I stayed in an apartment in Bloomsbury which is my absolute favourite area to stay in. I love the architecture and the area's association with literature, medicine, and education. I love being surrounded by bookshops and universities, it's such a comfort.
It's actually inspired me to consider doing a Master's, something I never thought I'd give a second thought to when I graduated, yet here we are.
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I arrived at my apartment to drop my luggage off at around 11:45am. I'd heard about the new Miffy Mood Lab shop that was having its grand opening on Newburgh Street at 12pm, so I headed down. By the time I got there, it was 12:15pm and the queue was only small. Once inside, I picked up a tiny Lucky Blossom Miffy plush and one of the Mr Maria Miffy lamp blind boxes - I got a green one!
After, I nipped into the original Miffy shop across the way and bought a Van Gogh's Sunflowers-themed crochet Boris keyring by Just Dutch, a beige Miffy terry keyring by Bon Bon Toys, and a pink terry Miffy plush. This shop had the cutest rainbow wall display of corduroy Miffy plushies that I stupidly did not photograph (but you can see it in this Instagram post by with.edith). If I had an infinite amount of money they would all be mine. I would have a Miffy army envied by all.
I had a quick lunch at Patty&Bun then caught the tube to Covent Garden and did a little more shopping. I picked up a new face powder by Milk from Space NK (this is where I spilled concealer on my coat, grr) as my favourite face powder ever, Wowder by Glossier, is supposedly being discontinued and the store didn't have any of the shade G11-12 left. Beyond gutted because it's such a lovely product. I will miss it dearly.
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I then went into Uniqlo and fell in love with a black PUFFERTECH jacket. I didn't anticipate buying anything this bulky as I knew it'd take up too much room in my suitcase, but once I tried it on and felt how luxurious and cosy it felt, I knew I had to have it. I also fell in love with their smooth cotton crew neck jumpers (they feel divine), but I ordered one of those online as to save suitcase space.
After roaming around for 4 hours, I eventually headed back to my apartment to officially check-in. After settling in and filming a room tour for my mum (as is customary), I headed back out to pick up some bits from Waitrose in the Brunswick Centre.
The morning of day 2 I hopped on the tube towards Tottenham Court Road to have a quick browse in Primark. I like to visit first thing when there's barely anyone in and I can browse at my own pace. I picked up a simple white t-shirt (although it's more cream than white in person); it's made from a soft, thick material and feels so luxurious on.
After, I set off on a nice slow walk down Charing Cross Road.
I had no intention of buying books during this trip, only because they're heavy and I didn't want to weigh my suitcase down too much, but I simply can't walk by Foyles and not go in...
I picked up two classics that I've already read and wanted to add back into my library - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (which I read at secondary school), and Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (which I read at university, and am currently re-reading). I also picked up The Remains of the Day by Ishiguro, and The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.
Further down the road I stopped at two fantastic second-hand bookshops, Henry Pordes Books and Any Amount of Books. Both superb places to have a quiet wander around.
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I went back to my apartment for lunch, then set out again.
I fancied doing something completely different for the afternoon, so I walked to Holborn station and caught the Central line to St Paul's.
I've never really explored the City of London or anywhere east of Holborn before. I generally stick west, but that's because it's familiar. I've been meaning to venture into the City and beyond for years now, and I thought a little roam around St Paul's would be the perfect introduction.
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I was so happy to snap a photo of Queen Anne with a pigeon on her head.
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The area around St Paul's is so beautiful.
Much of the City was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1066, and then by bombs during World War II, so it's nice to still see some old stuff scattered among the new.
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After wandering around aimlessly for the afternoon, I eventually headed back to my apartment to lounge in bed and eat pasta like a winner. Love Prezzo's gluten free carbonara, it's a go-to for me.
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On Wednesday morning I was greeted by incessant rain. I wasn't hanging around London for long anyway as my train was at 12pm, so I jumped into a taxi and did a little more shopping under the shelter of King's Cross station. I felt compelled to buy this tiny apple trinket dish from Oliver Bonas. Sometimes, I come across something in a shop that is simply too cute to leave behind.
Train pulled in and off I went. Until next time, London.
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