London Bethany Larson London Bethany Larson

Best Drinks in London

Staying in Soho, my husband and I could easily hop on the underground or walk to any attraction we wanted to see. While we visited many pubs, old and new, we found our favorite spot on Old Compton Street called "Swift." 

My husband and I had so much fun staying in Soho in London. Although touristy (we're tourists so that was OK with us!) it was located in the middle of everything. We could easily hop on the underground or walk to any attraction we wanted to see. While we visited many pubs, old and new, we found our favorite spot on Old Compton Street called "Swift." 


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The upstairs of Swift is bright and modern and we were immediately greeted by a staff member. Extremely friendly and informative, she told us we could grab a drink upstairs or check to see if there was any space available downstairs. The upstairs area does not require a reservation, serves light cocktails, and appetizers. The downstairs, which is intimate, cozy, and dark, requires a reservation, and we didn't have one. We tried our luck downstairs anyway, and to our surprise they had one table available (thanks to the other friendly hostess downstairs!). We had the best time looking over their extensive menu and trying inventive cocktails. We stayed for hours and were sad to leave, but alas... they would probably get upset if we fell asleep in our booth.

Things to consider:

-This is the best bar ever. GO.

-If you want to guarantee a spot downstairs, make a reservation.

-Their music downstairs on Friday & Saturday is supposedly fantastic, but I'm sure you'd have to book way in advanced. If I ever go back to London, I want to do this!


Hours

Monday-Thursday: 3:00pm-12:00am

Friday & Saturday: 3:00pm-12:00am

Sunday: 3:00pm-10:30pm

Address

12 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4TQ, UK

Website

http://www.barswift.com/

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London Bethany Larson London Bethany Larson

Best Dinner in London

Looking for a spot in Soho London for dinner? We enjoyed a delicious meal at The Ivy Soho Brasserie on Broadwick Street. The staff was attentive and friendly, the food superb, and we loved the cute outdoor seating area.

Looking for a spot in Soho London for dinner? We enjoyed a delicious meal at The Ivy Soho Brasserie on Broadwick Street. The staff was attentive and friendly, the food superb, and we loved the cute outdoor seating area.

Things to consider:

-We actually had to sit outside because we didn't make a reservation for inside. Luckily, the weather was gorgeous and we quite liked sitting outside. However, the inside was cozy and gorgeously decorated, so make sure to book in advance. We went on a Tuesday, and it was packed!

-We both hadn't been to Europe in a long time and aren't familiar with tipping customs, so we decided to ask the waitress what was expected. We were embarrassed and hoped she wouldn't laugh us off, but she was extremely friendly and explained everything! First of all, tipping on your card isn't a thing, and that's what we're used to doing in the states, so be sure to have cash wherever you go. Tipping isn't expected but it's definitely common at restaurants that provide full service. A 10% tip is sufficient, which seems quite low, but waiters are paid a higher wage, so a "tip" is actually just that. We had been leaving the cash on the table, but the waitress told us it is common for people to hand the cash directly to their server. 

Pictured above is the sea bass which had tons of flavor, was perfectly done, and didn’t leave my stomach feeling heavy. For wine, we ordered Damana 5 Tempranillo, which was pleasant and easy to drink. All in all, it was the perfect dinner date in London!


Hours

-Monday - Saturday: 8am-12am (Last food order 11pm)

-Sundays & Bank Holidays: 9am-11pm (Last food order 10pm)

Address

The Ivy Soho Brasserie,
26-28 Broadwick Street,
London W1F 8JB

Website

https://theivysohobrasserie.com/

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London Bethany Larson London Bethany Larson

Best Breakfast in London

Greetings from London! Today’s breakfast is smashed avocado with two poached eggs on a toasted English muffin. I also ordered a latte to go with it, because... I don’t know, I was feeling fancy.

Greetings from London! Today’s breakfast is smashed avocado with two poached eggs on a toasted English muffin at Serpentine Bar & Kitchen. I also ordered a latte to go with it, because... I don’t know, I was feeling fancy.  The sun has shown itself every day we've been here so far, and we've heard that's rare, so we picked this spot because of its gorgeous views of Hyde Park and Serpentine Lake. 


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Things to consider:

-While we loved having breakfast here in the morning after a run in Hyde Park, they also serve lunch and dinner.

-There are two separate areas to order from. One is for coffee/snacks only and the other is for hot food (of course I went to the coffee area to order my food and was told to go in the other line... *sigh* I'll get used to the European way of life one day)

-You have to find a table first, and then go up to order your food so that you can tell them what table to deliver your food (the tables are numbered.) This means, one of us had to stay to reserve our table while the other went to order. I don't really understand this system, but maybe it's because I'm an American heathen. 

-There is a variety of food and drinks...you'll find something for everyone!

-On pretty days like this one the restaurant was busy, but luckily they have ample seating, so we were able to find a table pretty easily.

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The best part of Serpentine is this relaxing view. There's nothing more peaceful than sipping your coffee/tea next to the water and people-watching those who walk by in the park.


MENU: CLICK HERE

HOURS

Daily, 10:00 - 19:00 (10am-7:00pm)

ADDRESS

Hyde Park

Serpentine Road, London, W2 2UH

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