Longing for London

House of Parliament

London is one of my favorites cities in the world. It’s diverse, easy to navigate and has some of the best dining offerings in the world. Whenever I go back, there was always something new to discover that is why I never tire of London (or the UK as a whole). In 2009, I was not planning on going anywhere due to demanding workload but I felt the London breeze by way of the Atlantic. I just had to go back! It took me half-a-minute to realize that I must go then I bought my plane ticket from NWA (dirt cheap – $560 roundtrip). This time around, I gave myself a less-rigid schedule as I wanted to take it slow and just relax.

I stayed at the very posh Renaissance Chancery Court in Holborn. The location was perfect as it was in the middle of everything. The tube was half a block from my hotel, Pret A Manger, Krispy Kreme, Tesco and a drug store were all within a 5 minute walk. By the way, for those who travel to London frequently, please save your Oyster Card and just top off whenever you visit – so convenient!

My first meal in London – Room service 🙂

I was very lucky to have spent a week by myself in London, and during one of the most perfect weeks London had seen in a while, to boot. The weather was warm/nippy the entire time I was there. It rained heavily as I was leaving for Heathrow 🙁 It was definitely great to be detached from the craziness at home.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Anyway, for this trip, I made sure to go to places I haven’t seen before (except for Harrod’s – that’s my mothership). I spent a great amount of time in the South Bank and East End (not Jack the Ripper East). On my first day, I went to St. Paul’s Cathedral – magnificent edifice. The cupola had such a commanding presence and it was more overwhelming when I entered the cathedral. It was unfortunate that picture taking was prohibited inside because of the fine arts that have surrounded the cathedral. I had the opportunity (and strength) to walk up towards the whispering gallery (about 200 steps). Regrettably, I didn’t have the guts to walk all the way  up the top of the cupola. I learned that it boasts the best view of London. Maybe next time. Across the cathedral is the Millennium Bridge. I did not cross the bridge that day as I had to head over to Farringdon for lunch. But before that, I was able to stop by Leaden Hall to take some pictures. I got there too early and the vendors weren’t done setting up for the market day yet (same thing at Covent Garden). I went to A Gold and Verde Co in Smithfields (tube stop Liverpool) to buy some gourmet juices but ended up buying a roast beef with watercress salad sandwich from A Gold and this french mango nectar juice, roast beef and parmesan salad and Pierre Marcolini chocolates from Verde Co….I ate the entire lot and they were amazing! One of the best salads and sandwiches I have ever had. Verde Co. is this very small store that serves organic sandwiches and salads, gourmet sauces, juices, spices, etc plus Pierre Marcolini chocolates (I almost went crazy looking for these things in Paris last year but was unsuccessful). Next door is A Gold that sell traditional English delicacies. They still do but their items were not as extensive as before.

Leaden Hall

Millennium Bridge

I spent my entire time the next day in the South Bank. I took the tube to St. Paul’s, crossed the street and started walking over Millennium Bridge. It was frightening as the bridge would rattle and sway when strong winds would blow along the Thames. Thankfully, it was a short walk and interestingly enough, it ends right smack in the middle of Tate Modern (unfortunately, I haven’t been here yet – maybe next year). Now, my 2 reasons for going to the South Bank were as follows ; (1) Shakespeare’s Globe Theater & (2) Borough Market. Because I haven’t had breakfast yet nor lunch, I decided to head to the Borough Market first. It was unbelievable! Organic chocolates, veal burgers, fruits, the world famous cheddar sandwich etc. were all too enticing to pass up.  I decided to splurge on some oysters, veal and beef burgers, a couple of white nectarines and handmade truffles. I bought some toffee, fudge and fluffy nougats from this store called Burnt Sugar (they are accepting orders from the US now). After brunch, I headed over to The Globe Theater. It was Shakespeare’s birthday that week and was celebrating its first play of the season, Romeo & Juliet. I bought my ticket, took pictures and started walking along the South Bank.

Organic truffles = yum!

Shakespeare’s Globe Theater

I, then jumped on the tube and headed over to Green Park. I made reservations at Wolseley for an afternoon high tea. The Ritz next door didn’t have any availability for the whole week :(. I had a few moments to kill before my high tea so I walked around Burlington Arcade and bought some macarons from Laduree (its main shop is located at Harrod’s on Brompton Road). I always get caramel, vanilla, coffee and chocolate macaroons. I also stopped by Fortnum & Mason. Their food hall was outstanding! I bought quite a few boxes of teas (my favorite is Green Tea and Elderflower – so good!!!). I also bought loads of cookies (Double chocolate chip, butter cookies, clotted cream cookies and some fudge and hard candies). After spending some time (and money) at Laduree and Fortnum & Mason, it was time for tea. The high tea at Wolseley was definitely worth the splurge. I had their melange de the, savory and sweet tea sandwiches, petit fours and french macaroons.

I spent the next day walking around my favorite part of the city, Knightsbridge. Harrod’s and plenty of other high end stores line up along Brompton Road. I also went and had coffee at Andronica’s World of Coffee. It was by far the best one I’ve had yet. A little pricey but worth it. I also couldn’t help but not have dinner at 5J Iberico inside one of Harrods’ Food Halls. I had Gazpacho Soup, Pan con tomate and Jamon Iberico (of course). Not cheap but worth the pound notes.

Gazpacho Soup

(From L to R) Pan con tomate and Jamon Iberico

I spent the next two days touring other parts of England. I am not really a fan of guided tours but it was the most economical way of seeing and learning more about this great country so I gave in. With these tours, I was able to see Stone Henge, Windsor Castle, Bath, Cotswolds,  Stratford-Upon-Avon and Oxford University.

William Shakespeare’s House on the right

The Roman baths of Bath

Anne Hathaway’s Home (not the actress but WS’s wife)

Stonehenge

The Cotswolds

Busy day at the Cotswolds

CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and their other Inklings contemporaries hung out here

 

Christ Church College (Oxford University)

 

Interior of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

My last day was spent catching up on some much needed shopping. I bought a few real cool shirts from Uniqlo and had lunch at Wagamama (the one at Harvey Nichols). Then I had dinner at JSheekey before heading to the Globe Theater to watch Romeo & Juliet. The dinner and the play was such a great way to conclude my London trip.

As I was leaving for Heathrow, I couldn’t help but wish that I had an extra week to spend in London. It’s a big, dirty and beautiful city so unique and captivating, it leaves me breathless at every opportunity. Till next year…