Timeline
14:20
Start with a pint in Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. This reconstructed 17th-century pub is just a short walk from the church. It is a great way to warm up and get into the historical mood before the main event.
14:50
Walk to Temple Church. Arrive early enough to explore the Romanesque interior and the Knights Templar tombs. The light inside the chancel is beautiful, but you want to be outside for the final act.
16:20
Stand in the churchyard or just outside the entrance. The sun sets toward the SW. The golden light hits the ancient stone facade, creating a serene contrast to the bustling city around you. This is the peak moment for photography and quiet reflection.
17:20
Head to Soho for dinner. Wong Kei is a Chinatown institution and a popular choice for Londoners. It is spread across four floors and offers excellent value. Be prepared for brisk service and a lively atmosphere as the evening gets going.
18:20
End the night at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club. This world-famous venue hosts live music from 9:45 PM. You need to reserve a table in advance for the best experience, or head to Ronnie’s Bar upstairs for a more casual club-like environment with drinks and music.
Local tip
Book Ronnie Scott’s well ahead. The club is small and popular. If you miss out on a table, the upstairs bar is a good fallback, but it gets crowded.
Check before you go
- Ronnie Scott’s is closed 24-26 Dec. Live music runs 9:45 PM-2 AM.
- Wong Kei is busy; expect a wait if you walk in without a reservation.
- Temple Church hours vary; check the website for current opening times before visiting.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to London (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).