Sunny in London

A behind the scenes guide to London's food, life and culture

Best Pubs in Chelsea- King’s Road Pub Crawl London

If you’re a Londoner, you might be quick to call ‘click bait’ on a pub crawl on King’s Road. Because there are hardly any pubs actually on the King’s Road. It’s actually known for being one of the most popular streets for shopping in London. So, in order to get my London born husband (who is a self-proclaimed pub expert) out for a day in Chelsea with me, I put him in charge of a King’s Road Pub Crawl that included a side of shopping.

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Initially this wasn’t too much of a challenge for him because he spent part of his childhood living in Chelsea. He and his family had a few local favourites that he wanted to visit. However, some of them haven’t stood the test of time. And some have morphed through the times in to a different experience.

Nonetheless, Mr Sunny put together a list of pubs that will impress anyone visiting London as well as has local knowledge of the pubs in Chelsea. Let’s take a look, Sunny friends.

Pubs in Chelsea- King’s Road Pub Crawl

Chelsea Potter is one of the few pubs on King’s Road. If you subscribe to the Sunny News email, you know that Mr Sunny and I love the happy hour deals at Greene King pubs. In each newsletter, Mr Sunny recommends a pub of the week. Quite a few have been from this franchise because who doesn’t love 2 for 1 Prosecco and beer?

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Pubs in Chelsea- Around the Corner

The Cross Keys- Mr Sunny was eager to see The Cross Keys. This pub should not to be confused with the ‘classic old boozer’ pub in Covent Garden on Endell Street with the iconic floral front. The Cross Keys in Chelsea is discreet and tucked away on a residential street. In fact, this is the description of many of our choices in the Best Pubs in Chelsea Pub Crawl.

Location: 119 Kings Road, Chelsea SW 3 4PL

What Mr Sunny likes: It’s near King’s Road and the Embankment, so it’s a great escape while the ‘Mrs is shopping’. The Sunday Lunch looks good and seems to be frequented by mostly locals. That’s always a good sign! Another good sign is the list of celebrities who drank at The Cross Keys.

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The Phene: We enjoyed drinks here. Mr Sunny feels it is still a local’s pub but is definitely more of a gastropub.

Location: 9 Phene Street, Chelsea, SW3 5NY

What Mr Sunny likes: The beer garden is fabulous and the Sunday lunch looks delicious. We advise you to arrive early for this food experience because it was quite packed when we stopped by. Or better yet, you should book a table in advance.

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Cooper’s Arms- This pub does a great job of combining contemporary and traditional design. Their website suggests they have a welcoming atmosphere, so take a look at these shots and see if you agree. I love pubs that have comfortable furniture and a vibrant colour scheme.

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Location: 87 Flood Street, Chelsea SW3 5TB

What Mr Sunny likes: The terrace is good for having a quick smoke or vape and the menu features a traditional Sunday lunch.

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The Surprise: This was at the top of Mr Sunny’s list because it was his dad and mum’s local when he was a child. He remembers when locals clearly had one side of The Surprise pub, and the other side was devoted to the public.

Location: 6 Christchurch Terrace, Chelsea SW3 4AJ

What Mr Sunny likes: He says he is a bit disappointed that over the years it has made such a change to a gastropub. However, since it’s a Young’s Pub, we know the menu and food are top notch too.

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Phoenix- Mr Sunny feels this Geronimo Inn pub off of the King’s Road is more of a traditional London pub. He thinks they offer good beer, fine ales and lager.

Location: 23 Smith Street, Chelsea SW3 4EE

What Mr Sunny likes: While we note the above mentioned strengths, this pub represents nostalgia for Mr Sunny too. He would love to know if anyone remembers the curry house that previously was next to this pub. It was one of his family’s favourites. His parents would enjoy drinks in the pub and the curry house owner would signal them when their take away order was ready.

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The Antelope: Of all the pubs we visited on the Sunday we did the Chelsea Pub Crawl, this was Mr Sunny’s favourite.

Location: Eaton Terrace, Belgravia SW11W 8EZ

What Mr Sunny likes: We know that it’s a tad bit on the edge of Chelsea, but it’s well worth a visit. As a traditional Fuller’s pub, The Antelope has London Pride. This is Mr Sunny’s dad’s daily beer choice.

He loved seeing a nice horseshoe shaped bar and enjoyed seeing a bar full of locals watching live sports.

Pubs in Chelsea- Out of Range

Our final stop was The Botanist, which is listed in The Good Pub Guide. While it suited me just fine, Mr Sunny decided to skip having a drink here because it is quite posh. Londoners won’t be surprised to hear that Mr Sunny said it was full of ‘Sloane Rangers.’

Location: 7 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8EE

What Mr Sunny likes: ‘This is a great place to use to loo before you leave Chelsea’

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Pubs in Chelsea- Final Thoughts

Mr Sunny has an excellent memory, when it comes to recalling pub locations and what their unique selling points are. However, he also uses Good Pub Guide to keep the pulse on what’s happening in the London pub scene. As you can see, through time pubs change names, ownership and style. Having a book or app readily available if you live in London and were born here is always a good idea.

If you’re visiting London and need help, it’s a great idea!

We hope you enjoyed this Best Pubs in Chelsea pub crawl. If you’d like regular recommendations from Mr Sunny, don’t forget email subscribers regularly receive his pub suggestions!

What are your favourite pubs in London? Have they changed through the years? Do you still visit them when you’re in the neighbourhood?

Top Food Travel Destinations for 2020

Where should you go for food travel in 2020? If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you know that in the past few months I have been to the top two food travel destinations in the world.

At the end of July you also saw on my social media that I spent two days at the National Geographic Traveller Food Festival in London. Through my research and writing as a London food blogger, trips I have taken and exhibitions I have attended, I can make some fairly strong predictions for future food travel.

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The two panel discussions to which I was most looking forward at the National Geographic Traveller Food Festival were the Culinary Trends and Food Hotspots.

To learn about the healthy food trends coming up in 2020, you can watch the Sunny News YouTube video below. I also included on the blog the ‘non-healthy’ information for Top Food Trends 2020.

But, let’s rewind a bit more.

Top Food Travel Destinations 2020- World Travel Market

For several years I have attended the Blogger Speed Networking event at World Travel Market. Below is my stand from 2015. At the most recent exhibition, I categorised myself as a food travel blogger.

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In the video I share two regions that were keen to talk to all food bloggers about promoting their destination. One I don’t mention is Serbia.

Mr Sunny, a former sound engineer and war cameraman for NBC News, was quite shocked when I returned home that do to say they were inquiring about organising press trips to promote food.

Cuisine in Serbia mixes Byzantine-Greek, Mediterranean, Turkish-Oriental and the cuisine of the Austro-Hungairan Empire. It also has Slavic influences. Perhaps since unlike the USA, Serbia bans production and import of GMO’s it will be able to make a big leap for being a world recognised cuisine?

In the past at WTM I have attended press conferences on increasing travel to Croatia. Now, several years later we are reading about the problems of overtourism in Croatia.

So, do you think this recent campaign Serbia to attract influencers to promote their cuisine will create the same buzz and attraction?

Top Food Travel Destinations 2020- National Geographic Food Festival

Again, in the video I indicate some hot topics at the panel discussion. But, what I don’t include is one panel member’s indication that Ireland will achieve higher status for its cuisine.

If you research articles published by National Geographic, you will see Ireland as a top listing. They cite its craft beer and cider development, as well as fresh seafood. It also offers highly regional options.

If you are a food traveller, you know the top consideration in people’s profile when they travel is authenticity.

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One cuisine that I shrugged off when a panel member mentioned it is Mexican. Specifically, the discussion was about Baja California.

I just don’t see it happening. Growing up in Florida, I ate Mexican food regularly. There is a very high Hispanic population in the state. In many places it’s the only language spoken. So, you’re able to get amazing Mexican food right in Florida. Having been to Baja California, I don’t feel it offers anything that much different than authentically owned and operated Mexican restaurants in Florida.

Top Food Travel Destinations 2020- USA

In the video I mention the standard cities for American cuisine popularity. They will still thrive in 2020. However, there are two cities that I indicate are really under rated. Having lived in both, I can say it is easy to eat well in them, and they have regional dishes that are famous and often replicated poorly world wide.

One place I don’t mention is Miami. Between Cuban food, Mexican, seafood, and steakhouses frequented by celebrities, this city has a lot to offer a British traveller. You might say it’s a great way to get damn good plates from many international locations.

If you want to consider what to eat in Florida that is regional, you can watch this one too.

Or, if you visit my hometown, take my advice as a local.

Top Food Travel Destinations 2020- Mr Sunny

A rising star that Mr Sunny endorses is Beirut. He regularly says it would be the one city in which he would most want to return. We eat Lebanese food as often as we can in London. Its influences are Ottoman, Armenian, Palestinian, Syrian, French and Israeli.

He also said that he agreed with me when I indicated that Israel’s wine selection at the National Geographic Traveller Food Festival were impressive.

We will both be cheering for Israel making a name for its cuisine in the future.

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Top Food Travel Destinations 2020- Final Thoughts

So, who is going to take the leap with me and vote for London for 2021?

After living here six years, I can honestly say that British cuisine is quite impressive. London’s food has come a long way since when I first lived here in the late 90’s. Steep competition (pun intended!) among themed afternoon teas makes them quite extraordinary compared to two decades ago.

Further, it seems Michelin starred restaurants and things to do in London for food are popping up everywhere.

What do you think, Sunny friends? Have you travelled to any of the above places and agree? What rising stars and old favourites do you have?

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Want a London 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.

Food Travel Related Blog Articles and YouTube

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!

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:

Eating Traditional British Food- What You Must Know

Does eating British traditional food make you nervous? Unless you are an international foodie or live in the UK, you might not know how good British food can be unless you research it a bit.

As an American travel and food blogger living in London for six years I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about London’s food scene. I’ve also travelled around Europe and the UK with my London-born husband and we share a lifelong passion for cooking.

Through these travels, masterclasses, menu launch parties and countless food reviews, there is so much I can share with you about eating traditional British food. It’s the cuisine we eat the most, obviously. And, by the time you devour all this information, I will have you begging for Spotted Dick.

Ha!Ha!Ha! Glad you made it through that sweet joke.

I remember the first time I saw ‘London’s Best Spotted Dick’ on a restaurant sign in the Soho neighbourhood of Central London. While Soho is a fab foodie neighbourhood, it also has a sordid history in London. So, I thought I had the context to jump to a dirty conclusion. Luckily, Mr Sunny quickly explained that it was a type of dessert here. He said you can even buy it in a can (or ‘tinnie’) in Marks and Spencer.

If you don’t have a British person to accompany you in the street or in restaurants, you might miss some great experiences due to lack of knowledge about eating traditional British food.

Let me help you.

If you understand European etiquette, what is different at a dinner table, what ingredients are common and what dishes are regional and traditional, you will really appreciate eating British food. Below I have some highlights to help you. At the end you can find out more about my free, downloadable Local’s Pocket Guide to London Restaurants.

Traditional British Food- European Etiquette

Knowing some general rules about European dining etiquette, it makes things go more smoothly. This makes you look like you know what you are doing while you are visiting London.

Mr Sunny’s general rule to follow is, ‘Don’t use your fork like a shovel.’ That’s his impression of American dining habits. In the downloadable Guide to British food, I outline the differences in where the dinner fork is placed on a European table and why. You’ll also learn how to use it and your knife to signal you are finished with a meal.

Because, Sunny friends, there is nothing worse than leaving a half glass of wine and two bites of dessert on a plate when you run to the toilet and return to find it gone because the waiter thought you were finished!

As a side note, I would suggest not drinking too much during meals or when visiting pubs here. In comparison to the US, I find loos often located on another level up or down a staircase that spins and has very narrow steps. Good luck in heels, girls!

Also, did you know that you literally need to ask for your bill when you are visiting London or anywhere else in the UK? If you make the same mistake I did when I first lived here and wait for them to bring your check, you could be waiting a really long time to pay and leave a restaurant. And who has time for that on holiday?

Traditional British Food- Regional and Common Dishes

Most higher rated hotels will offer a continental breakfast and a Full English breakfast. However, if you are expecting a super sweet start, you will be disappointed. The English favour savoury in the morning. You can also say goodbye to the concept of flavoured coffee cream. Here, you just get milk. And scones are for the afternoon, Sunny friends!

Banana Chocolate Chip Scone Recipe from a Londoner

Yorkshire Pudding is available all over the UK. It’s much different and far better than anything you’ve had in the US. Trust me. However, if you want to visit where it originated, then it’s best to take a short day trip to York.

My Guide to British Food that’s part of the series of free, downloadable guides you get as a weekly email subscriber lists UK regions and their special dishes. Cornwall seems to be the champion because it has pasties, Cornish Ice Cream and Cornish Clotted Cream. You absolutely must try these items when you are here!

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Common items you can find everywhere in the UK include beef, batter and butter. And that’s just the start! You’ll find many main dishes start with batter. If you’re curious what I mean by batter, take a look at Mr Sunny’s Easy Toad in the Hole recipe.

Easy Toad in the Hole recipe from a beer loving London bloke

While it’s slightly more popular on the European continent, you will find butter slathered all a majority of the sandwiches here. And generally, cucumbers will replace pickles as a condiment too. Vegetables (referred to as ‘veg’ here) are crunchy, crisp and very fresh. Mr Sunny always says he can’t even taste tomatoes when he eats them in the US.

If you like luxury lunches, brunches and dinners, London has tons of Michelin starred food experiences for you. However, British people commonly joke about eating ‘beans on toast’ to save money. In reality, they eat this meal for breakfast, lunch and even dinner!

Guide to Eating Traditional British Food: Questions

I hope this better prepared you to avoid some awkward situations at restaurants. For lists of common foods (including their ingredients), food terms that are different in the UK (aubergine, courgette, pudding), grab the British Food Guide below. Being able to download it allows you to skip wrestling with a restaurant’s Wi-fi connection to search for a quick answer when you need to order something delicious to eat.

What questions do you have about eating traditional British food? Is there a certain dish that makes you curious? Don’t feel like you find anything good to eat? Let me help!

Don’t Miss What’s Happening in London!

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.

For related foodie videos and blog posts:

Bar and Block Aldgate Review- Sipsmith Cocktails

Have you ever had a cocktail that transcended you to another place? When we were invited to Bar and Block Aldgate for a review of the Sipsmith Cocktails pop up bar, I never dreamed one drink would have such an impact. And it was a cocktail I didn’t even order!

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Mr Sunny and I reviewed the King’s Cross Bar and Block in the summer. We enjoyed our food but could not say that it made a huge impact on us in comparison to many other restaurants we have had the chance to eat at in London. So, when we had the chance to visit another Bar and Block steakhouse, we kept our expectations reserved. Bar and Block Aldgate was a completely different experience, and we loved it.

Bar and Block Aldgate- Sipsmith Cocktails

We arrived early as usual and made a sneaky trip to the bar without telling staff we were there for a review. Mr Sunny and I both had stressful work weeks and just wanted our staple drinks to sip on before we got started. So, he grabbed a beer and red wine for us to to start our weekend unwinding process. Then, we introduced ourselves to the staff and headed to our table.

Our invitation was for the purpose of promoting the Sipsmith Hot Gin Cocktails. They offer a seasonal twist on the classic G&T. The Winter Gin Bar serves the ultimate warmers including a Hot Gin & Gingerbread complete with seasonal spices, to the Hot Mulled Sloe Gin with a fruity twist. 

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We reviewed the gin cocktails menu. I chose the Hot Gin and Gingerbread and Mr Sunny picked the Hot Mulled Sloe Gin. I was a little nervous about his selection because I can’t even be around the smell of Mulled Wine. I know it is super popular in London and around Europe for the Christmas season, but it really does not agree with me. 

Or so I thought.

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Those are the cocktails that arrived. We were nearly certain they mixed up our order because when I saw Mr Sunny’s drink I thought for sure it was mine, and I switched them. So, my first sip was of the cocktail in the foreground. 

I am not kidding- my immediate response was to think of a ski chalet in France overlooking a mountain during a fresh snowfall. Now, let’s note that this is a view I have never actually had. But, my imagination ignited to this imagery the second I swallowed this drink. 

It was gorgeous.

We were not that in love with the Gin and Gingerbread. It reminded us a bit of cough medicine. So, throughout our experience, Mr Sunny and I politely battled over the Hot Mulled Sloe Gin.

Bar and Block Aldgate Review- The Food

For Starters, we had the Asian Crispy Beef, Salt and Pepper Squid and Smoked Salmon. Each was delicious. The only reason I did not order the Mac and Cheese Bites is because we had them at the King’s Cross location and we wanted new photographs of different food.

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Next, we both chose steak for our Main courses. It would be silly not to at a steakhouse, right? 

Mr Sunny ordered the Our Butcher’s Block. Even though he said the actual cut of beef could have been a bit better, for the price it costs he felt it was a damn good piece of beef. Further, he felt it was cooked to perfection.

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While my Churrasco De Chorizo was not as photogenic as Mr Sunny’s meat, it was a really good course. The flavour was phenomenal, and I would highly recommend it.

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I thought we should share a dessert, but Mr Sunny wanted to have the restaurant’s feature option, the Chocolate Churros Sundae. We had it at the other Bar and Block location and really enjoyed it.

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I have a hard time not getting Sticky Toffee Pudding when it is on a menu, so it is what I chose. To say I have no regrets is an understatement. The ice cream was mid drop as I took this photo. It was one of those moments when I wished I had just been a regular person and not a food blogger because I just wanted to dig in and devour it, not snap away on my camera.

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By the time I was nearly finished with photography, the ice cream had fully landed on the plate. If I could rewind in time, I would have taken a video of the ice cream slowly moving down the sticky toffee because it was quite the sight. 

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Bar and Block Aldgate- Atmosphere

Our server’s name was Raees. (I hope I spelled that correctly!) I usually do not mention specific restaurant employees unless they make a big impact. His knowledge of the menu is extensive. He offered excellent suggestions and was extremely attentive and polite. 

We also liked this location a bit better than King’s Cross because it seemed to attract more of a local clientele. I think it is fair to say that one would assume any restaurant near King’s Cross has a more transient customer. 

We found Bar and Block Aldgate feel more spacious, although it likely is comparable to the other location.

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Bar and Block Aldgate- Final Thoughts

We would really look forward to returning to Bar and Block Aldgate. The one suggestion that I have though is that you enjoy the Sipsmith hot gin cocktails separately from your meal. Although the Hot Mulled Sloe Gin is quite the show stealer, it is not something I would pair with steak. Again, because it presents such a powerful journey when you taste it, I think it is best to isolate the experience from food.

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Because I truly was captivated by the fact that I enjoyed something ‘mulled’ I searched the internet to see what the drink recipe is. If you are curious, you can read it and perhaps make one yourself. 

I am curious Sunny friends, have you ever had this experience with a drink? Perhaps tasted something tropical and felt whisked away to an exquisite view in the Maldives? I would love to hear your drink adventures below! 

Want to know more about London? The Sunny News YouTube channel shares advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes tips for choosing a hotel,  how to tip when in London, food to eat in London, and advice for exchanging money. 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. There is also the Sunny News via email too.

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Visiting England’s Food Capital

Can you believe I said no to trying the Christmas menu at Hind’s Head Bray when I first received the invitation to review it?

Who in her right mind calls herself a ‘foodie traveller’ and declines a complimentary experience at one of Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin starred restaurants?

Apparently… me!

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Hind’s Head Bray Review- The Invitation

When reviewing the itinerary I received for a press trip to Windsor, I saw our lunch was at the pub Hind’s Head Bray. All pub related videos and stories do well on the Sunny News YouTube channel and website, so it was cool until I used Google Maps to see how far the Hind’s Head Bray was from our hotel.

5 miles!

Not a big deal if you have a car, but for our weekend in Windsor, Mr Sunny and I were taking the train from London because it’s easy. I emailed the tourism board and suggested perhaps an afternoon tea at the hotel was smarter because Americans visiting Windsor likely wouldn’t have cars available to them either to make a trip to Bray for a pub meal. So the story would not be meaningful to this large portion of my audience.

When Mr Sunny found out what I had done, he responded, ‘Big mistake. Huge.’

‘If Americans knew about Bray and what it offers for a culinary experience, they damn sure would figure out a car or Uber!’ he exclaimed.

What was unknown to me is this small village holds more Michelin stars in one condensed area than any in the world. Ok- that might be a little exaggeration, but that was Mr Sunny and his father’s response to me.

I felt like a total idiot. I made it my mission to educate Americans interested in food travel about the village of Bray.

Luckily, I was working with an A* PR professional who was gracious and forgiving with my grovelling email requesting to gain back the invitation.

Talk about having your tail between your hind! 😉

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Research

Once I discovered we still could have the opportunity, I started proper research beyond an address. In the video below, you can learn about all the awards and recognition the Hind’s Head Bray has received. I also list some royals who have visited and other interesting stories about the pub that has been around since the 15th century.

 

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Our Experience

From the moment we entered, we felt the gravity of how serious the Hind’s Head Bray treats the food experience.

While in the winter this pub has a cosy atmosphere and offers traditional English pub food with Heston Blumenthal’s creative, popular twist, it is NOT relaxed about its focus on an exquisite food experience.

First, we were taken to the upstairs area for cocktails and quavers.

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They were beetroot and chicken flavoured. As you can see, the presentation was no after thought. The quavers not only made a striking impression when we saw them but also had strong flavour.

Several people introduced themselves, including the manager, who is a brilliant, friendly individual. Then, we were taken to our table on the ground floor to begin the food adventure designed by Heston Blumenthal.

Our starters from the A la Carte Christmas Menu were the Venison Carpaccio and the Chestnut Veloute.

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Mind blowing! The portion sizes were small but packed with rich punch. Although, we both could have eaten more of them, we were careful not to become too full and potentially ruin the ability to enjoy upcoming courses.

For main courses we chose the Roast Turkey and Hereford Prime Grilled Ribeye.

Our Australian server warned us that it was the best steak she had ever eaten. If you know anything Australians, they take steak seriously!

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Everything was cooked to perfection. I have never had turkey that was so juicy. In fact, Americans tend to overcook it regularly, even though you would think since it’s the main dish at Thanksgiving we would have had enough practice getting the damn bird right!

Finally, the dessert arrived.

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The millionaire shortbread (called the ‘Chocolate Wine’ on the menu was indeed fit for a millionaire’s taste. Mr Sunny also spoke highly of the Cherry Bakewell Tart.

Hind’s Head Bray Review- Final Thoughts

The numerous recognitions the pub has received are fully warranted. If you are a foodie traveller and spending time in Windsor, it would be a huge mistake not to make time for exploring the culinary opportunities in Bray.

Also in my research I learned about Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, which is just across from the Hind’s Head Bray. It holds three Michelin stars and as you can imagine also has an impeccable reputation for food.

I am grateful that my English husband and father in law were able to help me avoid making a huge mistake out of ignorance. Hopefully, I can do the same right now for you.

To see a current list of what you can enjoy at The Hind’s Head Bray, be sure to visit their website. Or follow them on Instagram to be teased every day with delicious dishes!

Do you have any embarrassing foodie stories like this one to share? Leave your ideas in the comments below.

Cheese Afternoon Tea- The Georgian House London

Let’s just get the first pun out of the way- the Cheese Afternoon Tea at the Georgian House Hotel in London is… cheesy! There. I said it. Are we gouda now? 😉

Well, actually I wrote it. And Mr Sunny and I ate it when we stayed at the five star boutique bed and breakfast in Central London just a few days ago.

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You might know the Georgian House Hotel as the ‘Harry Potter hotel’ because it has several rooms called the Wizard Chambers. To learn more about this experience and to see some video of the Cheese Afternoon Tea, you can watch my upcoming YouTube video that I will link to this blog post as soon as it is ready. It captures highlights from our whole experience at the Georgian House Hotel. That is, if you have not already watched a behind the scenes look at my Instastories when we were there.

Just before we left for Nice, France we spent the night at the English boutique. It is a quick walk to Victoria Station, which makes the bed and breakfast very centrally located in London. You can find it at 35-39, St George’s Drive, Victoria , London SW1V 4DG.

Over the course of the evening we had the Cheese Afternoon Tea, a Wizards’ Cocktail Class, a private movie at Pimlico Theatre, a sleep in the Wizard Chambers and their award-winning breakfast. Oh- and their General Manager, Adam Rowledge, recently won the Independent Hotelier of the Year!

The afternoon tea starts with several sandwiches which… all have cheese! They are:

  • Burrata, tomato and pesto bruschetta
  • Sheep’s cheese, Nduja and roasted pepper open sandwich
  • Smoked cheddar Welsh rarebit with apple chutney
  • Potted Stilton with raisins, peppercorns and capers on fig and apricot bread

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I liked the second sandwich the most and had both to myself because Mr Sunny does not prefer red peppers.

Next, you will find a course of cheddar and thyme scones and blue cheese scones served with sliced apples and chutney. We added some butter to ours also. Even though sometimes I think I could live off of a diet comprised entirely of cheese, there are a few I can’t do. Blue cheese is a definite no for me. However, I could not taste it that strongly in the scones.

The final course is our favourite and that is the desserts. Specifically we loved the Raspberries Mascarpone Cheese Cone. This is likely because Mr Sunny and I both loved tiramisu, which has mascarpone as a key ingredient . Additional items in the top tier of the Cheese Afternoon Tea are:

  • Goat’s cheese mousse, beetroot jam and basil tart
  • Blu 61′ drunk cheese with cranberries on Scottish oatcake
  • Black forest cheesecake shot with pretzel crumble

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Cheese-Afternoon Tea-london-georgian-house

Cheese Afternoon Tea: Final Thoughts

For cheese lovers, this themed afternoon tea is different and fun. I emphasise that you really need to like an array of cheeses though because obviously many different ones are featured. The Georgian House is careful to use locally sourced ingredients from London and South England in all of their food to ensure the best quality. The wine flight makes a very nice pairing as well. The accompanying drinks flight features The Bolney Wine Estate’s Kew Red English wine, Trenchmore Silly Moo cider and Ridgeview’s Cavendish, English sparkling wine is available to compliment each dish.  Although we did not have it, your tea could include bottomless Prosecco. The wine flight is certainly a change from champagne, a drink that seems to have nearly replaced the tea in afternoon tea in London over the past few years.

Finally, for those who have a more savoury preference, the Cheese Afternoon Tea could be a better option for you too in comparison to ones that are chocolate or Christmas themed at this time of year. You can certainly check out the Georgian House Hotel and what their latest offerings are via their website.

Our visit was complimentary for the purpose of a review, which does not affect our opinion. For more information on the outstanding ratings of the Georgian House, you can see their reviews on TripAdvisor too.

The Cheese Afternoon Tea is currently served from 14.30-17.00 Monday to Sunday in the Georgian House Hotel’s Pimlico Pantry and reservations in advance are required. You should inform the team of any dietary requirements or allergies.

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The Fire Station Waterloo Review

Sound the alarms because this London food spot is hot! I’m not kidding, Sunny friends. Mr Sunny and I were caught off guard when we approached The Fire Station Waterloo early on a recent Thursday evening. At 6pm, it was clear that the crowds had arrived well before us. So, naturally our curiosity about the restaurant peaked fast.

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fire-station-waterloo-review

 

Because we like to eat early and get home on nights when we work the next morning, we usually do not experience packed places too often in London for dinner. Perhaps the 50 times I was almost knocked over in the stampede at Waterloo Station in the five minutes I had to wait for Mr Sunny to meet me should have been an indication of the kind of evening it was going to be?

We had a quick pint at a pub on the corner and then headed off to begin our The Fire Station Waterloo review. Using Google Maps to guide us in the right direction, we noticed that we simply had to look for the crowd outside. ‘Good thing we have a table booked,’ we thought while we wiggled through the people enjoying after work drinks outside.

Our server greeted us immediately and swiftly brought us our standard large red wine and beer. We pretty much knew we were either getting burgers or pizza because those are the two main features of their dinner menu. I called bagsy immediately on the Cheese & Bacon burger because as the chief blog writer, it’s my right, isn’t it?

Mr Sunny felt pressure for pictures to get a pizza so we could offer variety to you, but I told him since the burgers sounded so delicious that I was sure we could feature two different ones to readers, especially since there is a Beer & Onion burger on the menu.

‘Right. Sorted then’, he said.

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fire-station-waterloo-review

 

The sneaky surprise of the evening goes to my Halloumi Fries on the Snacks menu. When I asked our Server what menu item would take a great photo, and he suggested the Halloumi Fries, I was surprised. To be honest, I do not even know why I like halloumi so much. It has little taste, the consistency of soft rubber and photogenic quality of a rock. Yet, every time I see it on a menu, it is irresistable.

The Server gets two thumbs up for this recommendation. Featuring strips of fried halloumi with harissa yogurt, mint and pomegranate seeds, this dish deserves an honourable mention. Specifically, I loved the explosive popping of the pomegranate seeds in every bite. The combination of that against the bland background of the halloumi works great.

And yes, it does take a good picture.

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Mr Sunny, the blog’s resident beer and wing man, picked the Sesame Miso Wings for his snack and was not disappointed.

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The Fire Station Waterloo- Sugar on Top

I struggled to finish my burger, which I am regretting as I write this because the thought of leaving behind any of that beautiful brioche bun right now seems blasphemous to me. It rocked but just filled me up too fast. Well, at least until the Desserts menu was waved under my nose. Would you pass up a Chocolate Donut Mess?

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That tasty treat has chocolate hazelnut sauce, vanilla ice cream, honeycomb, flake, whipped cream and chocolate covered donuts. It was the final feat that put out my flame for the night. I used every last inch of room I had left to scoop out every bite. I have no regrets.

The Fire Station Waterloo- Final Thoughts

If you want a lively ambiance in the evening for after work drinks and burgers, The Fire Station Waterloo is for you. They also have a Brunch menu that could tempt you too. The prices are more than reasonable and the energy sure is high.

Even though our meal was complimentary for a review, it seems clear through the volume of people at The Fire Station Waterloo that we aren’t the only ones who feel this is a hot place to be in London!

Homeslice Pizza – Covent Garden Review

Why did Homeslice pizza really live up to its name with me? Because it is the only pizza in London that comes close to what I grew up on at home. No joke!

If you like thin, New York style pizza that is ginormous, then you need to get your homies and go to Homeslice pizza. Take a look…

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That is the biggest pizza I have ever seen in London. It has been taunting me for a long time. If you read Sunny in London regularly, you know that Covent Garden is my self-declared hood. It’s the first place I lived when I moved to London years ago and met Mr. Sunny. It’s the place I visit now the most often. Neal’s Yard is literally my favourite little space in the world.

This means on a beautiful sunny day, I nearly always take a walk through this hidden London space. Each time I am subjected to people sitting outside Homeslice enjoying a pizza that covers their table. It’s tough not to drool right over them.

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So, when I was planning my Secret Things to Do in Covent Garden story, I knew I had to share how to find London’s biggest pizza. You see, you can’t miss these pizzas when people are eating them in Neal’s Yard. But, let’s face it, Neal’s Yard isn’t the easiest place to find in Covent Garden if you aren’t actively seeking it.

Homeslice Pizza Review for Covent Garden

Mr. Sunny and I arrived a few minutes before they opened on a sunny Wednesday afternoon in the summer. There was already a small queue at the door. We were so glad that a table was reserved for us outside. Because I had been subjected to so many people’s pizza in the past, I had to be in the front row for everyone to see it was my turn. Go ahead, judge me.

Our judgement on the pizza is certainly two thumbs up. I love super thin crust. While I grew up in Florida, I did live in New York for 10 years. Therefore, my taste in pizza certainly flavors favors this style.

Our pizza arrived in less than 10 minutes. We had barely enough time to set up our cameras and start our Instastories!

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That’s the salami, rocket and parmesan. And yes, the two of us finished the whole thing. It was glorious!

Homeslice Pizza Review – Suggestions

The pizza was a little tricky to eat with just our hands, but neither of us complained. It may have been because Mr. Sunny cut our slices too big. You can see more of what I mean in the video.

When we return, we will sit inside. We feel when you want to really dig in to this delicious dish, you need space. It’s not pretty. Expect to be covered in sauce! However, again, I needed everyone to see I was finally having my chance to be a part of the legendary experience eating London’s biggest pizza.

If you can’t make it to this secret London location, not to worry. You can find Homeslice in Fitzrovia and Shoreditch. Here’s the menu as a teaser. Oh yeah, and they deliver! If you don’t live in London and you think you can handle tons of photos and updates about these massive pizzas, follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Final Sunny Thoughts:

Where in the world have you found the biggest pizza? What style do you prefer? What other treasures can you tell me about in Covent Garden? If it’s a place you would like to learn more about, don’t miss my Guide to Covent Garden and be sure to subscribe to the Sunny news so you don’t miss any future updates about fun things to do and see in London.

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PUBS IN LONDON

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