THINGS TO DO – Page 4

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.

April 21, 2017 by: Sunny London

10 Things to Do In Hyde Park, London

When it’s sunny in London, you can fill an entire day with things to do in Hyde Park. In fact, you will need more than just one day to accomplish everything that is on the list of possibilities. How do I know? Recently, I gave it a go.

I spent several hours sort of wandering through this ginormous royal park in London. I say ‘sort of’ because I had a prepared list of things to do in Hyde Park. However, I also wanted to give myself flexibility to have a few spontaneous adventures during the day. In fact, as the time went on, I put away my camera and just strolled through the paths and absorbed as much as I could without the stress of capturing every single beautiful view on film. Still, I returned to my London flat at the end of the day with hundreds of photos and video clips.

Things to Do in Hyde Park, London

The Rose Garden:

I read that this location is available to see all year. However, I was there the first few days of April and can’t say that it was bloomin’. You would probably be better off checking it out mid-May at the earliest in the calendar year. It’s located in the south-east corner of Hyde Park, south of the Serpentine Road near Hyde Park Corner. It opened in 1994 and the concept includes horns sounding one’s arrival into Hyde Park.

Speaker’s Corner:

As a traditional site for public speeches and debates, you can find this area in the north-east part of the park. In history, Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin and George Orwell exercised their right to free speech in Speaker’s Corner. As long as the police consider what you are saying is lawful, you are free to say whatever you wish, usually as loudly as you wish. Whether or not people care to hear your ideas is a completely different story. Generally, you will find the crowds gathering for this purpose on Sunday mornings.

Sports:

As with most public parks, physical activities are extremely possible. On a sunny day in London, you’ll find people roller blading, cycling, walking, jogging, throwing frisbees, and even swimming.

Princess Diana Memorial Walk:

90 plaques set in the ground create a seven-mile-long-walk which takes you within sight of locations associated with Princess Diana during her life. In the southwest corner of Hyde Park, you’ll find the fountain. It symbolises her openness and has three bridges which will lead you the its heart. For a look at how beautiful the water flows, make sure you watch the video below. It also shows many more activities and things to do in Hyde Park, including the coolest winter activity on the planet! Well, according to me 😉

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

The Sunny News YouTube community is full of Londoners, Americans, and people preparing to visit London. It’s a great place to ask your questions and get authentic answers from not just me but tons of people who know about London. I hope to see you there. Of course, feel free to leave questions in the comments here too!

Want a Food Freebie 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. 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.

May 10, 2017 by: Sunny London

Tips for Visiting Kew Gardens in London

Visiting Kew Gardens is a nice, relaxing escape full of fresh air if you are looking for fun things to do in London. It is just a short train ride away from Central London. As I am sure you can guess, it is certainly an activity you want to do on a sunny day. Even though it has 40 historically important buildings, most of your day on the 326 acres which make up the Royal Botanical Gardens is obviously spent outside. This means my biggest tip is to skip visiting Kew Gardens on a rainy day.

Tips for Visiting Kew Gardens:

This London attraction isn’t just for botantists. However, someone with a curiosity and interest in plants certainly would gain more from spending time at the Royal Botanical Gardens. If you’re like me, you might just be happy taking pictures of fresh flowers and seeing something new.

The Royal Botanical Gardens are a short walk from the Kew Gardens underground station in a beautiful area on the rim of Central London. As our train arrived at the station, Mr. Sunny noticed a pub right on the platform!

We stopped at the Coach and Horses Pub for a quick lunch just before entering. However, there are several places inside Kew Gardens at which you could eat as well. Of course, we did pop in to the pub above for a few before we left too.

If you plan on visiting Kew Gardens on a week day during the school year, you are likely to bump in to a few school field trips. But, the attraction is so huge that it shouldn’t be hindering.

And, you will likely have the chance to meet a few other curious creatures too. This guy was quite the show off! When you watch my video of highlights from the visit, you will see exactly what I mean. The phrase proud as a peacock has a much deeper meaning for me now. He actually is a bit sneaky in a photo below too. See if you can spot him.

Kew Gardens is mostly flat, but some of the areas are not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. For example, you aren’t able to take either of those up to see the views of the Treetop Walkway. And, you would probably have some trouble maneuvering them through many of the greenhouses too.

While I’ve read articles about the events hosted at Kew Gardens during the Winter, I think the best time to visit would be mid-Spring through Summer. But, if you have been there during Autumn, I would love to have your thoughts on the experience in the comments below. You might also want to keep in mind that they host events throughout the year.

Visiting Kew Gardens was mentioned in my Things to Do in Spring video. For a more detailed look in to the sights you could see and a few more bits of advice (including something that could actually ruin your trip if you don’t know about it) take a look at this…

As I mention in the video, make sure you have a good look at the map before you go. This is the copy from the Visitor’s Guide to Planning on their website.

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.

May 11, 2019 by: Sunny London

London in Spring- 10 Places to See

Have you seen London in Spring? I admit that Christmas in London is my favourite time of year. But, Spring is spectacular too. If I had to pick a really great time of year for someone to visit London it would be the month of May. The weather is crisp and a bit cool, so summer hasn’t fully settled in. This means there is plenty of fresh green grass and the sky can be crystal blue on many days.

Yes, it is true.

And if you are visiting London for the first time in Spring, you need to know one very important thing.

Not how to rhyme. That was purely accidental! 😉

London in Spring- It’s About Time

As the clocks spring forward, the days get longer in London. And I mean longer! It’s actually a bit ridiculous how long it is daylight here. I feel like the sun rises at 5am and doesn’t set until 11:00pm. That’s not far from the truth. It’s a little hard to get sleep during the spring in London because the sun is nearly always up. And, as a girl who moved to London from Florida, I appreciate the sunshine!

London in Spring- Places to See

With so many extra hours in a day, it’s a good thing there is a lot to do. And, the beauty of it is, generally kids are in school most of Spring so the crowds in London are a bit lighter.

I have created a bucket list of things to do this Spring in London for you and me too. My goal is to experience as many of these events that I haven’t already. If you want to see highlights of them, like Sunny in London on Instagram. My husband was born in London and he helped with the list. However, ‘Mr Sunny’ feels every week is ‘Beer Week’ so you might need to overlook that suggestion. Or… is there really a Beer Week during Spring in London? Ha!Ha! You will just have to watch the video to see.

One event that isn’t mentioned in the video is Pancake Day. I can’t say I ever heard of this happening in America. People in London get really creative with the Tuesday that is 47 days before Easter. You might celebrate it as Mardi Gras. Here it is called Shrove Tuesday. Also, you need to picture crepes if you’re American. They generally refer to them as ‘pancakes’ in the UK. The festivities are quite entertaining and worth participating in if you have some time to spare on your trip.

If you’re from here or are an American expat like me living in London, please leave your ideas and comments about your favourite things to do for Spring in London below or on the video.

Subscribe to the Sunny News YouTube channel for regular advice for things to do and what you need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, an afternoon tea etiquette guide 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.

December 6, 2018 by: Sunny London

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel- Where to Stay Near Windsor Castle at Christmas

If you really want to treat yourself when visiting Windsor, you need to know a great location for where to stay near Windsor Castle. Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa is beneath the castle and is inches from tons of restaurants, shops and of course- pubs!

Mr Sunny and I love Windsor because it is such a short trip from London and has such a lovely atmosphere. Recently, we made a trip to Windsor just to enjoy all the Christmas decorations. While I think London is breathtaking during the holidays, there are so many things to do in Windsor at Christmas too. That is why having a hotel in a great location matters a lot.

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa- Check-in

We arrived at the Windsor and Eton Central Railway Station at around 5.30pm. The hotel is about a 7 minute walk away, I think. You see I am not exactly sure because as soon as you leave the station you are dazzled with numerous shops like Molton Brown, Neal’s Yard Remedies and L’Occitane. If the allure of shopping does not misguide you, you still might face another obstacle with Windsor Castle.

Its awe will strike you just as you leave the station heading toward the High Street. I think I stood in front of it for 10 minutes filming the light projection display when we arrived. But, you will have to watch my “Things to Do in Windsor at Christmas’ video to see what I mean.

You literally just wrap around the High Street and Windsor Castle to find the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa.

Staff greeted us quickly and swiftly took us to our room, which was in a building across the road from the main building. They were clear that they wanted our stay to be relaxing and were eager to help with anything.

Our room was exactly what we needed for the quick stay- clean, quiet and comfortable. We quickly freshened up and headed to the high street to explore Christmas in Windsor at night.

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa- Next Time

Unfortunately, with a tight timeline for a press trip, we weren’t able to enjoy more of what the hotel had to offer. Sadly, we just got to sleep and have breakfast. In fact, the images of the spa look gorgeous on the website. Mr Sunny was quite disappointed when he learned the hotel has a whirlpool, because we did not pack his bathing costume for our trip. However, with so many Christmas activities happening in the town, I can’t imagine this would have been the highlight!

The afternoon tea at Sir Christopher Wren is offered in either the Drawing Room or Brasserie. Both seem ideal for a relaxing and indulging in this British tradition.

They had a great offer for January stays while we were there, so Mr Sunny and I are going to continue to follow the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa on Instagram so we don’t miss the chance to skip off to Windsor the next weekend we are free. It is such an easy escape from London in terms of day trips that offer English culture and history.

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa- Christmas Season

While the hotel is absolutely dreamy for a wedding and is where celebrities stay when in Windsor for a royal wedding, it is also a popular hotel for local residents to book their Christmas parties.

In terms of festivities, there is not a corner of the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa that isn’t sparkling with Christmas joy. I lost count of all the Christmas trees I saw. Holiday decorations are tastefully everywhere.

This further added to the warmth and lovely atmosphere of the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa. If you seek a winter getaway that is easy from London or have some extra time to enjoy the English country atmosphere, book a stay here early. It is quite a popular place to go.

Our stay was part of a press trip to the area, but if you want to see all the other great reviews and stars from people who agree, you can visit TripAdvisor to how highly Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa is ranked.

Have you been to Windsor? Aside from Windsor Castle, what other activities do you suggest? Do you have any questions for me about a trip? Stay tuned for the Sunny News YouTube video about ‘Things to Do in Windsor at Christmas’ video. You can subscribe to the Sunny News emails to make sure you don’t miss any promotions or updates too.

The Sunny News YouTube channel shares even more advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London and day trips from London. This includes tips for 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 too.

December 22, 2014 by: Sunny London

Christmas Differences between the UK and USA

‘Do they celebrate Christmas over there?’ My American grandmother asked me this question once during our weekly phone call.

I think what she meant was, ‘What do they do for Christmas in England?’ or rather, ‘What are the Christmas differences between the UK and USA?’

Most Americans have visions created by Charles Dickens dancing in their heads. They think Christmas celebrations in London involve Brits eating goose and hoping Jacob Marley doesn’t knock on their door.

So, just to keep things real, I asked Mr. Sunny to explain what he thinks Americans do for Christmas. His response, “Watch silly television. Have pancakes and syrup and bacon that isn’t really bacon for breakfast. Eat dinner which is roast turkey with mashed potatoes and country gravy that’s thick like what you get at KFC and corn, like creamed corn.’

He also added, ‘Being American you probably don’t drink too much, like us English.’

Well then.

It sounds like there’s both confusion and curiosity on both sides of the pond. But one similarity that happens on both sides of the pond is that when it comes to christmas, decorating your place of work is something that many people enjoy doing. Some even take it as far as hiring commercial christmas lights installation professionals, just to get the look they are after! After all, the festive season does just come round once, so why not go all out?

Let’s see if we can clear some of that. For a start, this is a very popular time of year for Americans to get a family photo together to send to friends and relatives. Believe me, you will need to book a professional who specializes in family photography Austin in advance around this time of year!

But first, are you spending Christmas in the USA this year? One of my friends from the UK now lives in Canada and she has told me that she is heading to the US for the festive season. Did you know that if you are planning on visiting the United States, your Canadian Criminal Record (CCR) can deem you inadmissible and you can be denied entry? With this in mind, you must obtain a US entry waiver before you attempt to enter the US, otherwise, you run the risk of being detained by the US authorities. You can learn more about the law surrounding US entry waivers on the Federal Pardon Waiver Services website.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
The Name

First, the Brits refer to Santa Claus as ‘Father Christmas.’ It’s a very tough thing for me to remember when I am in a conversation with my English mates. Next, they say ‘Happy Christmas’ instead of Merry Christmas.

Ok then, that’s sorted.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
On Your Mark!

I still can’t figure out when Christmas in starts England. In August, I’ve been approached by staff members in pubs about booking a Christmas party. In October, it’s common for #Christmas to trend on Twitter in London.

Americans are notorious for excessive advertising and gluttony, but we still have an official line for the start of Christmas celebrations. Thank you, Thanksgiving.

In America, once the dinner dishes are cleared at the Thanksgiving table, it’s time to get your Christmas gear on. (Oh yeah, if you’d like my brother-in-law’s recipe for How to Fry a Turkey, read here)

That actually could mean battle gear for beating crowds at malls. Up until recently, Black Friday was only an American shopping phenomenon. It didn’t really exist in England. However, for some reason England had an onslaught of sales and super deals the day after ‘Thanksgiving’ in 2014. I still can’t figure out why.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
Decorations

You’ve probably all seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Home Alone.

Most Americans decorate their houses entirely in lights and other festive ornaments. That’s not just a Hollywood portrayal.

In suburan areas of America, great rivalries take place during the holidays to see who can have the most glorious display of Christmas covering their house and yard. It can be quite a competitive atmosphere. And, then there’s some that take the decorating opportunity to raise money for charitable causes. Check out this YouTube video which features the ‘Best of Star Wars Music Christmas Lights Show’

In the suburbs of London, I rarely see houses decorated on a street. Usually 2-3 houses out of both street sides have some lights. The lights seem to be tossed haphazardly around a tree.

However, if you travel just 20 miles outside of London, you can see Hogwarts in the Snow, which is the Warner Bros Studio Tour (AKA Harry Potter Tour) covered in Christmas decorations.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
Television

One of the toughest Christmas differences between the UK and USA for me is television. I just can’t seem to find Christmas specials on TV in London, except for an occasional channel offer. Channel 5 runs movies that are equivalent to Hallmark or Lifetime in the US throughout the day. But, I need my claymation and old school Christmas shows on constant replay to really get in the spirit.

In America, the titles below (Christmas Classics for Kids, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and Fred Claus) are each on a few times a week. I had to buy them in London because they are never on television during the holidays.

Christmas- Differences between the UK and USA:
Christmas Crackers

I learned about Christmas crackers the first Christmas I spent in London. It’s concept is similar to a Thanksgiving wishbone but much prettier.

This Christmas cracker is a cardboard tube which has a present inside it. The tube is wrapped in colourful, festive paper. As two people break the cracker, a loud snapping noise is made. The person holding the larger end gets to keep the prize inside.

These are some of my favourite themed Christmas Crackers:

Christmas- Differences Between the UK and USA:
The Pub

It is tradition to go to your ‘local’ in England on Christmas Day. The times I have been to our local pub on Christmas, it is absolutely packed. People bring their kids and dogs for a few hours to celebrate the holiday. It’s open from about 12-2pm.

No, the kids and dogs aren’t drinking. Well, the dogs might get a few licks of beer here and there, but please don’t think the Brits are freely giving beer to their little ones. However, entire families are present and it’s joyous. The beer is also flowing pretty steady.

Christmas- Differences Between the UK and USA:
Boxing Day

I still don’t understand Boxing Day. Traditionally, December 26th was a day that servants received presents. Literally, they would receive boxes with presents inside from their employers.

What I do know is that since it’s a Bank Holiday, not much is open. Well, the pubs are open. Oh, and slowly there’s more and more shopping going on here on this ‘Bank Holiday.’

In America, the post-holiday sales kick off on this day.

Christmas- Similarities between the UK and USA:

Despite these differences, there are also some things that are in fact the same on both sides of the pond.
– There are major sales after Christmas. In London, they’re referred to as the ‘January sales’ and last a little bit longer than American retail sales.
– Stores play Christmas music throughout the season. In England, it seems Paul McCartney’s ‘Wonderful Christmas Time’ and George Michael’s ‘Last Christmas’ are rotated around every other song. I’ve never once heard Madonna’s ‘Santa Baby.’ I’m grateful for that.
– All those ‘happy holidays’ tend to drive some of us over the edge. Family arguments are at their peak in both the UK and USA over this stretch of time.
– Ugly sweaters/jumpers exist everywhere.
– We all like to open presents for Christmas.
– The red ‘Starbucks’ cup arrival is one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season in the UK and the USA.

If you’re in London this holiday season, don’t miss my 10 Best Things to Do in London at Christmas blog post. In fact, I have a whole section of the blog devoted to Christmas in London.

Or the YouTube video on Things to Do for Christmas in London that You Can’t Do in NYC:

What can you add to these Christmas differences between the UK and USA? What do you think of Mr. Sunny’s guess that there’s more drinking in England for Christmas than in America?

You can read more about the expat experience on the blog. Be sure to see the review of an international shipping company, which includes a discount for you. If you’re planning a visit to London, the Sunny News YouTube channel has regular updates of advice for things to do and what you’ll need to know about London. This includes safety tips, pub advice, and a shopping guide.

September 25, 2016 by: Sunny London

10 Harry Potter Things to Do in London

Are you planning a trip to London and need a list of Harry Potter Things to Do? As an American expat living in London, I frequently receive questions on social media and on the Sunny in London blog from Americans visiting London who love Harry Potter. They’re always wondering what they should do if they have a limited amount of time in town.

Aside from several specific reviews of Harry Potter activities, you’ll find differences between the Universal Studios Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction and the Warner Bros Studio Tour and suggestions for how to get to the studio in London in the blog too. The most recent blog article is a Potions Class that is the closest thing to a Harry Potter Afternoon Tea that you will find in London.

However, if you want a list of 10 Harry Potter Things To Do in London, then take less than four minutes to watch what’s available in this YouTube video. The end features a sneaky tip for how to never miss notification about the best Harry Potter news in London.

Be sure to leave questions you have about the activities and general London trip planning in the comments below.

I also put together some questions to ask yourself if you’re not sure about whether or not to go to the Warner Bros Studio Tour. I’ve had quite a few emails from people who are overwhelmed with all the choices they have for what to see the first time they visit London and specifically ask about the Harry Potter Studio Tour. If that’s you too, then this is 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 safety tips, pub advice, and a shopping guide. There is also a comparison on Things to Do in London for Christmas That You Can’t Do In NYC…

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.

September 25, 2018 by: Sunny London

Secret Things to Do in Soho London

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

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

Secret Things to Do in Soho for Harry Potter Fans

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

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

Secret Things to Do in Soho for Shopaholics

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

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

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

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

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

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

Secret Things to Do in Soho for Foodies

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

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

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

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

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

Things to Do in London in Soho: Final Thoughts

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

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

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

August 9, 2017 by: Sunny London

Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta Review

What do you look for in a hotel when you travel? The Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta offered our top priorities when we planned our Malta holiday. Those two things are an excellent view and a substantially sized pool. However, no trip is perfect. In this hotel review I will share what we loved about the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta and the ‘what would make it better’ feedback too.

Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta Review: Location

My husband makes sure when he leaves London that he has full access to a ginormous pool. This hotel doesn’t disappoint in that category. After talking to many people who have travelled to Malta, they have said that hotel pools are often on the roof. We wanted sea level access at our Malta hotel, and this is exactly what you get here.

In fact, it has a small beach that allows you to jump right in to the sea.

Another added bonus was the Tiki Bar. We sat here our first night in our own little ‘cabana.’ Unlike Las Vegas, Hollywood and Miami hotels, anyone could grab a seat in one of the covered areas. There was no need to pay extra to book one privately.

What was slightly disappointing though was our room’s view. If you look at the picture above, our room was not one of the rooms featured in that photo. Those rooms are considered ‘pool view.’ I opted for seaside view with a balcony and our room was on the 10th floor around the corner to what you see. Certainly not a shabby view for us, but if you look at the picture below, that is what you’ll see in a poolside room. It’s also the view you’ll have every day, should you choose to enjoy the breakfast buffet at the Grand Hotel Excelsior.

That being written, I can also say our room was really quiet and we loved the balcony. Maybe someone who was in the poolside rooms might not be able to say the same about the volume? It might also be slightly annoying facing everyone at the pool each time you wanted to step outside for fresh Malta air.

With regard to the location, it proved to be a little difficult when we wanted to do things in Valletta on our own. If you read my Travel Tips for Visiting Malta, you’ll see the stair cases that you must take to get in and out of the hotel. Bring your flat shoes, girls!

It’s about a fifteen minute walk to where the action is in Valletta. As of this blog post, you have to walk through a large city centre construction site. Since Malta is quite windy and dusty to begin with, walking through this is a bit annoying. However, that is to not fault of the hotel and it is a safe walk.

If you’re hoping to save a little on beer and wine, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta isn’t in a great spot to do that. We had hoped to grab some beer and wine at a little convenient store at some point on our trip. However, there aren’t any within a 15 minute walking range. Plus we didn’t have the energy to carry big items all the way back to the hotel after a long day in the sun.

Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta Review: Food

We really enjoyed the hotel buffet breakfast each morning and definitely stocked up. You can fill your plate with a traditional English breakfast. However, Mr. Sunny indicated English people might want to know that the sausages were Richmond Irish sausages, not what you see regularly in London at hotels and restaurants. There is a continental selection, tons of pastries, fruits, yogurt, crepes, etc. The omelette station gets a bit crowded. So, if that’s what you want, you need to arrive a littler earlier.

While we enjoyed that atmosphere of having drinks at the Tiki Bar, the food we had poolside at the hotel wasn’t spectacular. Mr. Sunny noted that beer was €5.50 at the hotel. Elsewhere around Malta it was usually €2.50-€5. We ate dinner outside one evening and grabbed a lunch at the pool another afternoon. Both of these were again due to the hotel’s location. After a full day of cruising around on a boat and bus tour, we simply didn’t have the energy to head back out for a walk up the stairs and trip in to Valletta. On another day, we chose to chill at the pool most of the morning before our Game of Thrones tour guide picked us up.

Oh, and that tour was certainly our favourite moment in Valletta. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, don’t miss this video of the highlights!

Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta Review: Guest Services

While the hotel is continuously referred to as ‘worn’ in TripAdvisor reviews, that doesn’t mean the employees are tired. We found the people at the Guest Services desk very helpful with restaurant and tour information. They also helped mediate between us and the company that we pre-booked for airport transportation. They were quite annoying about trying to sell us more than a ride, so we appreciated our hotel intervening on our behalf.

Our room was kept to impeccable standards. The attendants were quick to visit and refresh it while we were gone.

I found the lack of shelves in the shower to be really annoying. However, Mr. Sunny loved taking a bath every day with his favourite Molton Brown products that we grabbed super cheap at Duty Free just before our flight.

The room was spacious and had tons and tons of storage. Needless to say, the welcome drink gift in our room of local wine was a smashing hit too!

Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta Review: Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a hotel that feels like an all-inclusive, then this hotel is for you. Access to the sea and a big pool is certainly a selling point for the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Malta. We were there for five days at the end of July. Whether or not the hotel was at full capacity is something I don’t know. We never felt overwhelmed by crowds. However, as with any resort or cruise accommodation, you’ll want to grab or save your chair at the pool early! Also, there didn’t seem to be many children at the hotel. Since we don’t have kids, this is something we appreciated on our Malta holiday.

I would love to know your recommendations for hotels in Malta, so please leave them below.

More on Malta:

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

Game of Thrones Tour Review
Food to Eat in Malta
Things to Do When Visiting Malta
Advice for Visiting the Blue Lagoon
What to Pack When You Visit Malta
Luzzu Cruises Review- Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon

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

May 18, 2017 by: Sunny London

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword Exposes Great Britain!

How is a film review of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword on a travel and food blog? It’s not because it was a ‘slow news week’ due to a slightly dreary and rainy May. I’m writing this film review because this film makes you want to travel to Britain. No joke.

Aside from being a masterpiece from director Guy Ritchie, this film has epic scenery highlighting the gorgeous land in England, Scotland and Wales. I’ve learned that’s something that Americans visiting Britain don’t really know. It’s insanely picturesque here outside of London! Don’t believe me? Well then, you’ll have to see the film for yourself 😉

I have always been a fan of Guy Ritchie. I think the best acting of Brad Pitt’s career was when he worked with Ritchie on the now cult classic film Snatch. Ritchie’s editing and ability to rock a film soundtrack have exploded since that 2000 production.

While I did work in the film and television industry, I am not going to dissect the cinematic attributes of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. It would be uncharacteristic of what you expect from Sunny in London. Rather, let’s chat about the ‘sets’ and British views the film shows you.

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword Sights to See

I was delighted when Visit Britain sent me an invitation to a private press screening of the film. To prepare for the event, I went to see the stars arriving on the red carpet the night of the London premiere on 10th May. If you’re curious of what stars do at these, watch the video of me sharing all the tips of how to get selfies with celebrities on the red carpet.

That night I was particularly impressed with how much time Guy Ritchie and the film’s star Charlie Hunnam spent with fans. Aidan Gillen did as well, but there’s only so much commentary a YouTube audience can handle, so I don’t highlight it in the video. David Beckham spent about as much time with people in my press area as he has screen time in the film.

Just before the exclusive press preview started on 16th May, the two lead location scouts for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword did a Q&A with our small group. They discussed how they wanted to present all locations within Britain to the director. This is because of their interest in aligning with the integrity of Arthurian legend. Smart move!

They revealed some of their favourite locations used, which obviously were from each of the countries featured (England, Scotland and Wales).

king-arthur-legend-of-the-sword-review-Visit-Britain

As they talked, we all were envious of what their job involves on a daily basis, even against a blogger’s alleged ‘glamorous’ life! After seeing the movie, I was even more jealous.

I loved the film. If you like Guy Ritchie’s style, looking at eye candy like Charlie Hunnam, Game of Thrones and films based on literary characters, don’t miss this movie. It hasn’t been received surprisingly well by critics, but don’t let that deter you. I look forward to seeing it again in a theatre with Mr. Sunny, who was gutted about not going to the preview with me. This isn’t one that you wait to see at home on a TV. The effects and sound (plus Charlie’s six pack) are best viewed in a cinema.

If someone wanted a ‘criticism’ of the film, I would say that it might not get full marks for accuracy. Some dialogue and costumes probably weren’t characteristic of the time period. Rather than finding it distracting and disappointing, I felt it gave the film a modern vibe and occasional humor. There are scenes that will make you giggle a bit, especially Beckham’s. I don’t think our audience found comedy in David Beckham’s acting portrayal. If I could guess, I think the light laughs were due to the prosthetics applied to his face for his character. Let’s just say it isn’t his best look. 😉

If you’re planning on visiting London and want to take your trip to an epic level, the Visit Britain website has an interactive map showing areas used for the film. My favourite scenery was from Snowdenia. Don’t be surprised if you see some of these places popping up on the Sunny News YouTube channel. After all, seeing is believing. You can get a little view of what I mean in the video below. It’s what they showed us just before the film. And there’s more to read about the legendary travel opportunity here.

If you have a chance to see the film, please leave your comments below. The people I know who have seen it, loved it.