BEYOND THE BEATEN PATH
London
by Vard Movsisyan
Ah, London! My second home. The place where I received my Style Coach education, and gained a love of traveling. I’m so fond of this city, as many are–it’s one of the most traveled to, famous cities in the world!
Beyond the museums, the football culture, the authentic pubs that everyone visits, there’s a world to experience; a world of longstanding and respected British traditions, and a rich multicultural scene that gives it all the beautiful dimension and duality that makes London great.
Here’s my London:
Beyond the museums, the football culture, the authentic pubs that everyone visits, there’s a world to experience; a world of longstanding and respected British traditions, and a rich multicultural scene that gives it all the beautiful dimension and duality that makes London great.
Here’s my London:
Beyond the museums, the football culture, the authentic pubs that everyone visits, there’s a world to experience; a world of longstanding and respected British traditions, and a rich multicultural scene that gives it all the beautiful dimension and duality that makes London great.
First, let’s talk eating (obviously). Perhaps the single best way to enjoy a city, eating and drinking at a special spot is my favorite activity, second only to shopping.
Want an unmatched view of the city with some of the best modern British cuisine you can get your hands on? Check out the Sky Garden, located at the top of the iconic Walkie Talkie building. Looking for the ultimate boujee experience? The Arts Club gives you all the glitz and glamor you could ask for, with several amazing eating establishments right at your fingertips.
Known for being a major leader in the tea industry, the Fortnum & Mason has a chic, very London restaurant that serves Afternoon Tea and more right in the heart of Piccadilly. A very London spot, innit? The Ivy is also worth checking out if you’re craving quintessential British vibes, with a touch of Asian and new-wave in their dining experience.
Now let’s be clear–British food is JUST okay. What makes this city special is its host of multicultural cuisines. There’s a reason that England’s national dish is Chicken Tikka Masala!
In that vein, one of my favorite spots for Asain food I’ve ever had is London’s Uli. Fresh, inspired and a fun, clean vibe, this spot is truly a gem. Another is Sumosan Twiga–the trendy Japanese food spot with live music and dancing.
Want an unmatched view of the city with some of the best modern British cuisine you can get your hands on? Check out the Sky Garden, located at the top of the iconic Walkie Talkie building. Looking for the ultimate boujee experience? The Arts Club gives you all the glitz and glamor you could ask for, with several amazing eating establishments right at your fingertips.
Known for being a major leader in the tea industry, the Fortnum & Mason has a chic, very London restaurant that serves Afternoon Tea and more right in the heart of Piccadilly. A very London spot, innit? The Ivy is also worth checking out if you’re craving quintessential British vibes, with a touch of Asian and new-wave in their dining experience.
Now let’s be clear–British food is JUST okay. What makes this city special is its host of multicultural cuisines. There’s a reason that England’s national dish is Chicken Tikka Masala!
In that vein, one of my favorite spots for Asain food I’ve ever had is London’s Uli. Fresh, inspired and a fun, clean vibe, this spot is truly a gem. Another is Sumosan Twiga–the trendy Japanese food spot with live music and dancing.
I’m going to spare you any tourist guide redundancies on the Tate, the Emirates Stadium or immerse theater. That information is never too far away. I will, however, tell you about the fashion spots that gave me inspiration while I was experiencing London as a Style Coach.
If you want to go shopping, Selfridges is the number one department store in the world for a reason! For the best multi-brand stores, check out Brent Cross. But most importantly, do not–and I mean DO NOT–forget to visit Notting Hill’s Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road to see the city’s true fashionistas. 'Westbourne Village', as it’s called, has it all from funky boutiques, cutting-edge florists, futuristic furniture and designer everything–at a relatively reasonable price. Even Madonna famously frequented the spot, between filming scenes on "Evita".
If you want to go shopping, Selfridges is the number one department store in the world for a reason! For the best multi-brand stores, check out Brent Cross. But most importantly, do not–and I mean DO NOT–forget to visit Notting Hill’s Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road to see the city’s true fashionistas. 'Westbourne Village', as it’s called, has it all from funky boutiques, cutting-edge florists, futuristic furniture and designer everything–at a relatively reasonable price. Even Madonna famously frequented the spot, between filming scenes on "Evita".
But it’s not just a vibrant shopping culture that makes London special–for me, there was a lot to be learned from the British people. For starters, they know how to throw some of the coolest and the most sophisticated themed parties. I admire that they’re able to use such eloquent vocabulary to discuss complex feelings and emotions, but are able to crack jokes about politics or the state of the world at the drop of a hat. The Brits I befriended know their worth, but present their best qualities under the light of humbleness and humility. This is a mindset I strive to emulate in my work.
The same goes for London fashion. While one can truly never be overdressed in London, the fashion is still largely understated. This, I believe, is because Brits stick to the classics, air on the side of sophistication–and look damn good while doing it.
All in all, the duality of the city–the mix of the dark nightlife mystique with the genuine, peppy humility of the everyday citizen is what I love most about London. If there was ever a place to observe it all in tandem–the mystique, history and fun of London–it would be while walking along the River Thames. You might witness where Shakespeare used to frequent, or some amazing murals painted by local artists. When you get tired out and your feet can no longer carry you, my advice is pick a small tea house or a pub en route–drink your vice of choice and watch all the life go by.
All in all, the duality of the city–the mix of the dark nightlife mystique with the genuine, peppy humility of the everyday citizen is what I love most about London. If there was ever a place to observe it all in tandem–the mystique, history and fun of London–it would be while walking along the River Thames. You might witness where Shakespeare used to frequent, or some amazing murals painted by local artists. When you get tired out and your feet can no longer carry you, my advice is pick a small tea house or a pub en route–drink your vice of choice and watch all the life go by.
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