England is open and LGBTQ London is calling

November 3, 2021 Kelli Carpenter 5 min read

I was counting down the days until Americans could safely travel again to London without the extensive quarantines that had originally been in place.

This trip was a long time in the making as my wife is a touring singer and had two concerts scheduled in London during our stay. But we wanted to be sure to explore the city for the other nights there and get a real feeling for what London has to offer.

Where to stay

Our trip was made even more special at the fabulous One Aldwych Hotel centrally located in the Covent Garden/Soho area. The hotel’s lobby is beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and has an extensive craft cocktail bar located in the middle. I enjoyed a drink made with the local honey that they produce on their rooftop. There were so many options to choose from and we could even let the bartender know our likings and he would create a cocktail just for us!

The art collection featured at the hotel was incredible and added a chic element allowing us to feel like art insiders once we entered. Another unique aspect to this boutique hotel is the spa and indoor pool downstairs, which creates a sanctuary within a bustling city. They even had underwater music!

Breakfast, which was included in your stay, offered a wonderful variety and was delicious. The hotel team was warm, kind, and helpful throughout our stay with them. I would like to give a special mention to Camila for coordinating our stay and the concierge Claudia for assisting in making all of our plans. If you book this hotel through me, you will receive the special amenities seen below plus I know their team will take good care of you.

Where to eat

We shared a delicious lunch at Randall & Aubin in Soho with our friend Sabine Kern who will be leading in the opening of a new hotel in London called Broadwick Soho. This tasty seafood lunch was such a treat as they will be the team opening the restaurant in this new hotel. Stay tuned for more information on this one.

Our first night, we dined at a famous dumpling spot called Din Tai Fung. As you enter the restaurant, you can see the expert dumpling-makers creating each and every dumpling with care. It was fascinating to watch. The food was authentic and exactly what we were craving. And by the lines wrapped around the block to get in, I imagine it is what many Londoners enjoy also.

We wandered the neighborhood and found the streets to be so alive with locals and tourists. We landed in a funky, cool cocktail spot on Henrietta Street in Covent Garden called Mrs. Riot that had a live band that added to the ambiance.

A trip to London would not be complete without having one of their signature dishes: fish and chips with mushy peas. A friend recommended a local spot called Poppies Fish and Chips. Of course, it was delicious and the place was retro and adorable.

We had friends arrange for drinks one night at a really cool speakeasy called Cahoots. They tried to describe the experience, but honestly, it is hard to put it into words. It is something to experience in person. Reservations are required as you go down a flight of stairs into an old subway station and enter into an area that looks like a streetcar.

The menu is filled with unique cocktails that are all served in a variety of glassware. One arrived in a teapot and tea cups, coffee can, ceramic head, ball jar, etc. The menu is a traditional newspaper that can come home with you as a souvenir. It is an adventure that I cannot wait to do again.

The week ended with my wife, Anne Steele’s, concerts at Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zedel. What a fun, retro-style venue and brasserie. If you are looking for a night of intimate music and great food, this is the place to go.

Cheerio London! Till next time!

HOTEL:

One Aldwych

https://www.onealdwych.com

If you book this hotel through me, you will receive the following amenities: