A trip to London…
Although I go to London enough for work, and I lived there for a short spell when Jordan and I first got together, it’s never somewhere I really explore unless Jordan and I go together. Those are the times when I experience (and fall in love with!) London the most, we always have such a good time and it’s a city that holds so many good memories for us.
Last month we headed down for the Better Oblivion Community Center show, a gig we’d been looking forward to for the longest time! Since we had that on, we didn’t really plan too much else but left it up to chance. There’s always a few places we like to go back to when we’re in town, so we left the weekend pretty open.
We stayed in the Victory House hotel, which isn’t anything fancy but it’s central and affordable – I’ve stayed here a couple of times and, despite it being in the heart of Leicester Square, I never have any issues with noise. There are some quiet rooms but they have no windows FYI, so keep that in mind…
Spending Saturday in the City…
Our first destination upon waking up was Gail’s Bakery, they have a little spot in Soho that is usually pretty quiet on the weekends. I ordered sweetcorn fritters, a Kiwi staple that only appears on café menus occasionally. These came served with a dollop of sour cream and a good helping of guacamole, which made it the perfect breakfast!
I somehow managed to swerve the cake display, only stopping to take photos, something I’m very much regretting right now!
From there we headed to Jacob The Angel, an adorable coffee shop in busy little Neal’s Yard. I’d seen this place on the ‘gram and knew I had to take Jordan. We both loved the monochrome interiors and magical brass details – and the coffee and cake was delicious!
I love wandering around Seven Dials, we actually came back here the following to get coffee in the sun at Timberyard. I sometimes come here to work when I’m in London during the week, and it was just as lovely at the weekend – especially when the sun is out! We shared a vegan chocolate cake and it was seriously good.
I had booked myself a last minute appointment at Astrid and Miyu for a daith piercing so we headed in the direction of Shoreditch. We had time to kill so we browsed the shops in Boxpark, including the beautiful Papersmiths. I adore stationery so this dreamy store got me all hot and heavy, I managed to leave without splurging but I really could have bought it all!
My piercing was over quickly (although it was definitely a sore one, due to the awkward positioning) and I left feeling so happy with my new sparkly addition. I had a really great time here and I can’t recommend them enough if you’re in the mood for some extra bling any time soon!
We popped for (one more!) coffee at Allpress, although I stuck to sparkling water because I’m a bit of a wimp when it comes to caffeine. Jordan loved his 84th espresso of the day, however.
After some browsing (and a quick photo stop at the Panic! At The Disco mural because apparently I’m still 14), we headed for a late lunch/early dinner at Breddos Tacos! We’ve been here before and always said we’d be back – it’s an absolute must if you’re in London! The food here is incredible (lots of veggie options!) and the margaritas are pretty special too.
It was a very foodie weekend, although we did a lot of walking (and some dancing!) – London is one of those cities that you can get around on foot. We only got public transport a couple of times because it’s fun to see all the sights as you explore. As long as there’s a few coffee shop pit stops on the way, Jordan’s happy!
Our last stop before we headed to south to see some family was brunch at the Hubbard and Bell at the Hoxton in Holborn. I had heard about their bottomless Yorkshire’s and roast potatoes, as well as their extensive Bloody Mary menu, and knew it was something I needed to try for myself!
I got a mushroom wellington, which was incredible, although the bottomless part of the brunch was definitely wasted on us because we couldn’t finish what was on our plate! It was the perfect way to start a Sunday though, especially after the gig the night before, so I’d definitely recommend booking in if you’re after a bit of brunch on your next visit.
It was a great trip of sights, eats and sounds! Are you considering a trip to London over the summer?
