The 24th birthday special! I recently spent my birthday being spoilt in London, and I’m here today to pass on and share all the amazing things we got up to. The great thing about London is that there are endless restaurants, bars, shops to try out. Here’s just a slice of what’s available, and what we got up to!
Introduction
There’s been a bit of a pause on the blog posts in the past couple of weeks. Admittedly, I just haven’t found the time or energy to post. The important thing now is even after a minor break, is to get back into the once-a-week posting schedule.
Now, what better first post back to do than the birthday special?! So here’s to celebrating my 24th birthday in style – and feeling very spoilt doing so!
Although there’s no shortage of things to do in London, trying to narrow down that choice can be extremely overwhelming. Where do you even begin with all the options available? With our hotel based in Vauxhall, this what we got up to venturing out in the Covent Garden/Soho area specifically.
Lunch at Golden Boy Grilled Cheese
There’s no denying that this weekend was one filled with amazing food. It started out with lunch at Golden Boy Grilled Cheese. Having got on the train at Winchester feeling pretty hungry, by the time we arrived at Waterloo I was borderline hangry. Despite being determined not to make it an issue, as it usually is for me, finding something to eat was the top priority of the list.
After browsing the range of stalls in the Food Market at Southbank Centre, we decided on the grilled cheeses. And my gosh, was it a great decision. I went for a Salt Beef Rueben, consisting of spiced pastrami, cheese, pickles and American mustard – mouthwatering!
Celebrating in style
Hunger satisfied, we embarked on the 30ish minute walk from Southbank to our hotel in Vauxhall. It’s an area of London I had never been to before. I didn’t know what to expect on the walk down!
That’s why there’s a special mention for celebrating in style, because this was the last thing I would’ve ever expected to see on arrival 🙁
Bags dropped off, and cake taste-tested, we set back out towards Oxford Street.
Coffee (matcha) break at Blank Street
After heading to Oxford Street, we browsed a few of my favourite shops, and even birthday treated myself to a new top. But the running theme of the weekend was trying out new spots. Blank Street was one I had had my eye on for a while!
Thanks to TikTok’s recommendations, I had to try the Blueberry Matcha, and it certainly lived up to the hype. I’d go as far to say it reignited my love for matcha, and I’m now enjoying it as a current hyper-fixation once again. My boyfriend was also a raving fan of the Pistachio Latte, and I had to agree after trying – even if that one was made with regular milk.
The main event – bottomless sushi at Inamo Covent Garden
The entire trip was booked around dinner at Inamo, and it was definitely worth it!
As I always do, I checked TikTok beforehand for any tips or specific recommendations, and was a bit disappointed by what I saw. Many were saying it was average at best, so I was a bit hesitant upon arrival. Thankfully, I was proved wrong.
Unfortunately with it being the main event, I forget to get any pictures whilst we were there – too busy eating copious amounts of sushi and Asian tapas. I tried pork belly for the first time, and surprisingly enjoyed it as I’m usually not the biggest fan of pork in general. I tried spicy cucumber salad, which is one I can’t get on board with – not a fan at all. We indulged in all types of sushi and enjoyed every moment of it, even if you did have to pay extra for a few of the best ones.
The cocktails were great as well – but I found them so strong! It’s my fault for choosing a Raspberry Mojito, especially when I don’t particularly like rum, but that’s all that I could taste… Then again, nobody wants a watered down cocktail, so there’s both a positive and negative side to that one.
Drinks at Stereo
I do have to thank TikTok again for this recommendation, because I think Stereo was one of the coolest cocktail bars I’ve been to. A hidden gem under the centre of Covent Garden. It had such a chill, feel good vibe – although I did see advertised that it turns into more of a club night later on – we just didn’t stick around to see it.
Again, the cocktails here were so good, but definitely packed a punch. Admittedly I can’t remember the name of what I ordered, but having looked at the menu again I think it was a Stereo Spritz! (But I can’t be sure for certain.)
Getting competitive at NQ64
To end the best birthday yet, we popped into NQ64 Soho as recommended by my manager at work. Another great recommendation!
This place was SO fun – an arcade and bar all wrapped into one awesome neon location. With a Mario themed cocktail (another one) in one hand, and our tokens for the games in the other, we headed over to take a look at all they had to offer.
Mario Kart, Street Fighter, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, we played the lot – and luckily didn’t get too competitive doing so. Mostly because despite what I had previously thought, I wasn’t too good at the games. It’s the taking part and having fun that counts though, right…
We got back to the hotel at a relatively early time, and after all those cocktails I thankfully didn’t wake up with a hangover. Here’s hoping drinking at 24 stays that way.
I truly was spoilt on my birthday, and have had the best weekend celebrating! As I prefaced, although there’s quite literally so much to choose from in London, here’s just a few suggestions that we got up to, and had the best time doing so.
Here’s to being 24!
