Overview
We visited London when the forecast showed 7-12 degrees. Turkey was actually showing colder temperatures at the time (3-10), so we were thrilled thinking we were heading somewhere warmer. We absolutely froze. The wind is brutal. It cuts right through you. Don't be fooled by the temperature readings; dress properly warm no matter what.
Tips & Advice
Since we were there for education and it was our second visit, we explored at a pretty relaxed pace. London might actually be the perfect city for that kind of trip. We got lucky with no rain during our stay, so aside from the wind, nothing spoiled our sightseeing.
The city is massive but the metro system works brilliantly. You can get to all tourist areas quickly and safely. It's a true metropolis, though a bit poorly planned.
After work hours, everywhere is packed. Finding a restaurant or bar between 5 and 7 PM is really tough. Without a reservation, the odds of good places being taken are very high. We recommend making reservations even for bars.
What to See
We couldn't skip Camden Town again, one of our favorite areas in the city. It was much calmer on our previous visit, but this time we went on a Saturday afternoon and it was incredibly crowded. We probably waited 10-20 minutes just at the metro entrance and exit, and couldn't find a single empty spot. If possible, visit on a weekday. And if you go, don't miss Cyberdog, an absolute legendary venue.
Food & Drink
For our detailed notes on London's wine bars and wine culture, our WSET3 wine education experience, and our South England winery route from London, check our blog at grapefultravelers.com.
My Place Reviews
Restaurants
Trivet2024★★★☆☆
They have really good options in terms of wine menu. You can drink any wine all around the world. You can just go to drink a glass of wine.
About food, they have some good options, but some of the appetizers were just ok. Expectations from a two star chef restaurant is more from that.
Bars
The Dickens Inn2024★★★★☆
It has a good atmosphere and building. Food is just bar food, it was ok but not too complex.
Vagabond Wines Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia2024★★★☆☆
Comparing to the other Vagabond's, this one is a little bit small. It was airless when visited on a cold winter evening. Maybe it could be good in the spring/summer, but you can look into others in cold weather.
Hotels
Residence Inn by Marriott London Bridge2024★★★★☆
Rooms were enough big, kitchens are also nice for long stays. But rooms were a little bit dirty when we got it. There were leftover towels from previous guests.
Breakfast was quite nice. Location is great, just 5-10 minutes to the London Bridge.
Attractions
Baccalà Seafood & Wine - Restaurant London Bridge2024★★★★★
Delicious fried squid and seafood pasta. All the food we eat was just great. They also have a good selection of wines.
One problem was the inside of the restaurant was a little bit unventilated. Food smell will be all on your clothes.
Farmer J London Bridge2024★★★★★
Healthy and super delicious bowls. They have quite options, which all of them were nice. Cookies are also best :)
Vagabond Wines Monument2024★★★★★
Just a great place to taste different wines. Good food, really good atmosphere, great selection of wines!
Shops
Bedales of Borough Market2024★★★★★
Great atmosphere, appetizers and selection of glass of wines.
Arancini and octopus was great!
Cyberdog2024★★★★★
Just an amazing place! :) If you are into cyberpunk, definitely worth to visit, they have amazing stuff.