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

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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.

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

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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.

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Discover the finest tours across Morocco: an adventure oasis

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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.

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Discovering Valencia and the Valencian Community: an unforgettable holiday experience

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Valencia, with its Mediterranean charm and a rich history seamlessly intertwined with modernity, stands out as a unique tourist destination in the Valencian Community and one of the main attractions on the entire Iberian Peninsula. Explore everything you can do in this wonderful region, where magic, natural beauty, and culture offer a wide range of options for enjoyment.

Spain is one of the most tourist-oriented countries in the world. Its extraordinary natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, excellent tourist services, and a wide range of entertainment options make it one of the most visited destinations in the European continent. Among the regions and cities that contribute to Spain’s international tourist significance, Valencia, and the entire Valencian Community undoubtedly take the top positions, always preferred by both national and international visitors.

Transport: Essential for your adventure

The first thing to organise before travelling to Valencia is the transportation within the city. Fortunately, there are excellent options to meet all types of needs, preferences, and budgets. A good idea is to use Uber Valencia services, with a broad network of vehicles available from any part of the city, at any time, without restrictions and at quite reasonable prices. It is an efficient, practical, and modern means of transportation accessible through their corresponding mobile application. Who doesn’t know about this extraordinary transportation service in these times?

However, if you enjoy immersing yourself in the daily lives of the city’s residents, you can purchase Valencia bus tickets and explore the city using this comfortable and cheap form of transportation.

The Municipal Transport Company (EMT) Valencia is responsible for providing public transportation services in the city, with high-quality buses perfectly equipped to ensure maximum comfort. Their routes cover not only Valencia but also reach nearby towns such as Alboraya, Alfara del Patriarca, Sueca, Burjassot, Tavernes Blanques, Moncada, Vinalesa, and Sedaví.

Drinking water from the taps

An interesting and significant feature is that Valencia tap water is entirely suitable for human consumption; in other words, it can be consumed directly from the tap without any sanitary risks. Tap water in Valencia undergoes strict quality controls to ensure its potability. Competent authorities constantly supervise the water supply to ensure compliance with the highest standards set by the European Union. Controls include periodic tests to determine the presence of possible contaminants such as chemicals, bacteria, harmful residues, and heavy metals. Being in Valencia, you can be confident that tap water is well treated and will not pose any problems.

Shopping: Exploring the best stores

In addition to its fascinating beaches, beautiful tourist sites, modern architecture, historic centres, stunning landscapes, nature, gastronomy, festivals, traditions, and exciting nightlife, Valencia shopping tours are another interesting attraction to explore in this wonderful city.

The majority of shops and shopping centres throughout the Valencian Community are open every day, including Sundays and holidays, ensuring that you can shop whenever your heart desires. Shopping is a relaxing activity that also provides the opportunity to find items and products that may not be available in your hometown.

Valencia boasts stores of the finest trendy brands, modern shopping centres, and complementary services, making any shopping spree an unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, Valencia and the Valencian Community offer a truly enchanting experience, seamlessly blending the allure of its Mediterranean charm with a rich historical tapestry and modern vibrancy. From efficient transportation options like Uber Valencia to the exploration of the city’s daily life through bus rides, the journey is as convenient as it is immersive. Moreover, the assurance of safe tap water underscores the city’s commitment to quality living. In addition, the vibrant shopping scene, coupled with Valencia’s myriad attractions, ensures that every visit becomes an unforgettable adventure. So, embark on this unique odyssey, where history, culture, and contemporary life converge to create memories that linger long after you’ve bid farewell to this captivating corner of Spain, you won’t regret it. 

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