Travel Journal: London
In today’s post I’m excited to show you around London, which is one of my favorite cities in Europe, and share how I traded brunch for afternoon tea, shorts for long coats and my hotel room for an Airbnb apartment.
To Eat
SKETCH
The triple dream of launching a destination place, for food, art and music has been realized over two expansive floors of a converted 18th century building. Sketch delivers an assault on the senses and must be experienced in person. No one—or fifty—photos will ever do it justice. Calling ahead for a reservation is strongly encouraged as this is a very popular spot for tourists and residents alike.
Also worth checking out
FOUR SEASONS PARK LANE
Exuding warmth and style, the Amaranto Lounge at the Four Seasons is the ideal spot for enjoying Afternoon Tea in London whilst listening to a pianist playing in the lounge. The Afternoon Tea menu has a vegetarian option and includes a selection of freshly made sandwiches, warm scones and delightful choices of cakes and pastries.
BOROUGH MARKET
One of the largest and oldest food markets in London—consisting of more than 100 stalls selling fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, cheeses, breads, coffees, cakes…you name it. I had a meat pie and coconut pancakes, which look nothing like pancakes but taste incredible.
THE PUNCHBOWL
As one of Mayfair’s oldest pubs, this place knows a thing or two about good food and drinks. Tucked away on a quiet side street, this bar and restaurant offers three very different dining experiences: relax with a pint of beer and a plate of fish and chips in the Pub located on the first floor, savor rich culinary dishes in the Dining Room on the second floor, or enjoy an exclusive private dinner in The Club on the third floor.
To Drink
Photo: Vinoteca
GROUCHO CLUB
A private members club in Soho with bars, lounges, and brasserie dining. Everyone makes fish and chips in this town, but theirs will have you coming back for more.
VINOTECA
Inspired by the wine bars of Spain and Italy, this restaurant and bar serves simple yet imaginative food with characterful wine to drink in or take away. The wine at this place is no joke, they have an award-winning 285-strong wine list. I stopped by for brunch and a couple of glasses of wine with friends.
ARTESIAN
This bar is on the forefront of the sophisticated bar scene—reminding guests that elegance is still a thing—with sophisticated modern decor and experimental cocktails not seen elsewhere in London. Each cocktail has a clever name with a matching hashtag. My favorite is “You’re So Gangsta” made with Grey Goose, Yuzu, Lychee, Ginseng, Juniper, and Rose - #FEELINGLIKEABOSS. Artesian was named World’s Best Bar four consecutive years. Need I say more?
Music & Culture
HOXTON SQUARE BAR
Legendary live music and club nights served up here, at one of Hoxton’s originals. I got to see my friends DNCE perform to a sold out crowd here.
SOTHEBY’S
Sotheby’s is an innovative global art business serving the most discerning clients. During my visit to London, the gallery had an event and stayed open late to welcome guests to view highlights from their Contemporary Curated and Made in Britain sales. I met renowned photographer Terry O’Neill and get a signed copy of his book, “Celebrity”.
GROOMING
BILLY & BO
Adam customizes your grooming to your specific needs and is clued in on the best grooming products. He finished my beard trim with a spritz of 4711—a high-quality cologne comprised of carefully selected ingredients and essential oils. This is the nicest anyone has ever been to my beard.
TO STAY
AIRBNB
Lately I’ve been opting for Airbnb apartments instead of hotel rooms. There’s something about waking up in a hotel room that makes me antsy and urges me to get up and out the minute I wake up. Mornings in an apartment, on the other hand, feel cozy and less stressful. Here I’m sharing the apartment I stayed in during my visit. It was a well presented one bedroom flat located around the corner from Oxford Street and a short walk from Hyde Park. Very central and the host was very nice and accommodating.
