Rainy Day Pleasures

It’s a common misconception that it always rains in London. Actually the rainfall in the capital is average compared to other European cities and smaller than for example in New York or Rome. We have, however been getting our fair share of wet and grey lately. But don’t let it get you down, make the most of the rainy day. This is how I would spend it.

Go shopping. Head to Shepherd’s Bush for Westfield shopping centre. Its 255 shops, cinema and countless bars and restaurants mean that you don’t have to get your feet wet all day. 

Watch the rain – Rain can actually be rather beautiful if you can watch it through a window. And watching poor people battling with their umbrellas adds extra amusement to it. The best place to watch the rain is in the Curzon cinema cafe on Shaftesbury Avenue. The cakes are a delight. Or buy a magazine and head to the downstairs bar to feel cultural, even if you’re really there just for the wine and not for the most recent arthouse releases. 

Spend a day in a bookstore – walk around, browse, pick up a pile of interesting books and find yourself a comfy chair. Foyles is a great bookstore in central London and they’ve got a nice little cafe as well. Or have a look at Guardian’s list of independent bookshops. 

Go umbrella shopping – Face the rain! Getting yourself a nice new umbrella will brighten your day.  UniGlo has got cute, little ones, that don’t break on the first day in several colours for about a fiver. If you want to splash out (pun not intended) on a luxury brolly, visit the charming James Smith & Sons Umbrellas on New Oxford Street. 

Eat too much sushi  - Rainy day is the perfect time to visit Hi Sushi in Soho. All you can eat sushi is made fresh to order and sets you back around £15. 

Or if all this just seems like a lot of hassle, go back to bed, close the curtains and watch a classic movie on DVD. May I suggest Singing in the Rain?