Connect with us

Travel

Five Best Bars and Restaurants in London: Travel Opinion and Analysis

Published

on

London, the capital of England and UK, is also the capital of arts, entertainment, education and fashion. Learning about arts and theaters and English literature during school time, some of the streets, theater names had got registered in my mind so prominently that when I first time visited London I felt as if I have been there before. Familiar street names, familiar building names and the scenes of Big Ben, Thames river, Palace of Westminster, and red coloured Double Decker buses and phone booth everything gives me a Déjà vu.

London is also one of the biggest transport hub of the world. If you are a frequent traveller  there is a big chance that you will come to London at least once even if you did not want to. I was here on my educational trip, working hard and spending time in learning and enhancing my skills during the day, I spent my evening exploring the London bars and night life of the city. I used to visit these places just to sense the London’s youth spirit  I had not thought that I will write an article ever on it, but I feel I have some good opinion about some of the bars in London and today I can share my experience on five of my favourites.

1. Nightjar

129 City Road, London

I would recommend you to visit this bar situated at City Road just north of Old Street tube station. You must Email and confirm your arrival before entering. As soon as you enter this place, you emerge into 20th century environment. They play live jazz and their menu talks about the history of cocktails which gives you the real speakeasy atmosphere. Food is good, but Cocktails are amazing, the waiters are gentle and will suggest you the best cocktails according to your taste. All cocktails had certain flamboyance and the garnishes were amazing. They served my ordered cocktail in steamy copper teapot. It was inventive, and reasonably priced. The average price per cocktail was around £10. The bar is not so big and tables are closely packed, you might have to wait if you did not book your table in advance. Sometimes you may even have to book two weeks in advance, as its popularity is increasing day by day.

Drinks which I tried and you would love too.

  1. Smoky candy floss
  2. Cheddar cheese-matured monkey shoulder
  3. Nightjar Pomelo Jelly
  4. Fig perfume
  5. Oolong infusion
  6. Fresh squeezed lemon
nightjar bar in London
Jazz Music in Night Jar,  Photo taken by Mecaniques

2. Gordon’s Wine Bar

47 Villiers Street, London WC2N 6NE, England (Charing Cross / Trafalgar Square)

It is also a good self serviced bar I had visited; oldest licensed wine bar in London. It is an underground bar, made in a former tube station. It is easily accessible from Embankment Tube stop, short walk from the London Eye or Trafalgar Square. As the name suggests you will find only wines here. A large range of award winning wines are fairly priced for London. You would love this place if you love wine, and you can do the real justice to the beauty of wine here. It is a dark cavern style place with candle lit inside old wine bottle on every table. The atmosphere was great but the lights were dim, and the walls were close and ceilings were low, not a big bar either. Claustrophobics may not like to be here. My friend and I had shared a bottle of red wine with a three cheese plate (which comes with a half loaf of French bread, relishes and pickles) and we were very satisfied for under £45. Cheese were amazing and have good range to order. You might have to wait for table, or if you are comfortable, you may just ask a person if you can join him. Watch out for pick pocketers, I have heard some stories, however I did not experience anything like that. Still I would advice to be cautious and enjoy the wine!

Gordon's wine bar in london
Gordon’s Wine Bar, Photo taken by Graeme Maclean

3. Bar 61 Restaurant

61a Streatham Hill, London SW2 4TX, England

Head to Bar 61 if you love Spanish cuisine and want to try some authentic Tapas in London. This is another wonderful place in London to try some great wines. They also serve cocktails, which were OK. Food is delicious. The service is compared to five star and the staff is great, don’t get surprised if you are welcomed with warm hugs and kisses. The environment is cozy, simple and you will feel homely. Tapas are excellent as you would have had in best restaurants in Spain, I tried Pollo Al Ajillo, and I can say it was literally delicious. Some of the guests I talked to were very happy with the restaurant and most of them had a long relation with this place. Many people have been coming here for past nine to ten years, which is very good to hear. The restaurant is for everyone from couples to family. When I was there, there was a birthday celebration of a five years old kid.

4. Euston Tap

190 Euston Road, London NW1 2EF, England

This place is small, a living room sized bar right in front of Euston railway station. But you have fantastic range of ales and beers. The building is a Grade II-listed Portland stone lodge from the original station built in the 1830s. The place sometimes feel so small that everyone around you feels like a close friend and you might end up making some friends. You might be invited in someone’s ongoing conversation too. The bar has two floors and has around 27 taps from all over the world. Being so close to the railway station, it is also the place where people come to drink when waiting for their trains. If you are a beer lover then you must come here. With a rotating cask range and plenty to offer on draught you won’t even need to think about the more than hundred bottles in the fridge.

Euston Tap beer bar in London
Euston Tap, Photo taken by  Bernt Rostad

5. Dabbous Restaurant

39 Whitfield Street | Fitzrovia, London W1T 2SF, England

A nice place, good food and cocktails. The place had a aesthetic look, felt like as if you are in New York City. The flavours lived up to the hype which has been adequately reported in reviews around the web. The food is so unique and so light for what I suppose is modern French cuisine. Wine list was nice and compact .The restaurant has polished concrete walls, bare light bulbs and a lot of metalwork. The tables are plain wood and there are no fancy touches; just good linen napkins and well balanced cutlery. The service was impeccable. However you might have to book a table four to six months in advance. In rare cases you might have to book it ten months in advance. My friends had kept it already booked for me when I arrived. The bar is downstairs with sensational Cocktails, don’t leave without going downstairs to the bar if you had come to the restaurant. I had an amazing cocktail, Italian Fizz, garnished with sage leaf.

codled egg at dabbous bar and restaurant in london
Coddled egg with mushrooms and smoked butter at Dabbous, Photo taken by Kake Pugh

If you have visited these bars and restaurants do share your opinion or experience about it in our comment section. I would love to try more London’s amazing bars and restaurants when I will be back again.

Continue Reading
Comments

Europe

Barcelona and Athens: cities that will leave an everlasting impression

Published

on

Barcelona house real estate

Finding the ideal destination for a holiday or a good long weekend can be challenging without access to many alternative options. Luckily, there are cities that need no introduction to know that they hold the solution; such is the case with Barcelona, in Spain, and Athens, in Greece, which you should always have at the top of your list of potential places to visit. 

Barcelona, a city you’ll never forget

Barcelona is where you can find everything to make the most of your time and live unique experiences. Just go online and search for a city guide of Barcelona to review everything and start planning your trip.

The help of a good website

Tourism blogs and websites are an excellent alternative to virtually explore Barcelona and learn more about places to visit, public transport schedules, dining options, hotels and accommodations, and other useful information to make your visit more enjoyable.

The key lies in planning

With good planning, you’ll not only find splendid places to spend wonderful moments but also save money and get great recommendations to make your trip and stay enjoyable.

Park Güell: a must-visit

Barcelona stands out for its incredible attractions, among which Park Güell shines. Just read more about this interesting place to fall in love with it and make this visit mandatory.

What is Park Güell?

It’s one of Barcelona’s most emblematic places, designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Originally conceived as a housing development and later converted into a public park.

Architectural and natural elements

The main entrance is flanked by two modernist pavilions, with a staircase leading to the famous hypostyle hall and a central square with a panoramic view of Barcelona. Additionally, it features over 17 hectares of gardens, viaducts, and winding paths, integrating architecture with the natural landscape.

Cultural Heritage

Park Güell is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage and is classified as a Cultural Interest Site of Spain.

Athens: a journey to the past

Another city that will surely surprise you with its cultural and historical legacy is Athens, Greece, where you can enjoy impressive Hellenic ruins. It’s advisable to visit an Athens travel guide on the internet before you go to learn about everything and better organise your visit.

Historical richness

With over 3,000 years of history, Athens is the cradle of Western civilization and is home to ancient monuments such as the Parthenon, the Agora, the Acropolis, and many Greek temples.

Mediterranean cuisine

One of the main attractions of this city is its cuisine, which offers a delicious culinary experience of the Mediterranean diet.

Hospitality

Athens is known for its friendliness, and it is well-equipped to cater to tourists from all over the world.

The Acropolis of Athens

While in Athens, you have to visit the Acropolis, where masterpieces of Hellenic architecture are concentrated for you to marvel at their grandeur. Keep in mind that it is a highly visited site, so you should book now to secure access for your visit.

Beautiful architecture

Acropolis means “high city,” as it is located on a rocky outcrop in the city centre. Here you’ll find several iconic buildings from Athens’ golden age (479 – 431 BC), such as the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena.

Central location

Reaching the Acropolis is easy from any point in the city, so you won’t get lost. From there, you’ll have panoramic views of the city spreading out at your feet.

In conclusion, Barcelona and Athens stand as timeless destinations offering an enchanting blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Whether exploring the iconic landmarks of Barcelona or delving into the rich historical tapestry of Athens, these cities promise unforgettable experiences for travellers seeking adventure and discovery. With careful planning and the aid of modern resources, embarking on a journey to these vibrant metropolises ensures a truly memorable escape.

Continue Reading

Travel

Immerse Yourself in Nature: Explore Forest Bathing with a New Guidebook

Published

on

Forest bathing, a practice with roots in Japan, has surged in popularity in recent years. But what exactly is it, and how can you experience its potential health benefits? This article dives into the world of forest bathing and unveils a new resource – a guidebook by foresttherapyhub, to help you embark on your own immersive nature experience.

Forest Bathing: A Path to Well-being

Forest bathing isn’t simply a walk in the woods. It’s a guided practice of connecting with nature through our senses. By slowing down, quieting our minds, and focusing on the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes of the forest environment, we can unlock a range of health benefits. Studies have shown that forest bathing can reduce stress, improve mood, boost the immune system, and even lower blood pressure. This makes it a valuable tool within the realm of nature-based interventions.

Forest Therapy Hub: Your Gateway to Nature

Forest Therapy Hub (FTHub) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting and educating people about forest bathing. They offer workshops, retreats, and certifications for those who want to deepen their understanding and practice of this nature-based intervention.

At the heart of forest bathing lies the idea of mindfulness and presence. As individuals wander through the forest, they are encouraged to engage with their surroundings fully. This includes observing the intricate patterns of leaves, listening to the rustle of trees, feeling the texture of bark, and even tasting the freshness of the air.

A Unique Guidebook for Forest Bathing Adventures

FTHub’s latest offering, feeling nature: a Forest Bathing Book with 50 trails https://foresttherapyhub.com/news/feeling-nature-a-book-with-50-trails-for-forest-bathing/, is a one-of-a-kind resource for anyone interested in forest bathing. This book isn’t your typical trail guide. It’s a collaboration between forest bathing professionals and forestry experts, offering a unique perspective on 50 different trails across Spain.

More Than Just Directions

Each trail description goes beyond basic directions. The authors, who are experienced forest bathing guides, provide sensory cues to heighten your awareness of the natural world. They share details you might otherwise miss, transforming your walk into a multisensory experience.

Respectful Exploration

The book also emphasizes respectful exploration of natural landscapes. The authors, well-versed in forestry, weave scientific information about the specific ecosystems into the trail descriptions. This fosters a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and encourages responsible forest bathing practices, aligning perfectly with the core principles of nature-based interventions.

A Personal Connection

Feeling nature goes beyond providing factual information. Each guide infuses their trail description with their personal connection to the forest, sharing insights gained from countless hours spent immersed in nature. This adds a layer of warmth and authenticity to the book, making it a valuable companion for anyone seeking a deeper connection with the natural world.

Take a Step Towards Well-being with Forest Bathing

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a way to reconnect with nature, feeling nature offers a unique and enriching forest bathing experience. With its detailed descriptions, scientific insights, and personal anecdotes, this book by Forest Therapy Hub is your perfect companion for a transformative journey into the healing embrace of the forest.

Continue Reading

Travel

Discover the finest tours across Morocco: an adventure oasis

Published

on

travel morocco market

Morocco is a North African country renowned for its contrasts and many wonders. Its territory stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the golden dunes of the Sahara. Moreover, it boasts a rich history spanning thousands of years and a culture that intertwines Berber people, Arab heritage, and French influence. 

If you’re in search of Morocco desert tours that allow you to explore and experience unforgettable adventures in the country, the options are as diverse as its landscapes. You can immerse yourself in the impressive urban landscape of Fez, savour the exquisite cuisine of Marrakech, relax on the coasts of Essaouira, and, of course, journey through the Sahara Desert via various tours, which will also invite you to explore numerous cities and towns of Morocco, and indulge in unique activities. If you’re keen to discover more about the desert tours that Morocco has to offer, this article will introduce you to some of the finest.

Tours from Marrakech to the desert

From the vibrant city of Marrakech, you can find numerous tours departing towards the desert, promising to offer you a unique and unforgettable experience. One of the most popular Marrakech desert tours is the trip to the Zagora desert, which over two days allows you to explore the High Atlas. 

Here, you can admire landscapes of breathtaking beauty and visit Berber villages that reflect their culture and origins to the teeth. Upon arriving in Zagora, you’ll have the opportunity to ride camels at sunset, followed by a cosy night under the stars in a traditional camp. 

If you’re seeking an even deeper and comprehensive experience, you can also undertake three-day tours from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, which give you the chance to explore the popular Erg Chebbi dunes, as well as including visits to historic kasbahs, fertile valleys, and allowing you to observe the interesting local life in the oases.

Camel Trekking in Merzouga

Merzouga is also the perfect starting point for a Camel trekking Morocco, thanks to its spectacular sand dunes. Through this activity, you can experience nomadic life, trekking through the Erg Chebbi dunes, known to be the highest in Morocco. 

At the same time, you can opt for a one-night camel excursion, where you’ll enjoy the sunset in the desert, a traditional dinner around a campfire, and a night in a Berber tent. Then, upon awakening, you’ll witness the tranquillity and beauty that can only be offered by the sunrise in the desert. 

For those more adventurous individuals, there are also options for multi-day trekking, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit numerous nomadic communities and explore the unique geography of the desert. Ultimately, camel trekking tours are an ideal way to immerse yourself in the beauty and simplicity of the Sahara Desert.

Tours from Fez to the Sahara Desert

Fez, the impressive imperial city steeped in history and culture, is another starting point for embarking on a Sahara desert tour. It’s a typical two-day tour that takes you from the antiquity of Fez through the Middle Atlas mountains to the entrance of the desert

Along the way, you can see cedar forests with wild monkeys and the dazzling Ziz Valley. Then, once you’ve reached Merzouga, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a camel ride to the desert camp, where you’ll spend the night. 

On the other hand, tours from Fez to the Sahara Desert also often offer the possibility of visiting local villages and markets, providing you with an authentic insight into desert life. Finally, you’ll have the unforgettable experience of sleeping surrounded by the immensity of the dunes and under the stars of the desert sky.

Whether it’s exploring ancient Berber villages, trekking across towering sand dunes, or experiencing the tranquillity of a desert night under the stars, these tours promise an adventure like no other. Book your Moroccan adventure today and create memories to last a lifetime.

Continue Reading

Trending