Welcome to my blog, where I’m sharing all the fun we had during our recent trip to London! We’ve been to the city a few times before, but this time we decided to ditch the typical touristy activities and just embrace the charming beauty of London during the fall.
Follow along as I share some highlights from our adventure, including cozy walks, delicious eats, and even a few unexpected encounters!
London Stroll: Boots, Views, and Boutique Delights
Walking around London is an experience in itself, and this trip was no exception! I packed my trusty faux suede boots, perfect for the damp weather, and even brought along some rubber rain booties for those extra-wet days. They were my go-to footwear, just like last year!
Speaking of views, the London Eye is a must-see, but once was enough for me (I’m a bit afraid of heights!). However, we did enjoy catching glimpses of it while strolling across Westminster Bridge or near the Royal Air Force Memorial, especially at sunset!
Remember those grand homes and charming storefronts in Belgravia? We took a stroll through the neighborhood last year, and loved browsing boutiques like the delightful cheese shop and the fragrant flower shop.
Ice Skating & Shopping: A Seasonal Must-Do
This time around, I had a must-do on my list: ice skating! We considered the iconic Natural History Museum, but ultimately chose Somerset House because it was closer. The ice rink was bustling, but so much fun! Even for two uncoordinated people like us, it was a blast, watching the skilled kids zoom around and fellow adults clinging to the railing with white knuckles!
While in London, we always try to check out Ted Baker and Topshop, two UK-based brands! Their prices are more affordable here than in the US, and you can even snag a VAT refund!
A long plaid jacket has been on my wish list for ages. I found one at Topshop, but it was a bit too roomy for me. Luckily, the petite size is now available online!
We even ran into the founder of Ted Baker, Ray Kelvin, while shopping! He was quite the character, and it was inspiring to hear his story of building the brand from scratch. I’m starting to think I have a knack for encountering brand founders while traveling!
Fashion Finds: Coats & Chanel
Ted Baker’s sleek wrap coats are always a favorite, especially for petites! Their signature wool-cashmere style is thinner, but I own a thicker version in a textured fabric, available in navy and a beautiful burgundy plaid!
I was on the hunt for a small or medium Chanel Boy bag, but the perfect leather, hardware, and color combination has eluded me for years. Chanel’s global price adjustments last year mean the prices in Europe are no longer as favorable compared to the US. However, the UK prices might still be better depending on the exchange rate!
We browsed several Chanel boutiques in London and Paris, and Harrods seemed to have the best selection across their two floors. I’ll be sharing a separate review post about the styles I tried on!
Hotel, Tea Time, & Delicious Eats
We had a great experience staying in an apartment last time, but this trip was last-minute so we booked the Rosewood London hotel in Holborn. The building is stunning, and the location is convenient. However, I felt our room was a bit pricey for what it was.
Nick loved the hotel bar, “Scarfes,” and we were told about another cozy lodge-themed bar that we didn’t get to try. We also heard amazing things about the hotel’s afternoon tea, but opted for a more traditional experience this time.
Speaking of tea, you have to try a traditional afternoon tea in London! We booked a last-minute slot at Fortnum & Mason and loved the gorgeous blue china sets, extensive tea list, and the choice between sweet and savory treats (I’m a savory fan myself).
Lots of you recommended Dishoom, but the wait was too long. We ended up at Masala Zone for a quick Thali fix, and also enjoyed Hoppers, a lively Sri Lankan restaurant, where we tried the bone marrow curry and lamb roti dish.
The cold weather had us craving hot soup! We stumbled upon Ippudo, but the line at the nearby Kanada-Ya ramen shop was out the door. It was worth the wait! The ramen was flavorful and didn’t leave us feeling bloated.
Koya Bar’s udon was another warm and comforting meal. They also serve hot Japanese breakfast!
We had to visit the Instagram-famous Peggy Porschen cake shop, but going at midday was a mistake. It was crowded with ladies trying to capture the perfect photo of their snowflake lattes and cakes. I recommend going earlier to avoid the crowds!
During winter, the terrace restaurant at The Bloomsbury hotel transforms into a cozy wonderland with heat lamps. They serve breakfast and afternoon tea, and the hotel also has a stylish bar and a lovely lobby area.
Next Stop: Paris!
After a few days in London, we took the train to Paris for a couple of nights. I can’t wait to share more photos and shopping reviews from the trip!
Thank you for reading, and be sure to check out my other blog posts for more travel tips and reviews!
