The last few weeks were ultimately consumed with surfing SpareRoom.co.uk and FlatShare.co.uk in an effort to find the perfect new flat. Well after searching endlessly, I have found my new humble abode in the bustling yet relaxing neighborhood of West Hampstead in North London. So why not get familiar with your new high street with a little brunchy?
We made our way to the Alice House, a vintage chic casual dining spot with a table in the sunshine calling our names!
Alice House | Photo by McKenna
Our table of three opted for delicious mimosas, bloody marys and refreshing grapefruit-infused still water. My meal of choice consisted of wheat pancakes, weaving in smoked salmon, goat’s cheese and arugula. Heaven on a plate!
Alice House | Photo by McKennaAlice House’s Bloody Mary | Photo by McKenna
Aside from delicious breakfast spots just a short walk away, this quaint neighbourhood is the ideal location for my second flat since moving to London. Less than a 10-minute journey on the Jubilee line and I’m in Central London, which brings lots of exploring and touristy bits to cross off the list! Here’s a snapshot of my recent adventures!
Beautiful day in Hyde Park | Photo by McKennaSt. Jame’s Park | Photo by McKennaSaint Albans Cathedral in HertfordshireSaint Paul’s Cathedral | Photo by McKenna
Now kick back, relax and have an amazing Sunday Funday!
I’ve come to realise only a few things beat London in the sunshine. There’s an energetic buzz in this city that I cannot get enough of!
When warmer days begin to stick around, my friends and I tend to sit back, relax, embrace a sun tan and indulge in summer’s most refreshing cocktails!
Whether you opt for tropical mojitos or a quintessentially British pitcher of Pimms, happy hour in the sun continues to be a fabulous place for friends, family and foodie picks 🙂
Mojitos for days please | Photo by McKennaWhen in London … drink Pimms! | Photo by McKennaThe happiest of hours | McKenna
I’m by no means a bartender, but I would like to try to make my own cocktails one of these days! Here are a few recipes I have my eye on.
Quaint cafes, bakeries and tearooms are my jam. Whether I’m trying to be productive and get piles of work accomplished or going to brunch with a friend, I always eventually find myself perched on a comfy armchair ordering a chaippuccino (my new obsession!) –
Over the past few weeks I’ve been Instagramming at these venues A LOT – I mean who can resist snapshotting an adorable latte with a half-eaten chocolate croissant, anyway?
Here are my top picks for cafes for both work and play – in the District and from my Eurotrip 🙂 Who doesn’t love espresso and sweets?
Tryst is my go-to. Whenever I want to grab a coffee, put my headphones in and cross a few tasks off my to-do list, I go to Tryst. They also have an amazing chaippuccino served with animal crackers (pictured below), half-priced wines at 4 p.m. and live music on select nights. What more could you ask for?!
Chaippuccino with animal crackers on the side – yum.
Angelina is perfection. A historic tearoom on Rue de Rivoli in Paris. It’s a perfect pitstop between a morning of shopping and an afternoon at the Louvre. You can’t deny it – those desserts are pristine and mouthwatering. Great cappuccinos and little gifts, as well!
Caelum has such a humble, family oriented vibe. You could tell that every cake, croissant and quiche was baked right in the shop. The intimate setting, over beautiful hardwood floors with a small crystal chandelier floating above, was a perfect way to start off a day of sightseeing in Barcelona. Not to mention, beyond delicious!
It was a cappuccino, quiche and Ray-Ban clubmasters kind of morning.
And we’ve switched back over to French tearooms! My friend Diana and I discovered Colorova on Vogue’s Weekend Guide – and thank goodness we did. This casual, colorful, loungy tearoom ended up being the best bang for our buck with a high quality of presentation and flavor 🙂 For a fixed price we received mint tea, a variety of spreads, poached eggs, cauliflower soup and a fresh fruit salad in an orange blossom dressing. It was all scrumptious. Colorova, I will be back!
Cappuccino and a variety of spreads at Colorova. And whoops, I leave lipstick stains everywhere.
5. Emily’s Tearoom | Alexandria, Virginia
Sometimes the most delicious brunch is at home! My amazing cousin Emily whipped up this outstanding morning meal – eggs benedict with homemade hollandaise sauce, hashbrowns and fresh berries. And of course we couldn’t forget my coffee fix! Emily’s Tearoom’s specialities are always made with love 🙂
Eggs benedict, hash browns, fresh berries and a cup o’ Joe.
Which one do you think sounds like your kind of place? Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these gems 🙂
Since I moved to DC, I have found myself at brunch almost every single Saturday and Sunday – and I’m not hating it one bit.
Honestly, I didn’t think it was possible to beat New York in the brunch competition – but DC has come on strong. The District is King when it comes to a variety of venues offering bottomless barrels of mimosas and bloody marys alongside delicious breakfast plates.
I love new dining experiences – and my Instagram definitely reflects that. Take a look at two of my brunch shots below.
Masa 14 | Photo by McKennaMartin’s | Photo by McKenna
I know it’s Monday, but the weekend will be here before we know it!
Coffee & Cobblestones 