Top London Highlights

Boats floating on the canal, tons of tiny lattes, layers of clothes, bustling markets, and many pints of beer and ciders—London was a glorious trip. This month I got to travel across the world for a short week to visit my best friend who is currently studying Law in London. I’m so immensely grateful for those special high school friends who you grow with over the years and grateful to call Ciara a lifelong friend. We got to catch up with our own lives while diving into the hidden gems and not-so-hidden gems of London. Below are some of my favorite noteworthy pieces of the trip:

London Highlights

• Redemption Coffee:

  • Not only were their lattes superb but their roastery in HMP The Mount, trains offenders in coffee industry skills with the aim of reducing reoffending in the UK. The little things that make your heart that much happier. @redemptionroasters

• Ted Lasso Bench:

  • We took a day trip to Richmond and got to see the pub that was based on the Ted Lasso series! It wasn’t touristy at all (surprisingly) so we snapped some pictures and then got to sit outside and sip some ciders, overlooking the green. My family is huge TL fans so immediately was sending pictures of the iconic areas.

• The Sky Garden:

  • One of the highlights of the trip. Ciara got us a reservation for the top floor of this skyscraper and we walked around with the open windows to see the birds-eye view of London. Grabbed two drinks each, they were so delicious. I think I got a dried pear drink and Ciara had a strawberry cocktail. Both were incredible as we sipped and looked out the window to a view of London. @sg_skygarden

• Word On the Water:

  • On a stroll, we passed a bookstore on the water that we fell in love with. It was a used bookstore so the books were fairly priced and there was even a parrot downstairs squawking when you went below the deck! A hidden gem that we were happy to stumble upon. @word_on_the_water

• Greenwich Market and Borough Market:

  • both local markets that sell knick-knacks and fresh cheese, homemade bread, and miscellaneous market foods. Ciara and I grabbed some fresh bread and cheese to stuff in our tote bags for our charcuterie board that night.

• The Churchhill Arms:

  • My favorite pub of the trip (out of the nine that we went to haha) was adorned with flowers and greenery outside the pub. Inside, it was full of character and personality. Every inch was covered with unique antiques or photos and flags of the queen. Even pots, pans, flags hung above the ceiling, with a rugby game playing at every corner on the TV. There was a Thai restaurant located in the back so we got to have pad thai and ciders. @churchillarmsw8

Overall, a glorious trip that wouldn’t have happened if not for Ciara’s expert planning and her kind roommates allowing me to crash in their apartment for a week. I definitely think I’ll be seeing London again soon. For now, I hope you save these in case you ever find yourself in London.

Sending good vibes and happy thoughts your way as you go about your week. If you want to chat about anything I’m over on IG @shelbyswygert if you need!