London, UK

You’ve been everywhere else but here.

I’ve long been in love with London for all the reasons you would imagine. Endless history, vibrant culture and a seemingly never-ending list of great places for my favorite travel activity: making pictures.

(all images below shot on iPhone - the best camera is the one you have with you)

DRINK

Ranked in ascending order of libations required.

The Ticket Office //

Whatever troubles you in the world’s most magical city, the ticket office inside the historic St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel can fix you - it is a bar after all. I spent the better part of 13 weeks in the year 2013 (weird number shit I know but facts are facts) living in this incredible, epic, historic Gothic Revival of greatness that’s been standing since the 5th of May, 1873. On that first day of business in the Victorian era, it was already known as one of the world’s finest places to lay your head. 140 years later and with more trouble than one young man could stand, a large volume of memories during my early 20s in London are still devoted to evenings trying to navigate BACK here after long days in my favorite global city. Usually after office hours the jet lag kicked in, and on those late nights, London really comes alive.

Address: Euston Road, Kings Cross, London N1C 4QP, United Kingdom

Lobby Bar (London Edition) //

The view, the people and the cocktails make for a dangerous combination at the Lobby Bar inside The London EDITION. It features a large marble bar top, leather seating and the trademark fireplace. It’s good there is accommodation upstairs if you get carried away and need a nap. Cocktails are spectacular and well worth the trek for drinks, dinner or both.

Address: 10 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NP, United Kingdom

Shaston Arms Pub, Soho //

First opened in 1898 by the Hall & Woodhouse Brewery, and it has been in continuous operation ever since. The pub is named after the medieval name for the town of Shaftesbury in Dorset, which is immortalised by Thomas Hardy as shown on the history boards in the pub. The pub has a cosy “aged” feel with low ceilings, old fireplaces, mirrors, etc. Two narrow corridor-like connecting rooms with booths and separate drinking areas. The pub has been frequented by many famous writers and artists over the years, including George Orwell, who wrote part of his novel “1984” in the pub. The Shaston Arms is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and it is a great place to go for a drink, a meal, or just to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Address: 4-6 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 7QN, United Kingdom

HISTORY

The British Museum //

A museum of human history and culture in London, it is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world. With a collection of over 8 million objects from all over the world and all periods of human history, it was founded in 1753. The collection began with the bequest of Sir Hans Sloane, a physician and collector, and has since acquired objects through donations, purchases, and, in some cases, the British Empire's colonial history.

Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom

St. Paul’s Cathedral //

St. Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in London, England, and is the seat of the Bishop of London, the senior bishop in the Church of England. It sits on Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London and is a Grade I listed building. Its dedication to Paul the Apostle dates back to the original church on this site, founded in AD 604. The present structure, dating from the late 17th century, was designed in the English Baroque style by Sir Christopher Wren. Its construction, completed in Wren's lifetime, was part of a major rebuilding programme in the City after the Great Fire of London.

ALSO

Liberty //

Founded in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty, who was inspired by his travels to the Far East, Liberty was one of the first stores to bring Eastern textiles and homewares to the West, and it quickly became a popular destination for artists, designers, and fashionistas. Today, Liberty is still known for its unique and stylish offerings. The store carries a wide range of clothing, accessories, homewares, and gifts. Liberty also has a strong focus on craftsmanship and sustainability, and it works with a number of independent designers and makers. Liberty is a popular tourist destination, but it is also a favorite among locals. The store is located in the heart of London, on Regent Street. It is a beautiful building with a distinctive Tudor revival facade. The interior of the store is just as impressive, with a winding staircase, stained glass windows, and exposed beams.

Address: Regent St., Carnaby, London W1B 5AH, United Kingdom

Farlows //

My favorite outdoor store in London - officially listed as a “outdoor pursuits store in a grand setting selling fly fishing and shooting equipment.”

Address: 9 Pall Mall, St. James's, London SW1Y 5NP, United Kingdom

Tea at Claridges Hotel //

Well known as “where God would take someone for high tea”, an occasion not to be missed. Tea at Claridges is a quintessentially British experience. The hotel has been serving afternoon tea since it opened its doors in 1896, and it has become one of the most popular afternoon tea destinations in London. The afternoon tea at Claridges is served in the hotel's Foyer and Reading Room. The room is decorated in a classic style, with plush sofas, chandeliers, and marble tables. The tea is served on fine china, and the sandwiches and pastries are made with the freshest ingredients. The afternoon tea at Claridges is a three-course meal. The first course is a selection of finger sandwiches, including cucumber, egg, and salmon. The second course is scones with clotted cream and jam. The third course is a selection of pastries, including macaroons, eclairs, and fruit tarts.

Address: Brook St, London W1K 4HR, United Kingdom

ON LEFT | ST. PANCRAS OPENING DAY // MAY 5, 1873

On that first day of business in the Victorian era, it was already known as one of the world’s finest places to lay your head. 140 years later - I can promise you won’t be disappointed. A centerpiece among the revived neighborhood of London’s Kings Cross, once known for its crime and seedy activities after dark, this bustling section of London can power your entire adventure as it sit’s above one of the most connected tube stations in town. So long as you avoid accidentally boarding the train to Hogwarts, or being photographed trying to - there’s few places a muggle can’t go from here. Next time I’m in the vicinity, I’ll be boarding a train to Scotland - where you go next is up to you but I’ve left you enough breadcrumbs to jump off from here and have a hell of an evening. At the end of the night just wave for a black cab and ask for St. Pancras, they will handle the rest.