If you’ve been following my IG account, you know I recently took a trip to one of my favorite cities: London. I love this town!! Especially in early summer when all the flowers are blooming, the air smells of roses, and the daylight seems to last until midnight.
Oh, and also because some of my favorite people in the world live there!
On this trip we skipped most of the top tourists spots since we’ve been there and done that on other trips. But if you’re planning a trip and/or haven’t been to London before, I’ve added a short list of a few of my favorite spots below. Also, if you’re planning to visit this fall or winter, don’t miss on these sweet deals from Virgin Atlantic airfare to London!
This time we spent most of our time eating, walking and doing a little shopping. Oh, and I also went to see a play at the National Theater called Julie, which I wouldn’t recommend because it was so depressing! Although I did love checking out all the river-side food and drink pop ups on the South Bank right in front of the theater. Including the cart that served frosé.
London Trip Highlights
Our Hotel In London
For this trip, we stayed at a hotel in Kensington called the Ampersand (no, this is not sponsored or comped!). I picked this fun boutique hotel for a couple of reasons. Our friends live close by, it’s right across the street from a tube station and a taxi stand and it’s a pretty good price for such comfortable accommodations. I also booked my room through Tablet Hotels (and I am a Tablet Plus member), so we got free breakfast (see the below photo of the breakfast spot).
Where We Ate in London
We did a fair bit of dining during our visit! Here’s a recap of favorite stops.
Where We Had Tea in London
The Connaught Hotel: Our first stop on the tea circuit was the gorgeous Jean-Georges at the Connaught Hotel. With it’s sky lights and stained-glass accented windows overlooking a little square in Mayfair, this has to be one of the prettiest spots to sit down and have tea. The hotel has that super fancy, traditional English vibe (there’s a restroom attendant!) but the staff couldn’t have been nicer. And the food was delicious! And so plentiful, we couldn’t finish.
Peggy Porschen Cakes: The next stop on our London tea tour was Peggy Porschen cakes. This swoon-worthy (and much photographed) parlour is on Elizabeth Street in the Belgravia neighborhood in London. There are a few tables inside this petite cafe and several more on the street. You can grab something to go or sit down for a bite (there is full service at the tables). The cakes really do taste as good as look!
Ampersand Hotel Science Tea: We didn’t set out to have another tea in London but one afternoon it was pouring rain and we decided to wait it out at our hotel and have some tea to pass the time. This Science Tea at the Ampersand Hotel is inspired by it’s South Kensington neighbor, the Science Museum. And it comes with lots of special effects including dry ice (see photo above) which would be especially fun for small children. The room is bright and light and the food is good.
Where We Ate Dinner in London
Tendido Cero: This small tapas restaurant and bar is a South Kensington neighborhood gem. Our friends first took us here a few years back and we loved the buzzy vibe and the delicious bites. It’s also pretty reasonably priced (way back in 2007, The New York Times even gave it a shout out as one of their favorite inexpensive restaurants in London).
Dean Street Townhouse: This is rumored to be the spot of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s first date. I’m not sure if this is true but this happening Soho spot, featuring a long bar, lots of cozy leather booths and plush velvet chairs, was packed when we visited. The restaurant serves casual, tasty British food (like Welsh rarebit and fish pie).
Core by Clare Smyth: One of our best meals of our trip (or any trip!) was at Core by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill. This (relatively) new spot is helmed by one of England’s most talented chefs, Clare Smyth. During her tenure with Gordon Ramsey, she earned three Michelin stars. And this year, she was picked as the top female in the world.
Everything about this restaurant is charming from the location in Notting Hill to the gorgeous modern but plush interior. It almost feels like you are dining in someones very posh London townhouse. There are no white table clothes here!
But even if the vibe is casually elegant and welcoming, the food is serious. Foodies will love the creativity and quality of these dishes, as well as the playful presentations. Our favorite courses? The Potato and Roe, the Scottish Venison and the signature Core Apple dessert.
Sexy Fish: Rounding up our eating and drinking tour of London is Sexy Fish, an over-the-top Asian and sushi restaurant located on Berkeley Square in Mayfair. This buzzy spot, which is decorated in a lavish (a reported $22 million was spent on the decor) Las Vegas-esque style, is all about the people watching.
Sure, my passion fruit martini(s) were super yummy and the sushi was good! But this place is really all about rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous. And I have to be honest, I was super happy that my sweet friend picked up the tab! (Thank you!!)
Popular London Attractions Travel Tips
As promised, here is a list of some of my favorite tourist spots in London. Did I leave your out? Make sure to let me know in the comments below!
Favorite London Spots
The London Eye: Our favorite time to go is at sunset! And if you make reservations, you get to skip the line.
Westminister Abbey: For the first time in 700 years, you can now check out the Abbey’s new Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries. Space is limited in this 13th century triforium (arched gallery) located 52 feet above the Abbey floor, so make sure to get tickets.
The Churchill War Rooms: Step back in time with a visit to Churchill’s World War II underground bunker. If you’re a history buff or liked the movie The Darkest Hour, you’ll enjoy a visit to these rooms. Many of them are still exactly like they were when the lights were turned out in 1945. Make sure to get tickets in advance and since the space is so small, try for off-peak hours.
The British Museum: Come for see the Rosetta Stone and stay for the special exhibits! A few years ago, we viewed one of the best exhibits I’ve ever seen at this museum (it was on mummies). I’ve been a fan ever since! Entrance to the museum is free but there is usually a fee for the special exhibits.
Hampton Palace Court London: If you’re curious about Henry VIII, and what it must have been to live at court during his reign, this is the place (and gardens) to check out. It’s located just outside London on the Thames and it’s super easy to get to on the Tube (your Oyster Card will get you there). From the station, it’s about a 5-minute easy walk to the palace entrance. Another tip: audio tours are free.
Want more travel inspiration? Check out my recap of our trip to Italy last summer.
Sexy Fish Bar photo credit: Sexy Fish