Even if it was a couple months ago, it feels like just yesterday I was strolling along the cobblestone in foggy London town.
There for only a few short days, I crammed in as much sightseeing into 5 hours as humanly possible. Despite the bitter cold and wind, I made my way around Hyde Park, Covent Gardens, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. Oh, and I found my way into a couple pubs as well.
Just going to get right down to it. I LOVED London. I found it absolutely charming and felt like I was transformed to another era. If only it wasn’t so grey, I would totally move there and eat fish n’ chips everyday…or every other.
Speaking of food, I definitely got my share of London fare while I was there. One of my favorite cookbooks is Plenty by Ottolenghi who just so happens to have multiple restaurants in London. One of the best meals in my life by far. I also just got Ottolenghi’s new cookbook, Jerusalem, as a Christmas present.
Started off with a lovely salad: poached quince with spicy macadamia, pickled red onion, Roquefort, mixed leaves and orange blossom dressing
Moved on to hands down the best tofu I’ve ever had: five spice crispy tofu with mixed vegetable peanut archa and aubergine, tamarind and coriander salsa
If the tofu wasn’t the highlight of this meal, it was definitely the dessert. Spiced apple cake with a cream cheese frosting and homemade whipped cream. Andddd I’m drooling just thinking about it.
Although up for competition was the sticky toffee pudding I had at Andrew Edmunds. Served alongside vanilla bean ice cream. Yup, ladies and gents, I think we have our winner.
The meal at Andrew Edmunds was another gem. For my main I had lobster raviolo with roquefort, fresh shaved parmesan in a brown crab cream sauce. It was definitely rich but worth every last bite.
Of course it wouldn’t be a trip to London without some time in the pubs and a classic plate of fish n’ chips. I was lucky enough to have a side of “mushy peas” too.
I love the pubs in London. They’re super cozy and to sip on hot mulled hard cider by candlelight on a cold night was perfect.
When I wasn’t eating and drinking in London town, I was checking out the sites. Westminster Abbey was gorgeous but unfortunately I couldn’t get inside that day.
Big Ben was totally majestic.
Buckingham Palace.
One of my favorite sightings was the totally iconic red telephone booth!
London was definitely everything I expected AND more. I would love to have more time there next time to explore even more and make it to Kings Cross Station (specifically the platform 9 and 3/4).