One with the Royals.

After stepping foot in London Heathrow, I was ready to hit the weekend abroad running. I only had 72 hours to say hellos to the Queen, and become one with the Royals.

Even though we had just thrown down 50GBP on 2 Oyster Cards with 20GBP credit on each, we opted for Ubers when we could. To my surprise, Uber was much cheaper than 2 tickets on the Tube. However, one needs data for that luxury… Scurrying between wifi and the uber pickup location, was all a game of roulette- would we hit black, and get a ride, or hit red, and get slapped with yet another cancellation fee?

We chose to stay at Wombats City Hostel London, which was conveniently located, a few short blocks from London’s main attractions. It’s clean and welcoming, and has a super hip downstairs breakfast and bar area. 

Our first stop was Leadenhall Market, where a few scenes of Harry Potter were filmed. Unfortunately, it was under construction, although even with the scaffolding and plastic tarps, you could still see the beauty within the market. The shops and pubs were still open, so drinks were had at New Moon before we headed to Borough Market.

Borough Market is AWESOME! It’s a large, indoor/outdoor market with every type of cuisine you can imagine. Even in the middle of winter, people were standing outside, glass of champagne in hand, slurping down oysters.

We bought almond biscotti’s and a ham and cheese croissant to share the next morning from Bread Ahead, before dining at FISH! We got there right before the rush, and couldn’t be more grateful to have gotten a seat. Reading blogs about the Market and the best places for Fish & Chips, I knew FISH! needed to be added to the itinerary. We both had the Haddock with french fries and mushed peas with a bottle of white and it was divine.

Next door to Fish! is a wine and champagne bar, Bedales, that was recommended to me by a friend. I finally understood why so many people chill OUTSIDE, rather than INSIDE of the bars. Bars offer “take-out” prices, up to 50% off. Normally, I’d be all about it, but in the middle of January- I’ll pay the full, and very reasonable, 6GBP for that glass of Prosecco.

Even though the night was brisk, we walked back to the hostel from the Market. We walked over the London Bridge, and did not fall through… and past the Monument of the Great Fire of London, as well as, the Tower of London. Also, one of course needs a photo in an iconic phone booth.

London at night, and by day, is a truly beautiful city.

The next morning, after eating our delicious treats bought from Bread Ahead, we took the Tube to Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived, and now William & Kate, amongst other “young Royals”.

Walking through the Gardens and down a long gravel path behind the main “tourist” entrance, we encountered many buildings. I assumed the majority of buildings were storage, “servant’s quarters”, or offices… Little did I know, after some recon back home, they were actually the previous cottages and homes of Harry & Megan, Will & Kate, amongst others.

The Queens Rooms exhibit was temporarily closed, so we were able to explore the Kings Rooms, The Victoria as a child exhibit, and a hallway with design sketches for Diana (with Diana’s personal notes about the design). I loved the room with the crowned jewels, as each piece was dazzling. It was interesting, and a different take on a museum you’d normally come across. Next time, I’ll skip the exhibits and you’ll catch me near the driveway, fan-girling for Will & Kate.

For lunch, we walked through Portobello Market in Notting Hill, until we came across the food stalls and trucks. We opted for Chinese: Sweet and Sour Chicken, as well as, a teriyaki beef.

We then took the tube to Big Ben, which was unfortunately under construction, but still snapped a few photo’s and facetimed our families. From there we went to the 3:00 Evensong Choir at Westminster Abbey. Rather than paying to take a tour of the Abbey, we enjoyed a lovely concert, which is open to the public and complimentary. It was surreal to be seated in such an extravagant and historical setting.

We continued to walk about the city, passing the London Eye (Ferris Wheel), the statue of Winston Churchill, and through St. James’s Park towards Buckingham Palace. We struck a few poses in front of the infamous Palace, before heading to Covent Garden.

There we enjoyed a Happy Hour at Roadhouse (a very American style bar with 2 for 1 cocktails), listened to street musicians, wandered the Apple Market (purchasing a watercolor) and had dinner at the White Lion Pub. With a bottle of Tondeluna Red, I ordered off of their traditional “Pie” menu, served with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. If one is looking for traditional English fare in a traditional English Pub, White Lion has all of the charm you and your taste buds are looking for.

On our 2^nd and final day in London, we walked along the River Thames, admiring the Tower Bridge.

Tower of London: Fortress, Palace, and Prison with an unbelievable history. Jewels, burial sites and tales of torture and execution. At the Tower of London, we took a guided tour with a Yeoman Warder. Our Yeoman Warder was knowledgeable, quirky, and had an excellent English sense of humor. A guided tour is free of charge with your admission ticket and an absolute must as you’ll want to soak up all of the knowledge. Plan for extra time post your tour, to wander the grounds, including the infamous jewels exhibit and chapel.

Rather than the long lines at TKTS- Leicester Square, I bought tickets for the evening performance of Comedy of a Bank Robbery at The Criterion online.

Doing so, we were able to grab a light lunch and sneak in a nap before our dinner reservations at Brasserie Zedel. We ordered off of the Theatre Pre-fixe menu in the elegant dining room.

As Broadway is to NYC, the West End is to London. One cannot come to NYC or London, without seeing a show. Comedy of a Bank Robbery was beautifully done and provided many laughs. The Criterion Theatre, built in 1873, is an underground theatre that is both, exquisite and cozy. What a fabulous end to our time in London.

Rather than exchanging the extra GBP and Oyster Card in my wallet, I’m putting them aside, as London, I will be returning.