For those of you who don’t know I lived in London for about six months, seven years ago. I romanticized the idea of living there. There are so many wonderful aspects the city has (history, food, culture, architecture, shopping, etc.), but the weather generally is terrible and I’m always cold from not having a heavy enough coat or hot once I get inside from wearing too many layers. Oh, it’s expensive! And it’s a tough place to make friends. I was lucky enough a have an English friend living there when I moved who made my experience there so much easier. I don’t know what I would have done without her. Overall, I have a love-hate relationship with London, kind of like my feelings toward New York and Paris. I really do enjoy visiting these places though.
When I found out I had to go to London (I’ll get into the reason why in another post) I was so excited and a little bummed. Only my expenses would be covered, and we’re trying to be good about money, so that meant I would be going without J and The Gents. I’ve been wanting for us all to travel there for sometime now, but this wouldn’t be the trip. The silver lining is that I’d be back in a place I really enjoy visiting and with plenty of time to hit up some of my favorite spots, experience some new ones and get to see some old friends.
I arrived early Monday morning, around 5a. By the time I got through customs and jumped on the Heathrow Express to arrive at Paddington Station it wasn’t even 7a. With my bag in tow I began walking to my hotel, in Marylebone and just a few blocks from Marble Arch. It’s about a 20 minutes walk and I know this because I used to walk this route to work everyday when I lived there. Even though it was raining it was nice to be able to stretch my legs and reminisce a bit.
Fortunately my room was ready when I arrived so I was able to freshen up and relax a bit while planning out some spots to see. I didn’t have a too much time to dilly dally because I needed to be in Wimbledon at 4:30 that afternoon to catch-up with friends.
My goal for these two days, aside from my actual reason for being there, was to only eat at places I’d never been to. The food scene in London is pretty fantastic, and I have some reliable places I can count on, but why not discover some new ones? And although it was a quick trip, it was fun to be back. Fingers crossed we can get here as a family soon!
EAT
Gail’s – I noticed an adorable bakeshop as I was walking to the hotel. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t there when I lived in London before. It’s a chain, but this place is a gem! I couldn’t get over the number of pastries, quiche and scones. So freshly baked that they’re still warm. There was also cookies, sweet breads, loafs of bread, prepared salads. I wanted to pick up a number of items, but I restrained myself and chose the Comte and ham quiche. I walked up to counter to order a latte. As I was paying the woman behind the counter asked if I wanted the quiche warmed. Yes, please! Better yet it was plated with a side of greens and dressing. I’m routinely impressed with the level of detail, service and civility shown in customer service in London (Note: Heathrow security is an entirely separate beast though and I do not hold it in such high regard). I leisurely enjoyed my breakfast and people watched while people rushed in and out on their way to work.
Daylesford – By lunch it was misting outside, not a real rain bit enough to get you wet. It was only a five-minute walk from Selfridges, but I was chilled enough by the time I got there that I wanted tea. This is one of the reasons for the hate portion of my relationship with London, the never-ending cold rain. Enough complaining! Daylesford is one of those farm-to-table, locally sourced, organic restaurants where everything on the menu sounds yummy and comforting. In addition to the restaurant, there is a small market with meats, cheeses, deli takeaway, desserts and a nice selection of English pantry items. Coincidentally they have a small kiosk of the market items at Selfridges food hall. I wanted the full experience though so I sat at the restaurant and opted for a trio of salads as well as a pot of white peony tea. Perfect.
The Ivy Café (Wimbeldon) – I have friends from the States who now live in Wimbledon. Was thrilled that this trip gave me the opportunity to visit them and their sweet boys. I didn’t get the opportunity to see too much, but from what I saw the district is quaint and the high street of the village is lovely. The village has even been called the “nicest place in London”, by The Telegraph, and I could see why. We had dinner at The Ivy Café. On a cold, wet London evening the comfort food on the menu was exactly what I wanted – butternut squash soup and duck curry! The art deco décor and ambiance gives you the feeling that you stepped back time, complete with proper cocktails and doting wait staff. The journey to Wimbledon, from the city center via the tube, only takes about 45 minutes. I highly recommend a trip out!
Kaffeine – I found myself in Fitzrovia on my way to an appointment and having read a fair amount of good reviews on this little coffee shop I figured I had to check it out. This is the type of place that purists (you guys know who are!) love. They have every specialty hand pulled coffee you’d think off and more. There were a couple I’d never heard of. I order lattes everywhere I go because it’s my bar that I measure coffee on (akin to my ordering petit filets at every steak house I go to). They have a nice selection of pastries, salads and sandwiches as well, but this place is all about the coffee and it didn’t disappoint. It’s so legit that they offer barista and latte art courses. I can’t wait to bring J here!
Mayfair Chippery – admittedly I really wanted to go to Burger and Lobster for lunch, but the gas wasn’t working in their kitchen so I made a pivot and headed a couple blocks over to Mayfair Chippery. I had to get my fish and chip fix at some point! Fortunately I arrived right before the lunch rush hit and got a seat at the bar. They had to turn people away 10 minutes after I got there, so it’s definitely a popular spot. They have a nice, varied menu, but don’t mess around - just get the Mayfair special. The restaurant is definitely on the pricier side, probably some of that has to do with being in Mayfair, but it was worth it. And they give you a little bag of sweeties with your bill. Nice touch!
SHOP
Selfridges – swinging to the love side of my relationship with London this is one of my favorites places. From the food hall, to the champagne bar, Wonder Room filled with watches and jewelry, the accessories hall of luxury handbag boutiques, the stationary department (Brit’s love their paper), gadgets, house wares, kids department, books, shoe gallery and designer boutiques – it’s just so much fun. It’s kind of like going to a museum. If you aren’t able to go there often you need a few hours to properly see everything. It would be a shame to overlook something.
Liberty – much like Selfridges, ALL of Liberty must be taken in. It’s such a wonderful place and maybe my favorite store I’ve ever experienced in all of my travels. The company has a storied history, dating back to 1875, with the intent to bring luxury goods and fabrics from all over the world. You’d probably recognize their trademark print fabrics. There are so many nooks and crannies in the historic English Tudor just steps away from Oxford Circus. It’s quintessential English and a great place to buy truly unique gifts. Liberty does a great job of balancing being relevant in modern times and while staying true to its roots. It’s a must seeing shopping destination.