Cheerio!
As you know, I just returned home from a trip to England and Paris! The trip came to be because one of my best college friends got married in the south of England in a small town called Budleigh Salterton which is in Devon. It was a gorgeous wedding and such a breathtaking venue space! We spent 3 days down in Devon and about 4 days in total in London.
I’m calling this a quick guide to London because, it’s huge. People think New York and LA are big…London is massive! There are definitely areas to go for great food and bar scenes so I’m really just going to share those with you and then also share a few top restaurants that you shouldn’t miss! As well as a few different hotels with different price points!
One thing you may have heard is that London is known for having incredible Indian food. That is so true my friends! Holy smokes, it’s incredible. You know I’m a foodie so for me to say it’s hands down the best Indian food I’ve ever had, says something.
The best areas to walk around for food and shopping are:
Soho and Mayfair.
For Indian food:
I highly recommend Tamarind Kitchen. Trust me. Just go and try everything because even traditional Indian dishes that I’ve had in the US and didn’t like, I liked at Tamarind Kitchen. A few standouts that you should order: PAV BHAJI (you literally have to get this), OLD DELHI BUTTER CHICKEN and the SMOKED SPICY CHICKEN TIKKA. But everything was absolutely incredible. I wish I had pictures but I don’t because we were so starving and couldn’t wait to dig in. Good to know: They do take reservations!
For North African Cuisine:
Go to The Barbary. Every single dish we had was out of this world. You can’t go wrong. It’s all small plates so you can order a bunch and try everything. Try to go around 8-9pm for the fullness of the restaurant and ambiance. The flavors are incredible and complex. Good to know: They don’t take reservations (besides for lunch) so you can enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail while waiting for a space to open up!
For Japanese/Peruvian Fusion:
Go to Chotto Matte. Everything was delicious. This is another restaurant great for sharing so definitely order a variety of things to be able to taste it all. Good to know: They do take reservations and they have a fabulous gluten-free menu as well!
For Spanish Tapas:
Go to Brindisa Kitchen: We went here for a late night dinner around 10:30pm (most restaurants close at 11pm) and the place was still very busy. Some of the best CROQUETAS de JAMÓN I’ve had and that includes the ones I had in Spain. Loved this spot!
Now for hotels….
A few different ones we loved:
Rosewood London. Upscale, very classy hotel with an incredible jazz bar called Scarfes Bar. We went there every night we stayed at this hotel. True mixologists at this bar too! A must even if you don’t stay here. Great walkability and access to the tube.
Sanderson Hotel. Similar in style to The Standard hotel. Upscale, minimalist, bold colors and design. Fantastic walkability for shopping and eating and the cutest garden for afternoon tea. You must make a reservation to have tea! Even if you don’t stay at this hotel, you should have tea here!
Mimi’s Hotel Soho. Boutique hotel in the heart of Soho! Small rooms but very nice. You stay here for the location. Right outside the door there are at least 10 different restaurants and pubs and even a karaoke bar. Great for nightlife!
London is a fun city and has quite a bit to offer! And they speak English so it’s easier to navigate than a lot of other European countries.
I hope you found this quick guide to London helpful! Have a blast!
xx
Tessa
