There’s something about London that always feels alive — like the city is humming with stories, flavors, and hidden corners waiting to be explored. This past weekend, we packed an entire adventure into one day: starting with the 1,000-year-old Borough Market and ending at the spectacular Lion King performance at the Lyceum Theatre. From tasting fresh bakes and street foods from around the world to soaking in the rhythm of the drums and the roar of the crowd, it was one of those perfectly balanced city days — a little bit of indulgence, a little bit of awe.
Wandering Through Borough Market
Tucked under the shadow of London Bridge, Borough Market has been feeding the city for over a thousand years. It was first established at the foot of the bridge and now in it’s current location since 1756 — you can feel the history in every corner. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a swirl of aromas: warm bread just out of the oven, the vibrant scent of fresh herbs and spices, the tang of ripe cheeses, and roasted coffee cutting through it all.
We started our day meandering between the stalls, taking it all in. We wanted to see everything that was on offer while people-watching at the same time — curious to spot what everyone else had chosen to eat and drink. It’s nearly impossible to decide what to try when you quite literally want to try everything in sight. From fresh oysters paired with flutes of champagne, cups piled high with strawberries dripping under a chocolate fountain, to decadent sandwiches filled with freshly roasted meats, and the cheesiest mac & cheese topped with endless toppings — how do you even choose?
Eventually, we committed — and no regrets were had. We went for a mac & cheese topped with pulled pork and crispy onions from The Bath Dairy stand — absolutely incredible. Creamy, rich, smoky, and just the right balance of indulgence. We also couldn’t resist Mei Mei’s Hainanese chicken rice, adding a bonus layer of fried chicken for extra crunch and flavor.
And of course, we couldn’t leave without something sweet. We made a stop at Humble Crumble for their classic — warm apples and cinnamon with crumble, topped generously with hot custard and vanilla whipped cream. Heaven in a cup. To round out our Plates n Places experience, we took home cannolis (lemon and strawberry gelato-filled) and a small box of fudge — white chocolate, orange chocolate, and smooth sea salted caramel. Every bite felt like the perfect ending to a day filled with pure food bliss.
The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
After a full day of tasting and exploring at Borough Market, we made our way across the city to end the night with something truly special — The Lion King at the iconic Lyceum Theatre. There’s something about walking into a West End theater that makes it feel timeless, and the Lyceum makes you feel exactly that. The energy in the Grand Circle bar area was buzzing — people chatting excitedly with their drinks and programs in hand, everyone waiting for the doors to open to the theater.
From the moment the show began, we were completely transported. The opening scene — the powerful Circle of Life moment — gave us chills. The combination of the live orchestra, pounding drums, and breathtaking vocals filled the entire theater with emotion (and my eyes with tears). The costumes and puppetry were unlike anything we’ve ever seen — every movement, every color so full of life and detail that you almost forget you’re watching a stage performance.
The performers were phenomenal — the singers, dancers, and musicians worked together so seamlessly it felt like the entire theater was alive with rhythm and heart. We couldn’t help but smile the entire time, completely wrapped up in the story, the sounds, and the artistry.
We left the theater beaming with joy, still talking about our favorite scenes and how we’d just witnessed pure creative brilliance come to life right in front of us.
Wrapping Up the Weekend
As we made our way back after the show, London felt calm and glowing — the city lights reflecting off wet cobblestones, the night air still humming with the last notes of the performance. It was one of those days that reminded me exactly why I love exploring new places through food and experience — the way a market can feed your curiosity and a theater can stir your soul, all in the span of a single day.
This past weekend was the perfect mix of flavor, culture, and magic — from Borough Market’s endless tastes and textures to the unforgettable energy of The Lion King. It’s days like these that inspire me to keep sharing our Plates n Places adventures — the moments that make travel feel delicious in every sense of the work.
Next up, we’re heading back home to the U.S. for two weeks — ready for cozy catch-ups with family, time with friends, and all the snuggles with our fur babies. I’ll be sharing a new post next week featuring some fresh recipes before the trip, so stay tuned for that one!
Until then, here’s to good food, good company, and finding magic wherever you wander. ✨
Plates n Places 