Greenwich ♥

Greenwich. Where do I start? Before moving here in July 2013 I'd not been here many times (other than when I was about 8 years old and my darling mother took my brother and I on a surprise day out during the school holidays. She left us guessing the location for aaaaages on the train to London, until I forced her to tell me which letter it began with. By which point I was annoyed that the letter wasn't D, and I realised we weren't going to Disneyland!). Rob and I didn't specifically plan on moving here but when deciding on places which would allow us both to get to work easily (he works East, I work South), we discovered that Greenwich would be ideal.

And ideal is an understatement when I begin to reflect on what it's been like living here. Greenwich is a teeny corner of South East London, that doesn't feel like London at all. It's got that wonderful village feel to it, whilst being vibrant and colourful. Greenwich has so much to offer, from a huge Royal Park with beautiful rolling hills and one of London's most iconic viewpoints at the top, years and years of Maritime history, a brilliant market selling antiques and arty goods and a great range of restaurants serving food from around the globe. And if that doesn't cut it, Greenwich also happens to be an UNESCO world heritage site!

 We're truly lucky to live in a flat just 3 minutes walk away from the centre of everything and when we do move out of London to pastures new I'll miss it immensely.

So, since Greenwich stole my heart, I thought I'd share a few of the gems that it has to offer <3

For eating:

• The Gipsy Moth - One of the best and oldest pubs in Greenwich, with fantastic views of the Cutty Sark and a Sunday Lunch to die for, all year round.
• Inside Restaurant - This is the place to eat in Greenwich these days. Serving imaginative modern European food, it's been recommended in the Michelin Guide and the food is divine.
• Cafe Sol - This is a Tex-Mex restaurant in the heart of Greenwich, offering great range of typical Spanish/Mexican cuisine. Don't be put off by the slightly tacky looking menu - the atmosphere is lively and colourful, with traditional music playing and the cocktail list is always dangerous...!
  
  
  For Drinking:
• The Greenwich Tavern- Hands down, one of my favourite gastro-pubs in Greenwich. Situated on the corner of King William Walk, it looks out over the park. It's perfect on a sunny day as they open all of the large windows and there are sofas and tables outside. I'd describe this as a 'proper London pub' if you know what I mean?!
•  Old Brewery - We lived here 6 months or so before I discovered this place. I'm not sure how as it's so central, but everyone needs to know about it because it's great!! Yep, it's a fully functioning brewery and serves a range of hearty food alongside their selection of brewed beers and ales on site at the Meantime Brewery.
• Trafalgar Tavern - This pub is situated along the river, just outside the centre of Greenwich and is regarded as a 'testament to London and Maritime history'. I'll be honest, it's slightly overpriced but boasts one of heck of a view - so make sure to grab a table seat beside one of the large Georgian windows or sit outside and take in the surroundings of the Thames.

 To do:

• Take a walk up Royal Hill (one of my favourite streets in Greenwich) and pop into all the cute shops selling local produce; florists, cheese deli, butchers, organic vegetable shop and a fishmongers too. Then take a visit to the Royal Teas cafe and enjoy a brew!
• Greenwich Park - whether it's a picnic on a bright-blue-sky sunny day or an autumnal leaves-kicking wander, Greenwich park really is stunning all year round. And it's huge, absolutely huge. I never realised just how huge it was until recently when I decided to run around it and came across a deer park! I'd advise taking a walk up to the Observatory for an amazing view of the city and then wandering up to the Rose Garden. You can find an interactive map of the park here.
•  Up the Creek - This is London's long established comedy club. Whenever I tell people I live in Greenwich they often reply with "oh is that comedy club still there?!". The decor is pretty dated inside with red velvet seats and a sticky floor but the comedy acts are brilliant and I've never been disappointed. Thursday night is the cheapest night with tickets only £5, Fridays and Saturdays are a little more expensive at about £10-15 a ticket. Well worth it though, laughter is the best medicine afterall!
• Greenwich Market - Ok I know it sounds obvious, because it's one of the things that attracts so many visitors each day, but I genuinely advise that if you're visiting Greenwich, you dedicate enough time for this. The stalls change frequently and sell jewellery, collectables, candles, art prints, crafts, antiques, street food, cosmetics and so on. If Antiques are your thing make sure to visit on a Tuesday, Thursday or Friday. If you're more into art, crafts and design, visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday or a weekend.
• Take a ride on a Thames Clipper - For me, these boats definitely beat having to endure the hot, crowded tube. They're maybe a little over-priced for a single journey but you can use your oyster and you cannot beat views of the river Thames, especially when the sun is shining. My dad recently stayed over at ours and commuted to work on the clipper in the morning! He was so impressed!
  
  
  
  I really am going to be so sad when we leave this little part of the world. It holds a very special place in our hearts.
  
  
  If you're visiting London, Greenwich is totally somewhere to add to your list of 'must visits'. And feel free to drop me a message if you're planning on visiting - I'm more than happy to give more tips and advice on where to go!
  
  
  Lydia xxx