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While recently studying abroad in London, I did a lot of traveling, sightseeing and shopping. But my fondest memories were made not while snapping a photo of Big Ben or trying on clothes at Topshop. They were made while enjoying great food with great people. The following five places are gems that helped make my time in London (and will yours, too) a rich and colorful experience.
The Muffin Man This hidden treasure tucked away in Kensington is a great place to get tea and scones with clotted cream and jam for about 8 pounds. They also serve coffee, sandwiches, soup and have a cute assortment of pastries.
The Muffin Man, 12 Wrights Lane, London W8 6TA, +44 (0) 20 7937 6652
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Although “Matilda the Musical” has been all the rage on the London theatre scene, Roald Dahl’s other beloved children’s story “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” was infinitely better. When my best friend visited me in London, we saw the show at the Drury Lane theatre in Covent Garden, unwrapping our Wonka bars with the adorable Charlie Bucket. The story is a timeless tearjerker, the music was beautiful, the special effects were out of this world, and the chocolate was pretty good, too.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street London WC2B 5JF, +44 (0) 844 858 8877
Picnic in Kensington Gardens
Pick a restaurant, any restaurant! South Kensington is full of cafés, sandwich shops and awesome places to get any dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. And Kensington Gardens offers a quiet spot in a great location. A friend from Germany connected me with her friend who was also studying in London and we got together one last time in Kensington Gardens for a picnic. We shared a meal of delicious Lebanese chicken wraps and baklava from Comptoir Libanais, one of the BBC’s picks for top 10 healthiest restaurants in the U.K. You can also check out the Peter Pan Statue, the Albert Memorial, the Serpentine Galleries and many other attractions. The experience is not to be missed!
Comptoir Libanais, 1-5 Exhibition Road London SW7 2HE, +44 (0) 20 7225 5006
Kensington Gardens, Greater London, London W2 2UH, +44 (0) 300 061 2000
Rock & Sole Plaice
If you want great fish & chips, Rock & Sole is the “plaice” to go. London’s oldest fish & chips restaurant is still in business for a reason. I’ve been here multiple times with friends and family and everybody loves it! The fish is so flaky, the batter is so crispy and perfectly golden, and the chips (fries) are a nice side. One of the best details (which I never encountered at another fish & chips location) is their lengthy menu of fish choices, including cod, rock, sole, skate, plaice, haddock, calamari and halibut. You can also choose regular or large-sized orders, with dining both in and outside on one of two levels. The only downside is that it’s kind of pricey, but the first bite will tell you it’s worth it!
Rock & Sole Plaice, 47 Endell St. London WC2H 9AJ, Phone: +44 (0) 20 7836 3785
Hardys
Hardys should be on every Harry Potter fan’s list because it is as close as you can get to the Honeydukes candy shop featured in the brilliant Harry Potter series. There are several locations in Lond.
These are my top 5 tasty treats found in (and just outside) London! So why not take your own trip, try out these places, and discover your own!
