Xmas Lights in London

Woke up with a bit of a heavy head but had breakfast and cracked on with loads of jobs that were on the list while Tash went out to spend time with her family. Got loads done — very productive morning.

I was still working through a few bits in the afternoon when Tash came back and suggested we go to London. It had been on the radar, so not totally out of the blue, but still spontaneous enough to feel fun.

We drove up to Westfields and managed to park at Holland Park just after 3.00pm which meant it was free — perfect, and right next to the tube station. We walked up the road and found The Churchill Arms in Kensington, known as the most Christmassy pub in London. It was still light but already rammed, with loads of people drinking out on the pavement. Inside was just as packed.

We got a drink each and waited outside for the big Christmas lights switch-on… and waited. First it was meant to be 4.00pm, then pushed to 4.30pm, so we got a second drink. I happened to be inside when they finally switched them on but it was still pretty impressive — loads of people taking photos.

Feeling festive and now in the dark, we walked along the road towards our next planned stop: Battersea Power Station. Found a bike dock, grabbed bikes, and cycled there — 30 minutes through the streets, which was brilliant. Saw loads of sights and it didn’t feel dangerous at all. Tash followed me weaving through the traffic like a pro. The route took us through Hyde Park, Kensington, Sloane Street and Square, over the Thames, and straight to Battersea. Great fun.

The redevelopment of the Power Station is incredible. What they’ve done with the shops and housing has made the whole place look so cool. We wandered around for a bit, but shopping wasn’t really the point, so we jumped on the tube and headed into Leicester Square. It was absolutely rammed. Tried a couple of restaurants but everything was booked, so we carried on through China Town and along Regent Street. As always, the lights were impressive.

We eventually found a pub with a table for two — a miracle — and had a good meal and a proper relax. Afterwards we walked back along Regent Street and went into Hamleys. Bloody expensive! A teddy with the year on it for Frankie was £80. No chance.

Then it was tube back to Holland Park, into the car, and home. So, so easy.

Reflection:
A brilliant, full, festive-feeling day. It felt like we really made the most of it — and the best bit is that it kept feeling like a Sunday, so it’s great knowing there’s still another day off to enjoy.