Search Results for: london pass

May 5, 2019 by: Sunny London

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

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

And again. And again. And again.

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

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

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

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

SSSS Boarding Pass: Delta Airlines’ Response

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

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

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

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

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

SSSS Boarding Pass: What Really Happens

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SSSS Boarding Pass: Advice for You

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

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

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

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

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

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

SSSS Boarding Pass: Final Thoughts

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

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

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

October 6, 2018 by: Sunny London

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

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

Dear Potions Master,

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

Potions Class Strengths:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Potions Master

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

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

Potions Class: Area for Improvement

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

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

Potions Class: Final Assessment

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

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

Kind regards,

Headmistress Sunny in London

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 1

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

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 2

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

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 3

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

Harry Potter Afternoon Tea in London: Lesson 4

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

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

Class dismissed 😉

WANT TO DOWNLOAD A FOOD FREEBIE?

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

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

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.

April 22, 2018 by: Sunny London

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane Review- London

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

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

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

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

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

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- The Food

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Service

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

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

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Ambience

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

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

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

Brasserie Blanc Chancery Lane- Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

August 1, 2017 by: Sunny London

Air Malta Review – Flying London Heathrow to Luqa

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

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

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

Air Malta Review: Check In and Boarding

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

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

Air Malta Review: In Flight

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

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

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

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

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

Air Malta Review: Customs and Baggage

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

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

Note to self- do THAT next time!

More on Malta:

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

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

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:

February 1, 2017 by: Sunny London

London Travel Tips from a Londoner

What’s better than visiting London and having travel tips from a Londoner? After living in London four years and being married to a man born in London, there’s a lot I have to share with someone travelling to London for the first time.

Aside from suggested itineraries like How to See 9 Attractions in Two Days and Saving Money with a London Pass, there are other cultural things you might want to know too. In the video below I list 10 Things Londoners Know about London that visitors don’t. It covers things like what Londoners eat and when and stuff you won’t want to say when you are here.

One of the hidden treasures of London that just opened a few years ago is Sky Garden. In just a few months I have visited twice because it was such a breathtaking experience. The video shows shots of just how much you can see on a sunny, clear day. And yes, we do have them in London.

London Travel Tips for Sky Garden:

You must book a visit time in advance and bring proof of your tickets for each person in order to be admitted.
Arrive at least a half hour before your scheduled time and be ready to wait in a long line during peak travel times of the year.
Plan on going through a security check.
Bring a fully charged camera and mobile phone because you will take tons of pictures and possible video!
The food and drinks are expensive.
The outside balcony won’t be open if the weather is the slightest bit disagreeable.
You can stay longer than the website indicates you can. No one keeps track of what time you leave.
Figure you will be there about 90 minutes or longer. It’s mesmerizing!
It has restaurants in which you can book tables for breakfast through dinner.
They have special events in the evenings.
It’s on my list of Best Places to Propose in London.

London Travel Tips: More Information:

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.

October 23, 2016 by: Sunny London

A Halloween Afternoon Tea at Lancaster London to Die For!

Who needs finger sandwiches when you can eat a severed finger eclair? Ha! Ha! Halloween is here! And the Halloween Afternoon Tea at Lancaster London leaves everything to the imagination!

When the hotel’s Executive Chef Ben Purton tweeted me to announce his latest creation, I had no idea how creepy it would be. The Halloween-themed ARTea Afternoon Tea is one you don’t want to miss. Let me show you why…

It kicks off in the hotel’s first floor Lounge Bar. Your table is covered in spider webs, skulls, and other sneaky surprises! The scary experience starts with a glass of Pommery champagne and your choice of afternoon tea served by a devilish dude fresh from a gruesome kitchen experience.

Ok, that’s a bit of a stretch. Our server tried really hard to be ‘scary’ to fit the mood created by the props and food in the Halloween afternoon tea. However, he was just too charming to be classified as terrifying to me and the ghoul friend who accompanied me.

After you are exposed to a few more tricks, it is time for treats. The food is delivered in a wooden box or ‘coffin’ that metaphorical represents the death of your diet for the day. It includes savoury classics with a fantastically frightful twist such as: Axe carved beef with horseradish; Smashed egg and crazy wild cress on blood bread; Cucumber coffins; and Devilled chorizo tartlets. The later was the favourite for my friend and me.

When you finish your savoury course, you need to let your server know you’re ready for the scones, as they are prepared fresh. No kidding, they arrive warm from the kitchen and are delightful! Well, that’s if you think you’ll enjoy pumpkin scones with cremated blood orange marmalade plus artists’ tubes of home-made strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream.

It’s certainly an interesting concept squeezing cream from a tube on to a scone. Surprisingly, we both enjoyed how it tasted. The texture of the scones, as is standard with all of the afternoon teas I have attended with Chef Ben, is bang on!

Finally, the end of the Halloween afternoon tea includes: Spider web lollipops; Shattered glass cupcakes; Frankenstein macaroons; and Bloodied finger éclairs.

Halloween Afternoon Tea: Final Thoughts

My hat goes off to Executive Chef Ben Purton for this fantastic creation. The tea is fun spirited and the extra creativity reflected in the menu and countless props is beyond what I have seen from an afternoon tea in London. He and his team truly have a unique concept that should’ve started well before October 17 this year. However, if you’re fast, you can get a table before the Halloween season dies.

I love that his Halloween afternoon tea has the best pour shot in all of London.

That happens when the tea is brought to your table and I would strongly advise you have your camera and phone ready to film! The dry ice effect does solidify this themed tea as the most extraordinary in London.

It’s available now at Lancaster London until 31 October 2016 from 2pm until 5.30pm each day. Priced at just £35 per person, the Halloween-themed ARTea Afternoon Tea is a steal for those who like fun and food in London.

We were guests of the hotel for our afternoon tea and this doesn’t affect our opinion of the experience. I became friends with Chef Ben through my blog several years ago, since the first inception of the London Bloggers’ Tea. Aside from having a gifted talent and passion for food, he is without a doubt the most personable chef in London. He’s also great fun to follow on Twitter.

Watch Lancaster London throughout the year as they host more Afternoon Teas tying in with special dates, movie releases and London events! And remember, missing this tea is a mistake that will haunt you forever!

September 12, 2016 by: Sunny London

Lord’s Cricket Ground Tour in London

If you’re looking for a fun British sports activity in London, then consider a Lord’s Cricket Ground Tour. When I was invited to this special opportunity just before the Royal London One-Day Cup Final returned to the famous location, I was super excited.

It’s not because I have been a lifelong cricket fan. I actually still don’t get the allure. However, I do know that a private tour of the home of cricket with a former player and captain is a once in a lifetime opportunity. In preparation, I messaged my husband’s British colleagues and friends for their help, and off I went.

Unlike other blogger and press events, I was the only female who rocked up for the Lord’s Cricket Ground Tour. I’d say it was awkward, but I actually thought it was kind of cool. What was awkward, however, was realising that I probably shouldn’t have run straight from work in a dress. My wardrobe didn’t give me an opportunity to play ball with the famous Nasser Hussain.

He graciously met with our press group and then gave us secret stories about his career as an English cricketer who captained England’s team from 1999 to 2003. The boys even got to suit up and bat around a bit. (Is that what you say?)

We had opportunities to ask him questions before our official tour. I waited until the blokes were done and approached Nasser with questions from my friend Gav, an avid cricket player and fan, sent me the day before.

‘How would you explain cricket to an American?’

‘What’s the best sledge you’ve had or given?’

For the first question, he said cricket was like a really slow baseball game that lasts five days and might not have a winner.

Ouch. At least he was honest.

He also answered the second question, just after he laughed a bit when reflecting on the memory. Nasser graciously acknowledged my complete lack of what cricket involves when he noticed the blank expression on my face. Since I didn’t have a clue what he meant, he then volunteered to type the answer in to my phone. What a cool dude!

Out of respect for the fact that it was an insult (which actually wasn’t too mean), I am going to honour the sport and gentleman and not print it here. My friend Gav, however, will get a text sharing the answer.

We then met our official guide for the Lord’s Cricket Ground Tour and headed up to the Long Room, which you aren’t allowed to photograph. The PR company sent the pictures below to me the next day. This room represents the sports world’s most celebrated interiors.

We also were able to go to the MCC Museum and see the iconic Ashes Urn.

We received this extraordinary opportunity in anticipation of the last major cricket final of the county season which takes place on Saturday September 17, 2016. It’s when Warwickshire takes on Surrey. Lord’s Cricket Ground has many activities planned for people taking in a match at the iconic sports venue. Visitors will be able to take part in a range of activities, from picknicking by the pavilion to batting competitions.

They’ll also have free taster sessions with MCC coaches for children. You might even have a chance to see some of the stars of the England men’s and women’s teams!

The Chief Operating Officer at the England and Wales Cricket Board, Gordon Hollins, stated that the ‘Royal London One Day Cup Final is a milestone in the sporting calendar and provides county cricket supporters with the opportunity to watch their team…’

The one-day game will take the spotlight as the nation prepares itself for hosting both the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy and 2019 Cricket World Cup respectively on home soil. Apparently, this competition has widely been considered an opportunity for upcoming players to stake their claim for an England cap. Tickets are priced at £30 for adults and only £5 for children 16 and under. You can get them online.

If you aren’t able to enjoy the Cup Final Cricket at Lord’s this year, doing a tour like I did is a fun way to learn more about this very British sport and venue. I want to thank Lord’s Cricket Ground for the fun tour and dinner at the Lord’s Tavern. Of course, a special note of gratitude to Nasser Hussain for his interest in sharing his cricket tips and stories with our group. He’s truly a star for many reasons.

You can visit the Lord’s Cricket Ground Tour on a London Pass or visit the Tours of Lords website directly. Do you have any cricket tips to share? What would you have asked Nasser Hussain if you had the chance?

A Lord’s Cricket Ground Tour includes:

Admiring legends past and present on the famous Honours Boards
Sitting in their seats in the Dressing Rooms
Following in the footsteps of past players through the Long Room
Seeing the famous Ashes Urn and Prudential Trophy in the MCC Museum
Browsing current Museum exhibitions – Wounded Tiger, a History of Pakistan Cricket and Cricketers of the Year

September 1, 2016 by: Sunny London

Visiting London Zoo Tips

If you’re planning on visiting London Zoo, then these are a few tips of what to do. You can also learn five suggestions of what not to do at the end of this feature too!

In the three years that I have lived in London I have learned that the London Zoo is not just a tourist attraction. In fact, many Londoners love going to the zoo. My husband is certainly one of them. He’s been there many times, so he was a great guide for my first visit.

Growing up in America I have visited the Bronx Zoo, San Diego Zoo and Pittsburgh Zoo, as well as going San Diego whale watching. It has been quite some time since any of those trips. So, I was very excited to visit London Zoo, especially to see what makes it so appealing to Londoners. Since it’s located within The Regent’s Park, I thought the trip would be pretty quick. I was certainly wrong about that.

Visiting London Zoo- Save Money

This attraction is part of the London Pass, which is a discount pass I’ve written about many times on the blog. That is one way you can save money on your visit. If you watch the video below, you’ll see the long line of people waiting to buy tickets. Another bonus of using the London Pass is the London Zoo is part of the fast track entry. This means you can save money and skip the queue!

Our tickets were complimentary, but if you order your tickets in advance, it’s another way to save on admission price. At the time of this publication, an adult ticket is £25.50 with no discounts.

Visiting London Zoo- Take Your Time

If you’re using the London Pass, I would suggest pairing the London Zoo trip with something like the London Transport Museum because it is shorter than an attraction like The Tower of London. Madame Tussauds is very close by, but it isn’t on the London Pass system.

It was recommended that we designate at least two hours to our time at the zoo. We were there close to three hours and didn’t attend any shows. We didn’t stop to eat either. I wouldn’t necessarily attribute the time to crowds. There really is a lot to see, and not everything was available the day we visited. You can see what I mean by that in the video.

Visiting London Zoo- Get Personal

I don’t recall ever being able to get to close to animals in American zoos. Usually you are separated by some type of fence, with the exception of children’s petting zoos. However, the London Zoo gets you very close to some of the animals and bugs. Yes, I said bugs.

Growing up in Florida gave me way too many chances to see bugs and reptiles, so these exhibits weren’t at the top of my list. But, I went through them. There was a section of the bug area that allows you to walk in to a room full of giant spiders. There is nothing separating you from them, except their webs.

You can see in the video the other area we visited that puts you up close and personal with mammals. One of them nearly ran over my foot and it’s caught on film!

Visiting London Zoo- The Map

Make sure you use the map and check off everything you want to see. The zoo is separated in to two different areas, so you might miss the smaller section. It includes the Into Africa area which is where you’ll see the giraffes. They’re very photogenic.

Visiting London Zoo- What Not to Do

In around three minutes, you can learn some very valuable tips that will truly make the difference on your visit. This includes the type of weather to avoid so you don’t end up seeing tons of animals lying around like this…

I promise there’s nothing fishy about this hook to get you to the Sunny News YouTube channel which 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.

You’d really be an ass if you don’t take a few extra minutes to watch the suggestions that are very easy to apply.

Alright, alright, that’s enough pun at the animals’ expense. Here is the zoo video link. Please leave your questions and suggestions that you have about visiting London Zoo or other London attractions either here or on the YouTube channel and I’ll answer them straight away.

https://youtu.be/sl4lScj63Ho