The best beer gardens and alfresco dining in London
Where to find the best beer gardens and alfresco dining in London, from riverside fine dining to quirky craft breweries.
Secret London, unusual places to visit in London
No matter how many times I visit London, there is always something new to explore. A new restaurant or exhibition and now, with the help of a rather wonderful little book, I am discovering another side to the city, one that had been here all the time, unnoticed by many, including myself. ‘Secret London – An Unusual Guide’ is opening a whole new world to me.
Top 10 things to do in London at Christmas
Famous department stores decorated in festive bling, twinkling lights draped above the streets as bright red double-decker buses pass by and sparkling Christmas trees of every size are plentiful. Wine is mulling, chestnuts are roasting and a rosy-cheeked, white-bearded Santa seems to be everywhere at once — how does he do that? — there really is no place like London at Christmas.
Great London Restaurants: Social Wine and Tapas
Stylish, sleek and atmospheric, I immediately loved the vibe at Social Wine and Tapas. Being part of the Michelin-starred chef Jason’s Atherton’s group of restaurants (which can be found around the world, including 9 eateries in London alone), I was expecting good...
Where to find the best Christmas lights in London
Christmas in London is just magical. And the annual Christmas lights display, in particular in Regent Street this year, is not to be missed. Follow my self-guided walking tour to see the best of the festive displays.
Flash, Bang, Wallop, Half a Sixpence Transfers to the West End
As the first few notes of the banjo rang out across the auditorium, a grin began to spread across face. My mum leant over and whispered, “I already know I’m going to love it!”, mirroring my own thoughts precisely. Over the next few hours I sat...
Happy New Year from London’s Winter Wonderland
Every time I visit Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland it seems to get better and better. Here are my tips for getting the most out of your visit. As well as numerous scream-inducing funfair rides, there’s a magical Christmas market called Angels Market. It was...
Spring comes to Kew Gardens in London
Daffodils, blossoms and magnolia trees greet me as I pass through the gates into Kew Gardens. It’s a little early for bluebells but soon the woodlands here will be carpeted with them too, a favourite subject of many a photographer. At last the sun is shinning....
A bird’s eye view of London from St Paul’s
528 steps to climb, 280 feet off the ground, or in metric, 85.4 metres up, a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral in London would not be complete without seeing the view from the Golden Gallery.
Beheadings, ravens and whopping great diamonds!
As I walk through the one foot deep, steel doors, that would have looked more at home protecting a high-tech bank vault in the latest blockbuster, I catch my breath and gaze at the bejewelled sword and scabbard suspended in the air before...
From the finest curries to the best fish ‘n’ chips in London
With more Indian Restaurants in London than in the whole of Mumbai and Delhi combined, it’s no surprise that you can find some damn fine curries in the capital of what is, after all, a nation of curry lovers. As I stroll up Brick Lane, a street well-known for...
Hoovering Hogwarts (The Making of Harry Potter)
I was surprisingly, unsurprised when I received a text one afternoon simply saying “I’m hoovering Hogwarts”. The sender of the text was indeed referring to the school of witchcraft and wizardry from the magical world of Harry Potter, brought to life...
Fortnum and Mason at Christmas
Having recently visited the world-renowned department store, Fortnum and Mason, in London’s Piccadilly, let me take you back in time… The shop’s story began way back in 1705, when royal footman, William Fortnum, opened a shop in St James Market with...
London Days Out: Christmas shopping in Covent Garden
I love Covent Garden at Christmas. There’s always a lively atmosphere, the buildings are decorated with festive garlands and baubles, there’s a huge Christmas tree and of course the usual excellent street entertainers; it’s the perfect place to pick...
London Days Out: A luxury shopping spree in Harrods
Just say the word ‘Harrods’ and images of stylish luxury fill my mind from Yves Saint Laurent couture to Steiff teddy bears, not forgetting, the famous food halls of this, the largest department store in Europe. Covering over 4.5 acres, spread across 5...
London Days Out: South Kensington and the London’s Farmers’ Market
I recently spent a wonderful weekend in London staying at the smart, Millennium Gloucester Hotel in South Kensington. You can read my review of the hotel, which I loved, on the Boutique Travel Blog but I’d also like to show you more about this lovely area of...
London Days Out: The Natural History Museum
I’d heard good things about the Natural History Museum in South Kensington in London, so when we arrived to find a long queue I wasn’t too worried, thinking it would be worth the wait. And boy, was it worth it. Even without a single exhibit inside this is...
London Days Out: Brick Lane
Brick Lane, in a part of East London once known for its slums and Jack the Ripper, has long since been famous for its Indian restaurants, markets and the biggest Bangladeshi community in London. Brick Lane Market The best time to visit Brick Lane is without doubt on a...
London Days Out: Camden’s Markets
Camden is one of my favourite parts of London. Full of life throughout the day and late into the night there’s plenty to see and do there whether you’re looking for interesting shops, great inexpensive restaurants, lively pubs, superb live music or simply...
London at Christmas
London at Christmas really is a wonderful place to be. The Christmas lights in town look stunning and shops such as Harrods and Selfridges are famous for their seasonal window displays. Everywhere is hectic but there’s a feeling of celebration in the air. One of...
