By Mary Ellis Logan

Big Ben. Photo credit: Mary Ellis Logan.

Turkey, I firmly believe, is the most disgusting food ever fed to humankind. While many of you were looking forward to eating it this Thanksgiving, I fled the country to escape this turkey-worshiping holiday. I spent my Thanksgiving break in the amazing city of London, England, surrounded by stunning historical sites and eating food much better than turkey. 

My family and I spent four days in London, each day enjoying delicious English food. We flew into Heathrow Airport on Thursday, Nov. 23, and enjoyed dinner at The Ivy Chelsea Garden, an incredibly decorated restaurant and bar near London’s famous Hyde Park. My family indulged in several small plates, including fabulous chicken kabobs and salty sourdough bread. 

The next day we visited a small breakfast cart near our hotel that served teas, coffees, and phenomenal pastries. I was very surprised by how truly better my chocolate croissant was than those I have had in America. This intricate pastry was perfectly fluffy and not only filled with chocolate, but covered in it. 

Tea at Claridge’s. Photo credit: flickr user finedining indian.

Later in the afternoon, we participated in the famous tea time at Claridge’s. The hotel’s restaurant was serving its festive tea menu, consisting of traditional English Christmas pudding. This dish, which may seem very different to those from the States, is a sweet, cake-like dessert made of dried fruits. This was my first time trying this dish, and I found it to be deliciously different from American desserts. 

On Sunday, we visited the popular, three Michelin star restaurant Sketch. Not only was the food delicious, but it was the most beautiful building I had ever seen. The building was very traditional, with high-domed ceilings and extravagant moldings. Each room of the restaurant was decorated differently. The entry way’s navy blue walls were covered in feathers and gold accents. The bar was covered in floral wallpaper and filled with velvety furniture. The main dining area, where I sat, was filled with pink lighting and contemporary art. However, the most extraordinary part was the bathroom. In the middle of the room was a large white sphere, which, when opened, led to a bar. Underneath a colorful stained glass ceiling, this sphere contained individual bathroom pods and scattered sinks. 

Sketch’s bathroom decorated for Christmas. Photo credit: Mary Ellis Logan.

Sketch’s bathroom. Photo credit: Flickr user Jean-François Renaud.

Along with eating new and delicious foods, I also traveled around the city admiring exquisite sites. My favorite tourist stop was the Palace of Westminster and the Houses of Parliament. This building is visible from many places in the city, from both sides of the Thames River. Its gold exterior shines through the city, symbolizing the country’s government and its power. Nearby stands Westminster Abbey; this cathedral has hosted the weddings, coronations, and funerals of Britain’s monarchs since 1066. While we did not purchase tickets to explore the inside of the famous cathedral, we did spend time admiring its exterior. 

Westminster Abbey. Photo credit: Mary Ellis Logan.

The British Museum. Photo credit: Mary Ellis Logan.

Just a quick pivot from the Abbey stands a tower you may recognize from Disney’s Peter Pan: The Elizabeth Tower, better known as Big Ben. Just a short walk from these sites, across The London Bridge, stands The London Eye. From the top of the great ferris wheel, you can see most of the city, including Buckingham Palace, another place I was able to visit. Our hotel was just a short walk from The British Museum, making it a convenient stop on our grand tour. While wandering the galleries of the museum, I saw many fantastic artifacts, including the mummy of Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. 

Compared to my Thanksgivings spent in America, surrounded by turkey and mashed potatoes, this year’s was the best yet. From all of the sites to the bonding time with my family, this trip consisted of many memories and experiences that I will never forget.