janisj

Has nothing to do w/ reviews or raves. Has to do w/ convenience.

If I'm at the Tower of London or the V&A at closing time -- I usually wouldn't rush back to my 'neighborhood' to eat dinner. I'd stroll around, have a nice dinner where I am and then head back to the hotel or flat.

PalenQ

Yet janis many folks do not like the frentic approach and like to go back freshen up a bit - relax a bit - then venture back out for dinner and this necessitates returning to your hotel/flat/B&B/campsite, etc. and once back I can understand not wanting to get on a potentially crowded Tube, etc.

again it's up to folks own personal tastes and who can say one is better than the other.

Whatever suits you...

PalenQ

LondonTown.com | Judd Street Guide | Judd Street London, WC1H ...Judd Street London Street Guide, A comprehensive look at Judd Street, its nearby events, hotels, shop, restaurants and transport links.
http://www.londontown.com/LondonStre...treet_d4c.html

Judd St is just one street with lots of restaurants in the vicinity of the library - check out the myriad options and just take a chance!

nini

If you are visiting the BL at lunchtime, consider eating at the cafe there. We found it to be an attractive lunch spot with good food that is inexpensive.

texasbookworm

Definitely don't be skittish about the Tube. As in all big cities (well, really, anywhere) be very aware of surroundings, don't leave anything unattended, protect your documents/money/valuables (I wear a little silk bag under my clothes with most money, bank cards, and ID's). But we've ridden it early, late, and middle--I love it. And I live in a small city where I never take public transport, so for me to be comfortable with the Tube is a big recommendation.

Plan a Tower of London trip fer shure!!!

And Greenwich (if you've made it to all the other sites you want) can be a great half day. We tried to ride the DLR there but planned works on lines put us on a bus for a while, but anyway we got off at Island Gardens, then we walked UNDER the Thames and then got a boat to ride back to the Globe area later. It was all crowded but it was mostly fun anyway.

PatrickLondon

Which hotel, BTW?

If Judd St/Leigh St isn't too far to walk, then you can probably also carry on down towards Marchmont St and the Brunswick Centre. Somewhere you should something pleasant.

And along the Euston Road, if you want a break from the Library, you might be interested in the Wellcome Collection (it has a café, run IIRC by the same people as run the BL café):

http://www.wellcomecollection.org/

Dr_DoGood

There's an absolutely excellent - first-class - noodle bar a short walk down Judd Street as you enter the Brunswick Centre at the entrance where The Renoir cinema is situated. Called the Hare & Tortoise from memeory I'd rate it as the best in town by a stretch. Spartan, utilitarian, with shared tables and a diligent if not overly friendly staff the noodles and soups are exceptionally good. Well frequented by London's Chinese population and visiting Chinese students if that's any recommendation.

And mentioning the Renoir - it's worth having a look see what's showing - you may well be able to catch an interesting film there whilst you're over and enjoy an evening out not far from your digs.

Dr D.

goddesstogo

We loved North Sea Fish and went there often. The British Library has both a cafe and a restaurant. We also had a very nice dinner one night in the dining room of the hotel next to the BL. Sorry I can't remember the name but it's on the same side of the street as the BL.

goddesstogo

By the way, if you're not fans of fish and chips (and I'm not) you should still go to North Sea Fish. Their plain grilled fish can't be beat.

Charp45

My goodness! All these lovely suggestions makes me wish our stay was going to be longer, but, alas, we are expected onboard a cruise ship! Patrick wanted to know our hotel--it's the Excelsior on Argyle Square. Hopefully, it will be a decent place to stay. The information on the Londontown.com is very helpful, PalenQ. Perhaps we'll be able to take in a play one evening, since we'll have the listings. Now, if we just knew for sure that the British Library holds the information needed on British Naval activity in the 17th century. My husband is researching for his book, and is specifically looking for the Thomason Tracts that cover that period of time.

ElendilPickle

I would contact the British Library and ask them about the Thomason Tracts. Don't forget the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich as well.

Lee Ann

Nlingenfel

I always make time for the North Sea Fish house.