Two Weeks In London
FUELED BY THE POWER OF FREEDOM & FRIENDSHIP
(la liberté, la fraternité, n’est-ce que pas?)
My best friend, Megan, has lived in London somewhat on again and off again for the past decade plus. Her last move was pretty permanent; she moved from New York with her husband and their daughter Genevieve in 2018, right after I moved from New York to Denver. I’ve only seen her a handful of times since then and mostly for quick long weekend rendezvous with our college group of girlfriends and then one time here in London after her son Theo was born in late 2019. This is not the best pic of us, but it’s one of very few we took in London together. We were too busy catching up!
My London Routine
I’ve fallen into a pretty nice routine: Around 7 am, I’m roused by the sound of Genevieve and Theo’s giggles as they open the door to my room where I’m feigning sleep and scrolling on my phone. I head upstairs with them and I braid (or platte) Genevieve’s hair every morning for school. On the best mornings, I get to take Genevieve to school myself where she expertly weaves her way to the tube and to school. As soon as we get close to the schoolyard door, she’s off, without so much as a wave or a goodbye – much like myself at that age.
From there, my day revolves around two things: Which yoga studio I’m going to select from my free 30-day ClassPass account and which neighborhood is in or adjacent to that studio for the day’s exploration.
Lunch is also a highlight of the day: I choose a pub or recommended lunch spot for my post-yoga meal and enjoy it leisurely with my journal and a book, and almost always a glass of rosé. Being back in a city, particularly one with such easy charm, has been revitalizing. I didn’t realize how much I missed the ease and pulse of city life, walking everywhere, navigating the tube, and discovering new neighborhoods and mews. I head back to Pimlico to the Adams house around 4 or 5 pm, typically after having walked at least five miles and sometimes up to ten (there you are, glutes!).
As far as how I’m settling into travel and easing myself out of the doldrums of reality: I feel present, I have more energy, and I’m immensely grateful for this opportunity to spend real time with Megan and her family. Thank you, Adams!
Here are some of the highlights of the past two weeks in London:
Belgravia: I’ll start with my new favorite neighborhood. Its chic charm and blooming florals are beautiful. I want to bring flowers home every day. Being so close to Holland, the street bouquets are just so much better here!
Thomas Cubitt Pub: Went here for my first meal, straight off the redeye. Had a juicy, flavorful burger and the fries were oh-so-worthy.
Bayley & Sage: Their flower bouquets are my favorite and so are their selections of fresh produce. Grabbed some Dutch strawberries the other day and wandered my way home eating the sweet fruits along the way.
Soho, Chinatown & Covent Garden: Spent a few days here weaving through these neighborhoods.
Café Bohème: While my Soho House Friends membership didn’t work on this particular day for the discount benefit, Megan recommended this one. I had a croque monsieur, rosé and a lovely read listening to live music. I will say that my new Soho Friends membership didn’t do a whole lot for me at Café Bohème or anywhere else for that matter.
Dumpling Legend: I met Charlie Palmer’s (my old boss and mentor) son Reed for a dim sum lunch one day. Reed’s here apprenticing in London restaurants and was far better equipped to order dim sum than me. The pork xiang long bao (or soup dumplings) are the best things on the menu.
House of MinaLima: Most people know I’m a huge nerd of a Harry Potter fan, so I had to head into the graphic art gallery of Potterland.
Museum Recs: I went to a few museums and galleries on my walkabouts; my two faves were:
Raphael Exhibit at the National Galleries: it’s pretty incredible to witness one of the masters of Renaissance art up close and personal. Raphael’s rise to fame was early on in life and you can witness his evolution from those early days until his death at the age of 38.
Wallace Collection: After reading this month’s Hemisphere’s article on three perfect days in London, I went for it. The current exhibit is 16th and 17th century French art and furniture’s influence on Disney films.
Notting Hill & Portobello Road
I went there (twice) on weekdays, so the crowds are less but the same chachke remain.
I found a Spanish grocery store though at the very end of Portobello Road, which was instrumental in our Cinqo de Mayo meal - corn tortillas, tortilla warmer and Tajin spice!
Walking & Wandering:
I walked close to 20,000 steps a day, clocking about 6-10 miles daily. We were joking that Google maps should give you two options - the most direct route and the most charming route. I walked through most corners of Hyde Park which was great for some green space time, although less great for the spring pollen intake. Walking a city is the best way to get to know it a bit more intimately, so if you have more than a few days to explore, take the scenic route!
Next up: A weekend in Bruges, followed by Paris!
