My Favourite Place In London : The Heron Tower

London oh London. You are not just another city, but your own country, your own ecosystem, buzzing with people, music, sound, buses, cars, towers, bridges and foxes. Last year, I was lucky enough to call London home. East London, so that makes me one tough girl. Whether it was getting to work, meeting friends, having a night out or exploring the city, there’s a hidden gem around every corner… you just need to know where to look.

So these little segments will be about the little nooks and crannys that don’t quite make it into the Lonely Planet books, but are definitely worth the detour.

If you want to get the best view in London, don’t wait in line for hours and waste your money to go on the London Eye… instead take advantage of this free lookout and one of the best bars in London. Located right outside Liverpool St Tube Station (Central, Hammersmith & City, Circle Line), the Heron Tower is the big one down and on the right (you really can’t miss it).

It is quite a fancy place so dress to impress.

There’s always a guy on the door by the lift (very fancy) and just say you’re going up for a drink. You enter a glass lift and press 38. If you’re terrified of heights, I strongly suggest closing your eyes. You’re whisked up ever so quickly watching the world disappear beneath your feet. It’s hard to resist a nervous laugh. Warning right now… THE DRINKS ARE EXPENSIVE. 2 glasses of wine as pictured above will set you back about 15pounds! But on a good occasion (like your best friends 21st) there’s nothing better.

You can sit by the window on intimate little stools and slowly sip your wine or outside there is a beautiful viewing platform (which overlooks the suburbs) with a fire pit to keep you warm at night and a large tree dotted in gorgeous fairy lights, the perfect place to lay back and lose yourself somewhere on the horizon.

On a clear day, you can see the entire city (except for the Chard). St Pauls Cathederal, the Thames, The Gherkin and millions of little ants as you look 38 stories below. By night, it is even more spectacular as you see the city burst to life with red, yellow and orange hues igniting the bustling city.

This is such a fancy, private and beautiful place to bring all of your friends that are new to London, you’re guaranteed to see chins hit the floor.

If (like me) you’re too poor to buy drinks up there, after you check out the amazing view, Shoreditch and Brick Lane are just around the corner, waiting to be discovered.

Ciao