London is one of those destinations that makes my heart skip a beat; food cultures are combined, creativity is embraced, there are parks around every corner, people take their dogs on buses… in stores… to pubs, and it’s never too early for a drink – perfect!
It’s always been a dream of mine to visit London at Christmas, so I was stoked to finally tick it off my list. Wandering around, rugged up with no plan (besides where to get my next coffee) is my favourite way to travel and explore new cities.
This visual guide is in two distinct sections; Central and East London. You can’t go to this beautiful city without doing some of the sights, especially at Christmas it’s just magical (but busy!), so when you’re ready to beat the crowds, which didn’t take me long, head over to East London where I stayed at the Ace in Shoreditch and amble the streets of the industrious and inspiring East End.
For food lovers like me, I picked up a copy of East End Food – well worth a read months in advance in order to book your favourites and become familiar with such a diverse assortment of backgrounds and cuisines blended together in this once grimy area of London.
If you’re anything like me, you might be leaving London with an empty purse, but at least spend it well (in my case, on food and wine). Be sure to enjoy a Sunday roast at one of the countless English pubs, and of course good ol’ fish and chips.
My absolute favourites were:
Rochelle School, London E2 7ES
Simple laidback menu, executed with precision and French elegance. Daily changing menu. Book in advance. BYO.
34 Rupert Street, London W1D 6DN
Stand out dinner. A mixture of Mediterranean, Arabic and Jewish cuisine, served in a playful and exciting atmosphere. Book well in advance, or get there super early to put your name down in hope to sit at the best seat in the house – the bar.
Other highlights:
27 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1M 5RN
RIBA Building
66 Portland Place, Marylebone, London W1B 1AD
31 Windmill Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 2JN
Sketch – high tea
9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG
19-29 Redchurch Street, London E2 7DJ
23 Ezra Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 7RH
For specific details, please get in touch.
Stay inspired.
JW x
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