London
Part 1 of 3
The pilot just turned the seatbelt sign off and beverage service has begun. I’m on attempt number 4 to connect to the flight’s WiFi and I can’t figure out how to pull out the retractable tv at my seat (I’ve tried twice, a third time would be humiliating). Anyway, this seems like a good time to write what will likely be a multi-part London series.
I’ve just spent the month of August in London, one of my favorite places in the world. I’ve been several times but for years now I’ve dreamt of spending an extended amount of time there. I had the flexibility with work so I went for just about a month and I’m going to tell you all about it in a three part series. (Update on the tiny tv: I summoned all my bravery and asked the flight attendant for help. Supposedly there’s a little button you have to press to get the monitor out. I guess this is my first official tip for your trip to London. You’re welcome!)
Where I stayed
I absolutely love North West London and love calling it home base whenever I’m there. This is not exactly a hot take - it’s a quiet, gorgeous, easily accessible residential area. So of course it’s a great place to stay. But, most tourists keep their hotel search parameters within central London and I feel like it’s my duty as the self-appointed ambassador of NW London to let you know this is also a great neighborhood to consider. You could get an Airbnb around here or book a room at the Marriott Regents Park. I stayed there last May and it’s accessible by the tube, a short walk from Primrose Hill and Regents Park, and the rooms are updated and clean. Since I was spending a month here during this trip, I opted for an Airbnb. This flat was in the North Maida Vale/Queens Park area and I was so happy with my choice. The host was lovely and accommodating, the flat was clean, and it was a 5-10 minutes to a great gym, cute cafes, book store, wine shop, M&S, and more. I’d highly recommend it! (Okay, now I’m searching for the power outlet below my seat. Why is everything so hard to find!?)
How I plan trips
I’d like to be more easy breezy and flexible but the truth is I love a plan (where my itinerary girlies at??) In my defense, it’s only because I usually have so many things I want to do I’m afraid that if I don’t do just a little bit of planning (seriously, just a little!) I won’t get to do it all. Mostly I live in fear that I won’t get to eat at all the restaurants I’ve saved on Instagram. So in order to avoid this terrible fate, my general advice to you is to anchor your plans around restaurant reservations (these days it’s the only way to guarantee a seat at the best restaurants).
I hate when travel guides list 10 different restaurant suggestions and 20 activities for you to do that are all found across 7 different neighborhoods. In this series I’ll group my suggestions geographically in a way that makes it easier to plan your day to day. And, again, anchor your plan around restaurant reservations. (Okay I found the outlet but turns out it isn’t working. The very kind flight attendant got involved again. I can never show my face on this Delta flight again.)
The first installment of this London guide will be dedicated to Marylebone.
Marylebone
Wherever you are staying (NW London I hope!!), you’ll likely be able to take the tube to the Baker Street station to spend a few hours in Marylebone. If any of you follow Gary Janetti on IG, these suggestions will look familiar:
Coffee
Head to Chiltern Street for a coffee at the Monocle Cafe. The coffee is great and the cafe is on one of the most beautiful streets in London, in my opinion.
Walk up and down Chiltern and the surrounding streets with your “takeaway” coffee. Wander down every “Mews” you come across.
Manicure
On this particular day I desperately needed my nails done. I was 3 weeks into a 4 week trip and my nails were a mess. So I made an appointment at Townhouse Marble Arch which is a short walk away from Monocle cafe and Marylebone in general. It was a great experience - my nail tech was so nice, it was clean and comfortable, and their color selections were great. I wish I had also gotten a pedi! So if you need a little spa day I highly suggest Townhouse.
Lunch
Head to Alley Cats Pizza. Surprisingly, they don’t take reservations so you’ll be able to walk in at whatever time your hunger strikes and try a couple of their New York style thin crust pizzas.
Shopping
After pizza, and maybe a spritz (you’re on “holiday!”), walk over to Marylebone High Street for some shopping. Pop into Daunt books, Sezane, Mejuri, and some of the other smaller boutiques. There’s an Ottolenghi on Marylebone High Street so if you wander far enough you can refuel with a pastry. Good luck deciding between all the amazing options there.
Regents Park
A short walk away from all of this is Regents Park. London’s parks are beautiful. No city does them better. Sit in the park and read that book you bought at Daunt’s or enjoy that pastry from Ottolenghi.
Dinner
You must go to Chiltern Firehouse. This is another unoriginal, not-so-hot take because Chiltern is where all the celebrities are going these days. It’s all over Instagram. But honestly, it’s a beautiful restaurant with a perfect menu. This time around I got the roast chicken. It was divine. But do some planning here and make a reservation as early as you can when planning your London trip. It will be worth it, I promise.
The next neighborhood I’ll write about is South East London, including Tower Bridge…
