Thinkers50 London Summit and Awards Gala 2025
Your guide to hotels, food, and things to do during the Thinkers50 London Summit & Awards Gala
We’re delighted to welcome you to London for the Thinkers50 Summit & Awards Gala 2025, taking place on 3 & 4 November at the historic Guildhall. Whether you’re travelling from across the globe or just around the corner, we hope you take a little time to enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.
This guide brings together our hotel recommendations, some handpicked restaurants and bars, and a selection of things to see and do from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. We’ve gathered local tips to help you make the most of your stay, whether you’re here for a short visit or making a long weekend of it.
We look forward to celebrating with you in London!
The Thinkers50 Team
For the London Summit & Thinkers50 Awards Gala – 3 & 4 November 2025
To help you make the most of your stay in London during the Thinkers50 London Summit and Awards Gala, we’ve selected a number of hotels located close to the event venue: Guildhall, London. Each option has been carefully chosen for its quality, location, and convenience.
Some hotels may offer exclusive booking codes or discounts for Thinkers50 guests. These will be added below as soon as they become available. All bookings are subject to availability and are on a first-come, first-served basis.
10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ, United Kingdom
Walking distance to Guildhall: ~15 minutes (1.2 km)
By car: ~7 minutes
Booking code: Thinkers50 Limited
Book by phone: +44 (0)20 3297 9200
Book by email:
60 Upper Thames St., London EC4V 3AD, United Kingdom
Walking distance to Guildhall: ~10 minutes (0.8 km)
By car: ~4 minutes
5 Threadneedle St, London EC2R 8AY, United Kingdom
Walking distance to Guildhall: ~5 minutes (400 m)
By car: ~2 minutes
50–60 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AR, United Kingdom
Walking distance to Guildhall: ~30 minutes (2.4 km)
By car: ~12 minutes
Booking code: Thinkers50LEO
Book by email:
10 Godliman St, London EC4V 5AJ, United Kingdom
Walking distance to Guildhall: ~6 minutes (500 m)
By car: ~5 minutes
Booking code: Thinkers50LEO
Book by email:
8–14 Cooper's Row, London EC3N 2BQ, United Kingdom
Walking distance to Guildhall: ~13 minutes (1.1 km)
By car: ~6 minutes
Booking code: Thinkers50LEO
Book by email:
45 Prescot St, London E1 8GP, United Kingdom
Walking distance to Guildhall: ~18 minutes (1.5 km)
By car: ~8 minutes
Booking code: Thinkers50LEO
Book by email:
24–30 W Smithfield, London EC1A 9HB, United Kingdom
Walking distance to Guildhall: ~7 minutes (550 m)
By car: ~3 minutes
8–10 Paul St, London EC2A 4JH, United Kingdom
Walking distance to Guildhall: ~17 minutes (1.3 km)
By car: ~7 minutes
Curated recommendations for Thinkers50 London Summit & Awards Gala guests
London is one of the world’s most exciting culinary cities. From historic pubs and creative cocktail bars to Michelin-starred restaurants and buzzing bistros, there’s something for every taste and every mood.
To help you navigate the endless choices, we’ve gathered 50 of our favourite places to wine, dine and relax. Many are within walking distance of Guildhall and the recommended hotels, with a few standouts further afield worth the trip.
Planning to go out on Sunday? Please double-check opening hours in advance, as some venues may close earlier or not open at all on Sundays.
The Bull and Hide, Bishopsgate
Traditional pub charm with a modern twist.
Balfour at St Barts, Smithfield
Cosy spot serving modern British dishes and local wines.
The Ned, Bank
Ten bars and restaurants in a glamorous former bank – you’ll want to explore them all.
Williamson’s Tavern, St Paul’s
17th Century; once the home of the Lord Mayor of London.
The Mug House, London Bridge
Characterful wine bar and restaurant tucked away under London Bridge.
The Mudlark, London Bridge
Long-term favourite of city workers and traders from nearby Borough Market.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, Spitalfields
Find the hidden fridge door… and discover a secret basement bar.
Ye Olde Mitre, Holborn
One of London’s oldest pubs, hidden down an alley – pure character.
The Wigmore, Portland Place
Elevated pub classics in a chic, retro setting.
Duke’s Bar, Mayfair
The birthplace of the classic James Bond martini – “shaken, not stirred”.
The Connaught Bar, Mayfair
Iconic cocktails served with 1920s glamour.
The Lamb & Flag, Covent Garden
A Dickens-era favourite – charming and full of stories.
Lady of The Grapes, Covent Garden
Organic wine bar with a French flair and a relaxed vibe.
The French House, Soho
Bohemian, historic, and full of London soul.
The Lyric, Soho
Quintessential London pub with Victorian features and friendly atmosphere.
Cahoots, Soho
A quirky 1940s-style bar set in an old train station.
Swift Soho, Old Compton St
Stylish spot for pre-dinner cocktails or post-show jazz.
Disrepute, Carnaby St
Velvet, vintage vibes and expertly crafted cocktails.
The Blind Pig, Soho
Inventive drinks, moody lighting, hidden entrance – the full speakeasy package.
The Bloomsbury Club
Literary luxe and candlelit cocktails.
Library Bar, The Lanesborough
Classic and elegant – a timeless favourite.
Balfour at Bow Wine Vaults
Relaxed bistro close to St Paul’s with excellent wine.
Browns Old Jewry
Smart brasserie serving British classics, near Guildhall.
The Ivy City Garden
A stylish setting tucked in Bishopsgate Gardens.
Crispin, Spitalfields
Bright, modern European plates with seasonal flair.
Bourne & Hollingsworth, Clerkenwell
Beautiful interiors and a garden-party feel.
Kitty Fisher’s, Mayfair
Tiny and romantic – perfect for a special dinner.
The Culpeper, Commercial Street
Pub and bistro with a sustainability focus on well-sourced ingredients.
Hawksmoor Guildhall
The ultimate London steakhouse – lunch or early dinner only on Sundays.
Origin City, Smithfield
Farm-to-table dining with sustainable, organic produce.
The Ivy Asia, St Paul’s
Dramatic, vibrant and delicious – with views of the cathedral.
Ibai, St Paul’s
Basque-influenced cuisine in a renovated former warehouse.
1 Lombard Street
Historic former banking hall with all-day dining, close to Guildhall.
Bubala, Spitalfields & Shoreditch
Middle Eastern vegetarian & vegan food that even carnivores love.
Duck & Waffle, Bishopsgate
Open 24/7 with jaw-dropping views from the 40th floor.
Fenchurch Restaurant, Sky Garden
Modern British-Caribbean cuisine with rooftop garden views.
Bob Bob Ricard, City
“Press for Champagne” – need we say more?
Kol, Marylebone
Modern Mexican, Michelin-starred and unforgettable.
St. John, Smithfield / Spitalfields
Legendary for nose-to-tail dining and bold British flavours.
Mildred’s, Soho & Covent Garden
Plant-based favourites since 1988 – hearty, creative, and vibrant.
Frog by Adam Handling, Covent Garden
Inventive tasting menus in a modern setting.
Rovi, Fitzrovia
Ottolenghi-style veggie-focused dishes cooked over fire.
Sabor, Mayfair
Michelin-starred Spanish with serious style.
Myrtle, Chelsea
Modern European cuisine with a gentle Irish accent.
Darby’s, Battersea
Oyster bar meets NYC brasserie – a foodie favourite.
Fallow, St James’s
Sustainable dining, seasonal produce, striking flavours.
Spring, Somerset House
Artful, elegant, and perfect for a celebratory meal.
Dean Street Townhouse, Soho
Stylish comfort food and a top spot for people-watching.
Hoppers, Soho
Bold Sri Lankan and South Indian flavours – spicy and addictive.
Doppo, Soho
Tiny Italian gem with heart and handmade pasta.
Andrew Edmunds, Soho
A Soho institution serving seasonal modern European fare.
Remember, remember the fifth of November…
Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is celebrated every year in the UK on 5 November to mark the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. In 2025, Bonfire Night falls on a Wednesday, but many events and fireworks displays will take place on the preceding weekend (1–2 November) for convenience.
If you’re arriving in London early for the Thinkers50 Award Gala, you might be able to experience this festive tradition. Expect spectacular fireworks, crackling bonfires, and lively atmospheres in parks and public spaces around the city.
Tickets are usually required for the major displays, such as those at Alexandra Palace and Battersea Park, and often sell out in advance. So be sure to book early if you’re interested!
It’s a unique British cultural experience and a great way to kick off your stay in London.
London’s world-class museums are a gift. Quite literally, as most have free general admission. Whether you’re into art, design, history or science, there’s something here to spark your curiosity:
The British Museum (Bloomsbury)
Explore over two million years of human history, culture and art — from the Rosetta Stone to ancient Egyptian mummies.
🕒 Open daily, 10:00 – 17:00
Tate Modern (Bankside)
Contemporary and modern art in a stunning former power station on the Thames.
🕒 Open daily, 10:00 – 18:00
Natural History Museum (South Kensington)
Dinosaurs, gems, and the wonders of the natural world in one of London’s most iconic buildings.
🕒 Open daily, 10:00 – 17:30
Science Museum (South Kensington)
Hands-on exhibits, interactive galleries, and fascinating stories of innovation and discovery.
🕒 Open daily, 10:00 – 18:00
Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) (South Kensington)
A treasure trove of fashion, art, design, and culture from around the world — beautifully curated.
🕒 Open daily, 10:00 – 17:45
Stand on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory, where east meets west. A bucket-list photo moment.
Visit the National Maritime Museum and the elegant Queen’s House, both offering free entry, and learn about Britain’s seafaring legacy.
Step aboard the Cutty Sark, a beautifully restored Victorian tea clipper that once sailed the world’s oceans.
Browse Greenwich Market, a colourful mix of street food, arts, crafts, and vintage treasures.
Getting there is half the fun: hop on a river boat, take the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), or enjoy the ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car over the Thames.
For those seeking a moment of peace, spiritual connection, or simply a quiet space to reflect, London offers many beautiful and welcoming places of worship across all faiths.
Southwark Cathedral
Historic Anglican cathedral where John Harvard was baptised in 1607.
Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, Shaftesbury Avenue
A welcoming space in the heart of the West End.
Union Chapel, Islington
A unique blend of church and arts venue, known for its peaceful atmosphere.
Most Holy Trinity Dockhead
A Roman Catholic parish tucked behind St Saviour’s Dock, near Tower Bridge.
London Central Mosque, Regent’s Park
One of the most prominent mosques in the UK, open to visitors.
Hyde Park Chapel
A place of worship for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Radha-Krishna Temple, Soho
Vibrant Hindu temple known for its music, colour and inclusivity.
The London Buddhist Vihara, Chiswick
Peaceful centre for Buddhist teachings and meditation.
Bevis Marks Synagogue, City
Oldest synagogue in the UK
Need a breath of fresh air? Head to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew to enjoy peaceful walking paths, vibrant autumn foliage, and world-famous plant collections.
Don’t miss the Treetop Walkway for a unique view above the trees or explore one of the grand Victorian glasshouses.
🕒 Open daily in November, 10:00 – 16:00
🚇 Easy access via District Line (Kew Gardens), taxi or river boat
London is home to some of the most vibrant and atmospheric markets in Europe. Perfect for browsing, tasting, and soaking up local flavour. Whether you’re looking for flowers, vintage finds, or street food, these markets are well worth a visit:
Columbia Road Flower Market (Bethnal Green)
A Sunday morning favourite — colourful, fragrant, and full of charm. Great for plants, flowers, and independent shops nearby.
🕒 Open Sundays, 8:00 – 15:00
Borough Market (London Bridge)
London’s oldest and most iconic food market. Expect artisan cheeses, fresh produce, gourmet street food, and international delights.
🕒 Open Tuesday – Sunday
Maltby Street Market (Bermondsey)
A smaller but beloved market under the railway arches. Ideal for foodies seeking handmade goods, craft drinks, and a laid-back vibe.
🕒 Open Saturday & Sunday
Once a derelict industrial landmark, Battersea Power Station has been reborn as one of London’s most exciting new destinations. Set along the Thames in Southwest London, this iconic building now anchors a vibrant riverside neighbourhood filled with shops, restaurants, bars, cafés, event spaces, parks, and more.
Wander beneath its towering chimneys, enjoy riverside views, or explore the stylish boutiques inside the restored Turbine Halls. Looking for something different?
Take the Chimney Lift – a glass elevator that takes you 109 meters up inside one of the original chimneys for breathtaking 360° views over London. A must-do for architecture lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys a good view.
🎶 Fun fact: Pink Floyd fans will recognise the station from the cover of their 1977 album ‘Animals’.
For a different perspective in London, take to the water! A Thames River cruise offers a relaxing (and scenic) way to explore the city. Gliding past landmarks like Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament.
Options include:
Thames River Boats – classic sightseeing cruises
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers – fast and frequent river transport
Thames River Cruises – great for longer, guided trips
Whether you’re travelling with family or just in the mood for something light-hearted, London has plenty of fun to offer beyond the boardroom.
Clip ‘n Climb Chelsea
Colourful indoor climbing walls – no experience needed; all gear provided.
Junkyard Golf Club, Shoreditch
Crazy golf meets neon lights and cocktails. Great for groups!
The LEGO® Store, Leicester Square
Giant models, build zones, and exclusive sets – fun for all ages.
Hamleys, Regent Street
One of the world’s oldest and largest toy shops – a wonderland for kids (and grown-ups).
Richmond Park
Vast green space with free-roaming deer, woodland walks, and sweeping views of London.
The London Eye
Iconic giant wheel with panoramic city views – a must-see for first-time visitors.
London is a paradise for readers, with beautiful independent bookshops and historic libraries tucked across the city.
Daunt Books, Marylebone
A stunning Edwardian bookshop with oak galleries and a focus on travel. Open daily.
Brick Lane Bookshop
Charming, independent, and best visited with a warm Brick Lane beigel in hand.
Stanfords, Covent Garden
The go-to shop for travel writing, maps, and adventure inspiration.
Treasures of the British Library, St Pancras
A free exhibition showcasing original manuscripts, letters, and world-changing texts. Open daily.
While we’ve done our best to provide up-to-date information, please note that opening times, menus, and availability may change. We recommend checking the links provided before your visit.
Above all, we hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in London. Whether you’re here for discovery, inspiration, or simply a great meal.
Enjoy the city and enjoy the Summit and Gala.
Warm regards,
The Thinkers50 Team
Thinkers50 Limited
The Studio
Highfield Lane
Wargrave RG10 8PZ
United Kingdom
Thinkers50 Limited
The Studio
Highfield Lane
Wargrave RG10 8PZ
United Kingdom
Thinkers50 Limited
The Studio
Highfield Lane
Wargrave RG10 8PZ
United Kingdom
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