If you have an opportunity to see a show at London’s Southbank Centre, take it! Comprised of a few different buildings and areas, we ended up at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, to see comedian Rob Delaney. He was absolutely hilarious, as per usual, so the only surprise to us was the quality of the venue.
Modern seating at London’s Southbank Centre
We at first had no idea where we were going since there’s not really anyone at the door to direct you and so many things are going on at one time. They had a food fair outside, which made it hard to tell where the main entrance was. Once we chose a side door to enter through, we were faced with a little bit of everything. There were people everywhere. It seemed like a few art exhibits were going on, there were a couple restaurants, bars, a gift shop, people gathering to watch performances–maybe there was a band, I don’t know. There was a lot going on. We were very lost and once we stopped to look at a sign, it all clicked. Blue door, level G (or something) was clearly labeled on the signs just as it was on our tickets. Perhaps the Southbank Centre is not as confusing as it appeared.
Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival HallOnce we knew where we were, we relaxed and took it all in. We got a couple drinks at the bar, used the clean restrooms, and wandered to our seats. The auditorium was small, so it felt like our last-minute £23 tickets were accidentally printed with premium seating. We had the first row in the second level, right in the center. Our view was great and we had a ton of leg room. The lighting and acoustics were perfect for the show, allowing is to see the comedians casual pacing and hear every last crude joke. The design of the space is really unique. It’s so refreshing to see a modern space after so long of the same old theaters here in London. The box seats look like the Senate seats seen in Star Wars. Next time I will book those, and there will definitely be a next time. I will also give myself more time to explore the art exhibits and the Southbank Centre store. There are so many surprising things to see and do under that one roof! Go check it all out in the young and artsy Southbank side of London!
Southbank Centre
Belvedere Road
London SE1 8XX An art and history exhibit at Southbank’s Centre, London
If you find yourself in Camden looking for a break from the market crowds and an actual table to sit while you enjoy a meal, walk across the street from Camden Market and find Porky’s BBQ. This Memphis-style BBQ joint speaks to my heart, making it another go-to for any time homesickness starts to set in. Porky’s BBQ cheers me right up, offering the American flavors I crave–sweet and tangy sauces coating slow-cooked, smoky meats. I just love it.
The interior of Porky’s BBQ, Camden
The Porky’s menu has a lot of variety. There are hot dogs, hamburgers, sides, and salads served up in classic versions or with creative twists. The Mac Porky, for example, is a pulled pork sandwich topped with bacon and mac and cheese. Amazing. But, in a pathetic effort to cut calories, I opted for “The Tangy” which was a sandwich of pulled pork, cheese, bacon, and a green chili slaw. It was delicious. The table BBQ sauces completed the sandwich giving perfect flavor to the tender, slow-cooked meat. I relaxed with my family, my sandwich, and a couple of old-fashioneds and watched the ongoings of Camden through the open glass doors that gave an outdoor feeling to our inside seat. It was a beautiful day and the sun and breeze poured into the restaurant and circled around us. We happily ate, drank, debated on who the old musicians were in the wall hangings (we had to google Bo Diddley), and chatted with the friendly staff.
Deliciousness at Porky’s BBQ, Camden
Our trip to Porky’s BBQ was just a great, low-key experience that was much needed after the fast and crowded Camden Market. The breath of fresh air included great food, nice people, and the sights, sounds, and tastes of the America I miss so much! I can’t wait to try their other locations. Enjoy!
Next time you’re in East London and need to kill some time, head to Hatch. This hipster coffee shop has cozy lounge chairs and couches for lazy visits and casual catchups with friends, or erect chairs and hard surfaces for working meetings. Whatever you’re looking for, Hatch is there with wifi and good food and hot drinks to keep you going.
Hatch, Homerton, entrywayHatch in Homerton, London
I stopped in Hatch with a colleague before a business meeting down the road. We had an hour to kill and stumbled upon the large quirky cafe. The outside of the building is bold and graffiti-esque, and despite the sign that said “closed”, we saw the open door and the long line as a sign that it was okay to come in.
I ordered a cappuccino, which was an easy decision, but had a harder time deciding on a breakfast item. Everything looked really good. There were croissants, pastries, and cakes to choose from. I was torn between the lemon polenta cake and the vegan chocolate banana bread. I went with the banana bread and was pleased with the taste and the fact it came toasted with perfectly lined grill marks.
And, the place is really cute inside. Arranged like the set of a 1950s play, the Hatch reminds me of the fake rooms on my elementary school auditorium stage. Quirky props thrown together because they were left in the theater area. Voila, we have a kitchen, dining room, and entryway! But seriously, it’s a cute place.
A cozy nook at Hatch, London
So, see for yourself and head to Hatch for a low-key break and a good coffee next time you are in Homerton. It won’t disappoint. A specials menu at Hatch, London
Hatch
Unit 62
Mackintosh Lane
Homerton
London E9 6AB
This one was a huge disappointment for me. I have been a Les Miserables fan since I was a little girl, belting out the strong soundtrack in the bathroom mirror with a hairbrush, throughout my early teen years. I was so excited to see Les Mis in London, because I find London has some of the best theater experiences. Most of the theaters are so small that there isn’t a bad seat in the house! All of their prices are pretty reasonable and they have smaller crowds, but the facilities are still decent enough for easy trips to the bathroom or the bar. Usually…unfortunately, none of this was the case at Queen’s Theatre.
Showtime for Les Miserables at Queen’s Theatre, London
My problems with this experience were split evenly between the show itself and the venue. The venue, Queen’s Theatre, is (so far) my least favorite theater in all of London. My view was obstructed the entire time between the large balcony overhang above my head and the short woman in front of me. You would think it would take a tall man to obstruct my view, but since there was barely a slope in the flooring, all it took was a below-average lady. I was constantly twisting and turning to see around her. If the seats had been staggered, and I could see between two people, that would have been better. Anything would have been better. There was also minimal leg room. My 6’4″ father had a hard time, especially when guests tried to pass through the row to their own seats.
The temperature of the theater was also a problem. Probably the hottest theater I have ever been in. I thanked God for (and my dad who purchased) the Playbill that I was able to use as a fan throughout the whole show. The second intermission hit, I ran up to the bar just to seek a cooler climate. I couldn’t even have a cocktail because I feared the eventual dehydration during Act 2. I ordered a bizarrely small orange juice, and then another one, and a bottle of water to bring to my seat. The bar and bathroom crowds were not too bad, but that’s really the only good thing I have to say about Queen’s Theatre.
The actual show itself was just okay. Les Miserables has a soundtrack of powerful songs that require very strong voices. While the cast’s voices were obviously good, no one (maybe Eponine), really knocked it out of the park. It didn’t help that the understudy was filling in for the lead, either. For a show as long as Les Mis, you really want a top-notch performance throughout. Bottom line: Skip Les Miserables at Queen’s Theatre and catch it in New York.
The beginning of Les Miserables at Queen’s Theatre, London
Les Miserables
Queen’s Theatre
Shaftesbury Avenue
London W1D 6BA
If you find yourself in Central London, head to one of my favorite places to spend a sunny day. St. James’s Park is right in the center of it all–a beautiful path between Buckingham Palace and the road to Parliament. St. James’s is my favorite park in all of London. It’s not as flat as Hyde Park, is surrounded by so much beautiful architecture, and filled with exotic birds and cute critters. All of this beauty can be taken in from the park’s restaurant–and today’s must-do–Inn the Park.
Inn the Park is a contemporary restaurant housed in a sleek building that sits nicely right in the center of the park. The modern build sits sharply against the park’s pond, but doesn’t take away from the beauty in the flowering trees and landscaping that surrounds it.
A view from the deck at Inn the Park, London
The food is really nice. It’s not going to amaze you, per se, but it’s going to be really lovely to sit out on a beautiful deck with a cocktail and fresh flavors and watch the beauty of London and nature.
Don’t get me wrong, everything I had at Inn the Park was delicious. I had a well-balanced crab and avocado salad and the pea soup of the day. The food was presented beautifully and the green colors of the dishes popped out like the grass surrounding the restaurant. Everything was nicely portioned and the right temperature. The service could have been a little bit speedier, but overall, the staff was fine. I dined with my visiting family and they too enjoyed their meals and experience. It turned out to be a perfect afternoon!
It definitely helped visiting on the nicest day of the year we have had to date. The deck and park experience was enhanced, as were the smiles on our kinda drunk faces. But, the inside decor is not too shabby either, so I’m sure a not-so-nice day would still seem nice dining inside Inn the Park. Go check it out for a weekend day date or a family brunch and let me know. Enjoy!
Okay, I’ll elaborate. Ottolenghi, on Ledbury Road in Notting Hill, is a small bakery and prepared food shop. This little shop holds the world’s best pastries. This is a bold statement, I know, but I dare you to prove otherwise. I have had multiple guests confirm my belief that you will not find a better almond croissant. Anywhere.
While the flow of the shop is not my favorite, it gets very crowded and difficult to browse, order, pay, and then wait for coffee, the visuals are impressive. In the states it is extremely unusual (and against most health codes) to have open air displays of unwrapped pastries. Here, the trays and tiers of pastries and cakes are naked in all their glory, just begging for their pictures to be taken.
Beautiful treats at Ottolenghi, London
The delicious confections are brought to you by famed chef Yotam Ottolenghi, who is known for his cookbooks and restaurants. Ottolenghi has mastered Israeli and British small plate, big flavor cuisine and is at the top of the dessert/pastry game in London and across the globe.
I haven’t met an item I didn’t like at Ottolenghi. I have had an ongoing love affair with the almond croissant (which is as heavy as a brick) and have flirted with its cousin, the almond pain au chocolat. I’ve toyed with the other almond-based items, like the apricot tarts, and have savored a polenta cake or two. I always go back to my old faithful, but I know, if I don’t get there early enough and the croissants are sold out, I will be just as happy with anything else.
Informal displays at Ottolenghi, London
I recommend stopping in Ottolenghi early for a breakfast treat anytime, but definitely with out-of-town guests. The shop windows are very impressive and everyone I bring in is always wowed by the Ottolenghi experience. It’s also a great place for guests to purchase little grocery gifts to take home and enjoy when London becomes a memory. It’s also right around the corner from Westbourne Grove, so it is the perfect first stop for a window shopping stroll or a walk to Hyde Park! So, next time the sun is shining, don’t walk, RUN to Ottolenghi!!Gifts and groceries at Ottolenghi, LondonCalming art at Ottolenghi, London
Ottolenghi
63 Ledbury Road
London W11 2AD
Another weekend, another day in Oxford Circus. I can’t seem to stay away from the shopping capital of London, but with upcoming vacations and weddings to attend, I don’t really have a choice. My list of summer necessities seems endless, but I am in good hands at the many shopping destinations off of Oxford Street and Regents Street. I’ve already reviewed one of the department stores that owns me, Selfridges, and now it’s time to tell you about Liberty.
A beautiful entrance to Liberty, London
Located on Great Marlborough Street, just off Regents Street, you cannot miss the 1920s Tudor revival that was fashioned out of the timbers of two ships! It stands out, wonky and impressive, against the chain stores and muted buildings that curve through Oxford Circus. Liberty is beautiful both inside and out. The exterior and interior shell is home to thousands of the nicest items London has to offer. Liberty is a boutique one-stop shop for everything from skincare and makeup, to very fine and contemporary men and women’s fashions, to gorgeous one-of-a-kind housewares. Where Selfridges has the quantity, Liberty has the quality. Amazing selections of everything under one spectacular roof.
Beautiful floors of beautiful things at Liberty, LondonHead to Liberty to find your summer essentials or to wow your guests with the most beautiful shopping environment they might ever see. And if it’s around Christmas, make sure you check out their top level Christmas floor!
Even though I was due for a Don’t, it still doesn’t feel good. All these places mean well, but they just keep missing the mark. SEA LIFE London Aquarium is no exception. It could be spectacular, but it’s just a budget-level aquarium in the center of tourist traps.
Located right next to Westminster Bridge on the South Bank, by the London Eye, you’ll find SEA LIFE London Aquarium. It’s advertised as part of the top London attractions that can be visited with the London Pass or discounted when purchasing at least one other top attraction. It makes sense to purchase several if you are interested, since one attraction costs around £35, but it is only £10 more for each addition.
I knew the aquarium would be busy because it was part of this deal and heavily advertised, but it was way more crowded than I expected. It may have been due to the lack of organization. The ticket line was long and out of the 5 registers at the front, only one was open. Once through, we had hoped the guests would have been staggered from the single cashier, but nope, we were surrounded by groups of tourists without social graces and loud zig-zagging children.
The crowds would have been fine if the content was a little more impressive. I’ve been to a lot of aquariums, and this had the smallest selection. You won’t see any marine mammals which could be due to their lack of space, indoor and outdoor. The fish you do see are the usual tropical species, a couple guest stars, and some small sharks. These are seen in dark spaces and through murky, hazy glass. I found it very dark and dingy. Coming from the great New England aquariums, this definitely seemed third-world. If they upped their interiors a little bit, made it more interactive, and actually replaced all the missing signs describing the fish, they would be better off.
I did like the skate and ray pool that was open at the top. This offers the closest views of the fish without the obstruction of glass. But I had seen this many times. I l have even been to some aquariums that let you pet the sting rays!
The open fish and skate pool at SEA LIFE London Aquarium
The last issue I had with the SEA LIFE London Aquarium were the constant humanitarian messages. The need for awareness is great, but the boldness and darkness of the signs I was passing in the halls were not what I paid for. I paid for a positive tourist experience. One sign said “A SHARK IS GETTING SLAUGHTERED AT SEA RIGHT NOW.” I do not think the word “slaughtered” is very appropriate for a child or adult’s to see on a vacation activity. Save that for Speaker’s Corner.
Intense messages at SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Even though it wasn’t the greatest place ever, I was glad I checked out the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. I did have fun, feeling like a kid, there with my dad visiting from the States, but I surely can’t recommend this place over any other aquariums. If you haven’t been to an aquarium before, though, then it can be your starter aquarium? I’m trying. Good luck.
Tropical fish at SEA LIFE London Aquarium
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
County Hall
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7PB
The Aussie hot spot chain, Granger, is a must-do and has a home right on Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill. It is a great option for the patient soul willing to brave the sometimes not-so-favorable London elements and queue in their first-come, first-serve line. The restaurant is worth the wait, though, serving brunch hits in a chic, sunny setting.
The long wait for Granger, Notting Hill
The line is formed outside, so the wait, usually ranging from about 20 minutes to an hour–depending on your party size or time of day, can be pretty chilly and feel very long. But the wait kind of makes you appreciate the experience even more. Once you are on the edge of hypothermia and starvation, the host grants you access into the land of warmth and ricotta pancakes, and you are so, so grateful. The dessert counter at Granger, Notting Hill
The restaurant is beautiful. It’s bigger and brighter than a lot of London restaurants. Sunshine pours through the giant walls of windows, complimenting the cream and chartreuse hues against the warm wood ceiling. The light fixtures are very cool with a raw plaster look, and all of the artwork is clean and unique. Every aspect of the place is beautiful and they have an amazing menu to match. The food is the real reason Granger has a cult following, the decor and sharp staff are just added bonuses. An immunity shot at Granger, London
Granger is best known for its ricotta pancakes. The fluffy, moist cakes are covered with a honeycomb butter, maple syrup and served alongside bananas. They are a showstopper. I bring every visitor to Granger to taste the brunch hit, and numerous guests have said they are the best pancakes they have ever tasted. Bold statements for a bold dish. Everything else on the menu is equally as delicious. There are fresh bellinis in beautiful glasses, expertly whipped eggs plated in a perfect spiral, English bacon with griddle designs, and healthy ginger immunity shots. Something for everyone with their mix of fresh-pressed juices, guilty pleasure sweets and full flavor English and Australian classics.
I promise, a visit to Granger will not disappoint. Bring your mother, sister, boyfriend, best friend–whoever, just get there. It could be the perfect start to a spring weekend, a hangover cure, or a guest’s itinerary highlight. Head to Notting Hill’s Westbourne Grove, and enjoy!
Eggs and English bacon at Granger, Notting Hill
Granger
175 Westbourne Grove
London W11 2SB
Yes, please! I will gladly visit one of my favorite guilty pleasures any day of the week. The Electric Diner, on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, is a hip eatery and member of the Soho House family. Like its London siblings Chicken Shop, Pizza East, and The High Road, you can get comforting classics, in a casual yet trendy setting.
The Electric Diner, London
I love everything about The Electric Diner. Possibly because the food reminds me so much of home that it falls under one of my homesickness remedies. The place is American inspired (I mean it’s a diner, after all) with a lot of foods and verbiage you don’t hear in most English restaurants.
The place itself is really cool. There’s a nice wooden bar facing into the restaurant scene, and then stools against the window to eat or drink facing out. In the summer, the large windows open up to give a great indoor/outdoor people-watching experience. The walls are covered with shiny, but worn, subway tiles, making the restaurant feel like a converted rail station. The ceilings are curved and low, giving it an unique, but cozy appearance. I love all of the touches in there, from the menu font to the light fixtures. They really did an amazing job keeping the place interesting without overdoing it.
The menu is understated to match. Just your basic cheeseburgers, hot dogs, steak frites, and mac n cheese. The staples are mixed in with some interesting chicken and fish dishes, but overall, it’s an unpretentious, high-quality menu. The food is delicious. I always opt for the cheeseburger, because when I go there, I go with the intent of being bad, or the steak frites, because the bernaise sauce is to die for. You can’t really go wrong with anything on the menu. There’s something for everyone which makes it a great place to go on a date, out with friends, or with out-of-towners. Or, it’s just a great place go if you’re hungover, miss home, need grease and want to cap it off with a NY style cheesecake.
A guilty pleasure at The Electric Diner, London
If you’re visiting Portobello Road, stop by the Electric Diner and enjoy great ambiance, a cool youthful crowd, and flavorful food. It’s best to have a booking though, as the place is always packed. It’s no secret that The Electric Diner knows what they’re doing. Go see for yourself! Art at The Electric Diner, London
The Electric Diner
191 Portobello Road
London W11 2ED
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