August 14Aug 14 Okay....so, we're doing a long weekend in London next weekend, last visit with the daughter while she's living there (she's moving away for grad school in a couple of months). Her mom is an expected visitor, I'll be a surprise. And mom will stay longer than I will, so our last night all together will be Sunday. Was thinking a nice Sunday roast dinner (we'll be going to a matinee show that day, can't even remember what, sure we'll eat a light lunch beforehand). Daughter lives in Hackney, we're staying near St. Pauls (closer to the river). We could do the great Turkish grill in her hood she took us to last time. More of a neighborhood joint, but truly an amazing meal. Or, we could do a Sunday roast. Up closer to her is the Hemingway pub, closer to us is the Jugged Hare. Any other ideas/suggestions for a Sunday dinner in that general area (e.g., not south London or whatnot).
August 15Aug 15 57 minutes ago, Brisketexan said: Okay....so, we're doing a long weekend in London next weekend, last visit with the daughter while she's living there (she's moving away for grad school in a couple of months). Her mom is an expected visitor, I'll be a surprise. And mom will stay longer than I will, so our last night all together will be Sunday. Was thinking a nice Sunday roast dinner (we'll be going to a matinee show that day, can't even remember what, sure we'll eat a light lunch beforehand). Daughter lives in Hackney, we're staying near St. Pauls (closer to the river). We could do the great Turkish grill in her hood she took us to last time. More of a neighborhood joint, but truly an amazing meal. Or, we could do a Sunday roast. Up closer to her is the Hemingway pub, closer to us is the Jugged Hare. Any other ideas/suggestions for a Sunday dinner in that general area (e.g., not south London or whatnot).
August 15Aug 15 2 hours ago, Brisketexan said: Okay....so, we're doing a long weekend in London next weekend, last visit with the daughter while she's living there (she's moving away for grad school in a couple of months). Her mom is an expected visitor, I'll be a surprise. And mom will stay longer than I will, so our last night all together will be Sunday. Was thinking a nice Sunday roast dinner (we'll be going to a matinee show that day, can't even remember what, sure we'll eat a light lunch beforehand). Daughter lives in Hackney, we're staying near St. Pauls (closer to the river). We could do the great Turkish grill in her hood she took us to last time. More of a neighborhood joint, but truly an amazing meal. Or, we could do a Sunday roast. Up closer to her is the Hemingway pub, closer to us is the Jugged Hare. Any other ideas/suggestions for a Sunday dinner in that general area (e.g., not south London or whatnot). If Mrs Brisket has another "New England" experience with a British young lady let us know how it goes.
August 15Aug 15 2 hours ago, Brisketexan said: Okay....so, we're doing a long weekend in London next weekend, last visit with the daughter while she's living there (she's moving away for grad school in a couple of months). Her mom is an expected visitor, I'll be a surprise. And mom will stay longer than I will, so our last night all together will be Sunday. Was thinking a nice Sunday roast dinner (we'll be going to a matinee show that day, can't even remember what, sure we'll eat a light lunch beforehand). Daughter lives in Hackney, we're staying near St. Pauls (closer to the river). We could do the great Turkish grill in her hood she took us to last time. More of a neighborhood joint, but truly an amazing meal. Or, we could do a Sunday roast. Up closer to her is the Hemingway pub, closer to us is the Jugged Hare. Any other ideas/suggestions for a Sunday dinner in that general area (e.g., not south London or whatnot). Marksman in Hackney is supposed to do an amazing Sunday roast. I just haven't made it to Hackney on a Sunday. If you decide non roast, Miga in Hackney is topping a lot of best lists. I haven't been, but it is on my list. My friend went and said it was excellent.
August 15Aug 15 16 hours ago, Mo Horn said: If Mrs Brisket has another "New England" experience with a British young lady let us know how it goes. I must have missed this story.
August 15Aug 15 18 hours ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said: Marksman in Hackney is supposed to do an amazing Sunday roast. I just haven't made it to Hackney on a Sunday. If you decide non roast, Miga in Hackney is topping a lot of best lists. I haven't been, but it is on my list. My friend went and said it was excellent. Marksman looks incredible. Will see if we can talk the daughter into it. We're going to see Hadestown at 3:00, figure that wraps up around 5:30-6:00, plenty of time for us to get to a dinner around 7:15-7:30 in Hackney. 2 hours ago, PenelopeWitherspoon said: I must have missed this story. Probably for the best.
August 15Aug 15 Back in my backpacking days, I stayed a few nights at a squat in Hackney. This was...1992, and it wasn't the most desirable area. I imagine it's a little different now.
August 15Aug 15 1 hour ago, zlavydra said: Back in my backpacking days, I stayed a few nights at a squat in Hackney. This was...1992, and it wasn't the most desirable area. I imagine it's a little different now. Oh, it is. Quite gentrified, but not entirely. So, still affordable for her (London affordable). There's a good number of immigrants (the shops on the high street carry a lot of African groceries and such), but also, as you get down towards Hackney Wick, a whole bunch of Audis and such parked in front of the houses. And we made reservations for a Sunday roast dinner at the Marksman. Thanks, Penelope. Doesn't mean we won't hit the Jugged Hare at some point too....we'll see. It's a short visit for me. Dinner at some sort of cheese restaurant that she loves on Thursday, Friday is a relatively open day, Saturday we'll do stuff around town and then Coldplay at Wembley that evening. Sunday will get up and do a nice full English somewhere, do some more stuff around town, go to Hadestown, then the Marksman for dinner and back to her flat to hang out afterwards. Then back to the hotel, as I fly out the next morning (not too bad, though - the 11:20 flight, so I don't need to get up at the crack of dawn to get to LHR - hell, may even try out the Elizabeth Line).
August 16Aug 16 3 hours ago, Brisketexan said: and then Coldplay at Wembley Best to leave the side piece at home, I hear.
August 21Aug 21 In my daughter’s hood:I would eat there EVERY DAY. I mean…they have goat head. Do I know what dodo & gizzard is? No. Would I eat it? Hell yes.This joint seems compelling:Daughter informs us this is where her mates go for karaoke, she just cheers them on.And this place is awesome, with a soup Nazi vibe: “I’d like a medium beef and lamb wrap.” “No. You get a large chicken.” Ok. And it’s delicious, and makes for 2-3 meals.
August 21Aug 21 Hit M&S for some things to bring home. Wandered up the seasoning aisle.No.Just no.HELL NO.
August 21Aug 21 5 minutes ago, Brisketexan said: Hit M&S for some things to bring home. Wandered up the seasoning aisle. No. Just no. HELL NO. Opening this thread like
August 22Aug 22 Went to seven dials last night. Family secret: I am the eighth dial. And the fifth Beatle. And the first of the first among equals.Why did we go? To hit one of the daughter’s favorite restaurants, Pick & Cheese…it’s…a cheese restaurant. We hammered it.Then, we stopped for a chocolate at Knoop, and spotted this…mash restaurant. That’s what it is. And it looks interesting.
August 22Aug 22 Throwing something fun into the list if anyone's looking for something unique... we had a full day in London before we went to Liverpool for a cruise to Norway, so since my (extended in-law) family members had never been, I did the usual "cram as much London into one day" death march as we could, but we ended up (pre-made reservations, of course) having dinner at the top of the "Walkie Talkie" building, up at the 35th/36th floors - known as the Sky Garden. There are several restaurants up there (again, you need reservations). We dined in the Darwin Brasserie (https://skygarden.london/restaurants/darwin-brasserie/). The food was really nice - pricey, but worth it. The views, though, were fantastic... you had a great sunset view looking west over the city, and were situated directly overlooking the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. ...and after dinner (we timed it obviously for sunset!), the views of the lit-up Tower Bridge were really stunning:
August 22Aug 22 British museum today (haven’t been in years). Such an amazing place - the empire’s attic. Some good, some not great. History is complicated.And because I’m 12….Dinner at….Several other amazing seafood dishes as well, just took a coupla pics of welsh oysters and scallop.Then, daughter and one of her flatmates decided we needed to go to a sketchy Wetherspoons for a pint, because if you don’t understand Spoons, you don’t understand the UK.That’s where we met our new friend Declan. Declan is a drunk dude from Doneghal sitting next to us who just asked where the fag shop is, and started telling the northern Irish roomie his life story. It’s awesome. His mom is one of 12, his dad is one of 12. Mom’s an alcoholic. She had Declan out of wedlock, so had to bail on Ireland. They’ve had it rough, but he’s trying to have a relationship with her. He spent some time in prison. Not sure what for. He really tried to sell us on going to his favorite pub, the Crown, just down the street. It’s great. They have music and dancing. But he can’t go with us. Because he’s been banned from the Crown. Declan’s teeth are a mess.Also, I understood about 50% of this, northern Irish roomie had to translate the rest. It was awesome. This planet is full of some amazing people.
August 23Aug 23 On the Jubilee line. You can hear the 70s saxophone riff when the door opens. True fact.Now, onward the Wembley.
August 23Aug 23 The fuck we got going on with red top’s face? She just got handed a nice note, made her have the feels. Also, she was chain smoking and living hard outside the liquor store.
August 23Aug 23 Just got back from Coldplay at Wembley. Dudes. I’m not some big Coldplay fan, but that may have been the best concert I’ve seen.The stadium is part of it. It’s just so damned classic. And 90,000 people, from all over the world (seriously, dozens of different flags in the crowd), in one of the world’s capitals, singing and celebrating as one. Coldplay knows how to put the crowd in the palm of their hand and take them where they want to go.Got to take my wife and daughter and have that shared experience. I’m a lucky man.
August 23Aug 23 14 minutes ago, Brisketexan said: She just got handed a nice note, made her have the feels. Also, she was chain smoking and living hard outside the liquor store. I’m talking about her right eye… and the eye above it.
August 24Aug 24 1 hour ago, Brisketexan said: Got to take my wife and daughter and have that shared experience. I’m a lucky man. As long as you didn't take the HR director, you're probably okay.
August 24Aug 24 When we were there in 2018 I got a good shot of that walkie-talkie building from the riverboat cruise….
August 24Aug 24 Goddammit. I just sat through a musical. We have time before dinner. Perfect! Let’s go sit in a pub!I’m with my wife and daughter. We’re having coffee and sharing a dessert in some trendy place. Goddammit.At least we’re having Sunday roast at dinner.
August 24Aug 24 Love it! Can't wait till my next trip back. I love their tradition in theater over there of selling/enjoying a small cup of ice cream during intermission.
August 24Aug 24 Well, we made it to the Marksman for a pint and Sunday roast. Great rec, @PenelopeWitherspoon - wife said it’s the best Sunday roast she’s ever had.A pint. Duck liver parfait, cold tomato soup, red and barley bun. Two different roasts (daughter and I split the rib roast). My wife was also crushing on the waiter. So, there’s that.Said goodbye to the daughter till Christmas (wife is staying here a couple more days, I have to get back to work).
August 25Aug 25 14 hours ago, Brisketexan said: Well, we made it to the Marksman for a pint and Sunday roast. Great rec, @PenelopeWitherspoon - wife said it’s the best Sunday roast she’s ever had. A pint. Duck liver parfait, cold tomato soup, red and barley bun. Two different roasts (daughter and I split the rib roast). My wife was also crushing on the waiter. So, there’s that. Said goodbye to the daughter till Christmas (wife is staying here a couple more days, I have to get back to work). Glad you liked it. I had heart great things, and I even had a reservation there one visit, but I was horribly hungover and decided to spend the day in bed after a day full of drinking champagne the day before. It happens!
September 12Sep 12 2 months of living in London today. It's been a bit of a culture shock from Singapore. But I'm adapting. Good------Joined a great golf club 4 tube stops away -Saw Book of Morman-Saw Arsenal play-Sunday Roast-food in general has been great-Amazon is faster than Singapore (many things same day). -I have 4 grocery stores within 100mBad-----Drunk ass brits (I live above a pub)-Homelessness is out of control -4 day tube strike (just ended today)-Tube is hot, noisy and crowded-Tube is expensive. 8gbp a day pretty much for a few stops. In Singapore I was spending $3 a day max for further travel. -Rent prices are fucked -Weather sucks mostly -golf handicap has increased 4 shots
September 20Sep 20 Naomi Alderman wrote about her 57 favorite things in London. It's very good. Too long to c&p but worth the read. https://naomialderman.substack.com/p/57-things-i-love-in-london
September 21Sep 21 Headed there next week for a week. I appreciate whoever mentioned the UK ETA. That wasn't a thing last time I went. I love Penelope's food pics but I'm traveling on a tight budget this trip. So any favorite cheap eats spots? I ate a lot of sandwiches the last time I was there which were great.
September 21Sep 21 Headed there next week for a week. I appreciate whoever mentioned the UK ETA. That wasn't a thing last time I went. I love Penelope's food pics but I'm traveling on a tight budget this trip. So any favorite cheap eats spots? I ate a lot of sandwiches the last time I was there which were great.Depends on where you’re staying. But find any of the following: chippies, kebab shops, Asian noodle joints. There are a million, plenty of meals for £10 or so to be found.
September 22Sep 22 20 hours ago, Orale said: Headed there next week for a week. I appreciate whoever mentioned the UK ETA. That wasn't a thing last time I went. I love Penelope's food pics but I'm traveling on a tight budget this trip. So any favorite cheap eats spots? I ate a lot of sandwiches the last time I was there which were great. also Brick Lane Beigel Bakery. The bagel sandwich with salted beef (same thing as corned beef) with mustard and pickles is outstanding. also just stroll Borough Market and Camden Market. Edited September 22Sep 22 by Chopper
September 22Sep 22 21 hours ago, Orale said: Headed there next week for a week. I appreciate whoever mentioned the UK ETA. That wasn't a thing last time I went. I love Penelope's food pics but I'm traveling on a tight budget this trip. So any favorite cheap eats spots? I ate a lot of sandwiches the last time I was there which were great. If you like Lebanese, Al Waha is awesome and pretty cheap.
September 23Sep 23 On 9/21/2025 at 8:45 PM, Orale said: Headed there next week for a week. I appreciate whoever mentioned the UK ETA. That wasn't a thing last time I went. I love Penelope's food pics but I'm traveling on a tight budget this trip. So any favorite cheap eats spots? I ate a lot of sandwiches the last time I was there which were great. You don't need an Oyster Card for transport. Everything (tube, train, bus) takes phone pay. On buses, you don't tap out when exiting -- there is a fixed price and a max price per day. I have withdrawn pounds from an ATM exactly one time in 2.5 months (haircut from shady turkish dude).
September 23Sep 23 1 hour ago, Fastbreak said: You don't need an Oyster Card for transport. Everything (tube, train, bus) takes phone pay. On buses, you don't tap out when exiting -- there is a fixed price and a max price per day. I have withdrawn pounds from an ATM exactly one time in 2.5 months (haircut from shady turkish dude). Just make sure you use the same form of pay each time so it keeps the running total for the day straight. Also, on an iPhone and Apple Watch, you can set one of your cards as a Transit Card so you don't have to activate the card before tapping.
September 23Sep 23 7 hours ago, Fastbreak said: You don't need an Oyster Card for transport. Everything (tube, train, bus) takes phone pay. On buses, you don't tap out when exiting -- there is a fixed price and a max price per day. I have withdrawn pounds from an ATM exactly one time in 2.5 months (haircut from shady turkish dude). I thought I read somewhere that there's a max charge per day (when using a credit card/phone tap) no matter how often it's used, but I may have misunderstood.
September 23Sep 23 2 hours ago, Orale said: I thought I read somewhere that there's a max charge per day (when using a credit card/phone tap) no matter how often it's used, but I may have misunderstood. That's right -- it's something like 8-9 pounds (it's not cheap), but again, you have to use the same credit card/phone account so it is tracked.
September 24Sep 24 On 9/21/2025 at 12:45 PM, Orale said: Headed there next week for a week. I appreciate whoever mentioned the UK ETA. That wasn't a thing last time I went. I love Penelope's food pics but I'm traveling on a tight budget this trip. So any favorite cheap eats spots? I ate a lot of sandwiches the last time I was there which were great. Don't worry about all that bougie high end shit. You can get better food at a local Indian or African restaurant. I think it was Enish Oxford where I had a very good West African meal. Belly up to the bar and enjoy Edited September 24Sep 24 by mycox
September 24Sep 24 48 minutes ago, mycox said: Don't worry about all that bougie high end shit. You can get better food at a local Indian or African restaurant. I think it was Enish Oxford where I had a very good West African meal. Belly up to the bar and enjoy This. My travels to London regarding food were best experienced like in America, eating ethnic food. Indian, African, Levantine and even Italian were so good. Edited September 24Sep 24 by F250
September 24Sep 24 10 hours ago, F250 said: This. My travels to London regarding food were best experienced like in America, eating ethnic food. Indian, African, Levantine and even Italian were so good. also Vietnamese
September 24Sep 24 also Vietnamese Hell, don't sleep on Jamaican meat pies/patties. We didn't eat here, but it was across the alley from a spot where we were having coffee near Seven Dials, so I took a pic of the menu.
September 26Sep 26 In the 2.5 months I’ve been here a pint has increased in price at my local pub from 6.25 to 6.95. 6.95gbp is $9.30 in Trump bucks.
September 26Sep 26 21 minutes ago, Fastbreak said: In the 2.5 months I’ve been here a pint has increased in price at my local pub from 6.25 to 6.95. 6.95gbp is $9.30 in Trump bucks. is living above the pub your permanent location while in London or are you moving/finding something better?
September 26Sep 26 32 minutes ago, Fastbreak said: In the 2.5 months I’ve been here a pint has increased in price at my local pub from 6.25 to 6.95. 6.95gbp is $9.30 in Trump bucks. Where are you again? Camden? That's... wow.
September 27Sep 27 On 9/21/2025 at 8:45 PM, Orale said: Headed there next week for a week. I appreciate whoever mentioned the UK ETA. That wasn't a thing last time I went. I love Penelope's food pics but I'm traveling on a tight budget this trip. So any favorite cheap eats spots? I ate a lot of sandwiches the last time I was there which were great. I know a lot of people will bemoan eating at a chain fast food place overseas but I'm not a fancy lad and I enjoy sampling that part of the culture. yesterday I went to a place called pepe's piri piri and I was pretty surprised how good it was, got some chicken and rice thing and the chips were on point. I don't know how all these subway/Chipotle style wok chains haven't set up shop in the US, I think they would absolutely dominate. Maybe they are around in larger cities but I have never seen one.
September 27Sep 27 This is my second time in London, I was here in April last year. Last time I had some physical challenges and decided to stay near Trafalgar Square to be close to all the museums and came away thinking London is pretty meh. This time I'm staying near marble arch and it's wonderful. Amazing food options in all directions.
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