Study Abroad: A Guide to All That's Good in London, England (Gina Hock, SHA ‘18)
Who better to share travel and study abroad tips than a BU hospitality student? They live for travel, international exploring, and adventure! Gina Hock (SHA ‘18) is currently studying abroad in London, England with BU’s London Program. While there, she’s taking classes, traveling through Europe, becoming a London expert, and getting one step closer to her dream career in luxury travel public relations through internship with J Public Relations. Here, she shares her guide to all that’s good in London.
EATS
The Ivy Chelsea Garden: The best of the Ivy restaurants. A great menu and even greater atmosphere. Order the roast salmon filet, YUM. I hear the afternoon tea is delicious as well.
Muriel's Kitchen: A must-do for brunch. It's right by the South Kensington Underground. Grab the champion's breakfast and a flat white! Also great for cute pics. Check out the menu here. Pictured below.
The Churchill Arms: A pub filled with Winston Churchill memorabilia. Built in 1750 and has some great history! Such good vibes and surprisingly, the best thai food I've had here.
DaMario's: Italian in South Ken, right by BU. You’ll probably see students in you program here. Yummy & affordable.
Homeslice: The best pizza in London, hands down. Right in Covent Garden, get a 20" pizza and a glass of rosé. Usually a long wait, but WORTH IT! Pictured below.
TO DO
Big Ben: You've got to see it! Take the tube to the Westminster stop and get out. It really is big!
Westminster Abbey: If you're able to take a tour of it, I highly suggest it. Lots of great kings and queens are buried here along with many famous scientists, writers, and artists. Gives you chills!
The London Eye: Book this at sunset and you wont regret it. The Champagne Experience is worth it because you won't have to wait on any lines! Pictured below.
V & A Museum: All the museums in London are free, so I'd try to go to all of them. The V&A happens to be my favorite and it's right in South Ken, so close to BU’s buildings! You can spend hours here!
Hyde Park: When the weather gets nice, Hyde Park turns into a fairytale. Tulips and dogs everywhere! Take a stroll past Kensington Palace, grab a seat on a bench near the pond, or even go for an evening run.
Portobello Road Market: Hop on the tube and head to the Notting Hill Gate Underground. Explore the antique shops and take pictures of the pastel colored buildings. Pictured below.
FOR HIGH TEA
The Goring Hotel: Incredible. Enough said. You need reservations, so make one here! Pictured below.
Orange Pekoe: A little outside central London, but worth the trip! It's more casual, but VERY yummy. Try the antique white rose tea, so delicious and very pretty.
Soho's Secret Tea Room: If you want a quirky experience, do it. Right in Soho, this place is hidden above a pub. Ask the bartender for a table upstairs and he'll bring you behind the bar and to the staircase! FYI: they have a roaming cat so if you're allergic, be aware.
FOR COFFEE
Soho Grind: Right off Regent Street, this joint is very hip and has its own bar downstairs where you can order yourself a yummy espresso martini. Wifi, outlets, and lots of alternative tunes. Sit by the windows and enjoy the people watching! Pictured below.
The Department of Coffee and Social Affairs: There's more than one of them, but I like the one near the Chancery Lane tube station. The employees are all super friendly and there are lots of options for seating. Come alone or with a group of friends. Order the banana bread and a flat white. The freshly squeezed orange juice is also delicious! Closes at 4:00 pm on the weekends, so get there early!
Check out more of Gina’s travel, professional, and lifestyle tips on her new blog!
