by What is that you hear? Bird song? Hark, it must be British Summer Time! But even though the days are getting shorter as we approach the clocks going back in late October, that still leaves a few months to make the most of the early morning light (and hopefully sunlight). And there is plenty to do in the capital before that first Team meeting of the day. Whether it’s a pre-work stroll, bird watching or practicing your sun salutations, we’ve got some of the best things to do, all before 8am. So set your alarm, and seize the day – and tell everyone about it.
Go for a bird walk in Regent’s Park
Grab some binoculars, channel your inner Alan Partridge and head to the 395-acre Royal Park, where a signposted bird walk will take you to some of the best spots to catch a glimpse of its many winged residents. Starting at Clarence Gate at the top of Vicar Street, the walk includes an opportunity to spend time overlooking the park’s peaceful lake and depending on the month, new species of bird can be spotted each time you return. Some of the more common birds you might see include mallards, whoopers, mallards, mute swans, coots and reeds (neither of us).
Opens at 5am all year round, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR, royal parks.org.uk
Get coffee in a monastery
If that first morning coffee sounds like a religious experience, we might suggest you save it for The Wren Coffee, where you can enjoy a cup of the good stuff in perhaps the most beautiful surroundings in the city. Just a cafeteria’s throw from St Paul’s Cathedral, this coffee shop is located in St Nicholas Cole Abbey so expect high ceilings, wood paneling, ornate stained glass and gilded windows while you get your caffeine fix for the day. towards the talks held to help keep the good word spreading, if that’s your cup of tea.
7am Mon-Fri, St Nicholas Cole Abbey, 114 Queen Victoria Street, EC4V 4BJ, thewrencoffee.com
Go swimming in a pond
Spending your first waking hours in a cold, muddy pond with ducks might not sound like the most relaxing start to your day, but there must be something in the water because Hampstead Heath swimming pools attract loyal water nosers year after year. year in the summer. There is a mixed pool (on the Hampstead side of the Heath), as well as separate ladies’ and men’s pools (both on the Highgate side), so be prepared for it to be cold there, if you’re not used to it. cold water swimming, do a little research ahead of time. Oh, and you’ll need to book a slot. And don’t forget to pack a pair of pants!
7am, Hampstead Heath, NW3 2SN, hampsteadheath.net
Breakfast in The Wolseley style
If you want a slightly more grandiose start to your day, then skip over to Piccadilly for breakfast at The Wolseley. It began life as a car showroom in the 1920s, before becoming home to Barclays Bank, and now you can have breakfast under the Venetian and Florentine inspired marble archways in its restaurant. Specialties include bubble and squeak, grilled rumps and deviled lamb’s kidneys – but you can also have an English breakfast or opt for something from the viennoiserie (bakery) and a smoothie if you’re feeling a bit more restrained.
7am Mon-Fri, 160 Piccadilly, W1J 9EB, thewolseley.com
Feed your inner florist
Nothing says you have your life together more than a rotating set of fresh flowers at home, and in fact nowhere more so than New Covent Garden Market where 20 wholesalers set up shop each day to stock a flower smorgasbord of the offer best options. not only for florists, wedding planners and market stand holders, but also for you, the general public. Depending on the season, you’ll find any flower you need – and if you’re new, never fear, as the expert traders are happy to pass on their hard-earned knowledge. It can be overwhelming, so if you need a breather, step back and enjoy watching this incredible community at work.
4am, Monday to Saturday, New Covent Garden Market, SW8 5BH, newcoventgardenmarket.com
Go on a group walk this morning
For a slightly slower but no less intelligent start to the day, why not try joining the Poplar Union team for their weekly Friday morning walk? Led by a team of people who work at the arts and community center in Tower Hamlets, this walk aims to bring people in the community together for a positive start to the day which is all about a bit of movement but more importantly, opportunity chat with him. other walkers. No need to book, but be sure to be at Poplar Bakehouse for 7.30am – and be sure to be rewarded after the walk when they open at 8am.
7.30am every Friday, Poplar Poplar, 8a Cotall Street, E14 6TL, poplarunion.com
Put on your sweats
With 10 locations across London, there really is no excuse not to book a place in a class at 1Rebel. Concepts include Travel (spinning), Tumble (boxing and HIIT), Recreate (hell on earth with weights) and Reformer (pilates), and over 45 minutes you can be sure to come out beet red and drenched . If you’re after an extra edge, some of the Travel sessions will be musically themed — think S Club 7 v Steps, techno v rock, Britney v Christina — and even the cynic among you will find yourself belting out some bangers before breakfast. Get a branded shake after work for bragging rights in the office.
6.15am, locations across London, 1rebel.com
Grab a pint in the Borough Market
Your eyes don’t deceive you – you can get a drink before noon at The Market Porter pub in Borough Market. This traditional Victorian pub is hard to miss, sitting on the corner of Stoney Street and overlooking the market. And if you’re up for a pint between 6am and 9am, this is the place to find it, as the pub opens its doors to the artisans setting up their stalls for a long day’s work. A word to the wise: we might want to save this for a day off, just to be safe.
6am Mon-Fri, 9 Stoney Street, SE1 9AA, themarketporter.co.uk
Do sun salutations in Peckham
Want to challenge your body but quiet your mind? Then head to the Bussey Building in Peckham for one of their early morning Yogarise sessions – Dynamic Flow. Over the course of an hour you will be guided through the class by one of the many teachers who will work with you on continuous breath work and continuous movement. Classes open with sun salutations and include standing and seated asanas (poses) and end with savasana (relaxation). Don’t let your preconceived notions about yoga get in the way – just be prepared to get sweaty.
7am, Units b1.1 + b1.2, Bussey Building, 133 Copeland Road, SE15 3SN, yogarise.london
Get some distance in at Brockwell Lido
It’s not every day you can swim in a Grade II-listed pool – but it could be because Brockwell Lido is opening seven days early for swimmers to take on its Olympic-sized pool. Tickets for the summer season run from April to September or, for those brave enough, you can get an annual pass for unlimited access all year round. After your swim, you can take advantage of the on-site cafe or hit the gym. Tip: hit Twitter in the AM as the team reports how cold the water is. Your welcome. Read our full guide to London’s lidos here.
6.30am Mon-Fri, Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, SE24 0PA, fusion-lifestyle.com
Get a 24 hour bagel
When you’re done arguing about which Brick Lane bagel shop is the best, sit down with a bagel from Beigel Bake which is open, you guessed it, 24 hours a day. Copious fillings await – from peanut butter and Nutella, to egg, chopped herring, tuna, avocado and smoked salmon. But the OG filling has to be salt beef with gherkins and mustard. If you’re after something sweeter, there are plenty of croissants and other treats but we’ll stick to the classics. Whether you’re starting your day or ending your night, this is a guaranteed satisfaction station.
24 hours, 159 Brick Lane, E1 6SB, bricklanebeigel.co.uk
