London Had A Problem!
And the problem was ME!
If you follow me on Instagram you were already privy to the fact that I recently ventured across the pond to Londontown! A destination that’s long been on my list of cities to see, and I gotta admit… I LOVED IT.
A trip filled with culture, camaraderie, and cuisine. So let’s get into what I saw, where I stayed, what I ate, and MORE, shall we?
And yes, OF COURSE, I SAW Beyoncé. But we’ll get to the queen 🐝 herself shortly.
☝️ Week In London
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☝️ Week In London 〰️
Where I Stayed
Do you see this view?!
That’s that empire money, honey.
Imma give it to y’all straight. I am a hotel girlie! And before anyone comes for me, I have stayed in enough private rentals to KNOW, that there’s something special about a hotel. Especially a true 5-star. It’s hard to beat when you add up all the amenities and have staff on-site.
The Pros
Location! Buddied up to the Kensington Palace Royal Gardens, it provided a beautiful view as well as proximity to major tourist spots, restaurants, stores, and nearby public transit. Kensington Palace is right behind the hotel, and strolling through the royal gardens is a true delight.
The hotel restaurant is actually good! We had drinks and apps on our last day at the hotel and I will say this about the Brits, if the drink has gin, they are IN.
The room?? Spacious, and that’s a surprise when you consider it’s Europe we’re talking about here. The bathroom was well-appointed, with both a tub and step-in shower, and a step-up lofted area. I absolutely would stay again.
The Cons
Nothing to say here, just know you’ll want to catch this $$$$ hotel during a special or see if it’s listed on a third-party site. But even at full price… baby, it’s worth it.
What I Did
I saw Beyoncé. DUH.
And then I explored the city, Pinky.
What brought my friends and I to London was the living legend, Beyoncé’s WORLD TOUR. Like the true renaissance woman she, she bridged her old catalog to this current album, and she asked us all to LIVE IN THE MOMENT. And what a moment it was.
She makes it clear that the concert ARE THE VISUALS. So, get a ticket, or be quiet.
I don’t want to spoil it truly for anyone attending one of the future shows but please know… this is the concert where you DANCE, SING OUT LOUD, shoot I might have cried a little. In sum, you will get your life, again and again in the nearly 2.5 hours show she puts on.
This is not my first 🐝 concert, but this one reminded me that we must live fully in every era of our lives.
STAY COZY! GET HEATED. GET THAT ENERGY.
London is for LIVING.
But please be prepared to spend some COIN.
We had had some pretty wonderful experiences between activities and dining out but listen to me well, London is a true international hub so the cost of things reflect that. BRIT BE SPENDING 😅 .
But here’s a hit list, in no particular order, of our various experiences.
Art Afternoon Tea at Rosewood Hotel
I’m so glad my friends are just as inclined for an indulgent time as I am, because it makes me feel less extra, when they book fancy and $$$ experiences as well 😆 .
That said, this formal English tea experience was a MEMORY MAKER. 3 main courses, with tea pairings, and a starting cocktail. Book this when you have TIME because WHEW CHILE, the Brits don’t believe in rushing??
Literally the best scones I’ve had in LIFE. Think soft as ya granny’s biscuits?? I was shocked and in tastebud heaven. And the tea sandwiches?? America does have a problem, and it’s our version of high tea. London taught me a few things on this one.
TINA! The Tina Turner Musical, Aldwych Theater
I enjoyed the way they told the show, especially since it was just a few days after Anna Mae Bullock’s passing. She truly lived a life that was clearly not always easy, but she perservered. And her determination to live the second half of her life purely on her terms was an inspiration. RIVER DEEP, MOUNTAIN HIGH.
The View from the Shard Experience
Imagine taking an elevator to the TALLEST BUILDING IN EUROPE and the sightline is nothing but blue skies and the whole of London?
I’d recommend the entry and drink package because 🥂 my dears, live the good life!
Do not go to London and skip this restaurant. The view?? The food? The cocktails? The ambience? Whatever it takes, get a reservation! Plus it’s open 24 hours. Which is crazy and wonderful. JUST GO.
This was such a cute start to our trip and it was black-owned. The music was giving VIBE and while gentrification (IYKYK) was present, skinfolk were present and indulging how we do best.
I learned on our first day what to expect of British dining experiences. BE PATIENT. Not exactly a trait American’s are used to and I’ll own that. While everything took a smidge longer than I feel was necessary we did enjoy our food and first day bubbly is a must. Please note, Chicken & Chips is a TING, and ordering from the bar is more common than getting a server to a table. Do with that what you will 😉 .
Again, my tribe likes to live fully and indulge as much as I do. My homegirl’s husband chose this activity and it was just the cutest ever!
A bus ride through central London with a 6 course chef’s tasting menu and wine pairing. Will you be full? Nah. Will you be happy? YES.
The only true downside to this activity was the lack of host on-board explaining what we were seeing along the tour. As a TOURIST, I needed someone to tell me what each sight or area was LBVS. I am a traveler, not a history or geography buff. But still a fun time.
Old Street Records & Be At One
If you’re looking for some nightlife… Shoreditch & Mayfair are two of the areas to hit. Londoners like to party but they were a bit suspect on when they let men in? 🤔 … but we were able to hear a bit of music, live and DJ sets, as well as get some cocktails. Next visit, I plan to visit Camden because I heard some good things!
If you’ve made it to the end… THANKS FOR READING. I truly was proud of myself this trip for continuing to live my life OUT LOUD. I continue to gift myself new experiences along my journey and sometimes I come back home with certified proof of that.
Here’s a permanent souvenir for ya! As far as tattoo parlors go… Sang Bleu Tattoo was perfect for a first-timer. My artist, Hannah Keuls walked me through the design process and we workshopped it together. I think it came out QUIIITE NICE.
Till next time…
drop a comment and tell me where I you think I should travel to next!
And remember…
BRIT BE LIVING and so can you.