1. Parks, parks, parks
You're never more than a couple of footsteps away from one on London's iconic green reserves. Personal favourites and worth a visit - Richmond Park and Battersea Park.
You're never more than a couple of footsteps away from one on London's iconic green reserves. Personal favourites and worth a visit - Richmond Park and Battersea Park.
2. London Sun Bathers
After the long, soul destroying winter, all it takes is a small glimpse of sunshine and a balmy 12 degree forecast to see flocks of locals lazing about in the parks. Often the men are topless. Girls even pull out their bikinis in anticipation. Definitely a sight worth seeing.
3. Alcohol - drink it anywhere!
It's perfectly acceptable behaviour to enjoy your booze anyway. Take it to enjoy in the park, why not! Have your pre-sippers on the train as your make your way to your destination...sure! Why not even stroll down the street with a drink in hand? Pure class. And the cops won't even care.
After the long, soul destroying winter, all it takes is a small glimpse of sunshine and a balmy 12 degree forecast to see flocks of locals lazing about in the parks. Often the men are topless. Girls even pull out their bikinis in anticipation. Definitely a sight worth seeing.
3. Alcohol - drink it anywhere!
It's perfectly acceptable behaviour to enjoy your booze anyway. Take it to enjoy in the park, why not! Have your pre-sippers on the train as your make your way to your destination...sure! Why not even stroll down the street with a drink in hand? Pure class. And the cops won't even care.
4. Good looking men. In suits. Everywhere.
'nuff said.
'nuff said.
5. Sunday Roasts
A classic English tradition. Particularly welcomed during the winter months. Nothing more soothing than a plate of roast chook smothered in gravy, veggies and roast potato and the famous Yorkshire pudding (not bad I might add). Best to get in quick though - they usually sell out quickly! Some recommendations for a good Sunday Roast are: The Windmill in Wandsworth, The Sun in Clapham Common and The Sherlock Holmes near Trafalgar Square.
6. The pubs
Even more common than the parks, you're able to find a minimum of 2-3 good old English pubs within a block radius - no matter where you are! Tucked quietly away on residential streets, in the thick of it on busy high streets, the pubs don't discriminate, and you will always find people drinking in the pubs. Always. Some personal preferences for a sneaky wine or 2:
- Powder Keg in Clapham Junction - cute, vintage pub. Terrific bar staff who will go all out to find you the perfect drink.
- Pitcher & Piano in Richmond - beautifully set on the river, perfect for a Sunday session when the sun is shining.
- The Southwark Tavern - this place is cool, walk downstairs and you sit in old jail cells. Spooky, but fun!
7. Squirrels
I can't get enough of them. The cutest little creatures that ever existed.
8. The Shard, The Gherkin, The Cheese Grater and The Walkie Talkie
Whoever named these buildings is a genius. It's definitely worth a trip up to the top of The Shard, fantastic views of London, much better than the London Eye!
9. Borough Market
Do yourself a favour and go there. Go there hungry. And eat until you absolutely can fit no more in. Make sure you leave room through for one of the best gelato's in town from 3BIS - highlight is the chocolate sauce that oozes on the inside of your cone/cup...delish!
10. Gordan Ramsay is my neighbour
Well...practically. Ok, so he might live a block or two away, in a much more desirable street and suburb of London. But still! You're never really that far from a celeb. A friend once told me that G. Ramsay himself and the whole Beckham family were dining at at one of my favourite local spots, Ben's Canteen. Speaking of which...
11. Ben's Canteen
A local cafe/restaurant and a personal favourite. Don't bother with the coffee, but the food is exceptional. A favourite is the chicken schnitzel or anything from the breakfast menu. Or the pulled pork nachos. Even better, head on down on Tightass Tuesday for 2-4-1 cocktails. Perfect for the London Budget. Or if you're an early snoozer like myself, head on in before 7:30pm for 2 courses for £15. Winning. And if that doesn't convince you, David Beckham's toosh was on one of the chairs. I'm sold.
Do yourself a favour and go there. Go there hungry. And eat until you absolutely can fit no more in. Make sure you leave room through for one of the best gelato's in town from 3BIS - highlight is the chocolate sauce that oozes on the inside of your cone/cup...delish!
10. Gordan Ramsay is my neighbour
Well...practically. Ok, so he might live a block or two away, in a much more desirable street and suburb of London. But still! You're never really that far from a celeb. A friend once told me that G. Ramsay himself and the whole Beckham family were dining at at one of my favourite local spots, Ben's Canteen. Speaking of which...
11. Ben's Canteen
A local cafe/restaurant and a personal favourite. Don't bother with the coffee, but the food is exceptional. A favourite is the chicken schnitzel or anything from the breakfast menu. Or the pulled pork nachos. Even better, head on down on Tightass Tuesday for 2-4-1 cocktails. Perfect for the London Budget. Or if you're an early snoozer like myself, head on in before 7:30pm for 2 courses for £15. Winning. And if that doesn't convince you, David Beckham's toosh was on one of the chairs. I'm sold.
12. Theatre
The best theatre in the world comes to London's west end. You can pick up cheap tickets during the day if you're lucky, but if not, paying 40 quid for a seat to watch a show isn't so bad. So far my highlights have been: Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the Book of Mormon. Fun times!
13. Christmas Markets!
They start in mid November, and run till after Christmas. Market stalls, food, mulled wine, sausages...My favourite place to visit over winter is....
14. Winter Wonderland
LOVE this time of year! Winter Wonderland opens in Hyde Park at the end of November. Think german beer halls, rides, Christmas markets, ice skating, and general festivities.
15. Ice Skating!
You just don't get this in Melbourne. Outdoor ice skating rinks, music blaring, freezing cold conditions. London, I love you!
16. Guy Fawkes Night
Celebrating a man who tried to bomb the Houses of Parliament in 1605...why not! Honestly though, the best fireworks display I've ever seen! Watched them back in 2013, and the theme was 'seasons of the year', they lasted about 20 minutes, and I don't think I can ever watch fireworks again! Definitely spoilt.
17. The Tube
When you have to wait longer than 2 minutes, it's devastating!
18. Wellies
Gumboots, wellies...whatever you want to call them. They are totally acceptable to wear in public here!
Celebrating a man who tried to bomb the Houses of Parliament in 1605...why not! Honestly though, the best fireworks display I've ever seen! Watched them back in 2013, and the theme was 'seasons of the year', they lasted about 20 minutes, and I don't think I can ever watch fireworks again! Definitely spoilt.
17. The Tube
When you have to wait longer than 2 minutes, it's devastating!
18. Wellies
Gumboots, wellies...whatever you want to call them. They are totally acceptable to wear in public here!
19. Museums
They're free! You heard me, FREE!! And the Science Museum is perfect for my inner child.
20. High Tea
It's an English 'must do.' Be prepared to feel completely stuffed afterwards, but you can't visit the country without indulging in one. For a more classy event, I would recommend the high tea at The Wolseley. I was lucky enough to take my mum here for her birthday treat!
21. Oliver Bonas
My favourite shop...ever. Apart from rent, it is the number 1 destroyer of my pay cheque every month. Embarrassing, I went into the shop after my most recent payday, and realized that I already owned 98% of the store.
22. Prince Harry
My Love. My One and Only. I love you. ;)
23. Primose Hill
Panoramic views of London.
24. Notting Hill
Portobello Markets, Hummingbird Cafés, Red Velvet cupcakes...
25. Pop Ups
There is literally always something new and exciting to try - thanks to the endless amount of pop up bars and restaurants to try.
26. Sunsets
Since living in London, I've seen some of the best sunsets I've seen anywhere - especially on cold but clear winter days.
27.
They're free! You heard me, FREE!! And the Science Museum is perfect for my inner child.
20. High Tea
It's an English 'must do.' Be prepared to feel completely stuffed afterwards, but you can't visit the country without indulging in one. For a more classy event, I would recommend the high tea at The Wolseley. I was lucky enough to take my mum here for her birthday treat!
21. Oliver Bonas
My favourite shop...ever. Apart from rent, it is the number 1 destroyer of my pay cheque every month. Embarrassing, I went into the shop after my most recent payday, and realized that I already owned 98% of the store.
22. Prince Harry
My Love. My One and Only. I love you. ;)
23. Primose Hill
Panoramic views of London.
24. Notting Hill
Portobello Markets, Hummingbird Cafés, Red Velvet cupcakes...
25. Pop Ups
There is literally always something new and exciting to try - thanks to the endless amount of pop up bars and restaurants to try.
26. Sunsets
Since living in London, I've seen some of the best sunsets I've seen anywhere - especially on cold but clear winter days.
27.