Where to Eat in London Without Wasting Your Wallet (Or Appetite)

Yes, we always try fast food abroad! It’s a fun way to see if the flavors differ from what we’re used to back home. In London, we visited McDonald’s, Shake Shack, and Chipotle, and here’s what we found:

•McDonald’s and Shake Shack burgers were juicy, meaty, and generously portioned. Shake Shack’s chicken sandwich was a standout—moist, flavorful, and perfectly complemented by their dipping sauce.

•At Chipotle, it felt like a familiar taste from the U.S. The carnitas burrito was massive and packed with rice, black beans, salsa, and guacamole. If you’re looking for a hearty meal on the go, this one delivers.

St James’s Café

Located in the heart of St. James’s Park, this charming café was the perfect breakfast stop. With tulips blooming and ducks, squirrels, and even swans roaming around, the setting was nothing short of serene.

I ordered a traditional English breakfast—a generous plate of bacon, sausages, mushrooms, roasted potatoes, baked beans, eggs, and bread. With a warm cup of coffee on the side and the sun shining, it was a picture-perfect start to our day.

Afternoon Tea at The Savoy

Our afternoon tea at The Savoy was a real treat. Held in The Gallery, the atmosphere was elegant with white-linen tables and plush chairs. Our server was friendly and clearly knew the menu well, which made the experience even more delightful.

We enjoyed a selection of finger sandwiches with cucumber, chicken, salmon, and creamy spreads. The scones were soft and buttery, served with clotted cream and jam—a must-try British combo! We ordered champagne, but it never arrived—perhaps a cheeky sign that it was too early. Either way, we had a lovely time.

Two Brewers

No trip to the UK is complete without a pub visit. I met up with colleagues at Two Brewersfor a sunny afternoon of drinks and catching up. We sat outdoors with pints of Guinness, Moretti, and Peroni, soaking in the warm weather and the easy-going vibe of a true London pub experience.

Poppies

After a long stroll through the British Museum, hunger led us to Poppies Fish & Chips—a well-loved spot and conveniently located near the Palace Theatre. We ordered haddockand cod, both of which came in what looked like large portions despite being regular-sized.

The fish had a perfect crispy exterior with tender, juicy meat inside. Add a splash of vinegar and some tartar sauce, and it’s British comfort food at its best. Be warned though: prices are steep—around 100 SGD for two.

Trafalgar Tavern

If you’re looking for a classic Sunday Roast with river views, head to Trafalgar Tavern along the Thames. We walked in and got a cozy spot on the second floor, which had the charm of a colonial-style home.

We ordered bangers and mash, and roast beef rump with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and rich gravy. Everything was delicious—tender meats, flavorful sides, and great drinks to go with it. It felt like a royal feast!

Street Pizza by Gordon Ramsay

When I saw a video of Street Pizza’s buffet, I knew I had to try it. We visited their Southwark branch and were greeted enthusiastically by the staff. The staff exclaimed “Oh bottomless pizza” when I told her we’ll be having pizza buffet.

The buffet included classics like Margherita, pepperoni, and the quirky “Idiot” pizza. Fresh from the oven, each slice was loaded with flavor. There’s even a Chickpea Tikka Masalaoption for vegetarians. Fast service; I’m still finishing a slice when the staff put another one in my plate. I managed to finish 12 slices—I probably could’ve done one more, but we had to leave. Next time!

Where to Eat in London Without Wasting Your Wallet (Or Appetite)

WILL: When people from Singapore or Asia visit London, one common complaint is: “The food is bland and not exciting.”

We heard that a lot — and honestly, we were nervous. So we made it our mission to find dishes that serve both flavour and memories. Here’s a real look at the food we indulged in while exploring the heart of London.

•Easy Comfort Food: McDonald’s / Shake Shack / Chipotle
➡️McDonald’s (GBP 9.58 per person)
Familiar and safe. The portion isn’t massive (unlike in the U.S.), but the beef patty? Super flavourful and juicy.
Tip: Your meal will come in a takeaway brown bag, and you’re expected to clear your own table — yes, with that same brown bag.

➡️Shake Shack (Uber Eats: GBP 26.68)
We’ve tried Shake Shack in the U.S., Dubai, and Singapore — but London’s version wins. The burger? Bigger and juicier. The chicken? SO good I almost devoured an entire box on my own. 😂

➡️Chipotle (Takeaway for 2: GBP 19.60)
The burrito was forgettable. But theyare very generous on the ingredients. But honestly you can skip this. Seriously.

•☕ A Quiet Pause at St. James’s Café (Breakfast for 2: GBP 31.35)

In the middle of beautiful St. James’s Park — a peaceful escape from the city buzz — lies this charming café. Perfect before or after a visit to Buckingham Palace.
Must-try:
 • Their Full English Breakfast
 • The pastry of the day (flaky, warm, and so satisfying)

•🫖 High Tea at The Savoy (Afternoon Tea for 2: GBP 207.00)

We picked The Savoy because it’s iconic — known for its elegant service and tradition among locals. Was it worth it? Maybe. The sweets were delightful, but unfortunately, they missed our alcoholic drink order — we had to cancel it as we were leaving. A little disappointing, especially at this price point.

Still, if you’re after a posh London tea experience, The Savoy is an option for ambience in spades.

•🐟 Best Fish and Chips: Poppies, Soho (Meal for 2: GBP 53.86)

Before watching Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, we dropped by one of London’s most famous fish and chips spots.The fish is fresh and perfectly battered.
Please splash your fish with vinegar it elevates everything. Tip: Expect a crowd — it’s Soho, after all.

•🍽️ Sunday Roast at Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich (Meal for 2: GBP 51.60) DO NOT MISS THIS. If you’re heading to Greenwich, go on a Sunday to experience their massive, satisfying Sunday Roast. The bangers and mash were rich and comforting. The mashed potatoes? So silky you’ll think it’s butter in disguise

•🍕 All-You-Can-Eat at Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza (Meal for 2: GBP 58.31) 

This place is FUN.Pizzas just keep coming until you wave the white flag. Thin, chewy dough — not those “cheat-you-with-dough” types. Toppings are generous, cheese is overflowing
Servers are fast, energetic, and they make sure your plate is never empty. Can you beat our record of 8 slices? 😅

So… Is London Food Really That Boring? Honestly? No. Not even close. Skip the overhyped tourist markets and instead, dig into places that locals love and travelers trust.

Yes, eating well in London isn’t cheap. Even water can hurt your wallet — especially if your home currency is weak against the pound. But with smart planning, the food can absolutely be one of the highlights of your trip.

Have you tried any of these places in London? Or do you have your own hidden gems to share? Leave a comment — we’d love to hear your food stories!

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

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Airport Lounge Etiquette: Read Before You Go

Let’s face it: airport lounges used to feel like an exclusive club. A quiet haven with cozy chairs, snacks galore, and a much-needed break from the chaos of the boarding gates.

But now? With almost every credit card offering lounge access as a perk, we’re seeing way more people inside—and the peace and quiet is starting to slip away.

So if you’re one of the lucky ones stepping into a Priority Pass or credit card lounge, congrats! But also… please play nice. These unwritten rules might not be posted on the walls, but following them helps keep the lounge experience pleasant for everyone.

Airport Lounge Etiquette: Read Before You Go

DOs and DON’Ts: Trust Us, People Notice

1. Flash that membership card like a pro: Whether it’s physical or digital, have it ready—along with your boarding pass. No one likes a line-holder-upper.

2. Enjoy the perks—but don’t overdo it: Free Wi-Fi, coffee, drinks, food? Go ahead, help yourself! Just maybe do not take seven muffins “for later.” You’re not stocking a pantry—you’re having a quick bite before your flight.

3. Claim one seat, not five: Your bag doesn’t need its own armchair. If the lounge is packed, be kind and make space for others.

4. Keep phone calls low and private: Use headphones or step aside. We don’t need to hear about your group chat drama or stock portfolio or meetings! You may not realize how loud you are, but everyone else does.

5. Check your guest privileges ahead: Not all passes allow free guests. Know your card’s rules—surprise charges are the worst.

6. Tipping isn’t mandatory—but it’s a lovely gesture: Especially for bar staff. A little kindness goes a long way.

7. Be mindful of the shower queue: Just because no one’s standing there doesn’t mean no one’s waiting. There’s often an invisible line—ask staff or be courteous before walking in.

8. Use the massage chair, don’t move in: A 10–15 minute recharge? Yes. A full-on nap while people wait? They’re not recliners for a pre-flight nap. Take your turn, then let someone else enjoy.

9. Don’t treat it like your living room: Feet on chairs, loud yawns, sprawling across couches… save that energy for your hotel.

10. No grooming at your seat: Nail clipping? Nose hair trimming? Please, not here. 

One Last Thing…

Getting lounge access is a fantastic perk—especially when it’s “free” through your credit card. But just because more people can get in, doesn’t mean we should forget the vibe that made lounges so great to begin with: calm, comfy, and respectful.

So let’s keep the peace, share the space, and enjoy the perks without turning the lounge into a bus terminal. Deal?

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Saved $5,015 on Flights: Our Real Credit Card Miles Strategy

Let’s be honest—airfare is usually the most expensive part of any trip. That’s why we always plan ahead. Instead of paying full price for flight tickets, we use credit card air miles to save money and fly smarter.

This year, we focused on two popular miles-earning credit cards in Singapore:
➡️DBS Vantage
➡️UOB Visa Infinite

They’re both premium, metal cards with generous air miles rewards—but they do have spending requirements. Each one needs you to spend SGD 4,000 within the first 30 days of approval.

Sounds like a lot? Don’t worry—we didn’t spend more than we normally would. We just timed our applications with big planned expenses. That included:
-✈️ Booking a cruise
-🛫 Paying for our 2024 travels
-🏠 Charging one month’s worth of household bills
By doing this, we easily hit the spending targets on both cards without spending extra.

Best credit cards in Singapore for earning air miles 2025

Perks Breakdown:
DBS Vantage gives -annual fee of SGD 599.50:
 •10 free airport lounge visits per year
 •Accor Plus Membership that gave us free stay at Swissôtel Singapore
 •total of free 110,000 miles
UOB Visa Infinite offers -annual fee of SGD 654:
 •Unlimited lounge access (great if you travel often!)
 •total miles free 90,000. 

With just SGD 650 more, we booked with Singapore Airline:
->> 2 Premium Economy to London
<<- 2 Economy back to Singapore

We saved a total of SGD 5,015.59 on airfare. That’s money we can use on food and activities. 

Is it worth it? Absolutely. With smart spending, we turned our everyday and planned expenses into flights. No crazy spending. No stress.
If you’re in Singapore and want to travel more while spending less, air miles credit cards are worth looking into. 

Just remember:
-- Understand the terms
-- Time your big expenses
-- Take full advantage of the perks

Your next trip might be closer (and cheaper) than you think! 

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Natural History, British, or Maritime? Choosing the Best Free Museum in London!

ABBEY: During our recent trip to the UK, we had the opportunity to visit three incredible museums—all absolutely free to enter! These museums were the Natural History Museum, the British Museum, and the National Maritime Museum. While admission is free, it’s important to note that advance booking is required for both the Natural History Museum and the British Museum due to high visitor demand.

Each museum offers a unique experience that caters to a wide range of interests.

Natural History Museum – A Fascinating Journey Through the Natural World
This museum was a personal favorite. The exhibits featuring animals from all over the world were both captivating and educational. Some of the displays made me wonder if the animals would make good pets (though most, of course, are best admired from a safe distance!). Others were simply awe-inspiring—reminding us just how small we are in comparison to the giants of nature.

British Museum – A Treasure Trove of Human History
At the British Museum, you’ll find an extraordinary collection of artifacts that tell the story of human civilization. From ancient jewelry, pottery, and artwork to iconic pieces like the Rosetta Stone, this museum showcases the rich tapestry of global history. It’s a perfect stop for anyone who wants to see how different cultures and civilizations are connected through time.

National Maritime Museum – A Deep Dive Into Maritime History
The National Maritime Museum highlights the UK’s deep connection to sea exploration and trade. The exhibit begins with stunning photographs of stars, constellations, and galaxies—used historically for navigation. These award-winning images are not only beautiful but also remind us how far navigation has come. You’ll also see historic instruments and maritime artifacts that shed light on seafaring life through the ages.
If you’re curious about the culture and history of a place, museums are an excellent starting point. They offer a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage, achievements, and way of life—all while being fun and often free to explore.

Kindly donate to help them continue this endeavor. 

Natural History, British, or Maritime? Choosing the Best Free Museum in London!

WILL: Natural History Museum vs British Museum vs National Maritime Museum. Which one deserves a few hours of your London itinerary?

Yes, there are different kinds of tourists. And Abbey and I? We’re the kind who always make time for museums. I’m not exactly sure why, but there’s this deeply fulfilling feeling we get whenever we step into one. It’s like, in some small way, we get to understand a slice of a country’s history and culture.

Now, if there’s one place in the world that knows how to do museums right, it’s London. Not only does it showcase its own rich heritage, but it also houses pieces from countries under the Commonwealth realm—offering a global perspective in just one city.
But let’s be real—not everyone has the time or the energy to explore all the free museums in London. If you’re short on time or unsure where to go, this blog is your quick guide. 😉

⸻
Natural History Museum
According to Google AI: “A Natural History Museum focuses on the natural world—plants, animals, rocks, minerals, and fossils. These museums are known for their vast specimen collections, research, and educational exhibits. They help us understand Earth’s history and the diversity of life.”

So nope, don’t expect ancient civilization artifacts here. Think fossils, geology, and a deep dive into natural science.
If you’re fascinated by dinosaurs, evolution, and real-life fossils, this place will blow your mind. The collection is massive and engaging, especially for kids. We initially planned for a 2-hour visit—but trust me, that wasn’t enough!

Allocate at least half a day here if you’re visiting with children. The dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits are guaranteed hits.

⸻
British Museum
The British Museum is the world’s first national public museum. As you may know, Britain once ruled a vast empire—and many artifacts from across the world (like the Parthenon Marbles from Greece and ancient Egyptian relics) now reside here.

Our experience? We dedicated two hours to explore, but honestly, only had time for the top “must-see” exhibits. What I personally loved? Their timepiece collection and the highlight of the museum—the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery. It’s like having a little piece of Egypt right in London.
⸻
National Maritime Museum
Wait, why visit this one?
If you’re asking, “Why the Maritime Museum?” — hear me out. This was actually my favorite among the three.
-- Less crowded
-- Less noisy
-- More immersive (especially for adults who love stories of trade, travel, and conquest)

Located in Greenwich, this museum offers a breath of fresh air away from the more touristy spots of Central London. It dives deep into how Britain dominated global trade by sea, and how maritime power shaped the world’s history and economy.
Oh, and if you’ve got kids? There’s an entire play area just for them—so everyone’s happy!

So, which one should you choose?
> Into science, fossils, and Earth’s past? Go for the Natural History Museum.
> Love global history and ancient artifacts? Head to the British Museum.
> Want a quieter, thought-provoking escape with bonus kid-friendly space? Don’t miss the National Maritime Museum.

Or if you’re like us—just visit all three! 😄
Enjoy exploring London and let me know which museum you loved the most!

London in Real Time 🇬🇧 | Tower Bridge, Museums, High Tea & Harry Potter (Day 2–3 Slow Travel Vlog)

Slow Travel UK | Unfiltered Greenwich to Edinburgh Journey 🇬🇧 | Day 4-5 London Vlog

CHECK THIS OUT! 

Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Our Travel Shoe Secret: 2 Pairs That Work for Rain, Snow & City Strolls!

On Cloud 5 Waterproof sneakers used for daily runs, city walks, and rainy travel days

On Running Cloud 5 Waterproof Sneakers

For: Rainy days, airport sprints, city strolls, light hikes

Now, meet my everyday hero: the On Cloud 5 Waterproof shoes. We were actually just scouting for a new walking shoe—something comfier than our old Nikes. And then we saw someone running in ankle-deep snow in Mürren wearing Ons! Swiss brand, Swiss snow—okay, sold!

These shoes are super waterproof and non-slip, which is a huge win when you’re dragging your luggage through rainy streets or slippery train stations. They’re not bulky at all, so I even wear them to work here in sunny Singapore!

Oh—and have you heard about the daily rain in Scotland and Ireland? Yep, we’ve been there too, and guess what? On Cloud kept our socks dry. Haha! I never thought I’d be giggling in the rain, but dry feet make everything better.

Also—fun fact: We’ve worn our On Cloud 5s for almost a year now, around 4 times a week, and the soles are still holding up so well. That’s serious durability for daily and travel use.

And yes, these aren’t just for walking—I actually use my On Cloud 5 Waterproof as my running and gym sessions too.

Walking on clouds? That’s not just branding, folks. These shoes are so light and fit so well, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. Airport? Shopping? Daily errands? Bring it on!

Timberland Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boots used for 4 years in snow, rain, and hiking trips

Timberland® Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Nubuck Boots

For: Hiking, snow, cold weather, rough terrains

First up—our tough and trusty Timberlands! We got these boots when Abbey had a little ankle situation, and wow, they’ve been lifesavers (or should I say anklesavers?). They keep his steps steady and ankles secure, no matter how rocky the path is.

And bonus—they’re so stylish! Abbey pairs them with shorts, jeans, and even semi-formal outfits. Yes, even at events where he has to look cute but still needs to survive unexpected puddles. Wink!

Where have these boots been? Oh, all over:
 • Hiking at Bukit Timah in Singapore
 • Climbing rocks in Masungi Georeserve (Philippines)
 • Chilly strolls by Lake Kawaguchiko in Japan
 • Snowy adventures in Mt. Rigi, Mürren, and Matterhorn in Switzerland!

Oh, and here’s the kicker: We’ve had our Timberlands for over 4 years now, and they’re still going strong! The soles are still thick and sturdy—proof that these boots are truly built to last.

Rain? Snow? Muddy trails? Cold toes? Timberland handles it like a pro.

Prices —

Timberland Waterproof Boot: SGD 319.00 (IMM for discount)

On Cloud 5: SGD 274.00

CHECK THIS OUT! 

Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Bonus Tip: Zalora for OOTD Goals!

Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!