Category Archives: Explore London

The 5 best Portuguese restaurants in London

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Mariana Marques

Explore London Food, lifeinlondon, london.

London has an absolutely great variety of cuisines, but nothing beats the traditional food from our country. Thankfully, there are many Portuguese restaurants in the city centre whose food taste exactly like home. It is true that most of them are on the pricier end, but some of them really are worth treating yourself to at least once.

Bar Dour

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One of the best, Bar Dour, serves traditional food from Porto, my hometown, including the so-popular sardines and the best fish in London (you can almost feel you are in Porto!). The environment is welcoming, though the decoration is definitely much posher than the typical restaurant you would find in this Portuguese city. It is located between Southwark and London Bridge station.

Santa Nata

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Santa Nata in Covent Garden is definitely for nata lovers. If you are one of the few that has never tried natas, then this is a must-go place. This bakery/coffee shop produces the creamiest egg custard (the secret to the perfect nata), exactly like the ones you’d have in Portugal. This sweet tart is all over London, even in non-traditional coffee shops and restaurants, but not many produce real, good-quality ones. Santa Nata also has a large window that allows customers to see the full production.

O Cantinho de Portugal

O Cantinho de Portugal restaurant has an extensive menu of authentic Portuguese food only, if you want to try more than the typical sardines, Porto wine or custard tarts. It is family-run, and it is located in Stockwell— an area well-known for being the home of many Portuguese people. I’d suggest you go for the Francesinha, codfish or monkfish.

Estrela

Another one that I’ve visited and would recommend is Estrela. Once again, this is a family-run business and all the staff is Portuguese. They tried to compile all the best of the Portuguese culture and cuisine to provide a friendly space to their customers while honouring traditions. The food is absolutely divine, and they accept reservations for events too – in case you feel like throwing a memorable Portuguese party! Find Estrela in South Lambeth Road (closest station is Oval).

A Toca

Last but not least, there is A Toca – I celebrated my 18^thbirthday here with some friends, so this place is definitely dear to my heart. The staff is very welcoming, the decoration is 100% what you would find in typical Portuguese restaurants in Porto or Lisbon, and the food is delicious— though, I have to mention, a little more expensive than in Portugal. A main meal would be around £12-16. This one is located in Camden.

These are just a few of the many Portuguese places in London (most of them are around Brixton and Stockwell) — I’ve tried these and can safely say you won’t regret coming here! Plus, Portugal has an extraordinary cuisine— a lot of fish dishes (the most popular being the codfish), great beer and beautiful desserts. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do, always!

The 5 best East Asian restaurants in London

Posted on June 6, 2019 by Joon Ha Park

Explore London, London Food, Lifestyle, social life.

Being a Korean international student who’s spent most of his life in Shanghai, there are times when I miss my comfort food. The Korean Fried Chicken, or the Dim Sum, and the hot, hearty stews are things I crave the most. I was pleased to find that there were others who shared my cravings and joined me on different East Asian culinary experiences in London.

So, without further ado, and in no particular order, here are my picks for the 5 best East Asian restaurants in London.

Haidilao

Craving some long-overdue hotpot? Haidilao is your saviour.

I’ve eaten at Haidilao before in Shanghai, but I really wanted to try it in London. It’s located in Piccadilly Square, just right next to the entrance to Chinatown overlooking Leicester Square (look below for the exact address). I went there with a few friends (eight to be exact), and it felt like I was back in Shanghai. We all arrived a little early, and were given board games to help us burn time. We were shown to our seats shortly after, and I’ve got to say, I had one of the best culinary experiences in London. Haidilao’s customer service is famously excellent and it was no different here in London.

We ordered four broths, a chock load of veggies, meat and seafood to please our palette. The price was a little expensive but it was definitely worth it. Just remember to make a reservation at least six days in advance if you want to avoid queueing! I highly recommend the tomato broth and getting ordering seafood as well as your preferred meat. All in all, a really wonderful experience, I highly recommend going with a few friends!

Address: Haidilao, Trocadero, Coventry Street, London W1D 7ER

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8150 0616

Hozi

As a Korean, I would be lying if I said that I didn’t miss my country’s food. Hozi tended to my cravings well and in my opinion it is one of the best Korean restaurants in the whole city. The food is authentic, the service is great, and the whole experience just felt like I was back home in Korea. Highly recommend getting on of the stews (any of them are great), the Korean Fried Chicken and getting the seafood pancake (Haemul Pajeon). Goodness, I’m getting hungry now just writing about it. The food is very reasonably priced and and a culinary delight.

Address: Hozi, 25 – 27 Theobalds road, London WC1X 8SP

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7242 0978

Kimchee

Located in Holborn and King’s Cross, Kimchee is a great place to go for anyone who wants to try Korean cuisine. Their interior design is amazing and the menu is great too.

Make sure you get the chargrilled meat (pork belly and galbi are my picks) and a starter to really get the best out of your time there — the desserts are also quite nice. Reasonably priced and great service, all of the staff are really nice and most importantly, the food is top notch. Definitely would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for some Korean food.

Address: Kimchee, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6EA.

Telephone number: +44 (0)20 7430 0956

Misato

One of London’s cheapest student-friendly eats, Misato offers an array of Japanese dishes, ranging from sushi to Japanese curry. Whenever I go there, I always order the Pork Katsu with rice, and the portions are great if you want to please an empty stomach. It’s located in Chinatown, only around 30 minutes away from City by bus or tube.

Remember to bring cash when you go here! They don’t accept card payments.

Address: Misato, 11 Wardour Street, Soho, London W1D 6PG

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7734 0808

Haozhan

In my opinion, Chinatown’s Haozhan is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Their speciality — Peking Duck — is excellent and their Dim Sum is equally good. Dim Sum is served daily until 5pm which is the same for most restaurants in Chinatown. Peking Duck is served all day. Only a half-hour’s bus ride from Angel to China Town, the food at Haozhan is reasonably priced and the portions are just right. This is a great place to please your Dim Sum/Peking Duck cravings.

Address: Haozhan, 8 Gerrard Street, London W1D 5PJ

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7434 3838

Happy eating!

8 day trips from London if you need a break from your studies

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Michelle Sarkisyan

Advice, Explore London advice, day trips, explore, travel, UK.

London is the second most visited city in the world, according to Mastercard’s 2018 Global Destination Cities Index study. While the atmosphere of the Europe’s ‘Big Apple’ will always be fascinating, we have complied a list of the best day trips outside of London for student who want to explore further afield or are looking for a much needed break from their busy schedules.

The good news? You do not need to venture far to enjoy peace and quiet away from London’s hustle and bustle. In fact, an hour from London and you will stumble upon quaint towns and cities with many offerings no less impressive. With mobile apps like Trainline and a 16-25 Railcard on hand, it can be cheap and easy to plan a quick getaway (10 free apps every student should download). Here are some of my favourite towns for that much desired trip outside of London:

Maidstone, Kent [cheapest rail ticket with return: £10.40]

Maidstone is a town in Kent, England with a historically important background. Only an hours train ride away from London, the trip is breathtakingly worth it. A must-visit site is the Leeds Castle, dating back to 1119, and open to the public. Start by enjoying the beautiful views of the stone castle situated on two islands on a magnificent lake, take in the splendid rooms and Civil War cuirassier armour, then visit the world’s only museum of dog collars or lose yourself in the maze made with 2,400 yew trees.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex [cheapest rail ticket with return: £11.40]

The small town in southeast England is not short of fun activities. In just two hours you could escape your course-related stress and forget it all at the pebbled beach or at Adventure Island. It is a free-admission amusement park with rides and attractions for people of all ages. It offers six roller coasters, 30 rides, amusement arcades, Formula AI Karting, Adventure Golf, and Sea Life Adventure.

Cambridge [cheapest rail ticket with return: £12.55]

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Cambridge is a city on the river Cam in eastern England. The town is small but full of interesting sites and places for you to relax. You could see the optical illusion of the Mathematical Bridge where it appears to be an arch, however, it is composed entirely of straight timers. You could also visit the famous Newton’s Apple Tree or the magnificent Jesus Green park. Another recommendation of mine is Cambridge University Botanic Garden, which covers an area of 16 hectares (40 acres). It holds a plant collection of over 8,000 plant species from all over the world, a botanic garden lake, beautiful glasshouses, and fountains.

Windsor [cheapest rail ticket with return: £7.75]

Would you like to visit the wedding site of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? Only 39 minutes away from central London, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and The Queens favourite weekend home. You too can make your way down The Long Walk like royalty, or experience on of the many tours and exhibitions the castle offers. The small town also has magnificent open spaces like the Windsor Great Park, a beautiful lake with swans, cosy pubs, and many shopping opportunities.

Brighton [cheapest rail ticket with return: £12.35]

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The English seaside resort is a small-student town an hour away from London. It has fun student-friendly clubs and an incredibly beautiful pier, hosting an amusement park and sea life. Brighton is full of art galleries and museums and home to the the iconic regency palace and museum – Royal Pavilion. However, the highlight for me was the British Airways i360 – a 162-meter moving observation tower that overlooks the whole city and offers a view for the perfect Instagram picture.

Oxford [Cheapest train ticket with return: £10.80]

The small and tradition university town is a mere hour’s journey from central London. You can explore the university grounds, countless museums and theatres such as the Pitt Rivers Museum, Ashmolean Museum, and The Sheldonian theatre. Personally, I enjoyed the legendary Covered Market Oxford which has been around since the 1770s – an indoor bazaar with traditional market shops selling fresh produce at the greengrocers and butchers, gift shops and boutique clothing stores for unique treasures, bakeries and buzzing cafes to sit back and enjoy good food and soak in the atmosphere.

Broadstairs [cheapest rail ticket with return: £13.19]

In about 80 miles east of London, you could enjoy one of Thanet’s seaside resorts, known as the “jewel in Thanet’s crown”. Family-friendly sandy beaches, sand bars, and opportunities for surfing are at hand with numerous gulfs such as Botany Bay, Viking Bay, and Kingsgate Bay Road. The summer resort hosts the Dickens House Museum – this little gem has an entrance fee of £3.75 and it features extremely interesting exhibitions.

Fun fact: The building which houses the museum was once home to Mary Pearson Strong, a close friend of Dickens and the inspiration for characters such as Betsey Trotwood of David Copperfield. Indeed, the home is the model for Betsey’s home.

Bath [cheapest rail ticket with return: £20.50]

Bath is the largest city in Somerset County and well-known for its famous Roman-built baths. The town is filled with buildings in medieval style with a Gothic interior. It is the perfect place for you to relax and enjoy historic bath spas with hot waters and open rooftops swimming pools such as The Romanian Bath and Thermae Bath Spa. A personal favourite of mine is The Jane Austen Centre, a small namesake museum dedicated to the writer of the beloved-by-many novel, Pride & Prejudice. You could purchase jewellery and clothing, but also enjoy the lovely atmosphere of the Regency Tea Room with a cup of Lady Catherine’s Proper Cream Tea (£9) and a slice of Mrs. Bennet’s Cake of the day (£7.45).

10 free apps every student should download

Posted on May 15, 2019 by Michelle Sarkisyan

Advice, Explore London, London advice, Apps, Commute, london, Night life.

These apps will not only make you feel productive but make you feel like a true Londoner – on top of your university and social life and know (or at least appear like you know) London like the back of your hand.

As students, we don’t quite have a routine day-to-day, instead we exist in the middle of a military zone. We are constantly tired, hungry, and bombarded with new compulsory readings and assessments we are required to complete within short notice.

We procrastinate and drink gallons of coffee thinking it will help us stay ahead of the game. Undoubtedly, we find ourselves prioritising our to-do list poorly – like choosing to clean our room instead of writing that much dreaded assignment – in an attempt to avoiding the unavoidable.

However, I have recommended ten student-friendly mobile apps that you must download – for finding secret clubs on a budget to finding your way around the big city.

Study apps

Moodle [Android/ iOS]

In a previous post of mine, How to Survive Exams, I have mentioned how essential Moodle is for students. With the Moodle app on your phone or desktop you can access everything offline – from PowerPoint presentations and library resources to timetable, grades and even your department’s common room. Only one click away from checking something quickly while on the tube or while running errands, Moodle will help you keep on top of everything university related.

Organise uni life on Moodle.

StudyBlue [Android/iOS]

This revision app is perfect for people who are flash card and quiz fanatics or even for those of you who don’t have enough time to study and prepare for coursework or exams.

StudyBlue is an app that enables you to customise your study materials with images and audio. You could quiz yourself, track your progress and set study reminders. My favourite features are the sharing tool that allows you to share flashcards with your classmates and teachers, and the search tool which allows you to find existing materials on the web with one easy keyword search. Use this app while commuting or when you want to squeeze in that last five minutes of revisions before you sit your exam.

Make revision manageable with StudyBlue

Citationsy [iOS]

This app takes away the hustle and bustle of referencing and creating a bibliography. This free app will organise your citations into different colour-coded projects and export them in over 8,500 different styles. The only thing you have to do is scan your book’s barcode to generate a reference formatted in Harvard, Chicago, or any other style that your university demands.

Let Citationsy create your bibliography

Evernote [Android/ iOS/ Web]

This app is extremely useful if you would like to be more organised and capture and priorities projects, ideas, and to-do lists in one single place. With Evernote, you could document ideas in a variety of formats, including sketches, photos, and web clippings. You could use the camera to scan and organise paper documents, handwritten notes, and drawings, create to-do lists and reminders or let multiple participants work on different aspects for joint projects. The best thing is that you can sync your mobile app with your computer and tablet, enabling you to document ideas and your train of thoughts, wherever you are.

Organise your notes on Evernote

Travel apps

CityMapper [Android/ iOS/ Web]

CityMapper is one of the best and most used apps I have ever downloaded on my phone. Even if you are familiar with London, this app will still be useful for your day-to-day commute. The only thing you need to do is select the location where you are heading to and the app will automatically give you different options of travel – including waking, cycling, bus, tube, it will even suggest Uber. The app displays the cost for each option of travel and estimates how long it will take you. It is incredibly precise and easy to use.

Plan your journeys on CityMapper

Trainline [Android/ iOS]

Used on a regular basis, Trainline helps me plan my trips accurately to the very last second. With this app you won’t have to wait in queues ever again – just add your railcard for discounts, buy and use the mobile ticket on the go. You can see live departure and arrival times for trains to your chosen destination, view the platform number, and receive live updates on delays and alterations to your journey. You don’t need to use your data allowance to upload your ticket to go through the gates, and you can enjoy the perks of a regular ticket – you have the option to cancel, change or refund your ticket all via the app.

Check your train schedule on Trainline

Railcard [Android/ iOS]

I am a passionate traveller and with the help of the Trainline app planning a journey has never been easier. However, I started spending way too much on tickets until I found out about the 16-25 Railcard discount. For only £30 it’ll save you 30 per cent on rail fares throughout Great Britain for a whole year. After you purchase your card, download the app in order to be verified if needed.

Claim your rail fair discounts with Railcard

Promotions & offers

DUSK [Android/ iOS]

Every Friday and on weekends students face the same problem. Where do I go to drink? What will they offer? Shall I go for quality drinks or budget drinks? DUSK is your answer!

It suggests you all the pubs and clubs in close proximity to you that DUSK partners with. Therefore you can enjoy discounts up to 30 per cent of your purchase but also have a free alcoholic drink per night. This app will help you find hidden pubs, hipster clubs and challenges you to try drinks and cocktails you might have not had the gut to try. Just select a bar, follow the app’s directions to the bar, and voila! enjoy cheap drinks and an amazing atmosphere!

Enjoy a night out with DUSK

UNiDAYS [Android/ iOS]

This student app will help you with your student budget at all times. It gives you instant access to student discounts with a variety of brands, including ASOS, Apple, Nike, Schuh, New Look, and Urban Outfitters. To register you need to sign up using your university email address to verify you’re a student. It could save you up to 40 per cent of your purchase and makes shopping incredibly satisfying!

Save on your shopping with UNiDAYS

Burger King [Android/ iOS]

If you enjoy the occasional junk food then, Burger King is your joint. The burger chain offers many deals and vouchers on their app. Log in using your Facebook account details and grab six delicious chilli cheese bites for only £1.29. From 2 for 1 regular whopper meals to a £0.50 regular fries, just present your code and enjoy tasty food on the cheap.

Enjoy cheap treats with Burger King

My top 5 ways to explore London culture

Posted on August 6, 2018 by Monica Foss

Explore London, MSc Food Policy, Postgraduate, School of Arts and Social Sciences lifeinlondon, london.

London’s attractions are the best in the world. That is not my opinion, that is fact! So, while you’re studying in the UK, this is how you can immerse yourself in the diversity of cultures that reside in this global metropolis.

1. Museums (all of them)

One of the best parts of living in London is that learning and artistic appreciation can be done for little to no cost. Nearly all the museums in London are free, meaning that this broke student has been to quite a few! The Museum of London is a journey through the 2,000 years of human history along the Thames, and I learn something new each time I visit. The Victoria and Albert Museum showcases artistic history from across the world in a beautiful Victorian building, as does the British Museum. Check out the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles, then move on to the mummies, the Assyrian lion hunt sculptures and the clock room (yes, clocks, it’s cooler than it sounds!). For a slightly more niche and eerie visit, try out The Old Operating Theatre. It’s a glimpse into the beginnings of surgery, where the scalpels look the same but anaesthesia was yet to be invented.

2. Food markets

London is a market town, and that means if you love food you will find no shortage of ways to discover the city through your stomach. Borough Market is the oldest, most well-known and one of my favourite places on earth, but there’s plenty more to discover. Broadway Market in Hackney is home to a variety of local food artisans as well as a vegan-only offshoot. KERB markets are all over the city but my favourite is at Camden, offering the tastiest selection of foods next to the canal. Pop Brixton and the Brixton Village Market display hipster excellence at the former and a staple tradition at the latter. Or find yourself a pop-up shop, like those in Old Street station, for an example of the ever-changing innovation of the city. Also – Chinatown. No explanation necessary.

3. Really old places

Seeing as people have been living in London for over 2,000 years (which you will have learned from your visit to the Museum of London), there’s a lot of history built in the fabric of the city. You’d be remiss to not see Buckingham Palace and wave hello to the Queen, admiring the parks that surround her home. Same goes with the plethora of Victorian gardens around the city, which began as private retreats for the wealthy but now provide peace and serenity for all of us. Holland Park in West London is one of my favourites, as are the more well-known parks like Hyde Park and Hampstead Heath. The Tower of London is another cultural “must-do”. A Norman castle with genuine Beefeaters to guide you around and terrifying ravens to remind you of the true nature of the place. What’s not to love?

4. Pubs

If you’re going to have a true cultural experience you must visit at least one, if not ten, pubs. They’re on every corner in every neighborhood and all have a welcoming vibe for those feeling thirsty or peckish. Get a pint on draught, order a classic pub meal (or a gastropub’s reinvention of the pub meal), and settle into the comforts of pub life. Chances are you’ll meet someone new, be it a local or fellow tourist. Or come especially for a game of rugby or football, the energy is unforgettable.

5. Street art

The skies may be grey but the energy on London’s streets is always in full force. In the city centre you will find a multitude of performers vying for tourists’ smiles, laughs and dimes. The acts vary from comedy to magic and acrobatics to singing. Slow down and appreciate a busker, as they are called, but make sure you tip them for your welcomed entertainment. Finally, keep your eyes peeled for street art. East London is the hub, but a beautiful mosaic or mural can be found wherever you are as long as you’re looking!

There’s no wrong way to enjoy London and as long as you get out of your flat or hotel, you’re bound to stumble on something interesting and learn a thing or two. Find your top five and let me know what they are!

Top 5 cultural sites to visit in London

Posted on August 6, 2018 by Michelle Sarkisyan

Explore London, School of Arts and Social Sciences, Undergraduate advice.

Studying at a university located in central London has given me the chance to explore some of the best cultural locations the city has to offer. In one of my previous blogs, I recommended sites such as the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe, the innovative Tate Modern and the beloved Sherlock Holmes Museum. Today I would like to share with you five more places that are worth exploring!

1. St Paul’s Cathedral: not only is this cathedral breathtaking to look at, but it has also played an important role throughout history. It miraculously survived World War II, played host to Winston Churchill’s funeral in 1965, was where Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles married in 1981 and was the London site for the worldwide occupy protest in 2011. It is a 20 minute walk from City, University of London and is open for sightseeing Mondays to Fridays, from 08:30 to 16:00.

2. The Royal Observatory: located on a hill in Greenwich Park, overlooking the River Thames, this is one of my favourite places to visit. My favourite feature of the observatory is without a doubt the Planetarium show. Ticket prices are reasonable and it is a way to fulfil your childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut!

3. Dennis Severs’ House: a 25 minute walking distance from City, this original Georgian house has been rescued from decay to serve as a living demonstration of 18th century life. This is not just a museum but is something that you can experience like performance art. The rooms move in periods as you walk through, and provide a snapshot of life in the past – the food is real, the fire is burning, the bed is still warm. The stimulation to your senses seems so realistic, you may even forget that the house occupants are purely fictional.

4. The Ten Bells: this is another site which provides a look into the past. This pub in Spitalfields is infamous for being a favourite place of Jack the Ripper. The dim lighting and faded decor create a mysterious ambience, and the spicy chicken wings are to die for!

5. Ye Olde Mitre Tavern: this pub dates back to 1546 and it is rumoured to be a place where Queen Elizabeth I once danced. You can always expect friendly staff behind the bar and it is the perfect place to sit, drink and eat with friends. It is charming, cozy and just a 15 minute walk away from City, University of London.