London life highlights

It’s been one very long month since I left the love of my life, London. Finding my feet in Brisbane (Australia) has been fun but I constantly find myself looking through my photos and reminiscing about the past two years in London – the amazing friends made, the crazy adventures had and of course the unforgettable memories. From word go I knew my time was short and I made every waking moment count. To all those peeps that have a limited time in this wonderful city, here is my things to do while living in London (narrowed down to 7, which was quite challenging)-

Royal Ascot Races

Royal Ascot is one of the most important and prestigious racing carnivals in the world. Take this opportunity to dress up in your finest outfit to impress the Queen, horses and other stylish punters. Tickets run out early so grab your Royal Grandstand ticket quick smart so you don’t miss out on a truly remarkable day out.

The Queen at Royal Ascot Races

A packed out grandstand in anticipation for the big race

Dine at a pop up restaurant

Pop up restaurants are a foreign concept to my hometown, so while in London I’ve tried to take advantage of the range of pop restaurants and secret experiences that London puts on. From secret locations, secret menus and secret experiences, pop up venues are a great night out. Get on organiser’s mailing lists to receive exclusive invites and pre-sale tickets. Here’s a list of a few that I’ve tried or heard about –

Pret a diner – Exclusive and swanky venues with changing themes and concepts. Very sophisticated with fashionable Mayfair locations attracting a cosmopolitan crowd.

‘Italians do it best’ – Pret a Diner pop up restaurant in Mayfair

Gingerline – Venue located within 5 minutes walk from the Gingerline (London overground), you’ll be informed of the location 60 minutes before the event starts. Edgier East London experience.

Secret Cinema – For this one you basically don’t know anything but the fact that you will be watching a film at some point in the evening. A fun and energetic alternative to a boring date to the cinema, let the organisers entertain you and slowly unravel what film you’ll be watching.

Selfridges Summer Rooftop Event – Last year it was crazy golf and 2011 they installed a boating lake and cocktail bar, I wonder what they will transform Selfridges Rooftop into this summer? Don’t forget to check out the magnificent views of London will you’re up there.

A challenging crazy golf hole over the Tower Bridge

Henley Royal Regatta

Like Royal Ascot, Henley Royal Regatta has been a traditional event since 1839. Although you won’t be able to wear your school blazer (don’t even know where mine is), dress up elegantly for a great day in the sun sipping on champagne while you watch rowers from around the world participate in the regatta along the Thames. Go team Cambridge!

Rowers at Royal Henley Regatta

Rambling in the English countryside

Very English and very fun! Grab your wellies and a copy of Time out’s english walks book for a guide to the many countryside walks in the UK. Refer to my blob post A walk to remember for more information.

English countryside Rambling

Heston’s ‘The Fat Duck’ Restaurant

I could have eaten out every night in London and still wouldn’t have come close to trying every restaurant in this crazy city. With so many Michelin starred, celebrity and concept restaurants to boast about, London is a foodies idea of heaven. While it’s on your doorstep a splash out at a Michelin or celebrity restaurant is mandatory. If you have £600 flying around, I’d strongly recommend investing it into your stomach in an unbelievable experience at Heston Blumental’s The Fat Duck Restaurant. If you want to learn more check out my blog on our night at this outstanding 3 Michelin starred restaurant. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Searching in the Woods for Truffles

Boat trip to Greenwich

On to a more touristy must, set you watch to exactly the right time (GMT) at Greenwich. On a lazy sunday when you don’t have any plans and the sun is smiling, head into embankment and hop on the boat down to Greenwich. It is no doubt the best way to travel to Greenwich while gaining a history lesson and learning about the famous buildings along the river Thames. Once at Greenwich the sunday markets is a great place to grab some international cuisine before you climb the hill to the Greenwich line and the lookout offering stunning panorama views of the city of London.

Greenwich Line

Traditional Afternoon Tea

Thanks to Anna the 7th duchess of Bedford, the idea of indulging in some tea and light snacks in the afternoon has become an English tradition, simply one of the best inventions ever. A visit to a prestigious hotel in Mayfair for an afternoon tea needs to be done at least once in one’s life. From traditional afternoon tea at the Ritz, Dorchester, Worsley or Anthaeuthum to a fashion spin on the popular pastime at The Berkeley Hotel there are so many options for High Tea in London. Grab the ladies and book well in advance (3 months) to enjoy some scones, sandwiches, tea and of course the latest gossip.

Pret-a-Portea

Dorchester High Tea

The elegant, grand tearoom at the Ritz