Brick Lane and Shoreditch are now London's "place to be". However, fifteen years ago, not far from La City, they were not very busy, especially because of the fact that Whitechapel district (poor neighborhood and community where we went little). But the 2012 Olympic Games have been there and since then, East London has developed as ever, with its thrift stores, its halls, its artists' quarters where the new wave exposes, and its restaurants and pubs become unmissable.
Previously, we imagined little one day in London, but it is now totally possible. If the Eurostar still offers expensive prices, British Airways offers an offer to go to London one day, valid on Saturday or Sunday. As a result, our week-end is more economical since we do not have to pay one night at the hotel, and the transport is fast and the destination close to us, London in one day is done with pleasure, without fatigue or stress . Demonstration.
- We fly to London with British Airways
Everything starts at dawn, or almost. We take the first flight at 7:25, needing to arrive an hour before, not a minute more. Since we leave for a day, no need for luggage, just the time to pass the controls and go. Quickly, the magic operates: we take off from Charles de Gaulle airport at 7:25 am to land at Heathrow airport at 7:45 am. A totally beneficial time difference. Once on the London ground, we take the shuttle (similar to our TER, but much more comfortable and pretty) direction Paddington (ticket 15 euros), a central station in London that could be compared to Saint-Lazare , a railway station where subways and suburban trains meet, as well as those leading to cities all around London. It is 8:45, 9 hours maximum, the ideal time to start your day. And it is in East London that we decide to spend it, being the most trendy and interesting corner of the moment.
- We discover Brick Lane and the Spitafields Market
Brick Lane is a district of art galleries, halls, trendy boutiques where you can find the latest trendy sneakers, cozy cafes and big halls that are transformed into "art de vivre" markets. . Londoners have a habit of meeting there at the weekend, alternating between shopping in thrift stores and street food stalls. Among these markets to see, the Spitafields Market, appreciated by tourists as locals, for its wealth and comfort that soothes for a day off.
- We have a gastronomic trip to Shoreditch
If Shoreditch has long been neglected for its unattractive history, the neighborhood is now crowded, for its good addresses nestled behind colorful windows in the old. These illuminate the dark, cobblestone streets, usually small pedestrian streets where treasure hides. The East London Tour helps us to see more clearly through three addresses that focus on the classics of English cooking.
We start with St John Bread and Wine, a gastronomic pub specializing in ham, where you can always find the best ham. It is presented in a sandwich made with toast, all to enjoy with a ketchup "home made". A treat and more ... We continue with The English Restaurant located in the street opposite, where you will taste the English pudding, the real thing, ie a "bread pudding" made of butter and cream. A rich dish, but to be enjoyed at least once in your life to fully immerse yourself in the English culture ... Finally, if you still have a little appetite, we go to Poppie's, the Fish & chips specialist accompanied by his house fries and especially his mashed pitched pitch. If all goes well, it is noon, and you can continue your journey around the Thames.
East London Tour: £ 69 for adults, £ 54 for 13-18 year olds and £ 42 for under 12
- We visit the Shakespeare Globe Theater
Located on the banks of the Thames, you have probably wondered what this thatched oval white building was. This is nothing but a legendary theater with sacred history. Renowned for hosting the finest performances of William Shakespeare's plays, the Shakespeare Globe Theater had a tragic fate. Indeed, it knew a fire in 1613, before being rebuilt identically the following year. In 1944, new incident: it is demolished. It was not until 1996 that he rose from the ashes, respecting the codes of his past architecture. An astonishing fact since one is in the modern district of London where the big towers have more their place than the historical monuments. But the mix of old and new seem to fit in, and that's what makes London so charming.
Shakespeare Globe Theater: 21 New Globe Walk - £ 16 for adults and £ 9 for kids. Free for children under 5
- We go by boat on the Thames
This is not an activity we think about directly, and yet ... get off at the Boarding Gate One just off the London Eye to board a red zodiak from the Thames Rocket. A boat more rock than the traditional fly boat, which will make you see all the colors. Put on your lifejacket and hang on! If the pace is slow at first, as you walk, you will be shaken by the waves and speed, against the backdrop of English tubes that have made the United Kingdom famous, from Elton John to Taylor Swift by the way by the credits of James Bond which recalls some scenes of the saga, precisely turned on the Thames. A real good time between contemplation of this futuristic corner of London and pleasure of speed.
Thames Rocket: £ 43.50 for adults and £ 29.50 for children.
- We're resting around a teatime at Shangri-La
After such an adventure, it will normally be 3 pm, teatime time! Head to Shangri-La for afternoon tea at The Shard Restaurant. We take the elevator to the 35th floor, and we discover a view of London 360 breathtaking. Choose a place next to the window to take the time to admire it from above as it is impressive. As for teatime, the Shangri-La offers, unlike other hotels, two offers: the traditional teatime based on sandwiches and pastries, and the teatime corresponding to its Asian DNA, with Far Eastern specialties followed by pastries. An afertnoon tea revisited, which fits perfectly in the East London district resolutely modern.
Shangri-La, The Shard - 31 St. Thomas St, SE1 9QU
- We stroll at Borough Market
Since we took the time, it is 5 pm, and we go to the Borough Market, explore a new corner of East London before flying. Borough Market is one of the most pleasurable markets in London, with a food market consisting of French cheese makers, florists and butchers, and street food stalls specializing in different fields, from the unmissable "junk food" to the vegan stands. organic, perfectly in the trend of the moment. All surrounded by pubs where everyone ends up to enjoy the end of the day. Before you reach the market, stop in the street that leads to him: it's Bridget Jones Street! You will recognize the black door and the bow windows, also some features of the street where mythical scenes were shot for the three components, including Hugh Grant and Colin Firth.
To avoid arriving too late in France, we leave London from 5:30 pm and we make the path in the opposite direction: Paddington direction to access the shuttle, then we arrive at Heathrow airport for the flight of 20:35 . This time, the time difference is less beneficial, since the arrival is scheduled at 22:50.
The "British Airways Day Tripper" offer: valid on Saturdays and Sundays, return flights from Charles de Gaulle and Orly from 98 euros in economy class and from 198 euros in business class with two pieces of luggage in the hold of 23kg each. For this offer, departures are possible at Charles de Gaulle airport, Orly airport, Lyon and Toulouse.
