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…

How to Spend 3 Days in London as a Super Tourist

There are some sights in London that never get old. After living here six years as an American married to a born and bred Londoner, it is hard for me not to take pictures of iconic London landmarks every time I am near one. Well, Big Ben is currently an exception to this because it is covered in scaffolding for the next few years.

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This phenomenon compares to what I experienced growing up in Daytona Beach, Florida. Every time I went to Disney World or Universal Studios I was overcome with excitement and energy, no matter how many times I went.

That’s the reality for me living in London. But, you will find that most Londoners don’t whip out their phone for a photo every time they pass Buckingham Palace or the London Eye. Most of them haven’t been to the iconic attractions recently.

Yet, I wonder how they give friends and family who come to visit them advice about what to do when they are in London to see the sights. Since they aren’t as keen to pay attention to “attractions”, much less the deals for ticket entry, do they know strategies to get the best prices?

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For these reasons, I have been a great resource to blog readers and friends who visit London. One of the top recommendations I have for people to save money on London attractions is to get a London Pass.

But, in order to make it worth it, you have to truly live like a tourist for a day or more, depending on which one you choose.

Based on the success of the blog I published about the Things to Do Near the Tower of London, I have put together several itineraries for the ultimate tourist days in London. If you follow them, you could save tons of money, Sunny friends!

How to Spend 3 Days in London: Day 1

  • Tower of London (£27.20)
  • Tower Bridge Exhibition (£9.80)
  • The Monument to the Great Fire of London (£4.50)
  • St Paul’s Cathedral (£20)
  • View from the Shard (£25)

If you paid for an adult ticket each of these individual attractions “at the door”, your total would be £86.50. An adult London Pass for one day is £75.

Yes, this would be one packed, exhausting day visiting attractions in London. However, if you want to see as much as possible in a short period of time, it is the way to go.

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How to Spend 3 Days in London: Day 2

  • Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (£17)
  • Golden Hinde (£5)
  • London Bridge Experience (£29)
  • HMS Belfast (£16)
  • The View from the Shard (if you were too tired on Day 1)
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How to Spend 3 Days in London: Day 3

  • Kensington Palace and the Orangery (£20)
  • Royal Albert Hall (£8)
  • Westminster Abbey (£23)
  • Thames River Cruise (£19) take this to Greenwich
  • Royal Observatory Greenwich (£16)
  • Cutty Sark (£15)

The price of a 3 day London Pass is currently £109. Do the math on all the attractions I listed and see how much you will save!

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How to Spend 3 Days in London: Planning

In the spirit of honesty, these aren’t itineraries I could do back to back in three days. Mr Sunny and I are really lazy foodie travellers. One activity a day is enough for us. We generally make the regional cuisine our main event.

However, you would be amazed at the sample itineraries my blog and Sunny News YouTube viewers send me as possibilities. I write amazed because the activities they plan for each day would involve running from one direction to the other side of the London and then back again. Sometimes I wonder where they learned their map reading skills.

However, I think they just put things in order according to their list of priorities. This initially could seem like a good idea. But, for people who know and live in London, we understand that it is a very wide city in comparison to others. Further, the Underground and busses are great, but you need to know how much time to build in for travel as well.

My itineraries above are grouped together by location. And on the Day 3 itinerary, I even suggest using the London Pass for a cruise which takes you from one part of the city to another. In fact, most people don’t get to Greenwich because it is kind of out of the way. But, if you sight see along the way and have a plan of things to do when you get there, it is well worth your time (get it?!) to go to Greenwich.

So if you like to see as much as possible, condense your daily plans to attractions that are in the same general vicinity. Or…

How to Spend 3 Days in London: Final Thoughts

If you are a bit of a gambler and free spirit, there is a new tool on the London Pass website you might want to try. It’s a Spinner feature and is a new innovative way to randomise, jazz-up and create spontaneity during your London break.

Maybe you could use it to decide where to start your day of living like a tourist and then move around the above itineraries from there?

Let me know how it goes, Sunny friends. And if you need suggestions of where to eat when you’re out and about, I have something below for you too.

Want a Food Freebie in London?

Subscribe to the Sunny in London 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!

Send me the Free Pocket Restaurant Guide

Things to Do Near Tower of London

What is a huge mistake that people planning to visit London make? Not planning things to do near the Tower of London!

When I was a guest on the Eye on Travel CBS Radio Show with Peter Greenberg last year, I said that I feel the Tower of London is the top attraction that people should see when visiting London.

According to the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (Alva), the most visited attraction in London in 2018 was the Tate Modern. It accumulated almost 5.9 million visitors. The Tower of London saw approximately 2.5 million enter through the gates.

Given that statistic, you might wonder why I suggest the Tower of London first for everyone visiting London. However, if you know the Tower of London’s history, you might think the better question is: How many guests left the Tower of London with their heads last year?

Ha!Ha!Ha! You knew I couldn’t resist a corny ‘British’ joke, right?

But, seriously, when I get emails or comments on the Sunny News YouTube channel from people visiting London for the first time, they always express wanting to visit the Tower of London. For what it’s worth, I have visited it three times. The Sky Garden is the only attraction I have visited as many times. Is it shocking to learn that it is just around the corner from The Tower? Well, more like a 5-7 minute walk. But, that is close enough in my opinion.

So, what else can you do if you know you want to spend half a day at the Tower of London?

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Things to Do Near Tower of London: London Pass

If you are considering several attractions in one day, then it is likely that you will want a London Pass. Below is the suggested itinerary I have for people who want other things to do near the Tower of London.

  • The Tower of London (£27.20)
  • The Monument to the Great Fire of London (£4.50)
  • St Paul’s Cathedral (£20)
  • Tower Bridge Exhibition (£9.80)
  • View from the Shard (£25)

If you paid for an adult ticket each of these individual attractions “at the door”, your total would be £86.50. An adult London Pass for one day is £75.

The itinerary above would be tight, but if you want to max out on your time in London, it’s the way to go.

Things to Do Near Tower of London: For Foodies

If you’re like Mr Sunny and me, you don’t like to run ragged when you are on holiday. We enjoy leisurely lunches with adult beverages when we travel. As you will see on my Instastories, we don’t overload ourselves with too many commitments on any given day.

Activities that would interest foodies that are near the Tower of London include:

  • Walking to St Katherine’s Docks and having lunch at Dickens Inn or one of the many restaurants in the area. White Mulberries is a great spot for coffee and pastries. Their Instagram is a London account I love and have followed for years.
  • You can easily walk to Borough Market, which is open everyday except Sunday. On weekends, you can get to Maltby Street in about 20 minutes by crossing the Tower Bridge. Both of these locations are known for their outstanding street food.
  • There are tons of restaurants on both the north and south sides of the River Thames. They offer fab views too.
  • The Secret Food Tour of London Bridge is a 3-3 1/2 guided food tour of the London Bridge area that incorporates 8 stops.
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St. Katherine’s Docks, London

Things to Do Near Tower of London: Historic

For those that want to devour history instead, you can find things to do near the Tower of London too. Keep the Monument to the Great Fire of London and Tower Bridge Exhibition from the London Pass itinerary above.

Consider adding a visit to the London Dungeon for an entertaining look at London’s dark past. On the way over, you can also visit the HMS Belfast. Or you can swap something for time’s sake on that itinerary and add the London Bridge experience. The London Bridge and the HMS Belfast are on the London Pass.

Things to Do Near Tower of London: St Paul’s Cathedral

When my mother visited in April, her top requests in London were the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. Arriving at the first one close to when they opened, gave us enough time to swing by the SkyGarden before walking to St Paul’s Cathedral. I had previously booked a time for us to visit Skygarden, which is something you must do for this free attraction. In fact, like the Tower of London it’s one of the few attractions that Londoners actually visit.

We spent about 2 1/2 hours at the Tower of London and about 90 minutes at St Paul’s Cathedral. Our day of touring ended around 3pm.

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Things to Do Near Tower of London: Final Thoughts

You wouldn’t think that those three attractions would take up most of a day. However, you must build in time to get from one attraction to another. And, like I mentioned previously, I don’t like to rush through a million activities in one day.

For the closest amount of attractions in one condensed place, you want to read this article on How to See 4 Attractions at London South Bank.

How do you like to travel, Sunny friends? Do you like to buy a discount attraction pass and hit as many activities as you can in one day? Do you prefer to alternate pool days with attraction days?

For More Guides to London:

I have bookmarked many of my best guides to London for you and grouped them below. They should make planning a trip to London so much easier! To stay up to date with all that’s happening in London, subscribe to the Sunny News emails too.

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning

Do you want a local travel guide to London? What if you could get all your London trip planning suggestions in one place and then decide what is best for you?

Stay right here, Sunny friends! In fact, you probably want to add this page to your London Trip board on Pinterest so you have it in a safe place.

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I’m an American blogger who has lived in London for six years. On Sunny in London I write about things to do, restaurant openings and British food, attractions, events, cultural differences and travel from London. My husband, Mr Sunny, comes from generations of London born, so he is an excellent source of ‘historic’ and life knowledge too.

This page is part of a series of resources to introduce you to the blog. It is updated regularly. Other pages include:

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning Basics

What Month is Best to Visit London?

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Rules You MUST Know for Visiting London

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning Money & Shopping

Local Travel Guide to London- Trip Planning Food & Hotels

For a detailed list of restaurants I recommend in London, visit the my Best London Restaurant Guide for Foodies. Below are some highlights.

Don’t Miss Anything New!

Watch the Sunny News YouTube to see everything happening each week.

Subscribe to the Sunny News email to receive regularly updates about what’s hot in London. When you subscribe you’ll automatically receive the ‘Local’s Pocket Restaurant Guide to London’ which you can download to your phone.

Send me the Free Pocket Restaurant Guide

Chicama London Review- A Chelsea Brunch Experience with Smoked Beer Ice Cream

When we saw Smoked Beer Ice Cream on the Chicama menu, the ‘where to have brunch in Chelsea debate’ ended. Immediately. How could I deny Mr Sunny this opportunity to try a beer infused food?

As a London food blogger, I get invites often to try new seasonal menus, restaurant launches and other food related events. Since we live in North London most of our foodie trips to Central London are for these experiences organised via a restaurant’s public relations representatives. While we love these, it’s also nice to put the cameras aside and just enjoy good food with Mr Sunny.

That was our intent when we visited Chicama in Chelsea for brunch recently. But, everything changed as we walked up to the restaurant.

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Chicama London, a Chelsea Brunch Experience- The Ambience

Turning the corner on the King’s Road and seeing Chicama London caused quick intrigue. The concept is a neighborhood restaurant and the design is inspired by Chicama beach in Northern Peru.

We had booked a table on the terrace, but due to the high wind advisory this day we requested to eat inside the restaurant. On a beautiful, sunny day in London I can see why Chicama would be a perfect spot.

All signs for what we wanted in our Sunday brunch together fell in to place as we stepped through the entrance. Nonetheless, the interior decor filled with shell pink tiles and soft pink marble is inviting and cheery. Mr Sunny and I loved the open kitchen plan. For many reasons, this works really well for this Chelsea restaurant.

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We booked our table online for 12pm. If you’re an avid Sunny reader, you know we like to go early to avoid crowds. It wasn’t until around 1pm that the restaurant tables began filling inside and on the terrace. If you planned to arrive anytime after we did, I would suggest making sure you have booked a table in advance.

While the exterior might have a slightly feminine vibe, we felt as a couple that the location is perfect for a posh brunch date or a girly get together.

Chicama London, a Chelsea Brunch Experience- Unique Selling Points

Watching the kitchen staff prepare dishes tells a lot about Chicama’s story. Chicama in Chelsea is the second restaurant from the Pachamama Restaurant Group and opened with rave reviews in 2016. They chef formed a team that is from London’s best, most sought after restaurants. It shows!

The kitchen runs smoothly, quietly and systematically. Each staff member clearly knows their responsibilities and executes them with ninja like precision. Yet, the overriding vibe is calm and meticulously organised without fuss. While the decor might send the message that you are near a Peruvian beach, the staff’s approach to the overall success of your dining experience is no where near casual.

And then there’s the Smoked Beer Ice Cream. But, you need to wait just a bit more before I melt it on the blog for you.

Chicama London, a Chelsea Brunch Experience- The Food

Chicama bills itself as a ‘seafood restaurant in Chelsea with a menu inspired by the coastal food of Peru and the bold-flavours of Peruvian cuisine’.

Mr Sunny had never tried Peruvian cuisine, to his knowledge. Introducing him to this new food experience was a treat, but I am not an expert in the cuisine. With the guidance of our server, we chose several items and waited with great anticipation. We hoped the food would be as great as the ambience!

  • Popped Corn Monkfish Cheeks (ají amarillo mayo)
  • Tuna Tostada (avocado jalapeño sauce, fried leeks, lime, radish)
  • Sweetcorn Pancake (crab, ají amarillo hollandaise, pickled chilli)
  • Blackened Octopus (confit potato, sundried tomato, cauliflower)
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In summary, each dish delighted us in different ways. The Monkfish was a nice starter, but the Tuna Tostadas blew us away. We should have ordered one each, because sharing proved a bit tense.

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My Sweetcorn Pancake arrived a bit before Mr Sunny’s octopus. Rather than battle with his salivating eyes, I agreed to give him a few bites. For those who might have trouble with a strong salt taste, they might want to pass on the Sweetcorn Pancake. While this usually does not appeal to me, I loved this dish! And so did Mr Sunny.

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He agreed to share his octopus, but I didn’t have more than a bite because the Sweetcorn Pancake is surprisingly filling.

Can you tell me your thoughts on Octopus, Sunny friends? When I posted these photos on my personal Facebook account my Florida friends expressed hesitation to try it. This seafood dish does not seem very exotic to me. How do you feel?

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We keenly saved room for the Smoked Beer Ice Cream. We both felt it offers a unique flavour and unique selling point for the restaurant. The honeycomb and beer caramel dissolves beautifully upon each bite. Although, now that we’ve checked it from the bucket list, we will focus on other menu items when we return.

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Chicama London, a Chelsea Brunch Experience- The Prices

When you plan a brunch in Chelsea, one of the poshest neighborhoods in London, you don’t approach it as a budget food experience. Two tiny mimosas hit around £20 and Mr Sunny’s Peruvian beers went down his throat way too fast.

We had not anticipated spending £96 for a brunch together in London on a Sunday. But, we didn’t feel that Chicama was overpriced given how fab the food and ambiance it offers.

Chicama London, a Chelsea Brunch Experience- Final Thoughts

Mr Sunny gives his first Peruvian experience two thumbs up. However, the opinion could unfairly be acquired because Chicama raises the bar so high.

We had no regrets about our brunch in Chelsea bill and look forward to returning to try Chicama’s dinner menu on another occasion.

I would love to know your brunch experiences in London. We researched quite a few of the ‘Best Places to Have Brunch in London’ articles online and found Chicama listed in many.

Have you been to Pachamama in either Marylebone or Shoreditch? What would you recommend to have in these restaurants?

And don’t forget to share your thoughts on eating Octopus!

Want a London food freebie?

Subscribe to the Sunny in London 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!

Send me the Free Pocket Restaurant Guide

I will certainly add Chicama to the Restaurant Guide on it’s next update!

For more about Food in London, you can read watch these:

Top Things to Do in London for Food Travel

You probably wouldn’t think that there are tons of things to do in London for food travel fans. Most people associate visiting London with seeing iconic attractions, being close to the royal family and going to pubs.

After six years of living in London as a food and travel blogger, I have had the opportunity to learn about and experience tons of food related activities and am excited to share this list of ideas with you.

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Top Things to Do in London for Food Travel- Afternoon Tea

Let’s start with a twist on the obvious first activity, afternoon tea. Instead of just having a traditional one, consider one of the many themed Afternoon Teas in London. For my top recommendations, read this detailed London Restaurant Guide. It also has restaurants in London suggested for the best views, iconic British food, pub food and healthy food.

Yes, there is a wizard themed Harry Potter tea. No, you can’t go to the Beauty and the Beast afternoon tea anymore. But, now you can eat the London Landmarks.

One of the most prestigious places to have afternoon tea is Fortnum and Mason. It is the ultimate destination for unique gifts such as hampers, elegant wines and spirits, famous teas and coffees. If you are a passionate food traveller, shopping at Fortnum and Mason for gourmet gifts as souvenirs for yourself or others is a must. However, if you miss it, you an always grab some tea at World Duty Free.

Fortnum and Mason Afternoon Tea Review

In the Sunny News video below, I list the most popular food markets in London, neighbourhoods and streets with a high concentration of restaurants, food tours and classes, annual events and food tours. There is also information about an afternoon tea that travels around London while you eat and drink!

https://youtu.be/F3dkDDKKkQo

But if you prefer to burn calories while you take a sweet themed tour, you can try one focused on English Tea and Desserts.

Top Things to Do in London for Food Travel- Tastings and Classes

Aside from the classes I mentioned in the video at Hotel Chocolat, you can also take their Chocolate Tasting Adventure, experience a Chocolate Lock-in, or schedule your children for a chocolate workshop.

Where to Buy the Best Chocolate in London- Hotel Chocolat

The Pied à Tierre news I mentioned in the video features a Masterclass and new wine experience. They open the restaurant every Friday for 5 guests to get involved in the world of a Michelin Starred kitchen and work alongside the team in creating renowned dishes. In August 2019 they are offering a Junior Masterclass. I suggest visiting the Pied à Tierre class experience page to make sure you don’t miss any of their exciting events.

If you prefer a more savoury food travel adventure, then exploring Neal’s Yard Dairy is an idea because they offer cheese tastings and workshops.

Top Things to Do in London for Food Travel- Drinks

Mr Sunny and I can’t let all this food talk go by without at least letting you know that there are drink things to do in London too. We have tons of pub crawls on the blog. But, if gin is your thing you can use a London Pass at the Beefeater Gin Distillery. And you can book a Drink Lovers’ Tour with a discount too.

Of course, you can always combine a historic pub with food and a river view too…

Top Things to Do in London for Food Travel- Festivals

On a sunny Saturday, the Duke of York Square in Chelsea explodes with food stalls. From cheesecake to sausage rolls, you will find tons of British small businesses sharing their delicious food treats. It is open from 11am-2pm and can be quite crowded in the later hours, so plan to arrive early.

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New on the food festival block is Le Cordon Bleu, who had their first ever event in June 2019. It gave food fans the chance to explore behind the scenes of the renowned cookery school. They had cookery demonstrations, wine tasting workshops and an all-day Slow Food Market.

In May, there is London Wine Week. Over the summer, there is the London Craft Beer Festival, London Dessert Festival and London Brunch Fest.

Top Things to Do in London for Food Travel- Final Thoughts

From dinner cruises to Pancake Day Races, London celebrates food throughout the year.

To get started, you can take a look at these related articles and videos on British food and drinks below. And there is also information on how to get a free, downloadable pocket guide to London restaurants too.

Want a Freebie for London?

Subscribe to the Sunny in London 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!

Send me the Free Pocket Restaurant Guide

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?

THE ESSENTIAL FIRST TIME GUIDE TO

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HARRY POTTER

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YOUTUBE

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