Sunny in London

A Florida girl's guide to finding SUN and FUN

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The London Pass- What You Can See in One Day

Are you visiting London for the first time and have no idea what to see and how to organise your trip? If you read the Sunny Getting Around London Transportation Guide or watched the YouTube video, you heard me mention the London Pass.

I tested the pass on a few attractions so I could give you some ideas for what to do for a day on the London Pass.

This is what I did:

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The London Pass: The Tower of London (£24.50 adult ticket)

I started my day later than planned because of delays on the Underground. However, I arrived to the Tower of London at around 11:00am. With the pass, I didn’t have to worry about buying a ticket, but I did need to stand in line to go through security.

Even though I had visited the Tower of London years ago, I was overwhelmed with how much I wanted to see and learn. You could spend an entire day here.

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review-of-the-london-passI went to the building where the Queen keeps her Crown Jewels. For obvious reasons you can’t take pictures or film video. In fact, when you move through the part where the big bling is displayed, you must stand on a conveyor belt.

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I spent an hour walking around trying to find relevant historic information and teach myself about the bloody Tower. Then I popped in the cafe to grab a quick sandwich and water.

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review-of-the-london-passNext, I enjoyed a tour of the Tower with a very charismatic Yeoman Warder.

review-of-the-london-passWhile the Tower was the home of many English kings and queens, its history is dark and bloody. For example, you end the tour on a grave site that has over 1,500 unidentified burial remains. They aren’t distinguishable because each skeleton was decapitated.

The London Pass: Tower Bridge Exhibition (Adult £9)

Next, I took a short walk (about 5 minutes) to the Tower Bridge Exhibition.

review-of-the-london-passI bypassed the short line with my pass. I was at this attraction for about 45 minutes, 15 of which were spent staring through the glass floor.

The London Pass: The Monument (Adult £4)

For my final stop, I hit the Monument. The views at the top were great, but the experience was terrifying. You’ll have to read that review to learn why.

After carrying around a tripod, camera and other equipment for four hours in the sun, I was very tired and ended my day then. If you really want to power up and get big savings on the London Pass, I would add a few attractions to this day.

The London Pass: What to Add

Start your day at 9:00am when the Tower of London opens so you can include London Bridge.

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I haven’t been to this attraction yet because it’s supposed to be ‘London’s most terrifying attraction.’ So, I am waiting for a day when Mr. Sunny can join me. The cost is $24.

Also, you can use the London Pass for the City Cruises Thames River Cruise. It’s a really fun way to get from Tower Bridge to Greenwich, the London Eye, or Westminster. However, note that the London Eye is not a part of the London Pass offer.

You can take a boat to all four places. There’s a review of the roundtrip cruise experience Mr. Sunny and I took during the Spring on the blog too.

If you visited the Tower of London, Tower Bridge Exhibition, The Monument, London Bridge and took city cruises roundtrip, your day would cost £79.52. With a one day, Adult London Pass it is £52.

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These are the individual reviews I have of all the attractions listed above, including advice for the London Eye:

– A Test to Tour the Tower of London
– The Monument London: A Tower of Terror?
– How to Take the Best Picture of London at Tower Bridge
– The London Eye: Advice on How to Fly High

review-of-the-london-passI would definitely suggest the London Pass for people visiting for the NFL in London games who want to maximise their time at attractions and see many landmarks while in town. Be sure to read my NFL in London: An American Expat’s Game Plan for Your Trip, leave questions you may have in the Comments below, and enjoy this two minute London Pass video from the day I used the London Pass…

What You MUST Book in Advance for a London Trip

What’s the next step after booking flights and a hotel for a London trip? Sunny friends, there are several activities you should book in advance of your trip to London. Do you know what they are and how to do it?

If not, you must keep reading.

As TripAdvisor‘s #1 World’s Best Destination for 2019, London features tons of amazing things to do for a short or long trip. However, this means that the most popular activities require that you must book in advance if you want to do them.

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London Trip Book in Advance: Theatre Tickets

Rivalling New York City, London has an impressive Theatre district. Rather than going to all the theatre’s websites individually, I have found Hellotickets to be the most useful website to purchase tickets in advance.

Current shows for which you can buy tickets on their website include:

  • The Phantom of the Opera
  • Motown the Musical
  • TINA- The Tina Turner Musical
  • School of Rock- The Musical
  • Disney’s Aladdin
  • Mamma Mia!
  • The Woman in Black
  • Matilda the Musical
  • The Lion King
  • The Book of Mormon
  • Wicked
  • Les Miserables
  • Thriller Live
  • Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
  • Cirque du Soleil: Luzia
  • The Prince of Egypt

On their website you can also buy tickets for Fast-Track London Eye Tickets, Hop-on Hop Off Original London Sightseeing Tour, Heathrow Express, Stansted Express, Gatwick Express.

London Trip Book in Advance: Day Trips

Another aspect of the HelloTickets website that I like is the numerous day trips available. The list includes:

  • London Escorted Paris Day Trip with Champagne Lunch on the Eiffel Tower
  • Stonehenge Shuttle Bus and Independent Day Trip
  • Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover and Greenwich + private viewing of Leeds Castle
  • Day Trip from London- Lunch in the Cotswolds
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford Tour
  • London in One Day Tour
  • London Day Trip- St Paul’s Cathedral, Changing of the Guard, Tower of London, Thames Cruise with Harrods Cream Tea
  • Oxford, Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Tour
  • Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Lacock and Bath Tour + Pub Lunch
  • Leeds Castle, Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Tour
  • WWII Tour: Churchill War Rooms & Westminster
  • England in One Day: Stonehenge, Bath, Stratford & the Cotswolds
  • Downton Abbey: Visit to Highclere Castle
  • London Rock Tours- Half Day Tours
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London Trip Book in Advance: Attractions

Chances are that you will want to visit London’s attractions at some point when you are here. There are several passes and tickets I recommend, having used them myself or for family and friends.

The London Pass is the most popular combination ticket available. The most popular attractions on the list of 80+ things to do in London included on the London Pass are:

  • The View from the Shard
  • Tower of London
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Windsor Castle (Free return train journey from London Paddington via Slough)
  • Kensington Palace and The Orangery (Kensington Palace is not open from 6-17 January 2020)
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • ZSL London Zoo
  • Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour & Exhibition
  • Churchill War Rooms
  • London Bridge Experience and London Tombs
  • Thames River Cruise
  • St Paul’s Cathedral

I have indicated in italics the attractions above in which you can skip the line if you have a London Pass. In my 5 Day Itinerary for a Super Tourist, which is part of the Guides to London series I have published, you can learn which attractions are in close proximity of one another. The London Pass is best if you plan to visit many attractions in one day that are in close proximity of each other.

One Day on the London Pass itinerary example from my Guide:

  • The Tower of London (£28)
  • Tower Bridge Exhibition (£10)
  • The Monument to the Great Fire of London (£5)
  • St Paul’s Cathedral (£20)

If you paid for each individual attraction, the total for one adult would b £75. However, a London Pass is £63.

So, I suggest you buy a London Pass in advance of your trip and include an Oyster Card with it if you are keen to see many attractions. Note that if you purchase more than one day, they have to be used consecutively and it starts as soon as you go to your first attraction.

Next is the London Eye combination ticket. Again, I reference how to use this in my 5 Day Itinerary, but it can give you access to:

  • The London Eye
  • Shrek’s Adventure
  • The London Dungeon
  • SEA Life London
  • Madame Tussaud’s

The first four attractions are all literally next to each other in Southbank, this ticket is worth having in advance because lines there are extremely long. I went to all four in one day and wrote a review of the experience.

How to See 4 South Bank London Attractions in One Day

London Trip Book in Advance: Harry Potter

If you have plans to do anything Harry Potter related while you are in London, then realise that you are not a minority. Those books are big business here. I think I have been to every Harry Potter attraction in London and Oxford, including spending the night in a Harry Potter themed hotel!

With the opening of Gringott’s Wizarding Bank at the Warner Bros Studio Harry Potter Studio Tour, an already popular London attraction became even more difficult to visit. If you’re planning on going there, it’s quite a distance from Central London, so I always suggest booking something through a tour company in advance.

For more on all things Harry Potter related, visit my Guide to Harry Potter.

London Trip Book in Advance- More Ideas

I can’t possibly cover every activity for every type of person. However, if you have less than 5 minutes, you can learn about several more in this YouTube video on the Sunny News weekly edition.

London Trip Book in Advance- Final Thoughts

If you’re planning on having a fantastic food experience while you are in London, then subscribe to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. It features top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads (Best Time to Visit and Things to Do, London Airports, British Food) that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

Please leave any questions you have for your trip below. Also, if there are specific guides you would like me to publish for you, put those ideas in the comments too.

For related London Trip Planning blog posts and videos:

What is the Best London Airport to Choose?

Choosing which London airport for your trip can be complicated if you aren’t familiar with their differences and locations. After living in London for 6 years, I have had the chance to explore and learn about what makes one better than the other. If there was an easy answer for everyone, you probably wouldn’t be reading this! However, with the information below you will be able to make a decision on what is the best London airport for you.

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The array of choices you have for airports near London can be confusing. To judge by name, you would find 6 options identified as a London airport. From largest to smallest they are: Heathrow Airport (LHR), Gatwick Airport (LGW), London Stansted Airport (STN), London Luton Airport (LLA), London City Airport (LCY) and London Southend Airport (SEN).

However, bigger isn’t always better. For international travel, bigger airports usually mean more time for checking in, going through security, boarding your flight, going through Border Control and waiting in baggage claim.

When deciding what is the best London airport to choose, you need to consider distance because only one airport is really located close to Central London. This area of London is the most popular place for travellers to choose a hotel during a visit. In order of closest distance to greatest, the options are:

  • London City Airport, 14 km (9 miles)
  • Heathrow, 26 km (16 miles)
  • Gatwick, 45 km (28 miles)
  • Luton, 55km (34 miles)
  • Stansted, 63 km (39 miles)
  • Southend, 64 km (40 miles)
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What is the Best London Airport to Choose- Most Popular

Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport are the popular options for first time travellers to London. To be honest, they are the two my husband (who has lived his entire life in London) and I choose most. We prefer to pay more for convenience and nearly always book flights on British Airways due to their loyalty programme. I recently cashed in Avios for Business Class tickets to Cyprus, which will be a 4 1/2 hour direct flight for us from Heathrow!

If we book really early flights, we stay at a hotel near the airport, which we book through Expedia. For transportation, we use Heathrow Express, Uber, London Underground or Gatwick Express. Arriving early gives me plenty of time to hit World Duty Free.

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If cheap ticket prices are your top concern, you will likely find the best deals through the other London airports. When I say cheap, I mean like £30 each way or less to European destinations! However, these discount airlines tend to charge to choose a seat, bring a carry on, check in a bag, and basically breath on the plane- in our opinion. The seats also offer very, very little legroom.

If you want to play safe and go with the most popular London airports, watch the 4 minute YouTube video below. I compare transportation options to Central London from Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport, assuming flight prices are equal.

You can download my free guide with all the prices and train options I mention in the YouTube video, by subscribing to the weekly email. Immediately you get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London‘ which is the ultimate free travel accessory for a London trip. It features top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning (like the airport guide), plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

Let’s take a look at other options to consider for what is the best London airport to choose. These options would appeal to people travelling between London and other UK or European destinations.

London Stansted Airport

The newest London airport, London Stansted gives access to 200 destinations across Europe, Middle East and Africa. It has one main passenger terminal.

With regard to transportation, Stansted Airport Railway station is in the terminal building. Stansted Express goes to and from Liverpool Street in central London every 15 minutes when trains are running. If you book tickets online in advance and you can pay from £9.45 one way between London Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport. This offer is only online and allows you a fully flexible ticket. You can travel on any train on the outbound date you book and can return anytime within a month. This option is available up to 6 months in advance. Keep in mind there is limited availability, so you would want to book early.

The journey usually takes roughly 45-53 minutes. The busiest routes from Stansted Airport are: Dublin, Edinburgh, Belfast International, Rome-Ciampino and Malaga. The most popular airlines are:

London Luton Airport

Luton is 28 miles north of Central London. It is the 5th busiest airport in the UK and has 1 terminal and a single runway. Luton Airport is the base and head office location for easyjet. Most of its routes are through Europe. Generally, you would fly on the airlines below at really great ticket prices:

The fastest train between St Pancras station in Central London and Luton Airport Parkway railway station takes 22 minutes, but they average 40 minutes. There is a 10-minute shuttle bus between the railway station and the airport terminal. You can check National Rail for details, but a Super Off-Peak ticket Single is £13.10.

London City Airport

This airport opened officially in 1987 and is quite small compared to other London airports. It has a single, two story passenger terminal building. They claim you can get ‘From front door to gate in 30 minutes’.

The British Airways business (Club World) London City Service claims to be the smartest way to reach New York City. The exclusively business-class service is the closest a commercial flight gets to a private jet. You are also able to clear immigration en-route so you can skip the queues at JFK.

If you read through the comments on the YouTube video, you’ll learn that that landing at London City Airport is a nail-biter. The airport is busiest during winter months. And, the most popular destinations are: Zurich, Geneva and Milan for winter sports fans. Airlines flying in and out of London City Airport are:

The most popular transportation option (and the cheapest) would be Docklands Light Railway. You can use an Oyster card on it, and easily connect to the London Underground and London Overground. There are currently no plans for a station to London City Airport when the Elizabeth Line opens, but it will come very close.

London Southend Airport

As the furthest airport, you would choose this one if you plan a holiday on the east coast of England and are renting a car. However, as of 10th June 2019, Greater Anglia began running an extra service to London’s Liverpool Station. The airport has up to five services an hour during peak times and can get you to the City in under an hour.

You can purchase tickets at the station from the ticket office and ticket vending machines. Off-peak single fares start at £16.70 to Liverpool street. They give discounts for railcards, travelcards and groups.

What is the Best London Airport to Choose? Final Thoughts

I wish it was one simple answer for everyone. If you are travelling solo to London on business and plan to be mostly in the City or Canary Wharf area, then London City Airport is the best for you. A family on holiday might consider Heathrow Airport and then an Uber in to Central London to a hotel. A budget traveller with some extra time would also consider Heathrow Airport, but then use an Oyster card and jump on the London Underground. A couple seeking an easy route with train travel to the heart of London and then a cab to a hotel would likely pick Gatwick Airport.

For those who have visited London or live in London, what is the best airport to choose for your circumstances? Do you prefer one consistently over another? Does an airline loyalty programme make a big difference? Is it time, budget and/or convenience?

Best London Restaurant Guide for Foodies

London’s food scene can be quite intimidating if you don’t live here or know where to go. This London Restaurant Guide is for people who want to find fantastic food in London- FAST!

As a local foodie blogger, I have had the chance to attend countless London restaurant launches, to conduct formal restaurant reviews and to be a part of popular food experiences.

By subscribing to the Sunny in London weekly email, you immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. It has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood.

With the pocket restaurant guide you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also get several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

Get the Free Pocket Restaurant Guide

The Guide features: (updated June 2019)

London Restaurant Guide- Best Views

When considering the best London views you will think of seeing the London Eye, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower and Elizabeth Tower (AKA ‘Big Ben’). However, Londoners know that Big Ben won’t be in sight until 2021 due to maintenance and restoration work. While you can’t see them all at once due to geographic location, some London restaurants offer stunning sights that include many.

  • Duck and Waffle- located on the 40th floor this London restaurant is an Instagram favourite. Food reviews are good, but the breathtaking views are better. It’s also open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY; City
  • Aqua Shard- For a 360 degree view and an opportunity to go inside the Shard this is a posh place to eat. They don’t take booking requests for window tables, but claim all their tables and bar offer a beautiful view. Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, SE1 9RY; London Bridge
  • Smiths of Smithfield– while it is only 4 floors, the rooftop view is a sneaky surprise. Visit No. 3 at ‘Smiths’ for high end dishes and a terrace that will be filled with Londoners on a sunny evening. 67-77 Charterhouse St, Farringdon, EC1M 6HJ
  • Savage Garden– ultra chic and youthful. You would never expect something this cool at the top of a DoubleTree by Hilton Tower. Put your heels on girls and bring a fully charged phone because the sights of the crowd and skyline are memories you will want to share forever! Floor 12, 7 Pepys St, EC3N 4AF; Tower Hill
  • Fenchurch Restaurant at Sky Garden- This location is my top recommendation for free things to do in London. Taking in the gorgeous views at Sky Garden while enjoying British contemporary food at this rooftop space on a sunny day is a must. Keep in mind, there is a smart/casual dress code so leave the tourist clothes and gear behind. Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF; Tower Hill
  • Galvin at Windows- this Michelin star restaurant is in the heart of London’s swanky Mayfair and offers a feast of French fine dining. It’s on the 28th floor of London Hilton on Park Lane, so you can see stunning panoramic views over Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace. 22 Park Lane, W1K 1BE
  • Oxo Tower- see views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline. Their afternoon tea is quite popular. For a taste of all they offer, follow their Instagram. Barge House St, South Bank, SE1 9PH
  • The Swan at the Globe- Literally located next to the Globe, here you can enjoy views of the Thames and St Paul’s Cathedral. Mr Sunny and I have enjoyed cocktails here several times and think it would be a perfect location for pre and post theatre dining. 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT; Bankside
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View on the terrace at Smith’s of Smithfield
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London Restaurant Guide- Afternoon Tea

  • Sketch London- while everyone claims this is one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ place for afternoon tea in London, I don’t see it because images generally seem to be with a yellowish-pink tint. Further, feedback suggests this 18th-century townhouse tea room has the coolest loo in London. I would love to know your thoughts if you have a chance to visit. 9 Conduit St, W1S 2XG; Mayfair
  • Town House at the Kensington– for London’s most iconic afternoon tea, this recently refurbished restaurant holds the title on some of the most sought after afternoon tea experiences in London. The famed ‘Tale as Old as Time’ Beauty and the Beast themed tea had people attempting bookings months ahead. However, I think their current offer ‘London Landmarks Afternoon Tea’ is far better. The quality, creativity and atmosphere doesn’t disappoint foodie fans, and I have visited on several occasions. 109-113 Queen’s Gate; SW7 5LP; South Kensington
  • Conrad London St James- on the two occasions I had afternoon tea in Emmeline’s Lounge, I was wildly impressed. They happened both to be festive themed, but the pastry chef was exquisite. For creativity, delicious food and a boat load of booze, this afternoon tea scores high. However, you might wish to consider the lounge seating arrangement to determine if it offers the best for what you seek in your experience. 22-28 Broadway, SW1H OBH; Westminster
  • Claridge’s- this 5-Star Luxury hotel in the heart of Mayfair offers a place to stay and afternoon tea that makes all travel and food bloggers swoon. For one of London’s best afternoon tea experiences, with a price tag that demands quality, this is one to book. Brook Street, W1K 4HR; Mayfair
  • Covent Garden Hotel- Firmdale Hotels offer the best value for the price of their afternoon tea. Brasserie Max in this hotel offers themed afternoon teas that feature top quality food that is fresh and fabulous. 10 Monmouth St, WC2H 9HB; Covent Garden
  • One Aldwych- the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory inspired afternoon tea is probably the toughest one to book in London. It’s several years old and has maintained high popularity because of this hotel’s superior approach to quality. I have been a guest there in several capacities (hotel stay, spa experience, cocktail menus, and dinners). If you are interested in this afternoon tea, book immediately. 1 Aldwych WC2B 4BZ; Covent Garden
  • Playboy Club London– this is the afternoon tea that Mr Sunny was happy to be my +1 and I am sure you understand why. To be fair, I thought it was fantastic. The bunnies serve Afternoon Tea with a Twist and it’s a quirky, classy experience that I recommend to any confident girl seeking a win-win foodie date experience in London. 14 Old Park Lane, W1K 1ND; Mayfair
  • Cutter and Squidge- rising to immediate popularity in London, this Harry Potter inspired afternoon tea offers more than just food. True wizard fans will love a chance to take a potions class while munching on food from one of the best bakeries in London. Don’t believe me? Visit their Instagram and see! 20 Brewer Street, W1F 0SJ; Soho
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London Restaurant Guide- Food Chains

You will find the restaurants below in quite a few places in London. While I have eaten at nearly all of them, they have not been featured on the Sunny in London blog in a formal capacity.

  • Sticks and Sushi- Japanese sushi restaurants; trendy, highly rated on TripAdvisor
  • Roka- award-winning Japanese dining and slightly more expensive than other chains I’ve listed here
  • Dishoom- Indian; fun, elegant and very popular with Londoners
  • Banana Tree- ‘Home of Indochinese Food’; one my favourite places to have a casual dinner with Mr Sunny; I always order the Pad Thai and have never been disappointed
  • Wagamamma- Asian food; picnic style seating, fast service where you order with a number from a very large menu; consistent quality across London and the UK
  • Pizza Express- offers a gluten free menu that is impressive; Mr Sunny and I have eaten at quite a few locations and always have excellent experiences
  • The Real Greek– fresh Mediterranean cuisine. it’s a frequent meeting place for friends and me; the Greek food is outstanding
  • Cote Brasserie- French Brasseries and Bistros; every time we pass one they are always buzzing with people. That’s always a good sign!
  • Le Pain Quotidien– Belgian owned and recommend for lunch; features simple, elegant food with a focus on organic ingredients; gluten free options are impressive
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View from an upstairs table at Le Pain Quotidien, Covent Garden

London Restaurant Guide- Pubs for Food

  • The Ship Tavern– inches from Holborn Underground Station but tricky to find; head upstairs for what Mr Sunny and I feel is the best gastropub food in London. 12 Gate Street, WC2A 3HP; Holborn
  • The Admiralty– shockingly good for what appears to be the most touristy location in London for a gastropub; 66 Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS
  • Smith’s of Smithfield– located beside London’s famous Smithfield Market, this location has levels of food available. 67-77 Charterhouse St, EC1M 6HJ
  • Butchers Hook and Cleaver- lively, fun and also close to Smithfield Market; 60-63 West Smithfield, EC1 9DY
  • Porterhouse- best bangers and mash I have had in town and it could be the largest bar in London. 21-22 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NA; Covent Garden
  • The Fire Station– wood-fired pizzas, adventurous burgers, beers, ales and cocktails. 150 Waterloo Road, SW1 8SB; Waterloo
  • Hung Drawn & Quartered- great place to stop for food after a visit to the Tower of London. 26-27 Great Tower Street, EC3R 5AQ; Tower Hill
  • The Flask- frequented by famous authors, playwrights and rockstars. Several live within very close proximity so there is a chance you could bump in to one, but it’s outside of Central London. 77 Highgate West Hill, N6 6BU; Highgate
  • The Holly Bush– also in Zone 2, but if you’re around the Hampstead area, this is the local’s favourite pub. 22 Hollymount, NW3 6SG; Hampstead
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London Restaurant Guides- British Food

  • Hawksmoor Seven Dials- British steak and seafood restaurant which is highly regarded by Londoners and reserved for many special occasions. 11 Langley St, WC2H 9JG; Covent Garden
  • Bumpkin- local British brasseries with excellent Sunday roasts and seasonal menus; several locations
  • The Savoy- Mr Sunny and I enjoyed dinner at Kaspar’s at The Savoy, which features informal dining and possibly a beautiful view. Londoners all know that Simpson’s on the Strand is listed as the best roast dinner in the city. Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill is also popular. You could visit the American Bar, but that wouldn’t be very British now would it? 😉The Savoy Hotel, Strand, WC2R 0EZ; Covent Garden
  • Skylon- known for a fantastic view, it is located in the Royal Festival Hall. It has both formal and relaxed dining. Belvedere Road, Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX; Southbank
  • Butler’s Wharf at Chop House- in the shadow of Tower Bridge and has excellent views; features all-day menu of chophouse classics, steaks and nostalgic British recipes. 36e Shad Thames, SE1 2YE West End

London Restaurant Guides- Iconic Food Finds

  • Rules- very aristocratic and billed as the oldest restaurant in London; you must book ahead. 34-35 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7LB
  • Le Gavroche- Michelin Two Star dining from Michel Roux JR; luxe French food, impeccable service, ultra posh. 43 Upper Brook St, W1K 7QR; Mayfair
  • Dalloway Terrace- found in the Bloomsbury Hotel this is probably one of the most popular food experiences for Instagram in London. If it might bother you to have constant snaps around as you eat, this food find might not be for you. 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN; Bloomsbury
  • Roux at the Landau- gourmet French cuisine and one of London’s top restaurants. 1C Portland Place, W1B 1JA; Marylebone

London Restaurant Guide- Healthy Food

  • Wild Food Cafe- if you can find Neal’s Yard, you are in for a super healthy treat. As one of my favourite foodie Instagram accounts in London, Wild Food Cafe offers an explosion of creative, healthy food. 1st Floor, 14 Neal’s Yard, WC2H 9DP; Covent Garden
  • The Detox Kitchen- food free from wheat, dairy and refined sugar. It features few tables but has breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Ground Floor, Kingly Court, 10 Kingly Street, W1B 5PJ; Carnaby

London Restaurant Guides- International Food

  • Clos Maggiore- billed as London’s ‘most romantic restaurant’, this is an extremely popular place that offers French-influenced cuisine. Visit their Instagram for a little taste of what they have. 33 King Street, WC2 8JD; Covent Garden
  • Le Garrick– one of the best French meals I have had in London; family owned; 2 Garrick Street, WC2E 9AU; Covent Garden
  • Cocochan- Mr Sunny’s go to restaurant for his birthday and our favourite Pan-Asian place in London. 38-40 James Street, W1U 1EU; St Christopher’s Place
  • Chotto Matte- Japanese and Peruvian with high-quality Nikkei cuisine. It’s swanky, sleek and fun. 11-13 Frith Street, W1D 4RB; Soho
  • Gaylords- billed as the best Indian restaurant in London. It offers Mughlai and North Indian food. 79-81 Mortimer Street, W1W 7SJ; Soho

For more on food, see what we recommend are the best British foods to eat in England. And of course, leave your ideas in the comments. Can you think of anything else to add?

SSSS Boarding Pass- Can’t Check You in Because Government Regulations

When ‘We can’t check you in because government regulations require that you check in at the airport’ displayed on my computer screen as I tried to check in to my LHR-ATL flight in August, I thought I had hit the wrong key. So, I tried again.

And again. And again. And again. 

After nearly six attempts to check in to the flight (Delta 31 to Atlanta) I have been on tons of times, I gave up. Next, I did what any logical person at a computer would do… I googled it. 

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After reading a few forums and random websites, it appeared I had been part of some random security ‘check’ done on Americans. 

Not placing tons of faith in people who have the ability to post whatever on the internet (myself included 😉) I decided to go straight to the source. 

Finding a phone number for Delta’s Customer Service in the UK took longer than I expected. 

SSSS Boarding Pass: Delta Airlines’ Response

The Delta representative, whose English I barely understood, indicated that I should anticipate nothing additional at the airport. I clarified this with my OCD level of interrogation several times and then let it go. I slept normally that night and did not let pre-travel anxiety get the best of me.

Well, not really. I still planned to be at Heathrow Airport 30 minutes prior to when I normally arrive for this flight. And just for reference, I have flown Delta round trip from LHR to America minimally 3 times a year for the past 7 years.

Aside from waiting to check-in for 45 minutes in the long queue, my check-in went normally. And, I did inquire again if anything additional would happen.

As a side note, before Delta merged its desks with Virgin Atlantic a few years ago, I never had to wait longer than 10 minutes to check my luggage in the terminal at Heathrow Airport.

All went as normal through the security line. However, I only had 15 minutes until my gate number was displayed. When it did, I darted off quickly to Gate 20.

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SSSS Boarding Pass: What Really Happens

Upon entering, my boarding pass was seized and I was escorted to a small table on the side of the boarding area waiting room. The ‘agent’ said he needed to test every electronic item I had. 

AYFKM?!?!? I probably said that out loud. Twice. Really loud. In fact, that is why it has taken so long to publish this blog post. I was irate and didn’t respond in the most favourable way when I realised this was definitely happening to ME.

‘I am a travel blogger. I have 3 cameras, 3 external hard drives, a laptop, iPad, multiple phones and more,’ I said with a total edge.

He not only cared less, but also the clipboard lady next to him wouldn’t even make room for me to open my carefully packed carry on. 

And one by one I had to remove everything from my carry on luggage, and anyone who wanted to could watch. Undergarments, make up, charge cords, and one electronic device after another, the pile mounted.

I was running out of room and no one cared. My stuff started falling to the floor, but they insisted I keep going. 

And with little notice, after what seemed like an eternity, they said I could stop and called the next person over to the desk. 

WTF? I don’t even get time to repack. I am actually not sure if that thought was expressed aloud because I was upset. Really upset. 

SSSS Boarding Pass: Advice for You

This is a completely unsponsored blog post. I am genuinely writing it because I have a high population of American readers and YouTube viewers who travel to and from London either to visit London or live here as American expats like me. And they (probably YOU) are a target for this additional random security screening. 

– Arriving early for me did not make a difference. The best you can do is make sure you go to the gate immediately when it shows on the screens at Heathrow Airport.

– Pack your electronics in compartments on the top. The next time I flew I took everything in a camera backpack as my handbag. Mr Sunny was responsible for the carry on suitcase. I wasn’t flagged again, but this was a flight was London Gatwick to Nice, France on British Airways so it isn’t a fair comparison because it didn’t go through American airspace.

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Nothing was unusual on my return flight from Atlanta to Heathrow in terms of being subjected to an additional security check. 

However I also have started travelling with packing cubes and they have made a huge difference on how fast I can pack and unpack when Mr Sunny and I arrive to a destination.

– Be absent minded. I think I offered way too much. It seemed they were just casually going through my stuff because they had too. I think if I hadn’t mentioned all the devices I had, they probably would have barely checked anything. 

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SSSS Boarding Pass: Final Thoughts

I tweeted both Heathrow Airport and Delta Airlines and neither indicated it was triggered or handled on their end. After further research, I learned why they really had nothing to do with it.

In the YouTube video below I share what I have learned since the experience about how the US TSA chooses people. I also give advice about what not to put in your carry on luggage that might be a surprise to you.

Have you ever had a security dilemma at the airport? What happened and can you offer any advice to others to help them if they are in a similar situation?

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London Potions Class at Cutter and Squidge

The Potions Class at Cutter and Squidge is one of the hottest events in London at the moment. Popularly referred to as the ‘Harry Potter Afternoon Tea’, it has people waiting months to get a seat. As a former high school assistant principal, I could not resist writing a review in the form of a lesson observation after attending the magical course at Cutter and Squidge in Soho, London. At the end of this afternoon tea review you can find a few tips for ‘students’ who want to attend this coveted ‘class’ in London.

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Dear Potions Master,

Thank you for inviting me as a complimentary guest to your Potions Class for the purpose of a review. Your lesson objective to entertain and educate students about potions at the Cutter and Squidge secret School of Wizarding Alchemy was clear and constant throughout the evening.

Potions Class Strengths:

Foremost, your classroom management ticked all the right boxes. Systems for organisation are clearly in place. The first evidence of this is the email pupils receive upon event ticket confirmation. In it- they are directed to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of class. All students followed this directive on the evening of my visit. Further, your assistants were visible outside the classroom at the designated time and made sure to have pupils enter via small groups down the stairs to your room.

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They also clearly had the seating plan for the evening in advance. This ensured an organised and efficient process, which further allowed you to start and conclude your lesson as scheduled. Specifically, it is appreciated that these steps were necessary since the lesson took place in the bakery’s basement.

Without these steps in place, students could have been injured from pushing and shoving on the staircase due to their enthusiasm for the course. Upon entering the classroom students are given a place to hang their coat so they can quickly participate in the transformation to a wizard when they receive their cloak for the Potions Class. This also proves that you adhere to the Cutter and Squidge secret School of Wizarding Alchemy uniform policy.

Your class began on time, as promised. Places were set in advance accordance to the structure of the lesson plan. Students quickly found their wands near their seats and could easily access all tools necessary for the start of the class. For example, they had beakers with chemicals needed for their first activity, as well as plates and utensils for the food that followed.

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You displayed your passion for teaching consistently through numerous appropriate jokes. Most notable are the ones about a particular franchise that can not be named. While students most likely choose the class because it is the closest thing to an actual Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London, you are careful not to make any direct references. Rather, the focus is on a wizard experience.

Throughout the lesson you keep students engaged when moving around to each of their desks, checking on their progress and making personal (and always professional) connections with them. Your evidence of this is in the surprise near the end of the lesson which includes each of these encounters. Students in the class are rewarded for their success in activities through the use of ‘dibbles.’ The items they can choose with them at the end of the lesson definitely encourage them to return to Cutter and Squidge for more inspiration and indulgence.

When students are creating Galaxy Juice, their first chemical mixture, you are keen to provide information about each ingredient and the order in which it needs to be poured to guarantee correct taste and appearance of the potion.

Classroom management is again supported with strategies of differentiated learning. Students are allowed to choose their choice of tea and diet preferences. Specifically, this is evidenced in the care you take to provide food options that are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and child friendly.

You had a strong engagement from students during the entire lesson. To prepare students for questions, you met with them quickly and privately to give them time to consider an answer before being called upon in front of the whole group. This builds their confidence, makes sure they are not embarrassed in front of the class, and keeps the entertaining momentum of your lesson strong.

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The Potions Master

Your assistants had knowledge of how to serve the afternoon tea portion of the lessons in a timely fashion to all students and took their various drink orders quickly. With regard to the content of the food for the afternoon tea, it receives outstanding marks in taste and visual appearance. Students had adequate time to enjoy all the tasty food and make conversation with their peers.

The atmosphere in the classroom also reflects the themed Harry Potter afternoon tea well. This is evidenced in the teacher’s desk and countless wizard tools and memorabilia placed on the walls and desks.

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Potions Class: Area for Improvement

While the lesson is entertaining, moves at a good pace and features delicious food, there is one small area for improvement. You are commended on making sure students handle wands carefully and know where to put them at the end of the class. This direction ensures that the general public are not at risk from the occasional naughty student who would try to take them from the room and use them in an unsupervised environment. However…

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You should research the possibility of having students wear safety goggles or glasses during their lesson. I do appreciate that you will need to explore if this addition to the lesson would cause any copyright infringement on the franchise that shall not be named. I look forward to learning what you discover in this suggested area. I have made a few suggestions below.

Potions Class: Final Assessment

Thank you for inviting me to have this experience. It will be one I highly recommend to colleagues and any individual who inquires about Harry Potter themed activities in London.

My advice to future students in the Potions Class, AKA ‘Harry Potter Afternoon Tea’ in London is below.

Kind regards,

Headmistress Sunny in London

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Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 1

Don’t be late! As detailed above, the class features an entertaining and delicious experience. You really would be naughty and deserve to stand with your nose in the corner if you arrive late and ruin it for others.

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 2

Play along. The Potions Class is a themed Harry Potter Afternoon Tea. If you don’t openly or secretly want to be a wizard, skip it. You will need to recite chants, wave your wand and have an open heart about participation to truly enjoy the experience. In fact, I will candidly say that Death Eaters are NOT invited!

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 3

Save room for dessert. The class features surprises in all shapes. Be sure to plan on a non-stop food feast. If you aren’t in to sweets, you should get on your broomstick and fly somewhere else, Sunny friends.

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 4

Book early. I am not kidding above when I say this Potions Class in London is a tough one to score a seat. Plan well in advance for your visit and go to their website as soon as you can to check availability.

For all the Harry Potter themed activities in London visit the Sunny in London Harry Potter Guide for Visiting London. And of course, leave your questions and ideas about all things Harry Potter in London below in the comments! But please know the Potions Class is full of surprises. I was careful not to ruin any in this review and am counting on the same from you too. However, if you follow my Instastories, you would have seen some fantastic views and videos of the experience!

Class dismissed 😉

WANT TO DOWNLOAD A FOOD FREEBIE?

SUBSCRIBE to the Sunny in London weekly email and immediately get the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London.’ It’s the ultimate free travel accessory for your London trip. The Guide has top recommended restaurants from a local, organised by neighbourhood. With it you can easily find a place to eat when you’re on a London street. Downloading the file to your phone means skipping Wi-fi and finding a fab foodie place- fast!

As part of the welcome, you will also receive several other free downloads that will guide you through trip planning, plus a weekly edition of the hottest happenings in London.

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Secret Things to Do in Soho London

What are the hidden gems of Soho? My first flat in London was off Tottenham Court Road, which ends at the north east border of this lively neighbourhood. This proximity to the area allowed me to learn all the popular and secret things to do in Soho. If you love theatre, food, shopping and nightlife, then Soho would be a hotspot for you. Plus, there are tons of hotels near Soho for those who are visiting London and want things to be easy.

Let’s start with the areas defining Soho, London.

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Secret Things to Do in Soho for Harry Potter Fans

Cambridge Circus is the southern boundary for Soho. It doesn’t take a wizard to discover the most popular thing to do in this location of London. Since its opening, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been one of the toughest tickets to score in town. You might think it’s actually easier to gain entrance to Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station. However, a secret tip about this enormously popular show is that every Friday they offer the ‘Friday Forty’ on the show’s website. During this limited time, 40 deeply discounted tickets for the following week’s shows are offered to the lucky individuals chosen at random from the virtual queue.

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If that wets your fancy, then you probably want to investigate the magical Potions Class at Cutter and Squidge. In the Spring of 2018, this bakery launched one of the hottest afternoon tea experiences in London. It’s called the ‘Potions Class at the Cutter & Squidge Secret School of Wizarding Alchemy. While it isn’t technically a ‘Harry Potter’ afternoon tea, it is the closest experience you will get in London to feeling like a Hogwarts student. You can read more about it in Potions Class review.

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Secret Things to Do in Soho for Shopaholics

Known for its flagship stores like Hamleys and now Kate Spade, Regent Street is the western border for Soho. The neighborhood’s northern border is Oxford Street. When I want to find familiar things fast, I exit the Underground at Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus. Both stops position you well for a sprint to department stores like Selfridges, Liberty and John Lewis. You can find flagship stores like Apple, Kate Spade and Hamleys among the many other familiar names on Regent Street.

However, I never make a trip there without making sure to peek through Carnaby Street, especially at Christmas. If you are here during the holidays, the Carnaby Street lights are always the best. That’s a secret most people visiting London don’t know.

The theme changes every year and it’s always a treat to see what spectacular ideas are above. Below is a photo from the 2017 carnival theme with tropical vibes.

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As a Florida girl living as an American expat in London, I am sure you can see why this was one of my favourite experiences at Christmas last year!

Another sneaky tip is that you can visit the Carnaby Street website to sign up for invitations to their secret shopping parties. You will receive discounts to many of the Carnaby Street shops and restaurants on a designated evening.

What kind of edgy, different things will you see? Take a look at a few shoes from the Irregular Choice flagship store on Carnaby Street.

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Secret Things to Do in Soho for Foodies

I have made it a rule to never walk on Wardour Street in Soho in the early afternoon if I haven’t had a big breakfast. It’s the street I recommend to every traveller to London because it is lined with restaurants representing countless cuisines. However, if you are not confident in just choosing one to walk in and give it a go, then you might want to have a guide take you around the area instead.

I spent a fantastic evening once on the Eating London Twilight Soho Food Tour, an activity that people might not know exists in London. On it you will learn about Soho’s history as an entertainment and fashion zone, as well as some of its darker aspects from years ago. One not so obvious stop to an average passersby is the Opium Cocktail and Dim Sum Parlour in Chinatown. If you want to transport back to 1920’s Shanghai, you will need to do some searching on your own for this secret spot. It’s on Gerrard Street, and if you can find the Jade Door when the hinges are open, then find your way up the red stairs, you will hit this oriental themed cocktail bar and Dim Sum Parlour.

In the mood for Mexican food? La Bodega Negra has a shady side that confuses people nearly every time they try to find it. If you search for the location on Google Maps, you might find yourself standing in front of what appears to be a sex shop! But that’s just a sneaky facade to the entrance. Once you make your way to the basement, you will find a brilliant (albeit dark and full of candlelight) Mexican restaurant.

Finally, most foodie fans are all about the gram. Instagram, that is! For a fun night you can show off to your followers, you will want to book a table at Dirty Bones on 14 Denman Street and ask for the Instagram kit. What? You didn’t know they had this? That’s right, the restaurant offers diners equipment to capture their delicious food and in the best light possible. Take a look at the battery charger and light we had at our table…

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You’ll have to stay tuned for my review of the experience to see the amazing pictures I captured of their gorgeous Mac Daddy burger!

Things to Do in London in Soho: Final Thoughts

Sunny friends, please leave your ideas for fun things to do in Soho that people might not know below. And if you have any questions about great foodie spots or other things to do in term of attractions events and places to stay in London, ask me too!

The Sunny News YouTube channel shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about visiting London. This includes advice for how to tip when in London, how to spot Americans in London, and exchanging money tips. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com but all views are my own.

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane Review- London

Spring in London is truly glorious. The temperatures rise. The sun stays out longer. Cherry blossoms bloom. And then there’s my favourite thing to see… Spring menus bursting on to the food scene!

Mr. Sunny and I selected Brasserie Blanc this year for our first official Spring restaurant experience for some very sentimental reasons. The loss of his mum earlier this year slowed down regular publications on Sunny in London. As you can appreciate, life changed for us quite a bit and we needed time to adjust.

But we decided as winter shed its final flakes (we hope), that we would start heating things up again on the blog. The press release for Brasserie Blanc’s new menu in my inbox ignited the relaunch. And this is why…

We love French food. And, my mother in law did too. After reading through the new menu together, our overall impression was strong. Raymond Blanc’s concept of joining a collection of dishes inspired by his travels is enticing, especially when it’s such a popular time of year to energize and begin new adventures. So, the menu also captured our feelings of moving forward with a bit of vibrancy.

However, we both were targeting the same dish to have when we walked in to Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane location on a very hot evening in mid-April.

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Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- The Food

That’s the Malabar Fish Curry with Toasted Coconut. And, I won the draw to have it as my Main Course. It is roast hake with aromatic spices and coconut milk, grilled king prawn, shallot crisps and coconut rice. I can attest to the fact that it is divine!

Backing up a bit in my food journey, I started with the Mediterranean Fish Soup. This was an odd selection for me because I never order soup and rarely eat it at home. Further, the near 90° Fahrenheit temperature outside certainly wasn’t beckoning me to the dish. But, again the ingredients sounded so scrumptious.

 

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I loved it. And, adding the final touches of cheese, croutons, etc myself was a little fun too. The soup is rich with balanced flavour and the texture is silky smooth.

 

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Mr. Sunny or his mother would never pass up Escargot on a menu. It’s their favourite. Well, that’s if Buffalo Wings aren’t on the menu, because Mr Sunny is an avid wingman. However, it would be rare to  see a restaurant feature both on a menu because they are cuisine worlds away!

He enjoyed them and followed the Starter with his other French fav- Moules Frites!

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While he indicated his preference for mussels is slightly different from how the chef served them, he said the dish was thoroughly enjoyable. He felt both his courses would have been real winners with his mum too.

For our final selection, we decided to share one chocolate fondant, one of the evening’s specials, because our first and second courses were so filling. Sharing food (especially dessert) is not something for which I am known. 😉

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Initially, I was disappointed at the small size when it hit the table. However, after a delicious few bites, each of us felt that only ordering one was indeed the correct thing to do. They had warned us that it was a chocolate lover’s feast, and they were exactly right!

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Service

It is rare that service during a blog review goes wrong. So, I try to look for signs that would be consistent regardless of the circumstance so readers trust my recommendations. We had the chance to talk to many staff members while at Brasserie Blanc. Their communication with one another and system for managing each table was solid.

Further, each person offered extensive knowledge at various points. Our server, Christopher, knew the menu well and offered suggestions that worked to exceed our expectations. Also impressive was the Brouilly Domaine des Dames de la Roche that we enjoyed upon the suggestion of the manager. We were initially concerned that since all of our courses featured fish that we would be remiss by not having white wine. It was the perfect red wine pairing for a vibrant spring day.

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Ambience

Mr. Sunny and I usually schedule our blog review dinners early because we find it easier for photographs and less distracting for other people dining in a restaurant. When we arrived at 6.15pm there weren’t many tables filled, and that was expected at such an early booking. As the evening progressed, Brasserie Blanc had a strong, steady crowd.

It seemed nearly all patrons entering were French. For a culture known for its passion and appreciation for fine food, seeing so many ‘natives’ at tables gave even more credit to my thoughts about our experience. Again, restaurants can put on their best face for a pre-arranged, complimentary blog dinner, but observing this type of clientele to me says there is consistency with Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane.

Finally, I also appreciated that the tables were fairly spaced apart and we weren’t crammed in to a small space elbowing other guests. However, ladies make sure you don’t have too much champagne or wine before you attempt the tight spiral staircase to the loo!

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Final Thoughts

An additional point worth noting is that Brasserie Blanc has an extensive gluten free menu. Also, impressive is the new Sunday Lunch Menu.

They have many restaurants in London (Charlotte Street, Hammersmith Riverside, Southbank, Threadneedle Street and Tower of London). You can also find them in Bath, Leeds, Oxford, St Albans, Portsmouth and several other locations in England.

Our evening was a blend of past, present and future as when said a toast to my mother in law, enjoyed a spring revival for the blog and discussed our upcoming trip to Prague.

Brasserie Blanc is at the top of my suggestion list for Londoners and people who visit London that are seeking classic French cuisine with a fun flair and flavour.

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Air Malta Review – Flying London Heathrow to Luqa

How is it really fair to write an Air Malta review based on just one round trip flight? I think that’s a good question for you to for me as you start reading this review.

Is the fact that my flights left late a reflection of the entire airline? Just because my bags arrived with me in the same condition I surrendered them at Heathrow and Luqa airport doesn’t mean yours are guaranteed to do the same. However, if you’ve never flown the airline, you may have some basic questions that I can answer.

Hopefully, the answers and advice will help you make a decision if you’re planning to visit Malta. At the end of the review you will find links to my blog posts and videos about visiting Malta to help your bigger travel plans too.

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Air Malta Review: Check In and Boarding

We found the online check in process fairly simple and liked doing this from my iPad the evening before our flights. It also allowed us to check in faster at Heathrow. As we were keen to start our holiday, we arrived at Heathrow at 7:15am on a Sunday for our flight scheduled to leave at 10:50am. The counter for Air Malta wasn’t scheduled to open until 7:50am.

There was no microphone at Heathrow to announce boarding arrangements. We learned that they were boarding from the back to front and were the last group to get on, as we were in Row 5. In the Malta airport, they called rows 1-14 and we didn’t hear them call other rows. This plane boarded faster as people were able to enter from both the front and back of the plane. It also gave us a last fleeting moment in the Malta sunshine because you literally walk outside and up stairs to get on the airplane.

Air Malta Review: In Flight

The overhead cabin size was fairly big for what I had anticipated. I wish I had brought my larger carry-on that I use for all of my Delta flights to Florida several times a year. Each row had three seats on the right and three on the left. I felt they were very small compared to the jets I take to America, understandably. I have never been on EasyJet or Ryanair, so I can’t compare. Please leave your ideas about their seats in the comment section!

Both flights left at least 45 minutes late. At Heathrow we were told it was due to luggage loading late. Our plane in Malta was delayed from leaving because the previous plane was late. Then the Captain announced we had to wait another 15 min to leave due to congestion at Heathrow.

You really need to consider possible delays when flying Air Malta if you are changing planes. I would not suggest booking a connecting flight very quickly after an Air Malta flight.

We each received a small sandwich and a bottled water. Other items like beer and crisps are available for purchase in Euros or Pounds Sterling. I would not recommend sitting in an aisle seat in the back of the airplane because of proximity to bathroom. It’s problematic because aisles barely have enough space for one person. This means people coming and going from the toilet are pushing over each other, often in to the faces and personal space of those seated in the aisles.

Despite all the wind that is prominent in Malta, our flights were smooth and uneventful.

Air Malta Review: Customs and Baggage

We checked a bag that weighed 23 kilos and another much smaller bag. They arrived on time and in the same condition in both airports. As an American expat living in London, I was thrilled when I received a passport stamp in Malta. I also got one when I returned. My English husband did not receive a stamp, but perhaps after Brexit he will.

A big mistake I made that had nothing to do with Air Malta was not going with my husband through the EU passport queue when we returned to Heathrow. I wasn’t sure if it was possible, so I went to the Non-EU passport section. I waited nearly two hours in the queue because huge flights from Singapore and India arrived just ahead of us. I was cursing the delay we had with Air Malta the entire time, as Mr. Sunny sat at the airport bar on the other side of Border Control with our luggage waiting for me. When the Border agent asked if I was travelling alone and I told him my husband had a British passport and was on the other side, he said I could have gone through his line with him.

Note to self- do THAT next time!

More on Malta:

To make sure you don’t miss any Sunny updates about visiting Malta, be sure to subscribe to the Sunny News. Upcoming videos and advice articles that will be linked to this article when they are ready include:

On the blog you can also find my review of Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta. I haven’t created a video of the cruise and Blue Lagoon experience yet. If that’s something you would like to see, please let me know in the comments. Also, leave any questions you think I can answer about planning your Malta trip here or on YouTube. If you have been to Malta, it would be great if you can add your advice here too!

 

 

The Best Hidden Pubs in London

Finding the best hidden pubs in London is not easy, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

One of the most popular reasons people read Sunny in London is for recommendations from an insider when they are planning a trip to London. As an American Expat married to a British man born in London, I have a big advantage. Since he and his dad are passionate beer drinkers and have lived their whole lives in London, they know which pubs to go to for different reasons. I have a personal pub tour guide that I can share with you!

We’ve put together quite a few pub crawls. For example:

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The hidden pubs in London list should not be mistaken for a pub crawl because the pubs are all over Zone 1 and even Zone 2 of town. It’s also not a comprehensive list. We wanted to leave room for your suggestions.

While 99% of the time I feel like my husband has had beer in every London pub, twice, there is an occasion when he learns about a new beer venue. You’ll see an example of this is the YouTube video below. His dad told us about one that we actually had to ask someone in the street to help us find. Then, we learned it’s one the most haunted pubs in London!

I did leave on pub out of the video but am sharing it with you here…

– Waxy O’Connor’s. I left this out of the Hidden London Pubs video because it’s right in the middle of Soho on a busy street. However, you would never in a million years guess that the pub is so big that there’s a full blown tree inside of it. I think it’s one of London’s best kept pub secrets. It also has a swanky sister pub nearby.

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The video starts at The Admiralty pub and explains why it’s the easiest pub to find in London. It shows you what delicious pub food looks like in London (it’s even open for breakfast!) and you can read our review to learn more too.

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We’re always eager to discover new pubs in London, so if you live in London or visited and went to a damn good pub (that you remember) let us know in the comments here or on YouTube.

If you don’t want to miss the Sunny News in London, make sure you subscribe. Highlights so far include: afternoon tea etiquette in London, British brands to buy, saving money through VAT refunds, and advice for visiting pubs.

 

There is an Expat Chat playlist which is also devoted to sharing USA vs UK differences like these:

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2019 INFLUENCER GUIDE

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HARRY POTTER

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YOUTUBE

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