The gals and I planned a Euro trip to London to see Cathy, our friend who moved there when she didn't win the lottery after her U.S. visa expired. Since we were going to be in Europe, we decided to add a couple of other destinations such as Dubrovnik and Amsterdam.
I've never been anywhere in Europe outside of England so am very excited for this trip! The last time I went to London was during my junior year of college, and I was there with family.
HOTEL
We stayed at the Marriott Hotel Maida Vale in North West London. Since Catherine had just arrived in the London and recently started working again, she didn't want to immediately take vacation days, so we also worked out of the office for a couple of days with her. Although the hotel is near the Euston train station and Kilburn Park underground station, it was still a bit of a hassle to get to the London office close to the Bank of England. The commute was over 45 minutes and got more and more packed as we got closer.
ACTIVITIES
When in London, you just have to treat yo'self and participate in the British tradition of afternoon tea! It's so lovely to sit down with the girls and enjoy an afternoon treat of tea, sandwiches, scones, and cake.
There are many options to choose from but we decided on the Mad Hatter's Afternoon Tea served at The Restaurant at the Sanderson, a five star luxury boutique hotel in the heart of London's West End. Drawing upon inspiration from Alice in Wonderland, Sanderson "invites you to tumble down the rabbit hole and discover a tea party beyond your wildest imagination."
I loved the sweet and savory treats that complimented each other nicely including the warm scones, Queen of Hearts Rose and Strawberry Jammy Dodger, Mad March Hare Vanilla Pocket Watch Macaroon, Smoked Salmon Scotch Quail Egg with Caviar and Cream Cheese (this one was my favorite savory item!), and Stack of King of Hearts Ham and Parmesan Croque-Monsieur. These all paired nicely with the Alice-inspired tea infusion of your choosing as well as Alice’s Exotic Fruits “Drink Me” potion (orange-colored juice that came in a small glass bottle).
FOOD
Tbh I've always agreed with the joke that British food is terrible. I don't think I liked a single thing I ate when I visited with my dad and sister. This time, however, we had some really good meals, and I would definitely recommend these restaurants if you go!
Cacio & Pepe
Cacio & Pepe is a casually elegant Italian restaurant, and their food is so yummy! Their signature dish is the fresh tagliolini Cacio e Pepe style in a parmesan basket, which was super fun and unique.
The Grazing Goat Public House & Hotel
The Grazing Goat is a warm, rustic gastro pub that boasts itself a "hidden gem offering the best Sunday roast Marylebone can offer," and it definitely is worthy of the title. The Sunday roast is a traditional British main meal typically served on Sunday and consisting of roasted meat, roast or mashed potatoes, and sides such as Yorkshire pudding and gravy. I've never been a big meat eater, but I would say I enjoy the occasional good steak or lamb chop, and I really liked their roast beef served with roast potatoes, their homemade Yorkshire pudding, root vegetables, broccoli and gravy.
HOP
It has been drizzling or downright pouring since we've arrived in London, and it's the type of rainy day that leaves you cold all day. I wanted to grab something that would warm me up but was still semi-healthy and quick around the office during our lunch break. My friends from work brought me to HOP, which features Vietnamese street eats for those on a serious time budget.
OUTFIT DETAILS
I know it's past the time when it's acceptable to wear white jeans, but I just love them too much so had to wear them for the last time this season. I bought mine from American Eagle probably about 3 years ago at this point, so I'm linking a similar pair from Levi's that I've been digging: the Wedgie Fit Straight Women's Jeans. I like a more cropped look where the cut-off hem is clearly visible so the 23 Waist and 26 Length fits me best.
I paired them with the Alice Faux Shearling Trimmed Denim Jacket from The Fifth Label, which is currently sold out. I love how lightweight the jacket is, and it still keeps me warm in the foggy London weather! The Original Sherpa Trucker Jacket from Levi's is very similar and equally as wearable.
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