the city’s workers, the shops in the area are geared up for this particular demographic. Be sure to look out for Leather Lane Market to pick up a bargain or why not pop into one of the high street offerings such as New Look. There is also a large variety of workwear stores in the vicinity, including a rental service for swanky tuxedos.
Take a walk from Holborn towards Chancery Lane and you’ll stumble across Bloomsbury Flowers and its breathtakingly beautiful bouquets. The florists are super friendly and will happily put together a personalised selection, with all bunches hand-tied with sea grass, while flower and plant baskets are also available. This place is a must visit, if only to take in the wonderful smells and colours!
WebsiteStephen Jones Millinery has a very unique range of hats. Whether you’re in need of a casual hat, or something a little more fancy for a wedding or other formal occasion, Stephen Jones Millinery will undoubtedly have the perfect style for you.
WebsiteLeather Lane Market runs along Leather Lane and boasts an impressive selection of unique market stalls, from clothing and shoes through to mobile phone accessories and food. The food stalls are not to be missed, with some delicious culinary delights on offer. It can get busy at lunchtime so make sure you head down a little earlier to grab yourself a lunchtime treat. The market is open from 10am to 3pm on weekdays.
WebsiteJust off the beaten track from Chancery Lane is the famous Hatton Gardens. Deceptively, there are no gardens in sight – instead, Hatton Gardens is an area full of some of the best jewellery shops in London. If you are going engagement ring shopping, make sure you stop here for the best selection in the capital.
WebsiteThe Holborn Deli is part of the Rosewood Hotel’s Holborn Dining Room restaurant. The deli however is separate from the Hotel, where you will find treats galore to stock up on – allowing you to find the perfect gift for any food lover. You can pick up anything from tea and coffee, through to cured meats and Italian olives. With 24 hours notice, the Holborn Deli can also put together a hamper of your choice.
WebsiteKnown for their top class menswear, Lipman & Sons have numerous stores dotted around London. The Chancery Lane store offers gents the option to buy or hire suits and associated wedding accessories. Lipman & Sons also specialise in high quality top hats, perfect for the special day.
WebsiteShopping courtesy of @TheLDNDiaries your source of all things fashion, beauty, lifestyle, food and then some.
Paula Holmes, The LDN Diaries
Midtown is a historically rich area in the middle of London, located between the West End and City of London. The historic London districts of Bloomsbury, Holborn and St Giles have recently been rebranded, however the same free museums and events remain. Although the area is mainly commercial, you will find a wide selection of restaurants, bars and clubs to enjoy after visiting one of the local attractions, ranging from finest steakhouses to Latin-themed bars.
The Gaucho Grill is the ultimate beef lover’s destination, perfect for indulging in the finest Argentine steaks, from tender lomo to full bodied ancho and succulent chorizo. The modern and sophisticated restaurant offers a carnivore’s feast of delicious Argentine beef, grilled meats and seared fish, combined with ice cold craft beers and sweet Argentinian port-style wine.
WebsiteHolborn Dining Room is a brasserie serving traditional British dishes made with seasonal, locally sourced British ingredients, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The menu offers British charcuterie boards, beef burgers, 35-day-aged Cornish rare breed sirloin steaks, Dover sole in brown butter and lemon, fish and chips with mushy peas and braised beef forestiere with Cornish bacon and smoked butter mash.
WebsiteGuanabara, a vibrant late night restaurant, bar and club, is the ultimate place to visit if you are after a fun evening with authentic South American grilled food, traditional Brazilian dishes, street food sharing platters, typical caipirinha cocktails and Brazilian-inspired music and dance. The cachaça cocktail, made with sugar cane rum, fresh lime and sugar, served over crushed ice is a must-have drink while dancing forro and samba.
WebsiteFor a quick lunch or coffee in a modern-rustic atmosphere, the Fleet River Bakery is a great choice, with its range of freshly made seasonal sandwiches, salads, soups, quiches and pastries. They also offer a veritable bevy of mouth-watering cakes, biscuits and muffins, beautifully complemented by the blend of single estate beans sourced by the Monmouth Coffee Company.
WebsiteThe Chancery is your choice for Modern European cuisine with innovative and seasonal dishes. The seven course tasting menu has been carefully crafted by Head Chef, Graham Long. It features an exquisite combination of flavours, textures and colours, in dishes such as marinated raw hand dived scallops, pan seared foie gras, and torchon of wild halibut.
WebsiteFood and drink courtesy of @mulia Italian foodie in London – Blogger – Baker – Coffee lover, Photographer & Traveller
Giulia Mulè, Mondo Mulia
Midtown has a wide range of must-see places waiting to be discovered, many of which often house a treasure trove of unique stories and experiences. Explore some of our top recommendations below and get the insiders’ take on Midtown’s hidden gems.
Sir John Soane, a much celebrated architect in his day, remodelled three houses on Lincoln’s Inn Fields to create one of the city’s most unique and rich museums. Filled with Soane’s collections of art, artefacts and books, the museum can only hold 80 visitors at any one time (for fear of damaging the historic interiors). Be sure to check out the crypt beneath the house, filled with an extraordinary number of marbles.
WebsiteParks and gardens in London are always welcome spaces to discover in the city, but ones in which you can show off your tennis skills are something of a rarity. There have been tennis courts on Lincoln’s Inn Fields since the 17th century and today three courts remain for use by anyone who fancies a match… just remember to book in advance!
WebsiteWhen you’ve worked up a sweat on the tennis courts and are in need of some restorative fuel, you can head to ‘Fields’ bar and kitchen, which overlooks the tennis courts. Here you can sample freshly-made wood-fired pizzas and tasty salads, washed down with a much deserved beer, or maybe just a modest coffee and a delectable slice of cake.
WebsiteThe Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons is certainly a gem, but it’s not one for the faint of heart or squeamish. The museum is home to an anatomical specimen collection, begun by Scottish surgeon, John Hunter, in the 18thcentury. Later collectors have added to this extraordinary collection, which now also comprises paintings, surgical instruments, teaching tools and models.
WebsiteShould you find yourself near the Royal Courts of Justice and gasping for a drink, visit the Seven Stars pub; an old drinking establishment that sits between the magnificent Royal Courts and the south side of Lincoln’s Inn Fields. You could easily walk straight past its low windows, but peek inside and you’ll discover a wonderfully cosy bar and even a furry bartender to greet you – Tom Paine, the Seven Stars’ cat.
WebsiteHidden gems courtesy of @AccidentalLDNr. Urban blogger. Londoner. Gin enthusiast.
Flora Tonking, The Accidental Londoner
Midtown (or Chancery Lane and Holborn) is the perfect solution if you are looking for office space in the City of London legal district. Serviced offices in Chancery Lane are also often highly sought after thanks to their close proximity to the theatres, restaurants and bars in the West End of London.
