A Weekend in London

by unastravelboutique

I love London! I was born here and have lived here most of my life, other than a few years spent living in Berlin, New York and Los Angeles. It is such a diverse and vibrant city and has something to offer absolutely everyone. I can’t get over how green this city is; there are parks everywhere! There is so much to do in this town and needless to say, I could write an entire book full of London tips. I have, however, narrowed down my ideas to create the ultimate unique guide for those of you who are planning a short visit during the warmer months, are eager to experience the true vibe of London and do not want to be just another tourist in this town.

STAY
There are so many places to stay in London and it can be quite overwhelming when trying to select a bed for the night. Below is a list of my favourite boutique hotels. I have also compiled a list of suitable Airbnbs in good locations.

The Rookery
This quirky boutique hotel is located down a quiet lane in the heart of Clerkenwell. Made up of a few Georgian buildings it makes the perfect bolt hole for a weekend in this city. It is close to the restaurants, bars and clubs of Farringdon, St Pauls Cathedral, The Barbican and The Tate Modern.

The Town Hall Hotel
This grand hotel which, as the name suggests, is a former town hall and is situated in Bethnal Green; in the heart of the East End. It has two enticing restaurants, a funky bar and is close to some of London’s more unique spots.

The Zetter Townhouse
A fabulous 13 bedroom Georgian townhouse located in Clerkenwell with a renowned award winning cocktail bar. Rent an apartment, a club room or hire the whole place if you like!

Hazlitts
This unique boutique hotel, which is owned by the same group who own The Rookery, is in the heart of Soho.

Dean Street Townhouse
A lovely 39 bedroom townhouse with a fantastic restaurant in Soho.

Airbnb
Click on the link to view the best Airbnbs for a weekend stay in London.

FRIDAY NIGHT
Drink and Dine out at one of the following places:

Grab a drink at the Shoreditch pub The Owl and the Pussycat on Redchurch Street and then eat at the delicious French restaurant, Brawn, a short walk away on Colombia Road.

Drink and dine at the Mediterranean influenced restaurant, Moro, or its sister restaurant, Morito, on Exmouth Market in Islington.

Drink and dine at the delicious Jose Tapas Bar or Pizarro Restaurant in Bermondsey.

Grab a pint at the buzzy Duke of York pub in Fitzrovia then eat at the Japanese restaurant, Roka, around the corner on Charlotte Street.

Below are some options of what to do on Saturday and Sunday.  Obviously, you can’t do it all, so pick a couple of things to do each day and enjoy…..

SATURDAY
Hang out at the Tow Path Cafe on the Regents Canal and then walk along the canal, stopping off at Broadway Market to take a look at the market stalls. Head off again along the canal until you get to Victoria Park. Have lunch at The Empress pub.

Visit the Tate Modern, have lunch at the restaurant on the 6th floor or head over to Borough Market and pick up something to eat from one of the many enticing food stalls. Walk along the Thames to Waterloo Bridge and watch life go by.

Hang out in Notting Hill, walk down Portobello Road, have lunch at The Dock Kitchen then take a walk through Hyde Park, taking in the Serpentine Gallery along the way and finally stopping off for tea and cake at the Lido Cafe.

DINNER – If you want to really splash out and experience culinary heaven then visit the Peruvian restaurant, Coya, in Mayfair or The Chiltern Firehouse, in Marylebone.

Or, for something that isn’t going to break the bank, head over to Soho and enjoy the vibe at the contemporary European restaurant, Social Eating House. Make sure you have a pre-dinner cocktail in the bar upstairs. It is not to be missed! Alternatively, head over to Kensal Rise and dine at the Paradise by Way of Kensal Green or The Chamberlayne Pub.

SUNDAY
Check out Colombia Road Flower Market and Shops then either have brunch at the Modern Pantry in Farringdon or Sunday lunch at the Drapers Arms in Islington.

Go for a long walk on Hampstead Heath and have lunch at one of the following pubs; The Spaniards Inn or The Bull and Last.

Enjoy a pizza at The Lansdowne Pub in Primrose Hill and then walk through Regents Park and into Central London to do some shopping.

Have a coffee at the tiny Espresso Bar Mozzino in Soho and then head towards Liberty’s walking down Carnaby Street, browse around the iconic department store, have lunch at the cafe on the 3rd floor and then make your way to Selfridges.

 

Featured Image by Rob