The Big Smoke

Two days in London flew by in a blur of lots of walking, eating, and the unique energy that only this city can offer. From morning runs along the Thames to nervously peering out of the London Eye, from gym sessions to traditional pubs, and from fancy surprise lunches to M&S grab-and-go, it was a whirlwind of activity.

Day One: London at Our Feet

I kicked off the first full day in London with a morning run along the Thames—passing the Houses of Parliament and running under the London Eye, crossing Waterloo Bridge, then looping back via Vauxhall Bridge. The city was just waking up, and the footpaths still quiet enough to enjoy the views.

Post-run, coffee was in order. Luckily, the hotel cafe downstairs had just what we needed. Caffeine levels restored, we set out on foot, wandering past the Houses of Parliament and up to Trafalgar Square.

We found what we thought was a casual little café for lunch, only to realise—too late—that it was far more upscale than anticipated. Picture us, in full holiday mode, surrounded by businesspeople having their serious meetings over linen tablecloths. Oops. Still, the food was great, even if we were a bit underdressed for the occasion!

Franco’s was a bit too fancy for us, but found out too late!

After lunch, we strolled through Green Park to Buckingham Palace before taking the Tube up to Oxford Street. A bit of emergency shopping was in order since we’d packed mostly for adventure and not quite enough for city dining. Bags in hand, we jumped on a bus to the London Eye. The view? Spectacular. Jase? A little hesitant to stand too close to the glass.

Lunch was a classic grab-and-go from M&S Food. Honestly, Australia needs to step up its sandwich and salad game—London just does it better.

Our next stop: Covent Garden, where Jase had found a Fitness First gym. While he worked out, I sat back and rested, chatting with the friendly guy at reception—August—who kindly sorted us both out with a two-day pass for the price of a single session. Absolute legend.

Back at the hotel, I enjoyed a cup of tea while Jase took on the laundry run. Naturally, he made himself comfortable in the Royal Oak pub next door, lager in hand, while waiting for the washing to finish.

After a quick nap, we headed out for dinner at The Red Lion in Westminster—Jase was after some traditional English fare. I wasn’t feeling great, so I played it safe with mushroom and chestnut pâté on toast. I have to say, I’m impressed with the variety of vegetarian and plant-based options here. London’s got this right.

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Day Two: From Wimbledon to Soho

We started the morning with coffee, then hit the gym together, rounding things off with a sauna and an ice-cold shower—nothing like a shock to the system to shake off the last of the jet lag.

Back at the hotel for a quick change, then we jumped on the train to Wimbledon to meet up with Charlie for lunch at a great little pub, The Alexandra.

On the way back into town, we took a detour through Fulham to visit my old stomping grounds. The weather had turned—rainy, bitterly cold—so we ducked into The Brown Cow for a quick warm-up before catching the 14 bus back toward central London.

The house I used to live in. In 2003 it wasn’t pink and I remember everything being bigger. But, the same familiar smells. Strange how that sticks with you!

We had plans to explore Soho, but London traffic had other ideas. After crawling along in the bus for far too long, we bailed near Knightsbridge and hopped on the Tube instead. The plan was to check out Mr. Fogg’s Gin Bar, but London’s whole “booking a bar” culture is still something I can’t quite get my head around. No reservation? No entry. So we pivoted, found another pub to pass the time, then headed off to dinner.

ROVI, by Ottolenghi, was a perfect way to wrap up our time in London—delicious food, a philosophy that aligns with the way I love to eat, and a quick, efficient meal because by this point, we were utterly spent.

The fresh and happily vg/ve centric menu at ROVI

Back at the hotel, we repacked, tried to get a few hours of sleep, and braced ourselves for the 3:45 a.m. wake-up call.

Two days, tens of thousands of steps, many cups of coffee, and a mix of city energy and quiet moments. The Big Smoke did not disappoint—we only wish we got to stay longer. Next time!