A Perfect London Sunday: High Tea, Camden Market & My First Sunday Roast
Well, good morning from London! Or should I say, good late morning – because let me tell you, getting going later than planned and then sprinting to catch your high tea bus tour is definitely not how I envisioned starting this London adventure. But hey, travel doesn’t always go according to plan, right?
After a mad dash from the train station (complete with applause when I made it just in time), I settled into one of the most unique experiences London has to offer: afternoon tea on a double-decker bus. And I wasn’t alone – my good friend and fellow travel advisor Ashley from JNA Travel Adventures joined me for this delightful journey through London’s iconic streets.
There’s something magical about sipping tea and nibbling on delicate sandwiches while rolling past Westminster, the Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. It’s quintessentially British, but with a fun twist that lets you sightsee at the same time.
The tea service itself was everything you’d expect – three tiers of goodness starting with finger sandwiches (the salmon was my favorite, naturally), scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of sweet treats that had me running on a sugar high for the rest of the afternoon. Pro tip: the scones here are drier than American biscuits, so don’t skip the clotted cream and jam unless you want to choke on your biscuit – which probably wouldn’t be a good look.
And the best part? You get to keep the teacup as a souvenir!
The Eclectic Energy of Camden Town
After our tea tour, we headed to Camden Market, and if you’ve never been, you’re missing out on one of the most vibrant, eclectic areas of London. It’s busy – especially on weekends – but that’s part of its charm. From quirky shops to the famous locks, Camden has a personality unlike any other part of London.
We stumbled upon a candy shop straight out of the Hans and Gretel fable (yes, that’s literally what it’s called), and even managed to snag a spot at Humble Crumble without the insane lines we encountered at Borough Market last year. Sometimes Camden is just the smarter choice on a Sunday!
My First Sunday Roast (And Their Last)
But the real highlight of the day? Finally experiencing my first traditional Sunday roast at The Ferrier in Camden Market. Now here’s where things get bittersweet – this was not only my first Sunday roast, but also The Ferrier’s last Sunday roast. They were closing their doors for good that very day due to new ownership converting the space into a community pub.
Talk about timing.
The Sunday roast was everything I’d heard and more – tender chicken, honey-glazed carrots, roast potatoes, crispy cabbage, and that glorious Yorkshire pudding (which, by the way, is perfect for sopping up all that delicious gravy). Chef Jake, the heart and soul behind this incredible meal, created what was rated the number one roast in London, and now I understand why. I’ll be following his journey to see where he lands next because talent like that doesn’t stay hidden for long.
London Bridges and Unexpected Nostalgia
As the evening rolled in, we made our way to the London Bridge for one of the best views of the Tower Bridge. There’s something about that iconic skyline – with the Walkie Talkie building peeking over and the bridge all lit up – that just fills my heart.
And here’s a fun surprise: right around the corner from our Airbnb, I discovered that Laser Quest UK is still going strong! For those who don’t know, I worked for Laser Quest North America for almost 20 years before the pandemic took them out. Seeing this location thriving in London absolutely melted my heart. If you’re traveling with kids (or just kids at heart), do yourself a favor and go play some laser tag.
Travel Tips I Learned the Hard Way
A few things to keep in mind when exploring London:
Public restrooms are scarce. Unlike home, you can’t just pop into any establishment. Major stations like Victoria are your friend, so mind your fluid intake accordingly.
Sunday roasts are a must. And no, it’s not just beef! You can get duck, lamb, chicken, pork belly – the options are endless. It’s a London tradition worth experiencing.
Book ahead for guaranteed experiences. Want to visit the Sky Garden at the Walkie Talkie building? Free tickets are available if you’re lucky, but booking breakfast at Darwin guarantees your spot and gives you stunning views with your meal.
From the elegant tradition of high tea to the vibrant chaos of Camden Market and the cozy warmth of a Sunday roast, this London day was one for the books. Even the sprint to catch the bus and the unexpected closure of The Ferrier couldn’t dampen what turned out to be a perfect London Sunday.
Ready to create your own London adventure? Let’s chat about planning your trip. And stay tuned – next time, I’m taking a popular guided tour and turning it into a DIY adventure!
Until then, keep exploring!
Michelle “The Traveling Chzhed” Rao
Certified Travel Advisor | Your Guide to Authentic Adventures