London town

 My love affair with London never ends...every time I visit this city it never gets old!

I guess I'm lucky I get to pop over a lot (it helps having a brother in law and lots of friends living there!! Its the perfect excuse to visit)

I always stay around the same area..(creature of habit)....Earls Court, near Kensington..a district within the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea in West London. Wasn't by choice but by chance as my Brother in Law lives here so we would always stay at his, more recently, in the last few visits to the city, we have made a hotel owned by the Indigo hotel Chains our home for the duration of our stay..Indigo Kensington..I love this hotel, its the funkiest boutique hotel around and the interior is divine! Location is ideal as its just off Earls Court right on the Piccadilly/District line, which covers a multitude of Visitor/Tourist attractions of London

(The tube stop!Obviously)

(The exterior of the hotel)

(the bar/restaurant area)

(The library/lounge area)

Normally during my visit to London I tend to potter around the Kensington/Portobello/Nothing hill area, however this time round I decided to head further into central London. Day one I pottered into London Bridge, got off at Monument Station, taking in Monument followed by a stroll along the River Thames . It was a nice change from the norm, and its so pretty around here, albeit there's quiet a lot of construction going on at the moment. I strolled down the Thames finishing up at London Tower, stopping off at The Alchemist bar for a late lunch and little sneaky glass of Prosecco..this bar is pretty cool guys, check it out if you are ever in Central London.

Monument 

The views along my potter! 

Finally stop Tower of London before a late lunch! 

 

Lunch right here at the Alchemist, that have yummy food, and spectacular cocktails! 

Yes this did happen, its how they make all their cocktails!! Just like an old school chemist store!

 After my sneaky tipple I ambled further up Central London around the financial district (with the aim of checking out sky gardens) and accidentally stumbled across Leadenhall Market. It is one of the oldest markets in London, dating from the 14th century..Its a place I wanted and have been meaning to find for a long time but never seemed to have enough time to fit it in, so you can image my delight...It is one of the most beautiful buildings with its ornate roof structure thats painted green, maroon and cream, and cobbled floors, definitely a "must see".

Leadenhall Market ..these pics don't do it justice as they were snapped from my phone 

Always look up!

Following on from Leadenhall Market we went to Sky Gardens....this should be top of your list of places to visit in London!  It is amazing and offers 360 degree uninterrupted views across the City. The Sky Garden is at 20 Fenchurch Street...That's the best part about the Sky Gardens, is its Free admission for unbelievable views of the city!

However you do need to book tickets, there is a restricted number of tickets available each day so be sure to book them in advance of your visit (book here) But don't fret, if you miss out getting tickets, you can enter ticket free after 6pm. At the top, is landscaped gardens, observation decks and an open air terrace of what is London’s highest public garden. It truly is impressive and you can grab yourself a little drink if you fancy it and soak in the surroundings!!

How amazing is the garden overlooking the view of the city...This is a pic from my phone again apologies doesn't do it justice.

 

Drinks with a view! 

The next day, I was feeling a little worse for wear, so after a late starter, and armed with a coffee, I strolled around the west end of London, hitting the beautiful regent street, with the aim of reaching Liberty. Liberty for those of you not familiar with it, is housed in a striking, timber-framed, Tudor revival building off Regent. With small, intimate staircases, intricately designed elevators, wooden balconies and glass atriums this has to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing and unique department stores in the city. Of course its world famous for its design and 'Liberty print' as it also sells Liberty fabrics to international and local fashion stores . It truly is well worth a visit, for the building exterior and interior alone! Plus Liberty is just off Carnaby Street, which is, by far, one of the best shopping streets in West London, and you'll find unique pieces in some of independent fashion boutiques!

(Regent Street) 

The fabulous Carnaby Street 

The entrance to Liberty 

The exterior is impressive ..Beautiful Tudor style! 

The entrance hall...just beautiful 

The interior of Liberty  

View from the top of the department store 

The old & intimate staircases

Features around the staircases 

Regent street during the evening.. 

Later that evening, (going on a recommendation from a friend) we checked out Dirty Bones restaurant in Kensington. It offers gourmet American dining and bespoke signature cocktails and it was pretty funky as restaurants go...The entrance looked almost like we were entering a seedy bar, and bewildered glances followed as it led us downstairs. Inside was far from seedy, it was funky, and retro and pretty cool! (Not to mention the diners there which included a few "Made in Chelsea" stars, and no I didn't take pictures ....(if its good enough for them and all that Jazz!!)

The Entrance to Dirty Bones...looks dodge on first impressions right?? But how wrong was I? 

How cool is the interior and the food is delicious too!

Well Impressed!

And now to what I wore!! As I just had a carry on bag (I know what was I thinking???Impossible!) I had to be clever about outfits..and how many shoes/boots I packed!

First Look. Wrapped up warm

Hat - Zara

Coat; Clara Ellen Boutique (few years old now)

Over the knee Boots- River Island

Bag -Chanel

Day 1 - Airport to Tourist to Drinks with friends!

Fur Collar - Penneys

Grey Jumper - H&M

Over the Knee Boots -River Island

Leather Pants - Zara

Day 2 -Daily Tourist..Dressy Casual

Jumper - Penneys €7

Leather Skirt - Years old from Swamp

Ankle Boots -Dunnes Stores

Day Three - Visiting Friends and then to the Airport

Jumper - Vero Moda

Embellished Collar - River Island

Over the Knee Boots -River Island (more on these later!) 

Outfit of the night (for Dirty Bones)

I find Londoners are so fashionable but more into dressy casual when it comes to dining out

So with that in mind heres what I wore

Grey patent heels -Dunnes stores

Ankle grazer jeans - Stradivarius

Camisole Top - H&M

 Sequin Jacket -Topshop

Overall I love London and the different experiences you can take from it...it was a nice change to explore central London, but still include my beloved Kensington area. Its always a city close to my heart and I always have a flutter when I know there's a visit on the cards!

Hope you enjoyed it and if you're planning a trip definitely pop Sky gardens on your things to do!

Love Pam

xxx