Good morning from London!
I am excited to start my day at Buckingham Palace watching The Changing of the Guard ceremony. I arrived an hour early to find the streets already crowded. I was able to find a great seat on the steps across from the gate. In all honesty, the changing of the guard is pretty boring. There is a lot of waiting around and then when they do start it most of the action happens behind the gates so it is hard to see. I would skip this experience unless its something high on your bucket list. I left early to head over to The Prince’s Head, Richmond, the pub featured in Ted Lasso!
The pub looks almost identical to the show except there are no bar stools around the bar, it is standing room only. I made a lunch reservation, and am seated at a corner table across from the Ted Lasso memorabilia. They do a good job of keeping it looking like a fun pub with only a few nods to the show.
After a pint and lunch I want to take pictures outside. There is the corner featured on the show with the red phone booth and the bench Ted visits. One of the downsides of traveling solo is being able to take full pictures and not constant selfies. I feel like a stalker hanging around waiting for someone to walk by to ask to take pictures. I’ve learned if you see someone else taking a selfie or group shots to ask if you can take it for them and then ask if they will take your picture. I finally found a nice lady, Gina, who is also solo for the day to take my picture. We proceeded to have a mini photoshoot in front of the pub.
Afterwards, we walked around the cute little area. The shops lining the Prince’s Head have Ted Lasso memorabilia in the windows along with pictures of them with the cast. I love seeing that the cast befriended the neighbors while shooting. Richmond is adorable and I wish I could spend more time here, but I have dinner reservations and a play to attend.
Dinner was a fail on my part. I was looking for affordable restaurants near The Apollo Theatre when I came across Cicchetti – Manchester, an Italian restaurant with great pricing. Upon arrival I ordered an Espresso Martini and began to peruse the menu. When I ordered the Ravioli Tartufo and Pecorino I was informed that it is not big enough for a meal. Turns out this is a tapas restaurant and way out of my budget. This is what I get for booking late at night when I should be sleeping. Knowing I would not have time to go anywhere else and I was starving, I also ordered the Gnocchi Gorgonzola in a baked Parmesan basket. Both dishes were amazing and I will return to this restaurant but will remember that it is a Tapas establishment.
I have been a Sophia Bush fan since the early days of “One Tree Hill.” I admire her activism and am an avid listener of her podcast “Drama Queens.” When I found out the play she was starring in would be at the same time I was in London I had to purchase a ticket. I have never seen a horror play, but as a fan of horror movies I am intrigued. From following her social media I have found that after the play you can meet her if you are standing outside the backstage door. (I am being a tad stalkerish, I know) When I arrive at the Apollo theater I ask the usher where this stage door is. Sadly, I am informed that Sophia is sick and will not be performing tonight. I am bummed that I will not see her and hope that she feels better soon. I know she has posted she is going through something and I wish her a speedy road to recovery!
2:22 A Ghost Story is incredible!!! Had it not been for Sophia Bush I may not have known about this extraordinary play. I do not want to ruin anything but just know that there are plot twists and the cast puts on an unreal performance.
I am still on a high from last night’s play. If I could see it again while in London, I would! Today is my last day in the UK and I am headed to the famous Abbey Road!
You cannot enter the studio, but there is a gift shop next door with lots of fun memorabilia. Of course the main attraction is the photo opportunity walking across Abbey Road. It is a working road and the locals do seem to get annoyed having to stop and wait for tourists, understandably so. I made friends with a nice family who held my items and took my picture on the walk. I then did the same for them. I am thankful for all my photo buddies on my travels so I can capture these landmarks.
Today’s Helpful Tips
The Changing of the Guard ceremony
Don’t get distracted! Lots of pickpockets, be sure to keep your items in front of you at all times. Do not put anything in your pockets. The police around Buckingham Palace will also inform you of this. Changing of the Guard takes place Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at 11 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sundays. In May, June, and July it takes palace daily.
The Princes Head a.k.a Ted Lasso Pub
Be sure to have a reservation as it fills up really fast! Try and carve out time to hang out in Richmond. The town is adorable!
2:22 A Ghost Story
I sat in the front row of the balcony, it’s a small theater so you shouldn’t have any issues getting a great seat. SHHHHHH, don’t tell anyone the surprise! If you do want to meet the cast they exit the backstage door in the alley.
Abbey Road
Have some patience and carve out enough time for a picture. It can get crowded and it is a working street so you cannot hold up traffic. The area is very picturesque so be sure to walk around and enjoy the scenery! I can see why the Beatles recorded here.
3 Abbey Rd., London NW8 9AY, UK
