This past December, one of our IBT Girls picked up her Southern California roots and planted them all the way across the pond in London. She traded in her sandals for wellies and her car for double-decker buses and the Tube. Over the past five months, she’s been exploring the streets of one of our favorite cities, stopping for Instagram-worthy eats and pretty sights. Today, she’s sharing her weekend travel guide to London, minus your typical tourist attractions, to give us a taste of London, local style.
Saturday
9:00 AM Breakfast @ The Wolsley
The Wolsley is one of my favorite places to stop for any meal of the day, but I especially love their breakfast. Located right off Piccadilly Circus, the grand restaurant captures the essence of London with its luxe art deco decor, friendly waitstaff, and traditional menu. My breakfast picks are the Caramelized Pink Grapefruit and Pancakes with Berries. If possible, ask for a table on the balcony level, as it’s fun to look down on the restaurant and people watch. I hear Posh Spice herself is a regular!
The Wolsley-160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EA
10:30 AM Hampton Court Palace
Just 35 minutes outside London lies the historic and stunning Hampton Court Palace. Hop on the train from Waterloo Station to Hampton Court and spend a few hours taking in Henry VIII and William III’s ornate apartments with an audioguide. The best part of the palace though is the extensive gardens created to rival that of Versailles. Before you leave, be sure to take a wander through the Hampton Court Maze. Just don’t get lost!
Hampton Court Palace-Surrey KT8 9AU
2:30 PM Borough Market
Food vendors from across the UK gather at Borough Market to sell the freshest produce, fish, meats, cheeses, spices, etc. Get ready for a sensory overload from the vast range of colors and smells from the hundreds of stalls. Be sure to try lots of samples, especially of the truffle honey! My favorite stalls are Kappacasein, which serves up the world’s best grilled cheese and La tua Pasta, which serves up a variety of fresh, homemade pastas that are to die for!
Borough Market- 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
3:30 PM The Southbank/The Tate Modern Museum
After stuffing yourself silly, walk along the Southbank and take in the views of the Thames. If you’re a fan of contemporary art, I highly recommend dropping into The Tate Modern Museum. There’s plenty of traditional pubs along the Southbank if you prefer a craft beer instead!
The Tate Modern Museum-Bankside, London SE1 9TG
7:30 PM A Midsummer’s Night Dream @ Shakespeare’s Globe
In the summer months, Shakespeare’s Globe puts on incredible productions in the historic open air replica. I am in love with with the modern interpretation of A Midsummer’s Night Dream currently playing! Standing tickets in the Yard are only £5 and allow you to interact with the cast throughout the show.
Shakespeare’s Globe- 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
Sunday
11:00 AM Brunch @ Farm Girl Cafe
Brunch is a universal love language that is proven by the Avocado Toast and Farm Salad from Farm Girl Cafe. The cute and cozy cafe lies right off the infamous Portobello Road and is a favorite Sunday spot of mine. I cannot get enough of their Rose Lattes!
Farm Girl Cafe-59a Portobello Road, London W11 3DB
12:00 PM Portobello Road Market & Notting Hill
After brunch, take a stroll down Portobello Road for a fix of antiques and fun finds from local vendors. I’ve picked up some great jewelry here, as well as trinkets for my friends and family. I love walking down this street and seeing the colorful houses that are quintessential Notting Hill. When you get to the end of the market, pop into Biscuiteers, the cutest cookie boutique you ever did see. I promise you won’t be able to leave without getting one of their personalized cookies!
Portobello Road Market-65 Portobello Road, London W11 2QB
Biscuiteers-194 Kensington Park Road, London W11 2ES
3:00 PM Selfridge’s & Liberty
No trip to London is complete without shopping! Spend the remainder of your Sunday afternoon “shopping ‘til you drop” at my favorite department stores Selfridge’s and Liberty.
Just 10-minutes apart from each other in the heart of Oxford Circus, both stores offer just about everything you can think of from clothing to beauty products to stationery to food! My favorite find at Liberty is the Liberty x Häagen-Dazs collaboration which includes two exclusive ice cream flavors- Lychee Raspberry Rose and Apricot Lavender! The perfect summer treat!!
Selfridges- 400 Oxford Street, London W1U 1AB
Liberty-Regent Street, London W1B 5AH
5:00 PM-Dinner @ Barrafina
Finally, end your weekend with a stop into Barrafina, a modern Spanish tapas bar with a constantly evolving menu to ensure that you are only being served the freshest of the fresh. The intimate dining experience gathers you around a marble bar facing into the open kitchen that allows you to watch your food be prepared right in front of you. My dining experience at Barrafina has been one of the best meals I’ve ever had to date!
Barrafina-43 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5AJ
Looking for a local getaway? Nashville or San Diego are great options!
wow this makes me want to go back to London immediately!
Hold on while I grab my passport!
Major wanderlust! I just want to be transported there right away!
I can’t wait to go!
You need to! London is a dream!
Same here!! Our IBT girls have a strong case of wanderlust as well.
Right with ya!
We’re so glad! London is a pretty wonderful place.
This makes me want to go so badly!
going this fall! can’t wait!!
Right? We want to hop on a plane right now!
So exciting!! We wish you the best travels and adventures!