Taking the Long Way Home – Europe

With my working holiday visa rushing towards its expiry and family and friends urging me to come home, it was time to call time on London. Putting it mildly, I was devastated to be leaving my new home but the one thing making me feel better was the opportunity to travel and tick a few things off the old bucket list as I journeyed back to Perth. There’s the old adage that with travel, you either have time or money - for the first time in my life, I had a little of both so I reluctantly packed and shipped my coats and scarves, said goodbye to friends and colleagues and headed to St Pancras station armed with a couple of bikinis and a bottle of sunscreen. Read on to see some of my favourite snaps from my trip through Europe, India and South East Asia.

Where and What to Eat in London Right Now

Eat all these things. Now.

London Markets

This is happening in the @schoolyardmkt today. @dumplingshack. #dumplings #food #foodie #foodporn #instafood #londonfood #londonfoodie #foodpic #foodiepic #broadwaymarket #schoolyardmarket #londonfields #LF #E8 #hackney #london

A post shared by Broadway Market (@broadwaymarket) on Apr 16, 2016 at 3:51am PDT

Broadway Market

Okay, so it’s faff to get to unless you live in Hackney already. But it also has some of the most delicious food in London so it more than makes up for it. Go around 11ish and make yourself a little hodge podge brunch of sorts while you wander. Start off at Schoolyard Market - nice and early - to snag some fat little pockets of perfection from Dumpling Shack before they sell out. Pick up some pastel coloured treats at the Meringue Girls stall. Then meander over to Netil St Market at go to the original BAO to have a fluffy steamed bun full of delicious pork or, better yet, try their fried chicken. Also near Netil St Market is the fantastic Yeast Bakery, hidden under a railway arch. They do perfect little kougin amann pastries in a multitude of flavours. Then go home and rub your tummy while crying tears of happiness.

London On A Budget

Now it goes without saying that London is a goddamn expensive place to live and visit. There’s so much to see and do (and eat!) but some of it is very, very expensive. But it can be done! Read on for my tips and tricks for remaining fiscally responsible in the capital AND still have a good time!

Where to Wet Your Whistle - The London Edition

A photo posted by The Little Yellow Door (@the_little_yellow_door) on May 17, 2016 at 6:48am PDT

The Little Yellow Door

This fun bar is hidden away behind a - you guessed it! - little yellow door on Notting Hill Gate. Decked out like your cool older brother's apartment, it's a sweet little spot to down a few cocktails and dance the night away! Like any house party though, the sound system isn't great and there's not a lot of space but you'll definitely have a good time.

68 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3HT
thelittleyellowdoor.co.uk