I’ve been lucky enough to visit London three times now, and have thoroughly enjoyed every trip.  It’s definitely someplace I could see myself living at some point, as there is so much to see and do.  This time around, I went to visit my friends Clodagh and Kyle, who recently moved to London from New York.  I was so excited to see them and their new apartment, and have them show me around the city they now call home.

I flew Norwegian Airlines, because I found a ridiculously cheap flight.  However, with all the extra costs, it did not end up being the steal it seemed.  If you don’t care where you sit, can pack VERY light and plan on brining all your own food and drinks, it is worth it.  If you plan on checking a bag and would like to pick your seat in advance, price out the cost compared to the other airlines, because it may end up costing more in the end.

I had 5 days in London this trip, and even despite the snow storm, The Beast from the East, managed to see and do tons.  You can read about my top London recommendations in my previous post and read about my trip in 2015 here.

Accommodation

I’m so grateful that Clodagh and Kyle allowed me to stay with them in their beautiful apartment in Chiswick, a neighborhood just outside of Central London.  Chiswick has a cute downtown area with lots of restaurants and shops along Chiswick High Road.  It is also easily accessible from Central London via bus or tube.  I had my own bedroom and bathroom and was unexpectedly treated to several homemade meals, as well.  It was perfect.

Getting Around

The London Underground, or the Tube, is the subway system in London.  It is very easy to navigate and takes you virtually anywhere you need to go.  Enter any station, purchase an Oyster card and you’ll be on your way.  Buses are also very convenient in London and also accept the Oyster card.  The cost per ride depends on how far you go, but putting £20-30 on it is a good start, and you can always add more if needed.

Another great way to get around London is the double decker bus tour, which offers different routes and takes you to all the major sights.  I found it a great way to make sure you see everything, and also learn lots of information about the history of London and all the sights.

Food and Drinks

On previous trips to London, I went all in on the British foods.  This time around I managed to have a fish and chips dinner but went a little lighter on most other meals.  There are so many pubs and great restaurants throughout London that you can’t really go wrong with anyplace you try, but some of the places I’d recommend are:

Founder’s Arms
I was walking along The Queen’s Walk on the South Bank of the Thames, in the freezing cold and snow that the Beast from the East brought.  I needed a place to warm up and this fit the bill.  It has beautiful views of the River Thames and in nice weather, great outdoor seating.  After I warmed up I decided that a pub crawl along the River Thames and surrounding area was just what I needed on a snowy, winter afternoon in London.

The Old Bell
Stop number 2 on my stay warm pub craw.  It was only Fleet Street.  A dark and cozy pub with a beautiful stained glass window in the front seating area.

The Tipperary
They claim to be the first Irish pub outside of Ireland and the first pub to sell Guinness in England.  It’s very small, but quaint, with very nice bartenders.   Because it was made of stone, it survived the Great Fire of 1666.  Stop number 3 of my stay warm pub crawl.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
Rebuilt shortly after the great fire of 1666.  It’s very dark and dungeon like, with multiple levels under ground.  I had my fish and chips dinner here, which was necessary as this was also stop number 4 of my stay warm pub crawl.  Needed a good British dinner to soak up the booze, before heading to the theater.

All Bar One
We stopped here for an after theater bite.  I was surprised to find a restaurant open and serving food after 10pm, but thankfully this one was.  Apparently this is a chain in the UK, but still manages to be cool and have great food and drinks.  Located off Leicester Square, and a short walk from the Garrick Theater, where we saw Young Frankenstein.

Dandelyan and the Mondrian Hotel
My favorite stop of my trip.  We had the Wyld Afternoon Tea on a snowy Friday afternoon and loved every minute.  We chose the boozy option and had 4 perfectly crafted cocktails, in addition to our tea; plus savory and sweet treats.  It was the quintessential English experience and one I would highly recommend.

Piãno Kensington
We went to Piano for drinks and a night out.  It is a fun piano bar, as you would assume from the name, where someone plays requested songs and everyone sings and dances.  We had great food and cocktails and the most fun night out.

Foxlow
A cute and trendy brunch spot in Chiswick.  Very modern and loft like, with a reasonably priced menu.

Brick Lane Brasserie
I was so excited to have Indian food on Brick Lane in London.  We decided to just walk and check out menus and decide where to go along the way.  As soon as we reached Brick Lane, people began trying to sell us on their restaurants and offering us all kinds of deals.  We settled on Brick Lane Brasserie because they offered us 2 drinks, an appetizer and a main course for £15, which was too good to pass up.  The drinks and appetizers were fantastic, as well as the curry.  We also ordered a chicken tikka masala, which unfortunately was VERY coconut-ty, which was not what I was expecting and a little disappointing.  I’m not convinced that’s what they actually brought us, as I’ve never had a coconut flavored chicken tikka masala, in all of the places I have tried.  Regardless, it was a great deal and good food.  Next time I’d like to try someplace else along Brick Lane and see if the chicken tikka masala is the best I’ve ever had, as I’ve been told about eating Indian in London.

The Folly
We stopped in for a drink at The Folly after seeing Hamilton.  The bar is huge and beautifully decorated with plants and succulents.  I ordered the Porn Star martini, which aside from the great name, is vanilla vodka, passion fruit and prosecco, and delicious.

Angie’s Little Food Shop
The last mea of this trip.  Located on Chiswick High Road, in downtown Chiswick.  It’s an adorable restaurant with a fabulous brunch menu, pastries and coffees.  In warmer weather, they have great outdoor seating of which you can take advantage.

Casa Pearce / Dack
Clodagh and Kyle treated me to some great home cooked meals.  Since I’m typically cooking for one at my apartment in New York, the only time I get good home cooked meals, is when I’m home in Indiana and Michigan with my family.  It was a real treat and I’m so appreciative.

General Tips

1 – London and the rest of the UK, uses the Pound Sterling.  Currently the pound is still stronger than the dollar, but less than it has been during my previous trips.  I always find it easiest to take money out of an ATM once I arrive in a place, so that I have some cash.  But almost anywhere you go in London will accept credit cards.  I remembered London being more expensive in the past, but I found it to be very reasonable this time around.  Perhaps that is the 7 years in New York desensitizing me to the cost of things, but you can manage to have a nice trip and stay on a budget.

2 – London is huge.  After living in New York, I have gotten used to city life and walking everywhere.  But because London is so much more spread out, you will have to rely on public transportation, in addition to walking.  But bring comfortable shoes and take a walk along the banks of the Thames to see a portion of Central London by foot.

3 – Look both directions before you cross the road…then right again.  The driving on the other side of the road is really hard to get used to.  It was natural for me to just look left and begin to cross the street, and it took about walking into traffic to learn my lesson.  Or better yet, just follow the traffic lights and wait until the walk sign comes up to cross.  It’s probably safest.

4 – Pack an umbrella and/or a rain coat when you are out and about.  London is known for being rainy and it can go from sunny to rain quickly.  Best to be prepared for the weather.  It will certainly make being outside more enjoyable.

5 – If you fly into Gatwick (which if you fly Norwegian you will), DON’T take a taxi or an Uber into London.  It will cost you a ridiculous amount and takes forever.  The Gatwick Express train goes directly to Victoria station in 30 minutes, where you can then connect via the tube to anywhere you need to go in London.  The Heathrow Express goes directly to Paddington Station, where you can also connect to the tube.  If you buy your tickets in advance online, you’ll save some money.

London is an amazing city, but there are lots of other places in England to visit.  Take a day trip out of the city to see Windsor Castle or Stonehenge.  Or use the the rail systems, which are so great in Europe, and visit even more of the country.  No matter where you go, you’ll have a great time and see some beautiful sights along the way.  Cheerio!