London, United Kingdom
My interest in London started at an early age. The first time was when I was watching the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap. The iconic scene where Hallie and her mom are reunited in London, followed by their heart-warming adventure through the city center had me wide-eyed with interest. The houses, streets, and stores all seemed so different — chic and elegant. I wanted to experience it, even at just 9 years old.
The second time was just a year later in 1999, when I began reading the Harry Potter series. Of course, that desire grew as the series continued, and then exploded when the movies began to be produced. I’ve been to London twice now, falling more in love with the city each time.
I think most of us try to level-set expectations to avoid disappointment when traveling, right? My first visit to London was centered around Harry Potter. Beyond that, I only hoped to find fish and chips, maybe scotch eggs. Oh, and gin-based cocktails (although the Netherlands originally created gin, the UK has been a longtime fan and producer) Unsurprisingly, I enjoyed every gin cocktail I had in London. What WAS surprising was realizing that London was a total melting pot. I had no idea it is this insane international hub filled with amazing food and culture that only continues to evolve. I discovered restaurants that elevated and modernized classic dishes from their respective countries. I fell in love with this city so quickly that I even tried to get a job here in 2023 — so trust me when I say, you gotta come to London and see what I’m talking about.
A quick snapshot:
Accommodations: If you are traveling alone or in two, the prices between AirBnB and hotels are pretty comparable, so you can’t go wrong (expect $250 a night for something standard). If you are traveling 3+, I recommend an AirBnB or to book adjoining rooms at a hotel. A great bonus with AirBnB is the potential in-unit washer you get. This amenity is truly a godsend when you are staying beyond a few days, or if your trip has multiple legs
Transportation: Chances are you can walk to most places if you’re staying in central London. However, the underground rail system (aka the tube) is fantastic! It’s similar to the metro system in Europe. It’s easy to navigate via Google Maps and they also started taking contactless pay - THIS IS AMAZING. No more flimsy paper tickets that you will likely lose! Whether you have an Apple or Android device, just tap to pay! Remember to use the same card every time because there’s a daily cap for travel and it’s tracked with your payment method. Most tourists stay in Zone 1, where the daily maximum £9.60 (about $12). After you hit your maximum, your rides are free for the remainder of the day!
Areas to Explore:
Soho (Entertainment District): Dining, Nightlife, Chinatown
Covent Garden: Shopping, Dining, Covent Garden Market, Opera, Ballet
The West End: Plays and Musicals
Shoreditch: Has become increasingly popular, hosting a wide range of shopping (from All Saints to retro vibe marketplaces), trendy rooftop bars, and restaurants (including Michelin!)
Southwark: Boroughs Market
King’s Cross: Home of Platform 9 3/4, Coal Drops Yard, Canopy Market
Financial District: Leadenhall Market
Camden: Camden Market (think vintage trinkets), live music, dive bars
Westminster/Victoria: Tourist central: Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St. James Park, Green Park
Activities to Consider:
Discover Market Places
Discover Famous London Eats (Beef Wellington and Indian Food to start)
Discover Bars
Experience Tea Time
See a Play or Musical
Do Harry Potter Things
My Favorite Things
Market Places: London has a lot of market places with totally different energies. Whatever your vibe is, I promise there is a market place for you. I wish I had more time to spend in each of these places because they really each carry their own charm
Borough Market: this is your rite of passage, just go! The Borough Market is one of London’s oldest and biggest food markets. It’s always packed with people and an overwhelming number of food options, it’s impossible to leave hungry because you end up trying at least 2-3 food stalls. Go here hungry, wear stretchy pants, and bring friends!
The Borough Market is where I discovered Padella. They have a second location in Shoreditch now, but 5 years ago, the only way you could get your hands on their delicious pasta, was by waiting in the queue, which began before they even opened. Now, there’s a QR code you can scan at the market to easily track your place in line without having to wait by the door. I will never stop recommending Padella. They really do pasta right. They keep their menu small, using simple ingredients that can stand on their own. Their dishes are consistent. Their drinks are affordable. It’s just food done right and you’re a fool if you don’t go. As soon as the pasta touched my lips, I went on Amazon and purchased their cookbook, Trullo, which is the name of their original restaurant, located in Islington
Fish! is a great spot for beer battered fish and chips. London’s known for haddock, and this place offers cod, haddock, plaice, hake, skate, sea bass, and halibut for £15-18! I’ve tried the haddock and plaice — they’re both delicious! I think the best fish title really depends on how you prefer your fish and chips. If you want a meatier, thicker fish, go for the haddock. The thicker fish are prone to being less crispy overall though, while a flatter fish like the plaice (similar to sole) tends to crisp up easily. I think next time I would continue down the menu and try the cod, sea bass or halibut — whatever isn’t sold out. Also, Fish! has a restaurant at the Borough Market, and they have a takeaway stall, which is where I was. They are frying up fish all day, but they do sell out so come early if you can, or be willing to try whatever they have left
Shellseekers is a cute little stand that has literally just 5-6 menu items. They bust out amazing food in such a tiny space, it’s truly impressive. I had the scotch egg and scallops from here, and I would have tried other things if I wasn’t so full. I paid £7 for a delicious scotch egg, which is basically a jammy egg, surrounded by a layer of sausage, breaded, and deep fried. It’s really hard to get a jammy egg in the center when you want a crispy exterior, so I appreciate whatever sorcery Shellseekers is conjuring up
The fruit stand at the market is really popular too because not only can you get fresh juice and sliced fruit — but you can also get chocolate covered strawberries, which is what arguably makes up a majority of the line. For good reason too, since the warm chocolate is dispensed into a large cup of perfectly ripe strawberries
There are also stands with fresh scallops, oysters, paella, sausage rolls, empanadas and oh so much more. And all of this was one side of the market! There’s another side where you can find breakfast foods, coffee, fancy cheeses, spices, restaurants and wine bars
Covent Garden Market: Here you can find grocery items, an outdoor farmers market, restaurants
Spitalfields Market: In addition to food, this market is filled with market traders sharing their beautiful art in the from of clothing, jewelry, and home goods
Brick Lane Market: A vintage market with major retro vibes. You can definitely score some solid deals here if you know what you’re looking for. They truly have unique pieces and I felt like I was hopping decades as I walked from stall to stall
Camden Market: This market is huge! There are stalls all around the main two-story building extending for multiple blocks. I passed by a lot of jewelry and clothing stores, but what I really liked was how casual everything was. Even their food stalls are mostly street food items that don’t require utensils
Restaurants: Modern, Chop House, Classic British/French, Indian Cuisine, Fancy
Brat (Shoreditch) is my current favorite restaurant from my last trip. This is the epitome of modern affordable fancy. If I could ever open a restaurant, I would want it to be exactly like Brat. Reservations were easy to make in advance, a credit card is required to prevent last-minute cancellations and no-shows. Prior to booking, I did not know it had a Michelin star! You wouldn’t know just based on the website, which I appreciate. Brat exudes a quiet, thoughtful, confident energy.
We were greeted and seated quickly. I had coffee in a disposable cup in my hand, and our server brought me a real cup without asking. Right then I knew this was next-level service. I was shocked to see how reasonable the pricing was, for drinks and food. Even though the menu wasn’t huge, it was still hard to narrow down what I wanted because everything sounded amazing. Thank goodness I had two friends with me so we could order more things!
I already felt that the prices were incredibly reasonable, but the level of detail, finesse and love put on each plate was what really blew me away. I totally understand why they received a Michelin star. You can feel their passion with every component they use. We didn’t need to break the bank to have a fantastic meal and leave with our pants barely buttoned. What’s also noteworthy here is their selection of wine. They offered delicious wine from different countries at incredible price points. I truly believe you do not need to spend an obscene amount of money to experience great wine. There are so many underrated wines out there — I love it when I don’t recognize any wine brands on a menu because it allows me to try something different. I’m also always rooting for the the underdogs for some spotlight. Here’s everything I enjoyed:
Drinks:
Negroni £11 — Portobello Road Gin, Campari, Antica Formula Vermouth. Perhaps it was the specific type of gin and vermouth that was used, but this Negroni was phenomenal! It’s astonishing how a drink I have ordered countless times can be that much better
Vegamar, ‘Soca’ Blanco, Valencia, Spain 2022 £8 — I wanted a white wine since my top picks were mostly seafood. This wine was light, tart and refreshing, exactly what I was looking for. I am not a Chardonnay girl, and I made sure to express that. The server made the perfect recommendation to compliment my Velvet Crab Soup and Spider Crab Salad
Food:
Fresh Chorizo £5.5 — I wish you could smell what we smelled as the chorizo was delivered to our table. We chorizo was so meaty and juicy, seared perfectly. My friends had to split the last piece on the plate
Fried Brassicas £6.5 — I had to google brassicas to learn that it comes from the cabbage and mustard family. It was tempura battered, deep fried and tasted like airy pieces of happiness falling from the sky. We dipped it in the garlic confit and our eyes immediately rolled to the back of their sockets
Garlic Confit £0 — This was provided by the restaurant and oh goodness gracious, it was ridiculous. My friend said that was her favorite part of the entire meal (not to discount how amazing everything else was)
Moorland Beef Tartare £13.5 — This plating was stunning, I loved the variety of cabbage and beets on the plate because it cut the richness of this high quality tartare. There was some kind of breadcrumb sprinkled on top of the tartare, and while it subtle — the texture play here was phenomenal. It was such a cohesive, elegant dish
Spider Crab Salad £13.5 — I have never had a crab salad like this. It was so thoughtfully done and I think their plating was genius because it allowed for continuous perfect bites. The crab was so fresh and the dressing was light but still packed plenty of flavor. I seriously need to recreate this at home
Velvet Crab Soup £14 — Finally a crab soup I can stand behind! Often times, crab or lobster soups are drowned with cream, and I think it really does a disservice to the seafood. You want the protein to shine! I adored this soup and I never want it any other way. Be willing to get your hands dirty and put in some work because you are provided with the entire crab in addition to your soup. Totally worth it in my opinion
Hake ‘Pil-Pil’ with Potatoes £26.5 — Hake is a light, flaky and tender white fish that comes from the cod family. I love cod, so this dish was already set up for success. It was such a classy dish and the hake was cooked perfectly, I loved the char on top. My friends were obsessed with the potatoes it came with too because it was drenched in a luscious sauce
Duck Rice £29 — We had no idea what to expect when we ordered this, but we were so glad we did. It was a paella style rice with fatty, crispy pieces of duck on top. It also came with a side of fresh greens — and this was so clutch because mixing the acidic greens with the rice dish cut the richness and gave it the perfect balance
Bread and Burnt Onion Butter £4.5 — I distinctly remember walking by a loaf of bread that was way bigger than the size of my head when we first walked in and had to have it. Their bread and butter are both made in house, and wow wow wow. The bread was so soft on the inside and the butter was insanely rich. I knew France had amazing butter, but damn London — okay I see you! A little bit of that butter goes a long way and you can really taste the onion in it! If I had more stomach space I would have finished that entire plate of bread
Blacklock (Covent Garden) hits every damn time. If you are a carnivore, this chop house is for you. It’s centrally located and always lively. I love this restaurant because it’s a local spot where everyone seems to be genuinely enjoying themselves. It’s not pretentious, the price tag is more than fair, and the food hits the spot. The restaurant is actually located downstairs once you enter. You’re immediately taken by the atmosphere as you make your way downstairs to check in. During my most recent visit, we showed up ahead of our reservation, so we happily made our way to the bar.
This is where I met Chris, arguably my favorite bartender in London. He was so friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Seriously, he knows his stuff. Whether you are looking for a cocktail or wine, I guarantee he will match you with something you didn’t know you needed. Every description and recommendation he gave was spot on. This restaurant gets really busy, yet he still made it a point to check on us throughout the night even though he wasn’t our server.
I adore everything about this place. When I’m here, I feel at home and at peace — I feel like a local. From the decor, to the people, to the food, I enjoy every minute. The atmosphere is so inviting that you don’t mind if the service is a bit slow. It’s packed for good reason and the staff is really chill about everything. We devoured:
Drinks
The Usual Suspects £8.50 — Jalapeno Tequila, Aperol, Grapefruit, Prosecco
Okay, Chris said that this was the weird cousin of the margarita, but he was being humble. It’s for sure the superior cousin of the margarita, hands down. ORDER THIS. It was so good that I wasn’t ready to move to my red wine when the steak came out, and if you know me, you know I don’t normally say that
2021 Syrah/Blend, Yellowbelly x Blacklock, Stellenbosch, South Africa £10
Blacklock collaborated with Yellowbelly to create this Syrah blend. I was told it was a drunken night that resulted in a beautiful wine. They had 6 red wine options by the glass, and normally I would have picked something else. When I explained to Chris my wine palette, he suggested this one instead and I’m so glad I listened. It was beautifully balanced, easy to drink and had a slight dryness to it, the way a syrah outta be. Perfect complement to my steak
Port Askaig Islay £6 — I don’t know anything about this except that it is a single malt Scotch aged 8 years and that my friend thought that was the best out of everything he tried. Chris agreed with this sentiment. Originally, Jacob had picked a different, pricier whiskey and didn’t love it. When Chris got wind of this, he offered Jacob a taste of 3 other whiskeys until he was a happy camper
Food
Pigs Head on Toast £7 — They offer several kinds of toast here, but trust me pig’s head is the only way to go. Don’t be weirded out by the name, see photo below for confirmation of it’s badassness. This was spectacular. The pork was so flavorful and tender, and the bread held up nicely beneath it
Porterhouse 650g £45.5 — The restaurant offers small and large chops, and this 650g porterhouse was the smallest large chop we could get. I love that you can let your server know the ballpark size you’re looking for — it was the perfect amount for two people. Ordering steak is tricky because I want medium-rare, and often times I get more pink than I want. At Blacklock, I got the perfect shade of pink with an appropriate amount of salt
BBQ Baby Gems with Anchovy Dripping £4.5 — If the word anchovy scares you, you’re missing out big time. Anchovies provide this delicious saltiness and is often used in dressings and sauces because it’s so easy to break down and emulsify. The gems were soft and generously dressed with the anchovy dripping. I actually think that disappeared from the table first! Given the amount of meat we had, it was the perfect add-on
Bread and Gravy £4 — I know, I know. Bread and gravy sounds basic, but I promise you’ll love it so just order it
Chop Sauce £3 — THE STAR OF THE SHOW is hands down this sauce. They offer 6 different sauces and I encourage you to try them all, but THIS SAUCE must be the top priority, no exceptions. It’s a savory sauce sent from the Gods
Green Sauce £2 — I appreciate having a few sauces on the table and this sauce was a great pick. Since it was fresh and citrusy, it was a great compliment to the chop sauce. But let me be be really clear, the chop sauce is the OG
Bob Bob Ricard (Soho): I stumbled upon this restaurant while researching champagne bars. It seemed like such a tourist trap with its champagne button and extra cold vodka shots, but I must say my friends and I had a blast here. The decor is top-notch. You walk in and immediately feel like royalty, and they treat you as such, hanging our coats by our booth and were just seriously super attentive and nice. While I thought it could be over-the-top, it was quite the opposite. It was giving “treat yourself” vibes in the most welcoming manner.
The champagne button was a total hit, we all took turns pushing the button. I know it’s a small thing, but the staff was really cute about it, even encouraging it. They literally appeared within seconds of the button push, offering us the champagne menu. It was so much fun. I think the best part was that everything was light hearted, rather than pretentious.
Bob Bob Ricard was a fan favorite for sure. We came in with no expectations. We weren’t even hungry, we were actually there for drinks before a show. But the menu ended up looking so good we had to order a few things and thank goodness because everything was delicious and reasonably priced! This was the coolest surprise of the London trip and I highly recommend going whether in a small or large group. Here’s what we enjoyed:
Vodka shots at 18° C: Staritsky & Levitsky Small Batch £7
Taittinger Brut Réserve, NV £18
This retails for about $60 a bottle, so the glass price was incredibly reasonable
Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Domaine Georges Glantenay, Burgundy, France, 2021 £16
I loved this wine. The mark up was slightly higher than the champagne but still a solid deal compared to other restaurants
Classic Baguette & Netherend Farm Butter: Freshly Baked Baguette and Artisan Cornish Sea-Salted Butter £3 per person
I was so surprised they baked their own bread! It was delicious but the star for sure was that butter. I love that it didn’t come out cold either, making it easy to spread! Totally worth £3
Chicken & Champagne Pie: With Bollinger Champagne, Shiitake Mushrooms, Leeks, Carrots, Caramelized Onions and Velouté Under Puff Pastry £29
This thing was huge! Best chicken pot pie I’ve ever had and I would absolutely order this again
Chateaubriand for One: 28-Dry Aged Aberdeenshire Scotch Beef, Pan-Roasted, Served with Celeriac Puree Shallot Lyonnaise and Truffle Jus £39 for 150g
This dish also surprised me because the price point is incredibly reasonable for a beautiful cut of meat that came out a true medium-rare. It made me really wish we had the stomach space to order the Beef Wellington they had on the menu
Truffled French Fries £9
I was expecting fries with truffle oil, but what I got was fresh truffle shavings?! Seriously, what? WOW
Indian Food: London really showed me how unaware I have been when it came to Indian food. I live in the Bay Area of California, where there are many Indian restaurants, but I never differentiated any of them. I’ve learned that there is such a wide variety of dishes in existence, influenced by various regions of India and its neighboring countries too.
Once I finally tried a few restaurants in London, I realized how different they were and how I really couldn’t compare them side by side. So, if it’s your first time in London and you’re new to Indian food, consider Dishoom and Darjeeling Express — they are both considered Indian cuisine, but have nuanced influences that will send your taste buds flying. Personally, I give the edge to Darjeeling Express — but it really comes down to personal preference, so I strongly recommend experiencing both to fully comprehend the wide spectrum of Indian cuisine!
Dishoom (Covent Garden) is probably the #1 recommended Indian restaurant to tourists, but I, for one, did not know what to look for or where their dishes were inspired from. This restaurant features dishes from Bombay (Mumbai). Here, you will find all the classics like samosas, biryani, and kebabs; but you’ll also speciality dishes too.
Unfortunately, they don’t accept reservations for small parties, but they do have multiple locations and offer you chai when you’re standing in line waiting for a table! Apologies for the lack of photos here. I had just arrived in London and was starving so I totally dug into my food before taking photos. I hope you will still trust my recommendations sans proof, they are:
Lamb Samosas — Gujarati filo (not Punjabi shortcrust) stuffed with minced lamb, onions and spices £6.90
Most menus offer vegetarian samosas, which are great, but if I ever see a lamb version, you bet your ass I’m going to order it. They’re mini bites of happiness!
Prawns — Crispy or charred, you decide!
Prawn Koliwada — Bowl of delicate, crispy morsels, perfect for chutney dipping £9.50
Masala Prawns — Grilled prawns, slightly charred on the edges £15.90
Murgh Malai — Chicken thigh meat marinated overnight in garlic, ginger, coriander stems and a little cream £12.20
Murgh Malai is similar to Tandoori chicken in the sense that it’s spiced and marinated in yogurt and then grilled. I really love dishes like this because the chicken really shines, rather than being smothered in a sauce or gravy. It’s a great option to order if you already have a curry picked out and want variety in texture. Also, who doesn’t love a charred meat?!
Mutton Pepper Fry — Marinated in red chili, ginger and garlic, then cooked with black peppercorns and whole spices £16.90
Okay, I know mutton sounds intimidating, but mutton and lamb come from the same animal, the difference is its age. Lamb is younger sheep while mutton is older. The way this dish is prepared is less creamy, so if you’re newer to curry, or you’re like me and don’t prefer super creamy dishes, try a savory one like this
Chicken Berry Britannia Biryani — Pot of chicken, ginger, garlic, mint, coriander and rice cooked together
Biryani is a must! Biryani is such a staple, and it really ruined plain white rice for me because now if my rice isn’t spiced or sauced, I don’t want it!
Garlic Naan — Obviously, this is a given £4.20
Darjeeling Express (Covent Garden): Asma Khan, the owner, was featured on the Netflix series Chef’s Table Volume 6 and her story has always captivated me, you should really watch the episode. Her cuisine is different from any Indian food I’ve had previously. She is from Calcutta, India — a multi-cultural city that offers traditional Indian dishes but is also influenced by other cuisines. Her restaurant features Bengali, Indo-Chinese, and Nepalese influenced dishes. Her successful execution of these dishes really opened my eyes to the infinite possibilities when it comes to food creation. Her food is flavorful, consistent, unique, and made with love.
Many of her staff members like Priyadarsh have been there for a long time. He wasn’t my server this time, but he came around to see if we needed anything. I mentioned how there was a minced beef dish I wanted but wasn’t offered anymore, and he said the kitchen absolutely could have accommodated my request. How cool is that? Even at their level of fame, everyone here is incredibly humble and kind. Ask for Priyadarsh if you dine here, he’s such a champion for Darjeeling Express and he doesn’t skimp on the sides of chutney! Here’s everything I ordered most recently:
Drinks: The cocktails here tend to be on the sweeter side so be sure to ask your server to explain them before you commit to ordering!
Darjeeling 75 — Greater Than Gin infused with delicate Darjeeling tea, lemon juice, homemade citrus syrup & Frerjean Freres premier cru Champagne £16
This drink can be fantastic, just make sure you ask for it less sweet. The tea infusion paired really nicely with the champagne, a great way to start the meal
Wolf & Woman, Syrah, Swartland, South Africa, 2021 £13
This is a solid wine choice to pair with the heavier proteins like beef and goat. I think South Africa just does a fantastic job with Syrah in general — highly recommend ordering before your mains come out
Three Carriages - Includes Phool Baagan, Lychee Surprise, and Makaibari for £25 or £16 each
While I appreciate the flight concept, it just wasn’t for me — too sweet!
Food: I prefer coming here at lunch because I want the autonomy of ordering whatever I want! For dinner, they offer a set menu, so be sure to check out both menus to see what makes sense for you. I would order everything below over and over again:
Tangra Prawns — Indo-Chinese prawns with dried red chilies and garlic £12
This dish may look basic in the photo but that’s why I love it. The combinations of red chilis and garlic is just enough to keep you coming back for more
Chicken Momos — Steamed Darjeeling dumplings with chicken, onion and coriander served with smoked chili sesame chutney £12
The smoked chili sesame chutney is the best freaking sauce they offer. It’s spicy and savory, delicious on everything. I love their green chutney too, but the smoked chili sesame chutney is the champion. I ordered 4 sides of this just for me, along with 2 sides of the green chutney. The dumplings are a great size and perfectly chewy. Eat it as soon as it comes out while they are soft and warm!
Beef Tamatar Kofta — Homemade meatballs made of freshly ground British beef topside infused with a blend of coriander and spices and served in a rich tomato gravy with almond, coconut cream and raisins £25
Don’t be afraid of seeing the word raisin! I don’t remember tasting any actual raisins, I’m guessing it was emulsified into the sauce. It’s also not a creamy dish, despite the mention of coconut cream. This is a savory, tomato gravy that is just spectacular! The spice mix in this dish is so complex and inviting. The meatballs themselves are insanely tender and delicious, we let it wallow in that luscious gravy and couldn’t get enough
Kosha Mangsho — Bengali style slow-cooked goat curry in a thick gravy £28
This is my favorite menu item — hands down this goat curry is next level. I will also say this gravy is my favorite gravy to date. It’s a rich, cumin forward gravy that is meant for the slow-cooked goat. I don’t know if I ate more goat or gravy. Promise me you won’t leave without ordering this
Paratha — Traditional flat bread (2 pieces) £6
You cannot have Indian food without some flat bread, so be sure to order this too! Paratha is like a cross between naan and roti, freaking bomb! The paratha served as a blanket for my meat, gravy and chutney. I make a mess every time and wouldn’t have it any other way
Fancy: it’s no surprise that my two picks for a fancy meal come from Gordon Ramsay. Say what you want about him, I really don’t care, the man can cook and I’m a true fan. Between Restaurant Gordon Ramsay (3 Michelin stars) and Savoy Grill (1 Michelin star), I absolutely would pay a little bit more and opt for Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. See my reasons why:
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay (Chelsea): This is Gordon Ramsay’s first solo restaurant he opened in 1998 located in Chelsea, about a 30 minutes from Soho. It was my first Michelin experience in London and it did not disappoint! Everything I had here was spectacular and I completely support it’s 3 Michelin rating. We had the Prestige Menu, which is £200 per person for a luxurious 5 course menu, where you can decide between two choices for your main entree. They also have an a la carte menu available outside of the holiday season.
I don’t have a single negative thing to say about this place. The service was impeccable. The wine was superior and appropriately priced. Every dish I had was seasoned perfectly and executed beautifully, so it’s impossible for me to pick a favorite. The fish and lobster just melted in your mouth, and the steak, gee whiz, I mean just look at that color! I have no idea what was in my dessert, but I ate it all.
I left feeling like a princess. The menu changes seasonally, but even if not, I have every intention of returning!
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay (Covent Garden): I actually was searching for a solid Beef Wellington when Savoy Grill popped up. I didn’t know it was a Gordon Ramsay restaurant until the reservation booking. If you haven’t had Beef Wellington yet in London, make sure you get a good one, because you deserve it. Here’s everything we ate:
Martini with a Lemon Twist £24 — overpriced standard martini with Tito’s vodka
Bread and Butter (included) — I will never say no
Oscietra Caviar: brown butter waffle, smoked sturgeon rillette £110 for 30g
Dynamite. If you’re going to indulge, you might as well go all out. The caviar was delicious. The brown butter waffle was a really nice touch compared to your standard blini. The smoked sturgeon rillette, oh my godddddd so freaking good. Worth every penny and I would absolutely order it again
Chambolle Musigny Domaine Taupenot-Merme £190
Originally my friend Jacob and I were planning on getting a glass of wine each to pair with our Beef Wellington, but their wine options by the glass options were limited and tremendously overpriced. I tried a few, but they just weren’t worth the money to me. So, we opted for a bottle, and even though £190 is steep, it was a far better option when compared to £50+ for a glass of something we wouldn’t enjoy as much. The Chambolle Musigny Domaine Taupenot-Merme is a lovely Pinot Noir from Burgundy. Although it’s a lighter red wine, it was well-structured and had enough depth to pair with the Beef Wellington. It also retails for $100+, so that markup was actually far more reasonable than the mark up for wine by the glass
Beef Wellington: confit Roscoff onion, red wine jus £65
SOLID. We were both incredibly happy with our Beef Wellingtons. They were cooked to perfection and the sauce was divine, I absolutely recommend this dish!
Extra red wine jus £3
Fine, take my £3 because I finished every last drop
Paprika Salted Fries: £8.50
Other sides offered included potato puree, glazed carrots, butter leaf lettuce with house dressing, creamed/sautéed spinach, tender stem broccoli with almonds. I had no interest in these sides. This may be an unpopular opinion, but if I am choosing between soft potatoes or fries, it’s fries every time, baby. These fries were okay, I wish they were more crispy
What I didn’t love:
The wine by-the-glass selection was limited and overpriced; lightweight cornering you to opt for a bottle
Service was sub-par for the price and caliber of restaurant
We randomly received a cover charge of £2 per person and a £1 donation, no idea what for
Overall: Yes, absolutely come for the caviar and beef wellington, but be aware of the lacking service and high price tag on drinks
Bars: I swear, I have not met one drink I didn’t love in London! I don’t know what it is, but the ones I’ve picked for myself have always been boozy yet balanced! Whether gin or tequila is my base, I’ve been a happy camper. The bars also heavily vary in style and vibe, which I absolutely love because it keeps things exciting and interesting! I recommend going to Covent Garden or Shoreditch. 99% of the bars I’m talking about with all of these cool vibes are in one of those neighborhoods. I highly recommend starting at one, and Google Map your way to more, making a night out of it. The vibes and crowds are constantly changing, so your experience will be different every time too, embrace it!
The Alchemist (Covent Garden): yes, this place does get packed, but for good reason! The good news is they have more locations now, and I promise it’s worth going to. Their menu is spunky and fun. It’ll say the base alcohol and main ingredients, but they also list ingredients like fairy liquid and bubble — purposely leaving you curious and excited. I’ve seen drinks come out that are literally bubbling, smoking, or even changing color. It’s such a fun place!
Sake Collective (Shoreditch): I love sake and it’s a rarity to find sake tastings in America, so the second I randomly walked by one while shopping in Shoreditch, I turned right back around and grabbed a seat. The Sake Collective recently opened in London, but already has 5 shops in Tokyo. Our host was mainly Christy, and was later joined by her colleague Satoshi. Man, do they really know their stuff! I probably asked a million questions and they were both so patient and genuinely happy to tell my friend and I all about sake. This place is small but has a huge selection! I would recommend it for a small group of 2-4 people max.
They offer sake flights, by the glass, and by the bottle. I decided to start with a flight and finish with a few wild card glasses. As I explained my flavor preferences, Christy made recommendations until I felt confident in my sake flight. She was generous with offering tastes if I was unsure and allowed me to revisit ones I liked too! Each sake I picked ranged between £6 and £9 a glass or between £26 and £38 for a 250ml bottle.
My Sake Flight:
Junmai Daiginjo Jujiasahi Yamada Nishiki 45 £73.40 per bottle: refined, green apple, chrysanthemum, light koji notes, astringent finish
Tamaasahi Albatross: complex, popcorn, honey, apple, vinegar, toasted rice cracker £64.60
This had a strong, even flavor and actually had only12% alcohol (typical sakes are 15-16%)
The list of ingredients did not have me convinced, but leave it to Christy to convince me otherwise. I could taste the honey upon first taste, but the finish seriously tasted like a toasted rice cracker so it evened out. The first sip completely confused me, but the second sip moved me into enjoyment
Momoiro Kurotombo Kimoto Junmai £48.30 per bottle: light umami, cream cheese, fresh mushroom, milky, kombu
Kimoto is the oldest, traditional way of making sake and is served at room temperature
My Single Glasses of Choice:
Junmai Daiginjo Hitokiwa 45 £44.90 per bottle: this sake is carefully brewed and handmade in small batches. Its notes include poached pear, vanilla custard, and candied ginger on the nose. Followed by notes of dried apricots, white chocolate, almonds, kinako powder, and sandalwood. It’s a dry sake that features intense umami, a balanced taste, and a clean finish
Sanrensei Junmai Ginjo (White) Yamadanishiki £73.40 per bottle: the nose on this was so vibrant and refreshing with notes of green apple and strawberry blossoms. It was a perfectly balanced, clean, and dry sake with an aftertaste of fresh herbs and spices
What I learned:
Don’t judge a sake by its list of notes because it may surprise you
I prefer Junmai Daiginjo sake, which means sake only brewed with rice, water, yeast and koji (no additives)
Apparently I have bougie taste because I kept picking sake made with Yamada Nishiki rice, which is famous for its use in high-quality sake because of its ability to absorb water and dissolve easily. It’s often compared to Niigata Koshihikari, a widely celebrated rice known for its starchy, bouncy center
Apparently I am also bougie for often choosing sake labelled with “45” which represents the polish ratio. This means that only 45% of the rice grain remains after the polishing process, which results in a delicate and refined sake with a clean finish
I have always enjoyed a clear, dry and balanced sake — but I never understood what to look for on a bottle that confirms those notes. Now I know, and if you like dry sake too, I hope this helps build your confidence the next time you’re picking out sake at a grocery store!
Boundary (Shoreditch): this rooftop bar is gorgeous, an Instagram influencer’s dream! My friends and I came here to share a bottle of champagne and just take in the view. Even though it’s a rooftop bar, Boundary was smart to have half of it covered to accommodate the weather. Even though I was in the covered space, I could still enjoy the view. Their drinks average £15 which isn’t bad for the vibes you get. I think it’s a perfect place to pop in for drinks before a dinner reservation elsewhere (Boundary does offer a food menu though, if you’re interested)
Tea Time: You can’t come to London without experiencing tea time! You don’t love tea? Don’t worry, there are MANY types of teas to explore, and you can dress it up however you like. Tea time is usually available from 1-5 PM and includes a selection of savory sandwiches and sweet treats. Additionally, most tea times also offer a champagne package, which blew my mind, totally a must-add!
Traditionally, tea time savory sandwiches usually include: Cucumber, Smoked Salmon, Roast Beef, Egg Salad, or Shrimp sandwiches. It also includes sweet treats: scones, pastries, or mini cakes
Packages: Tea time averages £60 per adult, which includes the tea and snacks. If you add a glass of champagne, you’re looking at £80. If you go for the bottle, which I advise you should if you’re in a group, you’ll probably spend about £100-120 per person depending on the bottle you choose (yes, they give you choices!)
Themes: The main differences in tea time are the variation in menu and overall vibe/environment that ultimately drives the pricing. I suggest looking at menus ahead of time to see what you are drawn to most and go with your gut. My first tea time was at St. Ermin’s in Westminster, a traditional and budget-friendly choice. I had a great time but now I want to experience something different, especially after learning just how many different tea times exist in London. I’m happy to have my baseline for tea time through St. Ermin’s and I’m ready to crank it up a notch (or five) next time. I really want to experience:
High-Class and Traditional: The Ritz, The Savoy, or Fortnum and Mason
Modern and Elevated: The Orchid Lounge at the Pan Pacific. I love that they offer Siu Mai Baskets and Buns instead of the traditional sandwiches. Another option: Koto Afternoon Tea at The Prince Akatoki — they offer traditional Japanese teas, a ridiculous food menu that includes nigiri AND sandwiches, and stellar sweets. Oh, and they offer sake pairings too
Plays and Musicals: Check out the London Theatre site to find all the plays and musicals currently playing in London. I try to pick a new show I haven’t seen before and isn’t available in America each time I visit. London offers both familiar and foreign titles. I always find it fascinating what one country finds entertaining versus another, so naturally, I encourage you to try something local and different. Some shows have been around 10+ years and have done multiple tours! Do your research, there’s some detail on the site, but Google has plenty to add as well
Harry Potter: I was the same age as Harry when I began reading the series, so to me, Harry Potter is truly embedded in my soul. Even if you may not be a die-hard fan, perhaps someone you’re traveling with is, and could appreciate the following:
Warner Brother’s Studio Tour: I completely lost my shit on this studio tour. This emotional experience quite literally made my dreams come to life! First, be sure to book your tickets in advance online. I highly recommend adding the transportation option to your tickets since the studio is over an hour away. While you could take the railway and several buses, you could also take a seat and relax. The timing was spot on too — I had plenty of time to explore every inch of the studio tour and made it back to the meet point without needing to rush
Upon arriving, they had everyone gather in a room to watch a safety/introduction video before letting us roam in the wild. I still remember my heart beating practically out of my chest as the monitor turned off and the doors to the grand hall slowly opened. I kid you not, I teared up. As the doors widened, so did my eyes and soul. It was so surreal to be in the presence of all things Harry Potter. Warner Brothers did such an amazing job with the layout too. As I maneuvered from room to room, each one had something different to offer - always keeping things interesting. There were plenty of great photo ops, butterbeer, and even an interactive area where you could fly on a broom! Time flew by and I was so sad when I hit the end of the tour. The studio began hosting tea time and special events, so I have every intention of coming back!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play located at Palace Theatre: This play was first produced in London in 2016, and has since expanded to the US/Australia (2019), Germany/Canada (2021) and Japan (2022). It was important to me to see the play with the original cast members, and I did just that in November 2018. It was pure magic. I had my book signed by the cast after the show and my inner child was beaming. What also makes the London production special is that it’s the only location that has maintained the original 2-part play, totaling 3.5 hours. Every other country currently produces the 1-part version. If you haven’t read the books, perhaps you’ve seen the movies — and if you have, I really hope you go see this play.
Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station: This famous railway station is where witches and wizards dash through a brick wall between platforms 9 and 10 to catch the Hogwarts Express. If you’re not going to the Warner Brother’s Studio tour, don’t worry, you can still get your Platform 9 3/4 photo here. There’s also an amazing Harry Potter gift shop here, where I obviously needed to stock up on Gryffindor gear!
House of Spells is located in Covent Garden and has two levels. The 1st level is all things Harry Potter, and the second level is centered around Stranger Things. This shop has amazing Harry Potter memorabilia — just wow! Yes, they have the typical themed apparel, but they also have a collector’s section where you can get specialized items. For example, I picked up a stainless steel watch encrusted with Swarovski crystals as well as a sterling silver time turner necklace. I LOVE these offerings because while it may cost you a little more, it will last you a long time. I regularly wear my watch and it really holds up. If are looking for unique, high quality Harry Potter themed gifts, this is place to go!
If you love Harry Potter and have more time, check out:
Leadenhall Market is a beautiful indoor space filled with high-end shops and restaurants. It’s also famous for it’s appearance in the Harry Potter movies, definitely lovely to walk through
Wizard Afternoon Tea
Potions Experience
Magic Wang Experience