Travel

London – You are such a Beauty

Harrods London

If I had to choose my favorite City in Europe to live or to spend a few days, I would always choose London. London is for me one of the most coolest cities in Europe or in the world. And because my last trip to London was more than 1 year ago I decided to spend a few days in this vibrant city and to visit some friends there. 

I stayed at the beautiful hotel called Corinthia which was just perfect. The hotel has a great location, an excellent service and an amazing SPA where you can relax after a long day in the city. I think it is not so easy to find a stylish, but well located hotel in London where your room has also the size of a room and not a storeroom – and the Corinthia Hotel has exactly all of this. It is definitely worth a visit. I think that it is one of the best hotels in London. 

Corinthia Hotel

 

Corinthia London

Because it was not my first time in London and I had seen most of the sightseeing things I just wanted to enjoy London, try some new restaurants, do some shopping and to just walking around. 

London

One of London’s greatest restaurants has been for a while on my bucket list – Barrafina. This is a Tapas-Styled restaurant with amazing food. Barrafina has meanwhile three restaurants in London. But the system is always the same: an open kitchen area, a bar where guests can sit and watch the chefs at work, a very cool atmosphere and just mind-blowing food. We had our dinner at the Barrafina Firth Street.

Barrafina London Menu

Barrafina London

There is only one “negative” thing about the restaurant – you can’t make a reservation. So you have to plan with waiting time and to stand in the line. I think that we waited approx 45min to get our seat. But it is not that bad, because you can order some drinks (some very good drinks) and also some appetizers during you are waiting. And because there are also other people who are waiting for a seat, you will get very easy in contact with them (and get maybe some great insider tips for an after-dinner drinks location ;-). The waiting time is more than worth it. The food sounds maybe simple, but is so good and so tasty that you will definitely want to come back. 

My two favorite dishes were the Tuna Tatare and the Tortilla – so yummy. But I think almost everything on their menu is amazing.

Barrafina London

Barrafina London

After a successful shopping day I wanted to have a quick lunch – but a yummy lunch. At Harrods you can’t only shop a lot of great things (or do more windows shopping 😉 ) but you can also find some delicious food at the Harrods Food Hall. I love Food Halls and this is a real exquisite one. So many different kind of foods from indian cuisine to dim sums or tasty deserts like macaroons or delicious cakes. You can find almost everything there. I also liked the food hall interior. It reminds me of the old-school english shops. I think Harrods Food Hall is a nice alternative to a lunch restaurant. Give it a try.

Harrods London

Harrods London

Harrods London

Harrods London

Now I can’t keep my everlasting favorite restaurant from you. It is the lovely Nobu. But before this yummy dinner at Nobu started I met my friends at another great location for some pre-dinner drinks – at the Shard. If you are looking for a location with an ultimate view over London and some sparkling drinks, this is definitely the right choice. You will have an almost 360-degree panoramic view. What do you want more before the party started (Unfortunately I forgot to make some photos – I am so sorry).

After some delicious (maybe too delicious) drinks at the Aqua Bar at Shard we went to the fabulous Nobu Park Lane. I will make it this time short. Everything, really everything from the menu is extraordinary. It is always so hard to choose something because everything is delicious. But good that at this restaurant you share your dishes, so you will always have an excuse to order more 😉

Nobu London

Nobu London

Even I was a few times before in London and have done a lot of sightseeing, there was always one typically thing for London and Great Britain which I have never done before – their holy Afternoon Tea. But this time I have done my research. In almost every hotel, restaurant, bar etc. you can find a great Afternoon Tea offer. It just depends on your interests. Do you want the modern version or do you prefer an Afternoon Tea outside in a nice garden or do you want the classic version. I was looking for the classical Afternoon Tea, because I love the british traditions. I wanted an Afternoon Tea as much authentic and old school as possible – and I found it at the stunning Hotel Café Royal. Their Afternoon Tea took place at this spectacular and full of history room called Oscar Wilde Bar. 

Oscar Wilde Bar

The Oscar Wilde Bar is just mind-blowing. Originally established in 1865 you can just see and feel the history. In my opinion it is one of the best places in London to have a “historical” Afternoon Tea. Especially when the toastmaster stepped into the room to welcome the guests, recite a romantically poem or to tell you at which table Oscar Wilde was sitting. And all of this happens while you are enjoying a tea and the delicious Blattenberg cake or your scones. I would say a traditional Bull’s eye 🙂

Oscar Wilde Bar

Oscar Wilde Bar

Oscar Wilde Bar

I think I worked through my London list:

  • Enjoying London – Check
  • Do some shopping – Check
  • Go for a Walk – Check
  • Try some delicious new restaurants – Definitely Check

London was as usual just perfect (even the weather was very nice) !! It is for me my little european New York because you can experience so many things there. It has the perfect mix between tradition and modernity. I am pretty sure that I will plan my next visit in the next few months. And because I’m still in the “Oscar Wilde mood” I would like to share with you one of my favorite quotes from him:

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist – that is all. -Oscar Wilde