Warning: If you don’t want to see lots of pictures of London, this probably isn’t the post for you. Otherwise, jump right in – the water’s fine!

Happy New Years. Hope you’re having an incredible 2015 so far. I have such a good feeling about this year. Mind you, I think I say that every year, but hey what’s life without optimism?

I was so lucky to spend the holidays and New Year’s in my favorite city: London. The city is absolutely magical this time of year. Here’s a taste of the lights on Oxford Street and Piccadilly on Christmas.

It was my first time being back in London since I studied there in 2013. Walking around the streets of West London (where my apartment was) definitely brought back all the memz.

We got so lucky with the weather, which made our long walks so enjoyable. Props to Nellie for being my willing model. This epic wolf was on a side street off Brick Lane in East London.

It’s not everyday I get to spend with my dad, sister and brother – but we certainly make the most of it. Sibling bragging moment: my brother is currently studying maths and science at Cambridge… like what?! Hopefully some of his smarts rubbed off on me.

The Eats

We grabbed brunch at The Breakfast Club – in Hoxton (East London). This place has several locations around the city. One of them even has a speak easy at night.

Avocado toast with a poached egg and smoked salmon on the side.

Cookies and Scream Vegan and Gluten Free Bakery in Camden Town. This was a favorite of mine when I studied here two years ago. We first tried the cookies not even realizing they didn’t have any dairy or gluten. We loved the cookies so much we looked up the bakery when we got home and learned more about their story. Since then I’ve been hooked.

The PB chocolate chip cookie is outta this world, but really you couldn’t go wrong.

Another afternoon we were hanging around the Hoxton/Shoreditch area and grabbed some late brunch at the Book Club. I had the Full Veggie English Breakfast. (with a little help from my crew)

And of course no trip to England would be complete without a cream tea. We stopped by Kensington to the Muffin Man (an old favorite). The classic cream tea comes with a pot of tea, two scones, jam and clotted cream (aka a mix between whipped cream and butter)

Probably one of my favorite places we stopped on our last day was Ozone Coffee Roasters in East London. The interior was so neat – plenty of exposed brick, but lots of sweet details. My go-to coffee order in the UK is a soy flat white. Flat whites are kind of like a hybrid between a latte and a cappuccino, aka the dream.

For brunch I had the portobello toast with swiss cheese, basil and crème fraiche. You know something is good when you don’t offer to share with anyone. This was demolished by me alone.

 

We found this gem in Piccadilly circus – playing a traffic cone. It wasn’t a bad tune either. When we came back around only his cone was left. #Ominous

Sipping on one of my favorite hard ciders. It actually tastes like apple juice. Too good.

This was our final night, New Year’s Eve waiting for the fireworks. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people in one place. Pure craziness.

Cheerio for now!

0