London: Day 3
London (Sunday) - Our third full day in London started with one big difference, we actually got enough sleep! And that was important, because we had a big day ahead of us. Everything from seeing the Changing of the Guards, to Borough Market, a second afternoon tea, and a delicious dinner to cap it all off.
We started with a return trip to Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard. This is a ceremony that happens 4 times a week, and involves a military parade and marching band to symbolize the ongoing protection of the monarchy. We did not expect to see a huge sea of people for something that happens this often, but the palace was very crowded. Still, it was quite the sight and a fun event nonetheless.
Heading across the city, we came to Borough Market. This is one of the most famous farmer’s markets in London and houses tons of great stands with everything from specialty meats, cheeses, vegetables, etc, to delicious hot meals served street-food style. We walked around and sampled everything from delicious coffee, fish & chips, chocolate covered strawberries, cornish pasties, and even some great mediterranean bowls. The market, much like the palace, was an absolute sea of people. In parts of it you could barely walk because of the crowds. But still it was a ball. We left feeling so incredibly full, which actually was a little bit of a problem because…
We headed out to our reservations for another afternoon tea at The Connaught, a nice hotel a bit out of the way of the popular parts of Central London. There we enjoyed finger sandwhiches, pastries, and scones. Given our previous activity, it was a little bit of a struggle. But the food was so delicious. The finger sandwhiches were well done, and the pastries well composed. Even the clotted cream and jam served with the scones was a step above what we had the previous day. It was a truly lovely experience.
Feeling stuffed, we headed to another market. Our plan wasn’t to eat, but instead take it in. The Leadenhall market is famous not only for its shops, but also for its unique building style. It was featured in the Harry Potter movies, along with other places, and has an incredibly charming and beautiful design. In fact, when we got there most of the shops had already closed for the day so it was perfect for just getting some time to look around and take some photos.
Having regained our appetites, we haded to one our most anticipated meals of the journey: Fallow Restaurant. Fallow has creative and carefully crafted cuisine that is well known for outstanding in its offerings. We also were excited because this was Sunday, and on Sunday there is Sunday Roast! At Fallow we got to indulge in delicious bread with mushroom butter made from in-house grown Lion’s Mane mushrooms, corn ribs (look them up!), and our first and most delicious Sunday roast with good steak, crispy roast potatoes, glazed carrots, and more, all served with a delicious gravy covering it. It was probably our favorite meal of the trip so far, and we will definitely be going back to it again. Oh, and we finished it off with a refreshing strawberry cream cake and fresh strawberry sorbet.
Tomorrow we’re off to Italy, but we still have one or two more things to see.