London - Possibly the most diverse and different city in the whole world.
We all from time to time feel the vibes of London pulling it up, sideways, down from where we currently reside.
This weekend just gone, I gave into mine and hit "The Big City".
I am not all that knowledgable about London however, the bonus I have is I know people in London. So the hidden gems within the huge metropolis get reveled to an outsider.
I stayed within the busy hub of Shepherds Bush, where my gorgeous friend Ciara lives.
Favourite within Shepherds Bush:
Everyone will know of the main attraction in this small area, the Empire where legends have graced the stages and played there beautiful music.
(Small Clip of the BEAUTIFUL Ben Howard playing live.)
But really, Shepherds Bush to me is relatively unknown.
Favourite Hidden Foodery:
For a quiet night in with the girls, and a couple of glasses of wine. Forget the Pizza, forget the chinese, and indian food.
Hit up some Lebanese food at Al Sultan.
I enjoyed cous cous, breads, houmous and lamb tangine. Incredible!
What I loved about the food hear was it was filling but not so filling I felt like I had to explode afterwards.
Yum city.
Favourite Free Attraction:
When arriving at London, your bombarded with things to pay for; Oyster, cabs, food, drink, not mention if you have to have a hotel.
So it is a rarity that you can find a fun attraction that cost £0!
MARKETS
(Not all of them are open every day so check which ones are here).
We graced the streets of the highly popular Portobello Road. Full of vintage furs, paintings and jewellery.
Be aware that one Fridays and Saturdays, it is mega busy so stall holders take advantage of this and bump up prices, but there is an option to haggle the prices down.
For me it was free, I didn't need to buy anything but still had such a good time. Taking in the sights, smells and textures of everything that was around me.
Favourite Drink Stop:
It's hard working pounding the ground round London, so to keep our strength up we found a drinks shop which is out of this world.
The concept is different and not to everyones taste.
With a Green or Jasmin Tea base you can have a milky flavour or fruit flavour.
What makes it special is at the bottom there are jelly bits (which when the shoot up your straw make you jump) that taste of a different flavour.
We had Passionfruit with Lychee Jelly - UNREAL.
The black bits at the bottom are the jelly bits! So yummy.
Find them on, Pembridge Road - Notting Hill. Also at some other locations in London.
Favourite Base:
So I'm not a big one for clubs and night clubs. But when in the big city I embrace my inner clubber and try out different places.
Of course my recommendation will be pointless to you if you hate the music so tred with care.
A friends birthday took us to the depths of East London in Shoreditch.
Village Underground, based in a deserted Warehouse is a venue that hosts, Art, Theatre and Club Nights.
The event that was on that evening was called PING. A new concept to me, Ping Pong tables in one section of the room, a DJ and dance floor in the other.
SO MUCH FUN.
Music Genre will be different for each event, so make sure you check whats on. We experience some great House Music with some 80's classic thrown into the mix. Again not something I would usually enjoy but it was fantastic.
Music was along a similar line to this track - LOVE IT.
Favourite Re-Charge:
After a big night out, your head is sore and loud noises are upsetting.
So re-charge your batteries with BRUNCH. So underestimated.
In Shepherds Bush - head down the road to The Hummingbird Cafe a cute little cafe that will knock your socks off with cuteness.
Divine.
Very reasonable prices. But BOOK. It is a tiny little place and really fills up quickly.
So now it is time for a goodbye.
Before I go thought, here are my must 3 apps to have when in London.
Voucher Cloud
FREE - Find local discounts and offers. A MUST if you're on a budget.
It'll be useful when you get home as well.
Tube Map - Free
Will show you the route, time, and lines you need to take when using the confusing tube.
Google Maps - Free
If your out late and the tubes have stopped use google maps to help you with the Night Buses or your walk home.
It'll help you find the small destinations that are not right there and obvious.
Above and Beyond:
My biggest recommendation for London is that your open to new things.
Everything is different and DO experience new things.
Above all else. GET AN OYSTER CARD!!
Happy Friday
xoxox
Credit to: Ciara Hinton for her personal photography skills. Follow her on instgram @ciarahinton
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