I love travelling and try to hop on a plane every chance that I get. With the pandemic and busy work schedule, I have not been able to travel as much as I like to, which made this trip that much more special!
London was love at first sight! Beautiful architecture, exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, stunning unique interiors, unmatched restaurant experiences - this city has so much to offer to engage all the senses. All the novelty and excitement of a big metropolitan city was balanced out by a feeling of being “right at home”, a sense of familiarity - ease of navigating English-speaking city with many recognizable brands and stores. Somehow, London feels both new and familiar, metropolitan and cozy, big and small. Two weeks gave me a little teaser; however, I am confident that I will be back to continue to explore.
Here are some of my favorite moments/experiences:
FACADES OF LONDON
Advised by our local friends, we decided to stay in lovely South Kensington neighbourhood. One of the absolute highlights of this trip for me has been exploring the city by foot and soaking up the gorgeous facades with abundant architectural features and details.
HYDE PARK
Staying in close adjacency to Hyde Park meant that many of our daily outings led us through its charming paths on the way to another city neighbourhood. Hard to believe that such a lush and serene green space is in the heart of a city of 9 million!
FOODIE HEAVEN
The restaurant scene is London is unmatched. What an abundance of experiences and wildly different interiors and cuisines. Here are a couple that we had a chance to experience.
We stumbled on this gem on our first night in London. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and courtyards, Firebird is an open-fire restaurant and wine bar in the heart of Soho.
Image source: www.luxurylondon.co.uk
Laid back and effortlessly stylish in quintessentially Aussie way, Granger & Co. quickly became our brunch go-to spot. I loved the Chelsea (pictured here) and Notting Hill locations.
Image source: Granger & Co.
Granger & Co. in Chelsea
Many of London’s IT restaurants are embracing the Maximalist vibe. Luscious foliage, jungle textures and velvet banquettes - London’s Amazonico is truly a sensory feast!
Image Source: Amazonico
More is more at Amazonico! Fringe lampshades, decadent fabrics and curved walls ensure this space is anything but boring.
Image Source: Amazonico
Here is Cocotte, French farm-to-table rotisserie with many healthy seasonal homemade dishes and well appointed interior.
Image Source: Cocotte
Annabels was another decadently maximalist restaurant I had an opportunity to check out on this trip. What a wild (quite literally) experience!
Image Source: Annabels
I don’t think I have ever stepped foot in a ladies room more opulently decorated! From pink marble and mother-of-pearl details to walls clad in hand-embroidered wallpaper with whimsical botanical motives to flower ceilings to plush carpets to custom flower mirrors and bespoke furniture, this ladies room at Annabel’s is certainly one of a kind!
Image Source: Annabels
Enjoying honey cake and specialty tea in Notting Hill’s L’eto restaurant with my lovely friend who I got to visit with while in London.
This is NOPI - Ottolenghi’s restaurant in Soho. I have been obsessed with Ottolenghi’s cookbooks and have been making his recipes for years. IYKYK! I was so excited to stumble on his restaurant in London, but of course the place was booked for many days ahead. I am putting it on the list for next time!
Image source: Ottolenghi
GALLERIES
Such an abundantly rich cultural and art scene! I imagine you need to spend a couple of lifetimes in this city to visit even a fraction of the events and galleries!
Victoria and Albert museum
Trying to take it all in at the National Gallery.
A Van Gogh moment at the National Gallery
Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers, Van Gogh, 1888.
ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE
We took a little roadtrip to visit friends in the English countryside. Here is a view of Hereford, cathedral city approximately 3 hours drive West of London.
Image Source: www.cntraveller.com
A stop at Barnsley House on the way back for some afternoon tea.
SITE SEEING
With so many friends to catch up with, and so many restraurants and museums to explore, site seeing wasn’t always top of mind. However, we did manage to stop by a few of the iconic landmarks.
First time at Buckingham Palace.
Two days later, news of Queen Elizabeth’s passing would sweep the world and crowds would gather outside of Buckingham Palace to pay respects and leave flowers and cards in Queen’s memory. It was pretty surreal to have a historical event of this magnitude take place while I was visiting in London.
One of London’s defining landmarks - Tower Bridge.
Finally, a special shout out to my love for being a wonderful and patient travel companion. Two weeks felt way too short but we will be back!