So spending my 30th in London was the plan long before covid, but we weren’t sure if it would be possible at the start of lockdown. Fast forward a few months and here we are , masks in shops & public transport are mandatory , lots of places still aren’t open , but we can go.
Unlike previous trips we made no plan or itinerary , just in case. We had no idea how busy it would be , how long lines may be for our favorite shops, or how we would cope with masks etc.
The night before we got everything ready and almost booked into some bars but decided against it at the last minute. Opting for just playing it by ear. We set off a little later than planned as we had a nice slow breakfast with the little 3 and double checking we hadn’t forgotten anything ( we did ). So I had to pack some of my favorites, including my beautiful new weekend bag and obviously my London Pjs.
After a long drive ( and no toilets open on the motor way ) as soon as we checked in and used the facilities we walked up to the O2 .We always stay in North Greenwich and usually love visiting the O2. It’s almost always quiet but this time it was eerie. Most of the shops were open , with limited capacity and mandatory had sanitiser on entry …but none of the shops were busy enough to have to wait. After a little walk round and a quick happy hour cocktails ( at the only open bar ) we jumped on the tube to central.
We were going to get off at covent garden and walk in but quickly realised a bunch of the tube stops were closed. Mainly the ones with lots of stairs and a need for lifts , because theres limited capacity per lift and if you know covent garden tube station , those stairs aren’t for the faint hearted.
But back to central , we managed to visit all our favorite stores with no lining up outside. The masks can get mega clammy quickly but needs must. A lot of shops ask you to sanitise on arrival and it’s a lot more friendly than we had expected. It was most amazing to see places like Libertys so very quiet. Usually a hive of bustling shoppers and tourists it was almost like a private viewing hour, which was actually quite magical.
After some retail therapy we popped to Sketch for cocktails and it did not disappoint. You can’t have social media and not know what sketch is , the egg toilets are a place of dreams. From the service , to the drinks to the decor its like wonderland. So naturally we had to book in for breakfast .
They also do check your temp etc on arrival , all digital and hassle free.
With so many places closing early ( which we didn’t realise ) we headed back to the hotel to get changed and head out for drinks , for everywhere to be closed. So it was deliveroo to the room and a few drinks from the local tesco. Not exactly the glam we wanted but you get what you can!
Sunday morning we were up early to celebrate the last day of my 20’s. straight into central for the most amazing breakfast at sketch. I had waffles with vanilla chantilly , maple syrup and caramel sauce ( Yes I eat like a child ) . Paired with the yummiest earl grey tea I’ve ever tasted it was a perfect morning.
After we had a spot of shopping ( and returning bits and bobs as you can’t try things on in store so we did it back at the hotel to return them etc).
We went through doing some touristy sight seeing and just visiting our favorite places , from milk train to Leicester square. We had so hoped to go to the flower market as it’s literally one of my favorite places on earth but as time was running away and the Shoreditch tubes and over ground were closed we sadly had to cancel that idea as we just wouldn’t of made it in time.
For Lunch / dinner we found the mazing Rum Kitchen in Kings court and wow…. It’s rare we ever eat meat but this place looked too good to miss and I’m so glad we tried it. I also had a few cheeky rum cocktails that did not disappoint. After dinner and a stroll around generally talking and taking in the sights (it’s amazing how little you can talk when your wrangling 6 small humans) we headed back to get changed and went to the O2 for a few early drinks and nibbles before going back to the hotel with drinks again ( as again , everywhere was closing early ). I wasn’t sure i was ready to wake up 30!
Monday I’m 30!
Well i woke up to Tobias singing , my phone ringing and a face time from the in-laws and my little 3. Which was perfect. I had been sent the yummiest box of treats from Vanilla and dreams. I was so excited to finally open it and see all my birthday treats. So cake for breakfast it was ( and the best cake I’ve tasted I might add).
For today I had a long shopping list of bits the kids wanted , like M7Ms from M&M world and a gumball machine , things from Disney world etc. So they were top priority. My lovely inlaws sent me some cheeky birthday cash so I wanted to pop and get some bits with that.
Tobias coaxed me onto Boris bikes, baring in mind its been 16 years since I was last on a bike , it was a wobbly start and very nerve wracking but actually so much fun.
We cycled round the sights , had coffee , and generally enjoyed our last couple of hours of peace and quiet .
And the rest is , Well my mini 30th party with the babes….and that’s another blog.
Overall , I would definitely say if your wanting to visit London but don’t like the crowds and busy’ness …then now is the time Because its super quiet but still with all the charm.
(Post contains gifted items )
