April in London 2018 takes me from Easter treats in Soho to a special night at the theatre and the final stretch of the London Marathon. I begin with a hot cross bun near Carnaby Street, continue through some favourite chocolate shops, and later meet my sister for The Mousetrap. By the end of the film, the coats and grey skies have given way to sunshine and cheering crowds.
Filmed in April 2018 and originally published on YouTube on 17 June 2018. This is an archive of those visits; the shopfronts, theatre information and streets appear as they did in the film.
April in London 2018 starts with Easter treats
I begin just off Regent Street with Easter food on my mind. Bread Ahead has a shop and café on Beak Street in the film, a handy stop beside Carnaby Street. Although I mention its bread, pastries and doughnuts, there is one seasonal bake I have come to try: a hot cross bun.
Back outside, I inspect its slightly wonky cross before taking a bite. It is really good, though I think a little butter would make it even better. That simple snack sets the tone for the first walk. From here, I turn my attention to chocolate and the places I like to visit around Soho and Mayfair.
Hazelnut hot chocolate in Soho
The next stop is SAID, where I pick up a hazelnut hot chocolate. It needs a little time to cool, so I carry it with me as I continue the walk. The flavour reminds me of liquid chocolate sponge pudding. It is a rich little treat and one I have enjoyed before.
Then I reach Paul A Young’s bright purple shop on the corner of Broadwick Street and Wardour Street. The Easter eggs in the window give me plenty to look at while my drink cools. This stretch of the film is as much about browsing the windows and wandering between shops as it is about tasting.
Chocolate shopping through London’s arcades
Prince’s Arcade looks rather disrupted during this visit because renovation work is under way. However, Prestat’s colourful shop is still a reason to head inside. I buy a small milk-chocolate bar with roasted almonds and sea salt, then try it as I walk towards the next stop. It earns an enthusiastic response.
Afterwards, I reach the Royal Arcade on Old Bond Street and point out Charbonnel et Walker. These arcades give the chocolate walk a different setting from Soho’s busy pavements. For a fuller account of the route and the individual stops, see my Soho and Mayfair chocolate-shop walk.
From Trafalgar Square to the theatre district
Later in the month, I start another walk beside Trafalgar Square before heading into the West End. This time, I am meeting my sister for a theatre evening. Along the way, I stop in Leicester Square to point out the TKTS booth and talk about choosing a show.
The film captures my advice and the ticket arrangements as they stood in 2018. Being flexible about the show and performance time was central to that discussion. I also explain why I would book ahead when I knew exactly what I wanted to see. The walk then continues towards St Martin’s Theatre, where our own evening is about to begin.
A special evening at The Mousetrap
The theatre’s signs celebrate The Mousetrap’s 66th year. Inside, we collect our tickets and a programme, then take our seats in the dress circle. I admire the view of the stage and the theatre around us before the evening’s announcement begins.
The speaker explains why this particular performance is special: it marks 60 years since The Mousetrap became the world’s longest-running show. That is a separate milestone from the 66th year shown outside. Hearing the announcement makes our visit feel like a small part of the production’s long story.
Keeping the theatre’s secret
I enjoy the performance enormously and praise the cast afterwards. The play’s country-house mystery is part of its appeal, but I leave the solution where it belongs: inside the theatre. The film includes the familiar request for audiences to keep the secret for those who have yet to see it.
After the show, my sister and I head off for dinner and drinks. If you would like to follow more of the walk, my London theatre article from Leicester Square to The Mousetrap brings this part of the visit together.
Cheering the London Marathon runners
The final outing brings a very different atmosphere. I join the spectators around the 25-mile point of the London Marathon, waiting for the leading runners to pass. Their pace is striking after so many miles, especially in the heat I describe on camera.
Next, I make my way towards the Mall and Buckingham Palace. Crowds line the route, holding signs and cheering as runners approach the finish. I stop near the 600-metres-to-go marker, then continue towards a crossing marked 385 yards to go. The final stretch is full of noise, movement and encouragement.
Ending April near Buckingham Palace
I finish the main walk outside Buckingham Palace, looking down the Mall towards the marathon finish. Flags line the road, and the sunny weather makes a dramatic change from the Easter chocolate walk earlier in the episode. For more of this outing, read my London Marathon 2018 final-mile article.
That is my April in London 2018: a month of sweet things, a shared theatre night and a huge sporting occasion. Watch the full film above for the walks between stops, the atmosphere inside the theatre and the crowds cheering the runners home.
