Emma Bates is a blogger who has been living the London lifestyle for the past three years. With an eye for taking beautiful photos on her film camera and a quick wit, she brings her expertise in exploring and eating out in London to World of Wanderlust this year as…
the WOW London Blogger.
Meet Emma
I’ve called London home for three years now, and it’s still my favourite city in the world. I moved to London to study at Kings College, but for the past three years I have been making my way around the city to find the best places to eat and experience.
Before living in London I grew up in the leafy county of Surrey, a short train journey from London. For at least two years I had wanted to move to London before I had the chance to do so, and I would often visit the city before I finally rented my first apartment in 2012.
I absolutely adore London.
I absolutely adore London. It is better than I had imagined and I feel so at home here. I live in Fulham – a very homely, green and leafy neighbourhood in the South West of London. While I love to feel at home here in my neighbourhood, I am just as keen to explore the many different sides to London.
WOW: What’s the best ‘pro’ to living in London?
There’s always something to do. Whether you want to bathe in an installation of plastic balls, walk in a park or go for drinks overlooking the city, there are always plenty of options.
WOW: What are some of the cons? The public transport, weather, people?
The district line! It’s a love hate relationship… but seriously why does it stop so much!? The weather in London doesn’t phase me too much, a sunny day in London can make you instantly forget the disgusting drizzle and grey for the 3 weeks preceding it. I quite like the attitude of Londoners, with the hustle and bustle around you it’s quite nice to keep yourself to yourself when you’re walking along the street, it might get a little too stressful if you felt obliged to smile at every passer by. Or maybe I’m just really British?
WOW: How would you describe a Londoner in three words?
Determined, insular, impatient. Don’t get me wrong we do have a nice side too, it just takes a little coaxing to come out in public.
WOW: What is your favourite meal to eat out for in London?
BRUNCH. The best meal of the day.
WOW: Where are your favourite places to brunch?
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No 11 Pimlico Road (Chelsea) – Great instagram location, they have marble tables and even better presented food.
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Kopapa (Covent Garden) – All i’m gonna say is marmite soldiers and dippy eggs. Just accept it’s brilliant and order it.
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Granger & Co – I wish I could take everyone here. Their scrambled eggs are so perfect to look at you question how it could ever be real food. Order a hot chocolate and if you’re feeling naughty, their honeycomb butter ricotta pancakes. Yep you heard me right.
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Riding House Cafe – Centrally located, delicious juices and the avocado on toast is second to none.
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Good Life Eatery – Be prepared to queue, but the wait is worth it. Order the Choc Norris smoothie, it’s really great.
WOW: Name your favourite 3 bars in London
– Bodega Negra in Soho and Casa Negra in Shoreditch: They do a great margarita, ask for a blended lime margarita with passion fruit.
– Milk & Honey – Speakeasy in Soho: Serving Delicious cocktails.
– Duck and Waffle/Sushi Samba in the Heron Tower: For the view, not the overpriced drinks.
WOW: Name your favourite museum(s) in London
– The V&A – I just saw the Savage Beauty exhibition and it was phenomenal.
– Natural History Museum – I really like the giant dinosaur and the whale. The building itself is also beautiful, too.
WOW: What area would you suggest visitors to stay in?
If you’re looking for beautiful buildings and a great vibe in a central location, I’d definitely recommend Sloane Square. For the quirkier side of London, I’d suggest Shoreditch. I wouldn’t suggest staying too central to the tourist attractions as you won’t get to experience the real greatness of London.
WOW: If you ever leave London, where else in the world would you like to live and why?
New York! The only other city in the world that I think is faster paced than London – so naturally I need to live there at some stage.
Emma will be joining the WOW Team this year as our London Blogger.
This initiative is to bring you up-to-date expert tips on the cities you’re visiting most!
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