By RACHEL ROBERTS, MARCH 2017
It’s been a few months since I’ve ventured down to London from ‘The North’ and I like to think that, in a relatively short time, I’ve done my fair share of exploring (and eating)!
My London bucket list is endless, and it’s because this wonderful city is ever-changing, as soon as I tick an item off, another one is added! So, in no particular order, here are a few of my personal recommendations for things to do, eat and see in London….
1. Afternoon Tea at Sketch
Imagine afternoon tea on a Wes Anderson film set – this place is plush, polished and pink, pink, pink! The afternoon tea is delicious, with just the right amount of attentiveness from the staff and the setting is much more relaxed and informal than other high tea venues in London. Pay a visit to the futuristic egg-shaped pod toilets before you leave – your Instagram will thank you!
2. British Museum
The British Museum is huge. You may need to spend a couple of days there to appreciate the vast collection of art and artefacts properly. However, the good news is it’s free. You can spend many a lazy Sunday afternoon’s there, as and when you please. I still need to go back for round two!
3. Tower of London
This is one of London’s most popular attractions and it’s easy to see why. Located on the North bank of the River Thames, the Tower has served many purposes and seen nearly 1000 years of tumultuous British history – surviving both the Great Fire of London and the Blitz to tell its many tales. We spent a lovely sunny afternoon in November walking along the walls from tower to tower – make sure you join a Beefeater tour for a real insider’s guide!
4. BAO Soho
This tiny, no-frills, Taiwanese restaurant is, in my opinion, well-worth the wait in the almost guaranteed queue. The first time I tried to get into Bao, I was at the front of the queue ready for the doors to open at 5.30pm and Soho blacked out. Typical! The second time proved more successful and after a 30 minute wait, ticking off our order in the queue, we finally got to try their famous fluffy white steamed buns, which didn’t disappoint. Note: leave room for the fried dessert Bao – the home-made Horlicks ice cream is delicious!
5. Warner Bros. Studio Tour - Making of Harry Potter
Just a short train ride outside of central London near Watford, this is a must-see for any Harry Potter fans. Walk through the Great Hall, glimpse into Dumbledore’s office and ride a broomstick against a green screen, before enjoying a flagon of Butterbeer. Make sure you bring some extra cash – chances are you’ll give in to temptation when you have to exit through the gift shop!
6. Picnic on Primrose Hil
After a casual stroll through Regent’s Park on a warm summer’s day, Primrose Hill is the perfect spot to stop off for an impromptu picnic with a share-size bag of crisps. Offering a lovely green space in the heart of the city, plus amazing panoramic views of London’s skyline, you could easily be forgiven for thinking that you somehow managed to escape to the countryside!