6 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GO TO LONDON NOW

(with a friend)

“Is it true that you are going to London next Sunday?” My friend Anouk (read here why I like her so much) on the phone. She doesn't even wait for my confirming “Yes, why?” and chatters through the phone “I’m coming too-heee.” With thirty-six exclamation marks. We are here for a secret press trip (I have a huge embargo, but I will tell you all about it on December 27) and since we are the only two from the Dutch press, London is ours today.

Just give us the hotel budget, we’ll book a room together. Because we are both quite addicted to Christmas, it became Claridge’s, because the tree at Claridge’s is the annual pilgrimage site for December junkies. Anyway. So we are here. And now you should be too. And here’s why.

1. The pound is favorable

Brexit has its advantages. I calculate, as easy as I am, one pound for one euro. Officially the rate is 1 pound versus 1.19035 euros, but that’s just one state to one. That’s a difference compared to a few years ago and besides, it’s easy to calculate.

2. The Christmas decorations

Open door, but if you want to get the good Christmas feeling, you have to be here. Christmas carols in our lobby, small Christmas markets in hidden squares, and a fierce battle between the shop windows over who has the best decorations.

3. Having a good laugh and being quiet

We are both very good at that. Laughing and jumping from one topic to another and then just sitting next to each other keeping quiet and reading a book.

4. Hard champagne at lunch

Because how often are you away for a day and a night without hearing: “Mom? The toilet paper is out.” “Mom, can I have a cracker with Nutella? THICKLY spread.” “Mom, you really have to come now.” And your dog looks at you as if he hasn’t been out for 24 hours and you have to think again about what you’re going to cook tonight. Since we don’t serve lobster risotto with champagne foam at home every day, we ordered that here.

5. You’re there in a flash

But really. I was shocked at how quickly we landed. And for the flight haters among us, you can also easily take the train. One transfer and you’re there.

6. Here are some addresses where the coolest people go.

Sexy Fish (favorite restaurant of Rita Ora and hopefully ours after tonight), Chiltern Firehouse (with secret spots where you can smoke. Now I don’t smoke, but I would almost do it for that), Zédel (nice, hip, but not too much fuss) and The London EDITION (hip and chic hotel). Oh yes, this by the way, those were the favorite addresses of Jet and Liesbeth.

Book quickly, maybe I’ll see you then.