London. 48 h.

Some highlights from my recent trip to London and Kingston Upon Thames; from vegan wraps and oat meal mochas to sketches of cathedrals from the 16 hundreds. Here is the recap of my 48 hours in the city.

Monday 25.03.19

The Cheeky Pea (01.15pm)

📍34, Eden Walk Shopping Centre, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1BJ

Who said that you can’t find simple and delicious vegan food to a decent buck? The Cheeky Pea offered fresh falafels and smooth hummus with lemon and coriander. As a person who loves to add as much veggies as you can possibly fit inside a single wrap, it brought me so much joy that they didn’t charge extra if you wanted to add couscous, salad, cucumber, spinach, tomato, red onion and bean sprouts to your falafel.

VIVI Restaurant & Bar (06.48pm)

📍VIVI, Centre Point, 11 Saint Giles Square, London WC2H 8AP

In Britain, you’ll find a pub on almost every corner, and it’s the same way with the serving of afternoon tea - sometimes they even have a special afternoon tea menu at the pub. But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to navigate which places that offer the ultimate atmosphere and experience. Vivi however, was such a cute and glamorous spot. They might not bring you the most traditional china (scones, sandwiches and treats are served in something that looks like a jewelry box), but it’s the retro vibe and elements like these that makes it unique. Blue velvet couches, glass teapots and orchids on every table - I only with I had the time to spend my entire afternoon there.

Richmond park (14.13pm)

📍Richmond, Britain

Sunshine, bird chipper and a park all to ourselves (or so it seemed). It’s incredible that you can find untouched nature like this only 20 min from the center of London. And I can see no better way to spend a sunny day, than to walk among tall trees and deers. Me and Tiril picked up a basket of strawberries at the farmer’s market in Kingston and had a picnic and a moment of stillness in the park, before going on with our hectic day.

Isabella plantation (14.38pm)

📍173 Clarence St, Kingston upon Thames TW10 5HP

Isabella plantation is a botanical garden situated inside of Richmond park, where you’ll discover rhododendrons and camelliasrose bushes, that were planted in the 1830's, as well as ponds and streams. Kind of wonderful that we didn’t have cell service there. Gives you a that sense of freedom that you long for.

Tuesday 26.03.19

Department of coffee and social affairs (10.22Am)

📍14 Thames St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1PE

Best. Oat meal. Mocha. Ever. Such rich and soft flavors. And a bonus: The café was adorable too. It had plants hanging from the ceilings, chocolate cupcakes with that perfect frosting in the windows + two floors so that you could get a glimpse of the rooftops of Kingston. The atmosphere was relaxed and they had a great selection of music to go with the mood. It was the perfect place for a pick me up after our crazy Monday.

Local hero

📍22 Thames St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1PE

While we the Department of coffee and social affairs got our morning coffee covered, Local Hero offered tasty lunch. Lots of great vegan options, from toast with pomegranate and avocado, to cauliflower and quinoa salads (speaking as a person who generally find salads quite boring, I must admit that even I was impressed by the selection. They definitely knew how to add that little extra to every meal).

Tate Britain

📍Millbank London SW1P 4RG

Wish I had the whole day to spend here. Everywhere I went, there was a new room to enter and new types of sculptures, drawings, painting and even post stamps to see. They even supplied easels and pencil so that you could find a piece you liked and practice yourself.

Waterstones

📍203-, 206 Piccadilly, London W1V 9LW

A book lover’s heaven. Although, I usually thrift most of my books, this is the place to go if you’re looking for some books in particular that are difficult to get hold of. “Men without women” by Murakami - here we go!

That vintage shop

📍39 Old London Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6ND

If you’re spending the day in Kingston Upon Thames, this is the place to go. It may be a tiny store but it has a wonderful selection of quality vintage to a fair price. You’ll find tweed jackets, makeup mirrors, vintage flannels and scarves. They even have a student discount!

Queen’s promenade

📍26-27 A307, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2ND

Another Kingston highlight that you can’t miss. Wherever you’re planning to spend your day, try to spend some of the route walking by the river. It’s a beautiful sight with its swans and cute boats.