Lollygagging around London

On Jenn’s first trip to England, we spent a full day in London, using the double-decker bus to get around the city, while climbing St. Paul’s Cathedral and touring Buckingham Palace.  So when she was given the choice, she chose to go back so that we could tour Westminster Abbey and ride the London Eye.  I had a couple of places to visit/share with Jenn myself, so we were excited for the opportunity to explore this fantastic town together.  So we got on the road early, made it to the Stanmore Tube stop (cheap parking, direct access to downtown) and got a ride to Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey was founded in the 10^th century, and has been the site for coronations since 1066.  In my lifetime it has been noted for the funeral of Princess Diana and the marriage of Prince William.  I have peaked inside before, but have never been able to walk around.  I liked the RAF Chapel saluting those who lost their life in the Battle of Britain, and paid homage to Sir Isaac Newton’s final resting place.  Jenn was particularly moved to know this is where Handel was laid to rest, having written the Messiah which has meant so much to her over the years.  It was impressive (and a bit claustrophobic) to be walking with the crowds through the site.  Afterwards we took the required pictures of Big Ben as we popped into the St. Stevens Tavern, a Badger pub (can’t get away from my boss even in England) where I tried the Hopping Hare on cask, a Best Bitter that was 4.4% ABV.

We next walked across the Thames via the Westminster Bridge to the London Eye.  The London Eye is a giant (e.g., over 440 feet tall) Ferris wheel, the tallest in Europe, and is the most popular paid (i.e., expensive) attraction in the UK.  It provides a unique view of this beautiful city, and since I’ve tried to learn my way around it was certainly a thrill for me to see the venues from that height.  Close to Big Ben and Parliament, you could also see St. Paul’s Cathedral, Wembley Stadium and Buckingham Palace.  I was impressed on how well the system was set up, and to tell the truth on such a warm day how well the air conditioning worked.  It was good to do once, but I have to admit it would be fun to come back and see the city at night.  We got off and were going to take the water taxi to our next destination, but there was a 45 minute wait, so we decided to walk the Thames to our next stop.  On the way, we checked out the street vendors, even getting a Beavertown Bloody ‘Ell on draft in a plastic cup to enjoy on the way.

 

I wanted to show Jenn the Borough Market, an outdoor food market that has great food and great specialty beer.  I love the food selection, and I love grabbing a beverage and walking around to watch people.  There were so many great food choices, I was thankful for Jenn’s great eye finding a Roast-to-Go shop where she got a roast chicken sandwich and I found roast beef (with horseradish!).  I got Jenn a wine, while I went across the street to the Market Porter (famous pub seen as a bookstore in Harry Potter) and got a Marstons Market Porter Summer Ale, a beautiful cask ale that I was able to take on the road in a classy plastic Imperial pint glass.  I stopped by Utobeer (http://www.utobeer.co.uk/), a bottle shop in the market and found a Brew Dog Abstrakt AB:09, a Cranachan (a Scottish dessert made with cream, whiskey and honey) Imperial Stout weighing in at 17.1% ABV.  We also stopped by the Rake, an affiliated pub and got a local beer, Art Brew Orange IPA.  It was a great stop, but the day was getting longer, so we headed over to Covent Garden for some shopping and dinner.

We had gone to Covent Gardens on our last trip to London, so we wanted to stop by and check out a few shops (and pubs).  The area reminds us both of Quincy Market in Boston, with shops, bars and restaurants all centered together.  I even found a Five Guys (wonder if their burger would make the grade).  I went to the Harp, and famous pub (aren’t they all famous?), and tried a Dark Star 80 Shilling.  I also stopped by the Porterhouse brewpub and tried a Temple Brau lager.  We went back to Belgo Centraal (http://www.belgo-restaurants.co.uk/), where we knew we good get some good food, and I could try some Belgian beer.  Jenn got lobster while I got Thai mussels, while we both chose sweet lambics from Floris, honey and tropical. 

We went for a walk up the Piccadilly, and found our tube station to head back to our car and drive to the hotel.  It was a great week, sharing some new experiences with Jenn.  I am thankful my parents were able to watch the kids so that we could make the trip together. – 6327/14429

 
“Praise day at even, a wife when dead, a weapon when tried, a maid when married, ice when 'tis crossed, and ale when 'tis drunk.” - Old Norse Proverb