Am I the only one who hasn’t been to London in years? Five years ago I visited the city frequently due to the proximity from Paris. The last time was four years ago for a press trip. Crazy, how fast time flies. It was more than about time for a fun (birthday) weekend in London. With that said we booked our tickets from Berlin. LONDON CALLING.
- Note to myself: don’t ever fly again via Stansted. Never seen an airport like that. Also, the train wasn’t running and it was just chaos in the whole airport.
12pm
Brunch at ACE HOTEL
We kicked off our weekend with a lovely brunch at the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch. The atmosphere in the dining hall is quite cozy. However, it was a bit a pity that the terrace was already close which would have been a great spot. Also, because the weather was amazeballs. I ordered a green juice (which was disgusting – I hope it was healthy) and some poached eggs. The food was fine but nothing special at all. I guess there are nicer places for brunch / breakfast in London.
- Speaking of, I’m trying to update my Google Map for London if you have any recommendations.
French toast for brunch at Ace Hotel in Shoreditch
3pm
Strolling through MAYFAIR
Later that day we strolled through Mayfair and did a little window shopping. We ended up at Green Park and said briefly hello to the Queen. The flags where up so apparently she was in the palace. Afterwards we rented some Santander bicycles (around 2£ for 24hours) and drove through Hyde Park.
Although I’d been several times in London it was nice to revisit some of the main parks and sights.
Hyde Park
cycling fun up to Chelsea
most beautiful Aesop store in London, Chelsea
beautiful Albert Bridge – for those who watch Made In Chelsea may know this bridge!
9pm
Night out in SOHO & MAYFAIR
Of course, that wasn’t it of the day. We’d booked a table at Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum Parlour in China Town. They have a large cocktail menu but I’m sure the bartender will create you something special too. The dim sum were really good. But they mostly had them with fish. I prefer the ones with meat a lot more.
Our evening continued with a few pisco sour at La Bodega Negra and some pizzas at Cecconi’s London.
night out at Opium, China town London
11:30pm
The coziest bar in SHOREDITCH
One bar I highly recommend is The Bridge Bar in Shoreditch. A super relaxed bar with different rooms on different levels. You’ll get the full lounge flair in a baroque ambience. Prices for cocktails are great. Thanks to my dear friend for bringing me to this bar.
Coziest The Bridge Bar in Shoreditch
1pm
The day AFTER
Our Sunday was quite short since I had to fly back in the late afternoon. A friend of mine had recommended having brunch at Ottolenghi Nottinghill. I’m a huge fan of his cookbook Jerusalem. The food was delicious and I highly recommend going there. We shared three salads and two mains and went out with approximately 17£ each.
3pm
Stroll through NOTTINGHILL
We ended our London weekend with a relaxed walk through the neighborhood of Notting Hill. What a beauty! Some of the houses definitely made me want to move to London right away.
Farm Girl in Notting Hill
Shopping tip SÉZANE
Sézane is definitely a shop where you’ll satisfy your French fashion heart. I absolutely love their styles. Moreover, a new GOOP shop has opened in Notting Hill but oh-so-crazy prices.
I hope you enjoyed these impressions from our weekend in London. I will definitely come back soon (ok soonish – I think spring is realistic).
