The Duckie Guide: London & Glasgow
Our quick trip across the pond. Back to London to where Duckie began with a side trip to see two people we love - Max and Isabel.
We had a fun time at Lisa and Daisy’s joint party. It was at a tiny pub in Widdington called The Fleur de Lys. They hosted over 100 friends, and we danced all night to serious house tunes with Joe Phillip’s on the tambourine until 1:30 am. It was terrific.
We also stopped at the Henry Moore Institute. If you’re ever in the Hertfordshire area or want an easy escape from London, check it out. There are some extraordinary sculptures in a fabulous bucolic setting that can only be found in the UK.
From there, we ventured to see my godson Max and his girlfriend Isabel, who are currently living in Glasgow. They are both very special to us, and we are so thankful to have them in our lives. We took the London North Eastern Railway from Euston Station and arrived at the Blythswood Square Hotel in no time. This hotel is a sprawling oldie. The rooms are very modern, with everything you need, and the location is the perfect home base. We were totally spoiled with a few days of great art, food, and company.
And, of course, we spent time in London. We visit London frequently. It’s Duckie’s hometown. So here are some highlights and our go-to list of addresses from both places. Starting with London….
LONDON
Our Favorite Restaurants:
Bocca Di Lupo
Dinings
The Ivy Cafe
J.Sheekey
The Restaurant at The Twenty Two
The Quality Chop House
Scott’s in Mayfair
The Best Hotel for Breaking the Bank: Chiltern Firehouse. It’s chic, trendy and expensive. The trick here is to enjoy the yummy bed, great sheets, and enormous bathrooms. The restaurant is terrific. Ignore the crowd — they’re too cool for school. The staff at the hotel are delightful, helpful, and very good-looking
The Best Hotel for Almost Breaking the Bank: The Twenty Two. It is a small but elegant hotel. I would avoid staying there for the moment, though, as there is construction outside, and the noise is a drag, as we are discovering. The restaurant is lovely, low-key, and yummy.
For Arts & Culture, which includes Shopping:
The National Gallery: Obvious, but you must go and see Caravaggio’s last painting.
Tomasso Gallery on Jermyn Street. Now showing an amazing selection of vintage jewels put on by Grima Jeweller.
Maison Margiela Bruton
Simone Rocha Flagship
Vivienne Westwood Man Store
GLASGOW
The Best Shawarma: Shawarma King on King Street. This was voted the best kebab house in Scotland, and we agree.
The Best Chocolates: Bare Bones Chocolate Shop. All purchases come wrapped in the cutest evening-sized canvas tote.
The Best Fish Joint: Crabshakk, the Finnieston location. The best langoustines, scallops, and the ultimate fish & chips.
The Best Pub: Laurieston’s on Bridge Street. The original Glasgow pub.
The Best Dessert: The panna cotta and trifle at Gloriosa. Both. Together.
The Best Pint: Tennents. Brewed in Glasgow. Look for it everywhere
The Best Shop for the Classic Lad Look: Pringle of Scotland on Victoria Road
The Best Contemporary Arts Venue: The Tramway in the Southside…the hipster side of Glasgow. We love the Delaine Le Bas’ textile installation on now through October 2024.
The Best Contemporary Art Space: David Dale Gallery & Studios. We saw Minnie Kersten and Florence and Jacob Dwyer. Visitors are gifted a great tote bag, too
The Best Contemporary Visual Art Gallery: The Modern Institute
xoxoxo
The Duckies
Quality Chop.... yummmmmm
And the Duke of Cambridge in Islington... and Anchor & Hope on The Cut... and The Ten Cases in Covent Garden.... and and and
Oh! You were here!! Glad you had a good time! Would love to see you next time xx