I have so much content in my brain that I'm wanting to write about but I just can't find the time. I'm spending so much time doing activities that there isn't really time to write about them. I honestly don't know how London bloggers do it. I've been getting up at 6am to go to work, getting home at 7, and then by the time I've cooked/eaten dinner and put washing on it's bedtime again. But I'm unemployed again hoorah!
In this post I'm going to do an overview of my favourite (and not so favourite) things I've done in London over the last month or so. I'm pretty happy with the activities I managed to fit in, I've been sick twice!!
I'll also try to write about my trips to Poland, Czech Republic, the Cotswolds, and Cardiff at some point - all you need to know is that they were all amazing!
In this post I'm going to do an overview of my favourite (and not so favourite) things I've done in London over the last month or so. I'm pretty happy with the activities I managed to fit in, I've been sick twice!!
I'll also try to write about my trips to Poland, Czech Republic, the Cotswolds, and Cardiff at some point - all you need to know is that they were all amazing!
Hampton Court Palace - my #1 activity
We ventured out west a few weeks ago to visit Hampton Court Palace - and I loved it! After a delicious and extremely cheap brunch at Portofino in Richmond, we got the bus to Hampton Court Palace. The bus ride was lovely by the way - and we saw deer from the bus!
Hampton Court Palace was amazing. It was sheer opulence. We were there for two hours and didn't see it all, so make sure you dedicate some decent time to it. I think my favourite was the weapon's room in King William III's apartments - the are knives and guns stuck to the walls and roofs in intricate patterns. I also loved the grand staircase. There is also large amount of art in these apartments. Apparently there is a Rembrandt in here somewhere but I couldn't find it. Also, don't miss the beds! How I wish I had one of those. Prepare for a photo onslaught....
Hampton Court Palace was amazing. It was sheer opulence. We were there for two hours and didn't see it all, so make sure you dedicate some decent time to it. I think my favourite was the weapon's room in King William III's apartments - the are knives and guns stuck to the walls and roofs in intricate patterns. I also loved the grand staircase. There is also large amount of art in these apartments. Apparently there is a Rembrandt in here somewhere but I couldn't find it. Also, don't miss the beds! How I wish I had one of those. Prepare for a photo onslaught....
We were lucky enough to be there while the BBC Goodfood festival was on, so after a lot of exploring and gift shop gazing, we headed out to the gardens for some refreshments. The gardens are breathtaking. So much colour. There was live music and numerous stalls so I was pretty happy we randomly decided to go while there was a festival on. That's the thing about London, you go somewhere and there 'just happens' to be a festival on - in NZ you would've been aware of its upcoming presence months ago!
After walking through the Privy Garden which has been beautifully restored, we headed back in to go through King Henry VIII's apartments. Don't get excited about seeing his crown by the way - it's just a replica. The Tudor kitchen's are worth seeing too.
After we'd exhausted ourselves exploring as many rooms as we could, we headed over to the magic garden and the maze. Do not go to the magic garden. Unless you have children. It's a playground. Do go to the maze though! We did in about 15 mins - we're so smart! (....lucky). If you're out in West London definitely visit Hampton Court. It's about £20, but well worth it.
After walking through the Privy Garden which has been beautifully restored, we headed back in to go through King Henry VIII's apartments. Don't get excited about seeing his crown by the way - it's just a replica. The Tudor kitchen's are worth seeing too.
After we'd exhausted ourselves exploring as many rooms as we could, we headed over to the magic garden and the maze. Do not go to the magic garden. Unless you have children. It's a playground. Do go to the maze though! We did in about 15 mins - we're so smart! (....lucky). If you're out in West London definitely visit Hampton Court. It's about £20, but well worth it.
Pub of the month - Old Suffolk Punch
My favourite pub has to be Old Suffolk Punch on Fulham Palace Road - I'm not sure why because it's nothing unique. But they have good beers, good food, and a good atmosphere. I always judge a pub on whether I feel comfortable chilling there by myself, and I definitely do at the Old Suffolk. Plus, their fried chicken buttermilk burger is amazing. Also, they have board games! And a cat! It's a great place for a relaxed after work beverage...I suspect it'll become my local. Though the Pear Tree is nice too. And The Distillers.... too many choices!
Curry of the month - Lahore Kebab House
So, all I've wanted since I've arrived in London is a decent curry. Everyone told me you can't get good curries in London and I was starting to believe them...but finally, success! After meeting some people of Indian origin at the Great British Beer Festival, who I hassled until they told me the best curry place in London, we ventured out to Whitechapel one evening after work.
The restaurant we were headed for is called Lahore. It's technically a Pakistani restaurant, but close enough. It is a no frills, no alcohol type of joint and I was feeling sceptical. But miraculously I was proved wrong! I got the Saag and it was mouth-wateringly delicious. Everyone else had delectable curries too. And we got free salad to start! (Ok the salad wasn't very nice, but it was free). We also were able to get wine from over the road and bring it in...I do regret that part...
There was a wide variety of curries - not just your typical tikka masala! This was definitely the best curry I've had so far, I can't wait to go back.
The restaurant we were headed for is called Lahore. It's technically a Pakistani restaurant, but close enough. It is a no frills, no alcohol type of joint and I was feeling sceptical. But miraculously I was proved wrong! I got the Saag and it was mouth-wateringly delicious. Everyone else had delectable curries too. And we got free salad to start! (Ok the salad wasn't very nice, but it was free). We also were able to get wine from over the road and bring it in...I do regret that part...
There was a wide variety of curries - not just your typical tikka masala! This was definitely the best curry I've had so far, I can't wait to go back.
Biggest letdown of the month - Friendsfest
First of all I want you to know this cost £25. £25! Thats $50 NZ (yes one day I'll stop converting back all the time). So I was expecting a fun-filled afternoon of hanging out on different sets from the TV show Friends. I thought I was going to sit and have a coffee in Central Perk! But no. Oh the disappointment.
I dragged myself out of my deathbed (I had been sick all weekend) and made the trek to Chiswick. We arrived and I looked around, trying to suss out where to go first, but it quickly became apparent that no matter where we went, we were going to be waiting in long lines. Waiting in lines for what you ask? Waiting in lines to get your photo taken on different sets. I'm not sure about you, but my idea of a good time isn't waiting in line for 30 minutes to get rushed through a photoshoot.
Alas, we waited in line for Central Perk to see what all the fuss was about and were rushed through in about 30 seconds. It was stressful! The photos do look cool...but....it was boring! We got to stand behind the coffee counter and sit on the couch. We then went over to Joey and Chandler's apartment because the line wasn't too long, got more photos, then went over to the line for Monica and Rachel's apartment. The line was at least an hour long! Who are these people that will wait in line for an hour for a photo!? I mean, I love Friends, but...an hour? It's London - an hour is precious! So we gave up and left. I still feel confused by it...why does it sell out so fast? Why are so many people happy to wait in lines?
I dragged myself out of my deathbed (I had been sick all weekend) and made the trek to Chiswick. We arrived and I looked around, trying to suss out where to go first, but it quickly became apparent that no matter where we went, we were going to be waiting in long lines. Waiting in lines for what you ask? Waiting in lines to get your photo taken on different sets. I'm not sure about you, but my idea of a good time isn't waiting in line for 30 minutes to get rushed through a photoshoot.
Alas, we waited in line for Central Perk to see what all the fuss was about and were rushed through in about 30 seconds. It was stressful! The photos do look cool...but....it was boring! We got to stand behind the coffee counter and sit on the couch. We then went over to Joey and Chandler's apartment because the line wasn't too long, got more photos, then went over to the line for Monica and Rachel's apartment. The line was at least an hour long! Who are these people that will wait in line for an hour for a photo!? I mean, I love Friends, but...an hour? It's London - an hour is precious! So we gave up and left. I still feel confused by it...why does it sell out so fast? Why are so many people happy to wait in lines?
Runner up for biggest letdown of the month was the Great British Beer Festival - Campaign for Real Ales. So when we planned to do this I didn't notice the 'Campaign for Real Ales' bit on the end. That should've told me everything. It was held at Olympia on a sunny Friday after work. We ventured in and grabbed our first pint. Blerk! We accidentally got warm, flat, British beer! It's ok though, next time we'll get a 'normal' beer. NOPE! They are all 'real' British Ales....warm and flat and disgusting. Why do they even exist?
After choking down our real ales, we eventually found the international section which had some drinkable German beers - thank god. They weren't great but better than the alternative.
Apart from the shitty beer, the festival was actually a really good time. There was loads of different foods to try and the band was pretty entertaining. It was still a way better deal than FriendsFail.
After choking down our real ales, we eventually found the international section which had some drinkable German beers - thank god. They weren't great but better than the alternative.
Apart from the shitty beer, the festival was actually a really good time. There was loads of different foods to try and the band was pretty entertaining. It was still a way better deal than FriendsFail.
Best drinking area - Kingly Court
This is my new favourite drinking area I think. Located in Carnaby in Central London, Kingly Court is a vibrant area of various pubs, restaurants and shops. Everyone's chilling out having drinks afterwork, my kind of place. Plus - there are pretty lights. Expensive though, and it's so popular it can be hard to get a seat.
Best carnival - Notting Hill
Ok, ok, I only went to one carnival - but I'm still sure it was the best! Notting Hill was an experience that's for sure. I've never seen so much skin on a Monday morning!
It was as crazy as I expected. It seems there are no rules. It's hot and colourful and amazing. The mood is jovial - everyone is having the time of their lives and no one gives an f what anyone thinks about them. You can walk around with beers and admire all the dazzling costumes, while stopping off for some jerk chicken. There are loads of stalls with many different West-Indian treats to buy.
The worst part are the toilets - I paid £3 for a toilet at one point. People open their houses up and let you use their toilets for a fee - not a bad plan! Can't wait to go again next year!
Also, as a side note, there is always so much media hype about all the stabbings that happen - these usually happen after dark and are gang-related - you're not going to randomly get stabbed in the middle of the day!
It was as crazy as I expected. It seems there are no rules. It's hot and colourful and amazing. The mood is jovial - everyone is having the time of their lives and no one gives an f what anyone thinks about them. You can walk around with beers and admire all the dazzling costumes, while stopping off for some jerk chicken. There are loads of stalls with many different West-Indian treats to buy.
The worst part are the toilets - I paid £3 for a toilet at one point. People open their houses up and let you use their toilets for a fee - not a bad plan! Can't wait to go again next year!
Also, as a side note, there is always so much media hype about all the stabbings that happen - these usually happen after dark and are gang-related - you're not going to randomly get stabbed in the middle of the day!
Best fire - London burning on the Thames
During my 'sick' weekend as I'll call it, I managed to make it out of bed again - this time for the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London. We made our way to a packed Thames-side and jostled the crowds for a good spot to watch the 120m wooden replica of London afloat on the Thames be set on fire. People apparently love watching things get set on fire - there were a lot of people there. It was pretty magnificent though and I'm glad I got to witness this historic event.
Best spontaneous activity
This goes to West Brompton Cemetery. While walking from West Kensington to Chelsea, on our way to the Daunt bookshop, we decided to cut through West Brompton Cemetery. I'm so glad we did! We wandered around for awhile and I thought 'hmm this isn't that much cooler than my cemetery (Margravine)' but then you reach the middle and man, it's stunning! There's not really much I can add here...so just check out the photos.
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