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1. Favorite hotels.
I'd stay at the Harcourt House Hotel just for the pleasant company of the owners. It's not fancy, but it's cute with a comfy feel, much like an old-fashioned British home. Plus, Belgravia feels somewhat residential and is wonderfully situated for sightseeing, just south of Buckingham Palace. For a splurge, I'd check into the Hotel 167 in South Kensington. I loved the individually decorated rooms, the original artwork, and the relaxed attitude.
2. Favorite thing about working in the city.
London may be a giant sprawl hundreds of years in development, but it still feels less urban than, say, New York City. There are no skyscrapers blocking the sun's rays, and the river is a very visible part of the landscape. Plus, there are so many patches of pretty greenery throughout the city, in the form of both private and public parks. You're never too far from a green space.
3. What surprised you about the city?
I've spent a lot of time in London, but I always stay at friends' apartments. Thus the true cost of spending a week in the fabulous city never really hit home until my last trip. Eating, drinking, and getting around are all pricey endeavors. But the hotels? Well, they shoot a hole through your wallet.
4. Funny story.
On my last day of the work in London, I popped into a Bayswater hotel. My reviewer's intuition kicked in the moment I entered the lobby. "Sketch box," it said. But I went in anyway. The receptionist sent me up with a "bell hop." He was wearing a uniform, but he was completely disheveled: messy hair, an un-tucked, wrinkled shirt, and some serious five o'clock shadow. When we got into the elevator, I looked down and noticed two things: he was wearing slimy latex gloves, and his fly was down. Guess who wasn't wearing underwear? I got out of there real fast.
5. City secret.
I would never come to London just to go shopping. Why pay so much money for stuff that is cheaper at home? There are two exceptions to my rule: Top Shop, a cutting-edge yet affordable clothing store, and Boots, the fantastic pharmacy. I always stock up on cute underwear, bikinis, and belts at the former and grab bath gels and lip balms at the latter. People ask me where I get these adorable accessories or awesome spa supplies, and I get to say "London." Fabulous!
6. Local food item.
Blame it on my Korean roots, but I love pickled things. A jar of Piccalilli is pretty much my dream come true: a medley of pickled vegetables swimming in a sea of spicy mustard. You're supposed to put it on sandwiches, though I've been known to eat it straight out of the jar.
7. Cheap eats/good restaurants.
Head to Borough Market, lately of Harry Potter fame, on a Friday or Saturday afternoon and peruse the vendor stalls. If you have access to a kitchen, then stock up on some bacon—the sheer variety is thrilling—and a round of fresh-off-the-ferry French cheese. In the absence of kitchen access, I recommend a hearty venison wrap for lunch, followed by a fresh plum tart.
8. Highlight of trip/reviewing period.
Londoners, much like Dubliners, seriously embrace pub culture. And whether you've finished a long day of work or a long day of sightseeing, there's nothing like sliding into a smoky booth at 5 p.m. for a pint of beer and some overly fried food.
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