THINGS TO DO – Page 3

March 19, 2017 by: Sunny London

British Things to Do in London

Putting together a list of things to do in London for a visit, can quickly be overwhelming. This is especially true if it’s your first trip. Wouldn’t it be great to ask someone who lives there for help? Here is an even better one- what if you could ask a British person born in London for ideas?

My husband, Mr Sunny, and generations of his family were born and raised in London. As an American expat living in London, I rely on their advice often when planning things to do for myself or for creating Sunny in London blog content. They haven’t let me down yet!

In fact, recently my father-in-law suggested a London pub for our Best Hidden London Pubs video that even my husband didn’t know about. If you’ve read our pub crawls or any restaurant reviews, you know my husband is a self-proclaimed pub connoisseur.

Naturally, when I started thinking about creating a video that moved away from the ‘first time visiting London tourist’ planning persona, I consulted the Sunny-in-laws. You’ll have to judge how much time you have on your trip and what your priorities are when you review the possibilities they listed. It’s doubtful you could do everything suggested in one go. It would also depend on the time of year you are here too.

We tried to keep a bit of everyone in mind when creating it. There are sports activities and food suggestions. Our list is for both guys and girls too. One thing that isn’t mentioned in the video is renting a ‘Boris Bike.’ Poor coordination and the genuine lack of still not knowing which side of the road cars are coming from has prevented me from doing this. I’d love to know if you’ve done it though.

Let me know your thoughts on the video and what else you would like to learn about London. There is also a great community of Sunny News watchers on YouTube that have left their British Things to Do suggestions in the video comments too for you.

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes tips for riding the Underground, pub advice, an afternoon tea etiquette guide, a shopping guide and cultural differences between the UK and USA. The blog also has a Guide for Americans Visiting London which is a collection of the top experiences I recommend. You’ll definitely want to bookmark it and visit the Pinterest boards created to help trip planning too.

February 19, 2017 by: Sunny London

10 Foods You Must Eat in London

What to eat in London can almost be tougher to decide than what things to do. When I first moved here as a study abroad student, eating British cuisine wasn’t really preferred or popular.

The options for delicious food has certainly increased since then.

On a recent day off, Mr Sunny and I decided to revisit one of our favourite food places in London, Borough Market. It’s featured in my Things British People Eat for Christmas video. Because it has such a great atmosphere and is full of mouth watering colour, it inspired another idea for a YouTube video. This one is a must watch for a person visiting London or moving to London as an American Expat like me.

Foods to Eat in London – The List

I can’t say that I would eat everything on the list. In fact, there is one thing my London born husband contributed that I will never eat. And, if you know Mr Sunny, of course it’s also a bit funny.

After you watch the video, there are two things for which I would love feedback. And- I hope to hear from both Londoners and visitors, especially Americans. They are:

Do you agree with where I say you should never eat in London? What are your thoughts about the British food I say you should never eat?

The Sunny News YouTube channel, shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about 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. 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.

February 15, 2017 by: Sunny London

The Best Hidden Pubs in London

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 15, 2017 by: Sunny London

What Electronics to Ship When Moving to London

When moving to London from the US, you might be confused about what to ship. Moving to London is much simpler than you may have thought. Man And Van Hire In London make moving across London extremely simple once you have settled on a permanent base here. Four years ago I sold my townhouse in New York and packed up 45 boxes and a few small furniture pieces. Making decisions about clothes to take to was easy because I had lived in London short-term a few times previously, so I knew what I would need and not use. I also knew I was taking all of my dishes, glassware, silverware, baking pans and other kitchen items.

The process of moving to London was fairly smooth, aside from unforseen problems that happened with my fiance visa. What I didn’t realise until after I was reunited with my boxes was that I could have kept quite a few of my electronic appliances in my kitchen.

Moving to London Advice for Electronics:

Just because the voltage is different between the US and UK doesn’t mean you need to abandon all electronic items. If it’s feasible to ship them, you might want consider doing that rather than selling everything or giving it away before you leave. Check out PHS Teacrate and get some crates to put all of your belongings in. Now, of course there are variables like whether you are planning on moving to London permanently or just a few years on a work transfer. And, like I discuss in the video below, you might have sentimental attachment to items that perhaps were gifts or be curious about the quality of what you’ll find in the UK.

These are the decisions I made and what went well and what electronic appliances I regret leaving behind. I also show what happens when I use this transformer in the UK with some US electronics.

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

If there are specific questions I can answer for your about moving to London or if you need a recommendation for the shipping company I used, please don’t hesitate to use my Contact page, the comments, social media, or YouTube to get in touch!

Moving to London Helpful Blog Articles:

Finally, my video on the UK Visa Process for Living in the UK (after Brexit Vote) is really popular and could help you too.

December 22, 2016 by: Sunny London

The Best Places to Propose in London

When you’re considering which of the best places to propose in London, you will think about a number of different things. Where is the most romantic? Most unique? Most memorable? If you quickly google ‘best places to propose in London’, you’ll find tons of lists that target the same places.

This is why I chose to feature my husband, known for years on this blog as ‘Mr. Sunny’. We regularly share his wit, humour and lifelong knowledge of London. But, he’s never made an appearance- until now. Below we share the story of where and how we got engaged in London.

In our first YouTube video together, I highlight the standard ‘best places to propose in London’. Mr. Sunny’s list has an entirely different thought process and he picks places you’d never guess!

5- The London Eye

With packages you can purchase to set up and celebrate the engagement, The London Eye tops nearly everyone’s list who is looking for a very quintessential ‘London’ experience. Perhaps you are an American visiting London and want something truly representative of the city while having a great view of its most popular landmarks as you propose in your own pod?

4- The View from the Shard

I’ve been to this attraction several times and feel its truly majestic. Again, with the highest views of London, aside from a helicopter ride, its off the charts for showing you the city. Oh- and you’ll want to watch my helicopter review video to literally see my advice on this activity. It’s not listed here for a best places to propose in London for a big reason. The View From the Shard has numerous special events, is available for private hire, and has marriage proposal options on their website.

3- SEA LIFE London

This aquarium is actually a very popular place to propose in London. They offer it as one of their VIP Experience packages. I included it as part of the ‘How to See Four London Attractions‘ earlier this year.

Best Places to Propose in London- Final Thoughts

That’s the start of my suggestions. For the final choices (and I guarantee you won’t find my top location on any other list), you’ll have to watch the video.

Mr. Sunny provides his own five funny choices to counter mine. He also provides cheaper alternatives and ideas for what to do if your partner says, ‘NO!’

We’d love your thoughts on how romantic you think his actual proposal to me turned out to be. If you’d like to see more of Mr. Sunny in future videos, let us know that too by liking the video, sharing it, and pinning it.

For more lists about things to do in London, watch and subscribe to the Sunny News on YouTube.

December 3, 2016 by: Sunny London

Ice Skating in London- Rave with Morning Gloryville

What gets me out of bed at 4am? The chance to go ice skating in London at a Christmas themed rave with Morning Gloryville! This was the third time I have attended an event with the award-winning dance immersive dance experience. The first time was their two-year anniversary party in which Fatboy Slim was the surprise guest DJ.

It takes place twice-monthly in London and generally sell-out, with 1,000 strong crowds coming together. Their December 2016 rave featured the chance to go ice skating in London at Somerset House. It was a super ‘chill’ morning, as the temperatures were at freezing levels. I could only shoot video of my epic ice skating in London morning in short segments because my hands were burning from the icy air. However, as you can see from the YouTube video below, it was a blast!

For a look at what a ice-skating morning rave held at Somerset House looks like, watch my experience here…

https://youtu.be/-HcKye-weI8

They’ve also recently started a crowd-funding campaign ‘The Gloryville Effect’ which will raise funds to take the experience around the world, starting in Africa. They will partner with charities and bring the joy of music and dance to locations like Zimbabwe and Jordan. They announced this at The View from the Shard in London event, which saw hundreds come together at 6am and included a DJ set from very special guest Felix Buxton from Basement Jaxx.

Supporters will be rewarded with a range of gifts and thank-yous – from ‘Become a Unicorn’ (a handcrafted and personally designed unicorn costume) to ‘Private Rave’ (hold a Morning Gloryville event in your own office or home). Their Indiegogo page outlines the full range of rewards. Of course, you can track the movement with the #TheGloryvilleEffect hashtag too on Twitter and Facebook.

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

November 25, 2016 by: Sunny London

Chi Kitchen Christmas Menu

Guess who’s back? Yep. Mr. Sunny and I hit Oxford Street and Regent Street to see the 2016 Christmas lights and made sure to visit Chi Kitchen again to absorb the new Christmas menu.

We reviewed the restaurant recently, and if you have been watching my tweets, you know I suggest that it is the place to visit during Christmas if you need a food and shopping stop combined in to one, as it is inside Debenham’s department store. Our experience was great. For general ambiance information, you can read about in my previous review. To summarise, it’s easy to find, and of course, in a spectacular location for Christmas shoppers.

When it comes to the food, we feel it is great for the value. The Pan-Asian twist on Christmas caught our attention. First to hit our table is the Chilli Prawns, Sweet Potato and Turkey Sliders.

I quickly munched down all the sweet potato fries and gave Mr. Sunny the spicy opportunity to devour the chilli prawns. We both were a bit puzzled about the turkey sliders because they seem a bit unnatural for a pan-Asian menu. While they are good, the real show stealer is the blueberry mayo you see in the center. Wow- I never would’ve thought of combining these ingredients.

For the Main course, we enjoyed the Grilled Turkey with a Kalamsansi Sauce, Choo Cher Prawns, and Yuzu Salmon.

It is accompanied by a lovely side of Egg friend rice with snow peas.

For dessert, the Chi Kitchen Christmas Menu includes a Walnut Chocolate Brownie with Clotted Cream and Custard. We enjoyed this but felt a bigger dollop of clotted cream would work well.

If you’ve watched my Afternoon Tea Etiquette Guide for London, you know why.

Chi Kitchen Christmas Menu- Final Thoughts

The ambiance, food quality and price definitely work. This menu will be offered from 21st November through December and is £28 per person.

Chi Kitchen opens for breakfast and serves delicious pan-Asian food throughout the day. The Group Consultant Chef is Ping Coombes, who is the 2014 Master Chef winner.

We had the opportunity to see Angela, the Restaurant Supervisor on both visits and commend her for guaranteeing excellent service too.

November 22, 2016 by: Sunny London

What British People Eat for Christmas

Before my first holiday trip to London, my family asked what British people eat for Christmas. I arrived in the beginning of January the first time I lived in London and didn’t stay an entire calendar year. So, I wasn’t actually sure how to answer everyone.

Would it be just like how it was depicted in ‘A Christmas Carol’? Do they really eat pheasant or goose now? Was that just the Victorian era or true English tradition?

I relied heavily on my English husband (London born) for ideas to share with you, as well as a little research. After living here four years, what British people eat for Christmas still has me curious. I enjoy some of their holiday foods and drinks. Others- not so much!

You can see which British Christmas season drink has me plugging my nose and running the other direction here…

While no person’s Christmas dinner plate is ever the same, there are some general items that you see at a British holiday meal. If you’re British, be sure to add your additions and thoughts to what British people eat for Christmas in the comments below or on the YouTube video. American friends, what other things about living in London as an American expat would you like to know?

If you’re visiting London for the holidays, the blog has tons of things to do for Christmas. There is also a very popular feature about Christmas Differences Between the UK and USA. Be sure to subscribe to the blog’s newsletter so you don’t miss any fun events in London or expat advice too!

What’s on your Christmas dinner plate this year? Do you eat a meal at home or book a table at a restaurant? Do you have the same selection annually or does it depend on how your family is traveling?

November 17, 2016 by: Sunny London

Star Wars Identities at The O2

Thinking of visiting London’s Star Wars Identities exhibit at The O2? If you’re a passionate Star Wars fan, this is one you can not miss. It features costumes, production materials and mdels from the most epic films of all time.

Star Wars Identities creatively appeals to those who are more scientifically inclined too. For insight on what the experience involves, advice for a visit, an activity suggestion to pair with your trip to The O2 and a fun look at the ‘stars’, make sure you read all the way until the end!

Star Wars Identities: The Show

This is a two-minute highlight reel of who and what you’ll see in London at the Star Wars Identities exhibit at The O2:

https://youtu.be/O120bjCjRso

Star Wars Identities- What You’ll See

Mr Sunny and I went to see the costumes and props. He’s a huge Star Wars fan. I have always liked the films. As a former film student in the US, I also have deep appreciation for how they’ve affected pop culture.

My eyes were on the infamous gold bikini.

After seeing it, I actually don’t believe Carrie Fisher, or any human being for that matter, actually wore it. That thing is small!

Star Wars Identities: What You’ll Hear

Our expectations were set on seeing the stuff above, so Mr Sunny and I didn’t care much about the audio adventure. That was a good thing because that part of the exhibit gets a two thumbs down.

You receive a lanyard to wear around your neck that has a circular device in the centre. It’s supposed to track your journey. You’re also given a rubber bracelet that you tap to certain areas to register your character choices. Finally, you have an earpiece that goes over one ear. I understand that the premise of exhibit is scientific and psychological exploration. But, that was way too much stuff to keep track of when you’re also trying to upload pictures to Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. AND collect images for a video and blog review!

My devices for the exhibit didn’t work. Between the static and random sound bytes fizzing in my ear, that part of the experience was more annoying than useful.

Star Wars Identities- What You Do

You visit 10 different stations. At each location there is information about human psychology and character development. It’s billed as a character driven adventure into identity.

As you read about the journeys of Luke and Anakin Skywalker, you make selections about items like what you want your guiding trait or value, origin for your character to be. At the last station, you see a picture of your character projected in the ‘universe.’ Then, you have the option to receive the description via email.

I received mine within a minute after entering my address. If you’d like to see who I would be in the Star Wars Identities galaxy and a sample of what you’d receive, this is some of the email’s text and link they sent:

You can view your Hero’s full identity profile, and even share it with your friends here:

sw-id.com/582a00259c6bb

Star Wars Identities: Advice

Choose your first character carefully. It’s the physical appearance you’ll see at the end of your journey. Girls, you don’t have many options if you’re seeking female physical representation. Book tickets in advance and arrive early. The O2 is ginormous and the exhibit took us about 10 minutes to find once we arrived inside the building.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink at The O2, if you’ve never been there before. I’ve reviewed plenty of other restaurants that are there, including Cabana.

Plan on at least 75 minutes for the exhibit, if you’re like us and just want to see costumes and spaceships. For those more scientifically focused, you could be there several hours. After the Star Wars Identities experience we also jumped on the Emirates Cable Car ride for our third time. It has amazing views of London at night, but here you can see more about the daytrip views.

If you’re traveling a bit of a distance to The O2, book the Climb the O2 experience also. I did it over the summer and loved it. It’s one of the most open places you can get to ‘under the stars’ in London. It could be a really fun adrenaline filled activity to test out your newly acquired hero identity! Read my review or watch the video here…

We purchased our tickets through a deal notice I received via my email subscription with Timeout. This allowed us to preview the exhibit four days before it opened at a discounted rate.

The Star Wars Identities exhibit runs from November 18 2016- September 3, 2017. So you don’t miss the Sunny News about London, like fun things to do and advice for visiting, subscribe to the YouTube channel and email! Leave your thoughts and questions about the Star Wars Identities exhibit in the comments below. I’d love to know what else you would like to learn about London too!

November 13, 2016 by: Sunny London

Christmas in London- What You Can’t Do in NYC

What’s the difference between Christmas in London or Christmas in NYC? I’m sure there are plenty of things that are the same. However, after living as an American expat in London for several years and being married to a British bloke, I’ve learned some fun things to do for the holidays in London that you can’t find anywhere else. From Christmas markets to drinks that the English love, I share a bit about the London holiday season life below.

Of course there is great shopping in London and New York City. That’s not something I show in the video. Both cities also have great deals after Christmas too. In fact, just two years ago London really starting getting in to the Black Friday spirit. Now, for whatever reason they justify here, there are some serious deals the day after Thanksgiving. Why retailers have tried to copy the massive shopping crowd hysteria that happens on this day in the US makes no sense to me.

Take a few minutes to see what makes London unique during the Christmas holiday.

It would be great if you were able to add your ideas about unique activities in London that I didn’t include in the video. Also, make sure to leave your ideas about Christmas things to do in New York City that you can’t do in London in the comments below. For more cultural differences, I’ve also written a blog feature on ‘Christmas Differences Between the US and UK.’