Favorite London Spots!

Recently my husband and I got the chance to travel to Europe together. Visiting London was a dream come true for me. I’m not normally a city person but when I stepped off the rattling train into the tube and up the escalators into the city streets my breath caught in my chest. The buildings have beautiful old faces that give glimpse into its Royal past with banners of hanging union jacks in the air. The Brits we met all had a quirky, quaint and humble feel. Its a wonderful feeling hearing the click of oxford shoes go down the street, the lilt of the British accents all around you and seeing passerby carrying bright umbrellas and donning tweed jackets. Laughter erupts from bustling pubs, black cabs beep and red double-decker buses go whizzing by. My husband and I were taken by London instantly and I decided its my favorite city in the world. I could have spent days, months and possibly years there.

We chose to stay at the lovely Hoxton Holborn Hotel. https://thehoxton.com/london/holborn/hotels

We chose this hotel for a number of reasons. We wanted somewhere that was affordable while also remaining aesthetic. I love staying in a place that doesn’t burn a hole in my wallet but also makes me feel cozy and has a touch of artistry to it. This place was just the hipster vibe we were going for.

The Hoxton is located in the heart of Covent Gardens which is a great area in London. Its full of interesting little shops and is within walking distance of the theater district of London called West End. For the historical sites you’ll want to see you’ll need to take the tube but its only a quick train ride away and you’re there in no time.

Covent Garden had Neal’s Yard which was a beautiful little alleyway full of shops and a hipster café.

This area is a wonderful location if you like a combination of shopping, drinking and entertainment spots. We loved it because we could walk to all the hubs right from our hotel. It was only a short walk also to the theater district of London, called the West End. This is where we saw a stunning performance of the Lion King.

Looking back I’m so glad we chose this area. It was filled with all the sorts of things we wanted to do and see. When we were ready to take on more of the historical and touristy sites, we just hopped on the tube in the Underground.

We had dinner at the delicious Flat Iron: https://flatironsteak.co.uk/ It was the perfect spot for dinner! They serve mouth watering steak, salads, appetizers. To add to the fun, they start your meal with a complimentary mug of popcorn while you wait and then finish your meal with a free ice cream cone on your way out. The vibe of the restaurant is hipster, upscale, cozy and beautiful.

The steak was delicious! Good beer. Friendly staff. If you visit London, do yourself a favor and visit Flat Iron. Right down a little old fashioned street with union jack flag banners swaying in the wind.

Historical must-sees:

· Westminster Abbey (be sure to check for dates when it is open)

· Buckingham Palace

· House of Parliament

· Big Ben

· The British Library

- Westminster Abbey

- Buckingham Palace

Coffee Shops for the hipster coffee lovers:

· Jacob the Angel
Sooo soo cute down this colorful alleyway called Neal’s yard.

· The Espresso Room
Perfect window view of the streets and double decker red buses.

· Elan Café
For the special lady in your life. Girly, girly with an extra side of girly. Little treats in the window looked like full on works of art. Roses, flowers, and pink everywhere. Right in the heart of South Kensington (a gorgeous area).

· Hackney Coffee Co

-Neal's Yard

We only stayed in London for 2 days but in that short amount of time we had the time of our lives!

Here’s to your next British adventure. Cheers!