
Happy Sunday my loves!!
I’m still reminiscing about my trip to London! It has quickly become one of my favorite cities I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting, and I’m already planning my next trip back! I wanted to put together a travel diary and guide to all of my favorite spots, including my hotel, new restaurants and locations to shoot for those of you who are thinking about going! Hope you enjoy :)
Where To Stay:
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London
Every corner and detail of the St. Pancras hotel took my breath away!! The building is a piece of art in itself.. so beautiful and romantic in every way possible. The ceilings and walls of the hotel were covered in hand-stencilled art, metalwork and gold. Not to mention, you may recognize the grand staircase in the lobby from the Spice Girls ‘Wannabe’ music video (such a memorable moment for me!!) And the rooms are so dreamy and have an amazing view of the city..on some days I just wanted to lounge in the hotel all day!! Our suite had high ceilings, beautiful drapery, fireplaces, art deco lamps, and beautiful marbling in the bathrooms (perfect for IG photos!)
Since we spent a lot of our time working in the hotel, we ordered quite a bit of room service. I normally don’t like to dine in my hotel, but every dish they brought to our room was incredibly delicious and beautifully presented!
Lastly, on one of our final days in London, we visited the hotel spa which is located in the underground kitchens of the original hotel making it a really unique experience. The hotel spa is the epitome of luxury, with its victorian-inspired space, soft lighting, arched windows, and relaxing treatments.
Where To Eat:
Swan
Swan was one of the best restaurants we visited throughout the entire trip. It’s an iconic restaurant located right above the river with an amazing view of the London bridge and River Thames. What to order? The Beef Wellington and Pot Roast Rosso Chicken are both amazing dishes on the menu. I also highly recommend coming to Swan for afternoon tea and enjoying their exquisite tea, pastries and champagne while looking over one of the best views of the city.
Granger & Co.
Before shooting in Notting Hill, we stopped to grab breakfast at an Australian cafe, Granger & Co. This restaurant is great for a casual brunch, simply decorated with cute outdoor seating and nicely presented dishes (great for those IG pics!) I ordered Ricotta hotcakes with a twist.. banana and honeycomb butter!! So incredibly delicious and decadent, you guys won’t be disappointed!!
The Booking Office Restaurant & Bar
This restaurant was conveniently located in the lobby of our hotel, but many tourists also come here from outside the hotel to visit the beautiful decor and try out some of their popular menu items like the Steak Tartare, Pumpkin Gnocchi and Duck Sheppard’s Pie!!
Where To Go:
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is a must-see in London, especially if your a first-timer. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to take a tour of the inside of the Palace. But exploring the royal grounds and standing in-front of the huge gold gates is truly an experience in itself.
Harrods
One cannot leave London without a trip to the world-famous Harrods! Not only does Harrod’s have the best and most unique selections for fashion & beauty, but the store itself (interior and exterior) is ART!!! Every section of the store is stunning..with it’s metalwork walls, luxurious finishes, and beautiful displays. I couldn’t help but do a bit of damage here..and had to restrain myself from doing anymore shopping the rest of the trip lol ;)
High Tea
Fancy high tea in London is tres cliché..but very necessary if your going for the whole British experience! To me it’s the perfect combination..warm scones, tasty pastries, mini sandwiches, different flavors of tea (and maybe a bit of champagne) all served to you on beautiful antique tea saucers and 3-tier plates. I wish this was more of a thing in la so I could go every weekend!!
Where To Shoot:
Notting Hill
One of my favorite neighborhoods in London with its unique charm, quaint streets, and colorful antique shops. If you’re looking to walk through a fashionable neighborhood with tons of photo-worthy spots and victorian houses, then this is it! Not the mention, Notting Hill houses Portobello Road which is known to be one of the best markets..think small spice shops, tea emporiums and vintage book stores. We came back here quite a few times to shoot, I couldn’t get over how pretty all the pastel-colored houses were..it’s so hard to walk past any door without taking a photo!
Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge is one of the most central parts of London and conveniently one of the best places for shooting all my streetstyle looks! This area of London is very posh..housing all the luxury boutiques as well as Harrods! If you’re taking a break from shopping, take a stroll to Trevor Square which is a small and quaint neighborhood across the street from Harrods, behind the iconic Topshop. This is where you will find the famous pink & white house, lucky #14 (can I live here already?!)
St. Dunstan in the East
The ruins and gothic architecture of the St. Dunstan grounds make it one of the most unique places to shoot in London. Hidden away in a discreet area of side streets, this is one of London’s hidden gems and a place you can visit to escape the flocks of tourists and busy centre. The grounds have also been turned into a public garden..perfect for photos!!
What are some of your go-to places to visit in London?! Let me know in the comments below :)
Xoxo, Jessi
La Bijoux Bella | by mia
Sooo beautiful … I love Londres too, there are so many cute places in Europe, you have captured one of the best cities in it’s finest moments. Love this gorgeous post … Always gorgeous! :)
❤LA BIJOUX BELLA❤ | BY MIA | A Creative Lifestyle Blogl
Jessi Malay
Aw thanks babe!! So glad you loved the post :) And yesss London is definitely one of my favorite cities..I really wish I could have stayed longer!! xo
Yvonne
Thanks for this informative post Jessi! I love a good beef wellington! London is such a beautiful & lively place! The spa looks great!
xo Yvonne
http://www.aproposh.com
Jessi Malay
Thanks for stopping in girl!! And yesss it really is :) Hope you add some these places to your list when you go next!! <3
Ewa Macherowska
Love the last photo! Amazing <3
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Jessi Malay
Yayyy so happy to hear that babe <3 Thank you!!
Carmen
Oh girl you just helped me out planning my trip to London in a few weeks! I will definitely stop by at those spots :)
xx, Carmen – http://www.carmitive.com
Jessi Malay
OMG yayyyy!! So excited for you Carmen! I wish I was going back there with you lol..such a fun city!! Glad this guide helped :) Xoxo
Sharon Wu
You always make all the places you visit look and sound so spectacular and London is no exception! Gorgeous photos babe! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/before-spring-flowers-bloom/
Jessi Malay
Aww you’re too sweet hun!! So glad to hear that :) Hope you’re having an amazing weekend !! <3
Mercy
I’m glad I see this post, your tips and photos are inspiring. I want to visit London now ;-)
http://www.busyandfab.com
Jessi Malay
Yessss girl you need to visit!! You will LOVE it <3 Glad this post inspired you :)
Katherine
This looks so fun, love your photos!
http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
Jessi Malay
It was such an amazing trip babe!! Have you been before?! xoxo
Rachel
Beautiful photos! You look amazing!
http://chicglamstyle.com
Jessi Malay
Aw thanks love <3 Glad you liked all the photos!! Hope you're having a great weekend Xx
docdivatraveller
a fabulous vacay! London has always been high on my list!
http://www.docdivatraveller.com
Jessi Malay
Yesss me too!! Such a beautiful city ..I miss it already! Loving all your travel posts babe..keep it up!! xoxo
Mary Ann
London has always been one of my favorite cities and after seeing this blog, I definitely want to go back and will have to stay at the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel and dine in all the restaurants you visited. Great tips. Loved all the outfits as usual. You always have such fabulous style!
Jessi Malay
Yes it really is an amazing city :) I already want to go back!! So happy to hear this guide inspired you and glad you loved all the photos <3 xoxo
Amy
Haven’t been to London in a couple years, but ready to return!! Love your recap, I am so in awe of how much you were able to fit in over such a busy trip!!
xx, Amy
http://www.theluxilook.com
Jessi Malay
Yesss girl!! You definitely need to plan a trip out there soon..it gets better everytime!! So glad you loved the recap :) Miss you Xx
Hayley Larue
Omg, Notting Hill looks like the cutest area, EVER! Dying to go to London. Can only imagine how amazing it is in person! <3
BlondieInTheCity.com
Jessi Malay
YES babe!! Notting Hill is one of my favorite areas there! All the candy-colored houses are too cute..I took waaaay too many photos lol! Hope you plan a trip there soon xo
Carina
Gorgeous pictures and awesome tips. The hotel looks fabulous and the food delicious, not to mention the places where to shoot are an absolute dream!
xo
http://www.carinavardie.com
Jessi Malay
Aw thanks love <3 So glad you loved the post!!! Hope you get to visit London soon! :) xoxo
Meri Wild
Beautiful photos! :)
http://www.meriwild.com
Jessi Malay
Thanks girl!! So happy to hear you enjoyed all the photos :) Hope you had a great weekend!! Xx
CocoSmile
Wow!
Amazing photos and looks, pretty!
Kisses from Spain
http://www.coco-smile.com/
Jessi Malay
Aw thanks for stopping in hun!! So glad you loved all the photos and looks :) Hope you’re having a great Monday!! <3
Jalisa
This is such a great post, girlie! The hotel looks absolutely beautiful, I love the somewhat Moroccan architecture, so beautiful! The restaurants you’ve suggested also look quite amazing, your food looks so delish and I’m sure it was! Also, thanks for suggesting places to shoot, which is perfect for bloggers and tourists alike to take some beautiful and memorable photos! I hope you’re having a great start to your week so far, beauty, and thanks again for sharing!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Jessi Malay
Aww you’re too sweet Jalisa :) SO happy I was able to inspire you with this guide!! Have you been to London before?! You would loooove it!! Hope you add some of these places to your list when you’re there and hope you’re having an amazing week as well :) xoxo
Amy Arnold
Such a great guide! I definitely want to visit some day. Your photos are beautiful.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Jessi Malay
Thanks babe!! Yesss it’s such a beautiful and fun city!! I’m already planning my next trip back..lol hope you get to visit soon!! Xx
Rachel Holliday
Oh my gosh I totally recognize that staircase from The Spicegirls music video- so cool! It looks like you had the best time in London and I really like all the places you recommended to shoot- such a variety :)
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
Jessi Malay
Omg yayyyy I was so excited when I found that out!! Such a cool flashback :) Thanks for stopping in girl!! Glad you enjoyed the post and all the recommendations Xx
Face to Curls
London is on my list of places to visit though I much prefer Caribbean vacations. The pictures are gorgeous and these are some great tips. The hotel looks fabulous and the food looks delicious. xo
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
Jessi Malay
Yes! You should definitely visit London soon babe!! It really is such a beautiful, fun and unique city you will love it! Glad this guide inspired you <3
Maryam
Thank you for sharing all this information. I’m planning a trip to London very soon and I’ll make sure to check out all these spots, specially the shooting spots. They are just so gorgeous!
xo, Maryam
http://www.glamandposh.com
Jessi Malay
Of course hun!! And yayyy so excited for your trip :) Glad you found this guide helpful ..I want to see all the photos <3
Maria | Looking Glass
Wow those photos are incredible! London is one of my fave cities too, even though I haven’t been in a few years. I’d go back in a second!
I had the best night out ever there at the Ministry of Sound.
Jessi Malay
Aw thanks love <3 So happy to hear you loved all the photos!! And Ministry of Sound will definitely be on my list for the next time..so many other amazing places we didn't have time for!!
Sabina
This is exactly the type of travel guide I would want to read before traveling to London – I’ll definitely save this one! All these places look amazing, especially that hotel! I’ve only been to London shortly and didn’t get a chance to visit much, but I’ll make it a priority for my next trip, perhaps this year! :) xo
Sabina | I’ve Got Sunshine
Jessi Malay
Aww you’re too sweet Sabina :) So glad to hear you found this travel guide helpful!! And yesss I recommend spending at least 1 week in London to see all the must-have attractions and hidden gems <3 Hope you visit soon!
Siffat Haider
This is totally making me nostalgic for London. You captured the city so beautifully and recommended all the right places! I love Granger & Co! Their eggs are to die for!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Jessi Malay
Yesss you’re a London lover too!! And so happy to hear you’ve been to Granger & Co..I didn’t get to try their eggs, but will keep that in mind for next time ;)
Millie | Queenmillie
I’m super happy that you loved London Jessi!! I agree Harrods and Knightsbridge are places that anyone needs to visit when coming to London!! Seeing as I’m English, I never thought about having High Tea, but it does definitely sound like something I could do! Great post babe, and cannot wait to see your next trip back!x
Millie x
http://queenmillie.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/why-its-ok-to-recycle.html
Jessi Malay
Yes I LOVED IT!! Really trying to plan a trip back there for this summer! And yes haha I feel like a lot of tourists always go for High Tea..but I really wish we had it back in LA! :) Glad you enjoyed all the photos girl!!
Trendique
I’ve never ever been to London but I realyyyyy want to go!!! *_*
Love,
Vanessa from http://www.trendique-magazine.com
Jessi Malay
Aw you need to plan a trip out there soon babe!! You will love it! Such an amazing and fun city <3 Xo
Susanne - Bag at you
Oh wow!! Love London so much! And even though I lived there twice for a short amount of time, there are some places that I need to discover according to this article!! London has a very special place in my heart as my husband proposed here! Thank you for sharing babe, love your photos and tips! Big Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
Jessi Malay
Aww that’s so amazing love <3 I'm sure your proposal was beautiful!! You're so lucky to have lived there even if it was for a short period of time hun!! It really is a special city :) Glad you enjoyed all the photos and information <3
MVAP Blog
The bag is amazing!! You look so pretty!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: MY RED CARPET LOOK // MI LOOK DE ALFOMBRA ROJA
Jessi Malay
Thanks for stopping in babe!! And yesss hope you got to check out some of the Fendi pieces from my previous post! <3
Ashley
I love LDN- suuuuch an amazing city! You found all the good spots to shoot + eat, girlfriend!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Jessi Malay
Ahhh yayyy so happy you’re a London lover too Ashley!! Have you been to any of these spots before?! I have so much more on my list for my next visit!! :)
Maray
Great look!
Kisses!!
http://www.alasdeangel.net
Jessi Malay
Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed this post love <3 Hope you're off to a great week!
sahra
wow, what beautiful images! I love that you included “where to shoot”!
XO Sahra
Que Sera Sahra
Jessi Malay
Yayy so happy to hear you enjoyed this guide girl!! I really enjoyed shooting in these locations, so I’m glad to share :) Xx
Miki
Great guide. I love resort spas, and some hotel spas are incredible. This one in particular is stunning. I’ll have to check this one out on my next trip back to London!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Jessi Malay
Thanks for stopping in hun!! So glad you loved all the recommendations :) And YES you would love the hotel..hope you check it out for your next trip there!! <3
Cindy
Weren’t you married at one point? I recall reading a post you posted on IG celebrating your wedding anniversary last year or something?
Jessi Malay
Hmm I’m not too sure that was me hun! Thanks so much for dropping by though! :) Xx
Miley
Loveeeee the photos and the tips! Thanks, Jseei!
http://www.finepillow.com
Jessi Malay
Aww thank you so much lovely! Hope you have an amazing day :) Xx
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