A Whirlwind Few Days in London: History, Pubs, Foxes, and Fish & Chips

London always feels like stepping into a storybook, and our recent few days there were packed with chapters we’ll be rereading in our minds for years. From historic pubs to unexpected wildlife encounters, the city gave us a proper dose of its magic.

We kicked things off with a pilgrimage to The George Inn in Southwark, London’s oldest pub and a haunt of none other than Shakespeare himself. Tucked down a cobbled alley, this 17th-century gem oozed history. The wooden beams creaked underfoot, the air smelled faintly of ale and old wood, and we could almost picture the Bard sipping a pint in the corner. We ordered a couple of ales and a hearty ploughman’s lunch—cheddar, pickles, and crusty bread—and toasted to the ghosts of literary giants. The atmosphere was as much a meal as the food, and we left feeling like we’d touched the past.

One of the most unexpected moments came in Regent’s Park. We’d gone for a morning stroll, admiring the rose gardens and the glassy lake, when we spotted a fox—sleek, red, and utterly unbothered—trotting along the path. On a whim, we followed it as best we could and it led to a great little cafe. We tried to motion to the patrons that there was a fox walking just past them, but they were too enthralled in conversation to notice us waving and gesturing. At some point the fox trotted away and e couldn’t stop grinning as we continued our walk, the park’s greenery a perfect contrast to the urban buzz just beyond its borders.

No London trip is complete without fish and chips, so we hunted down a classic spot in Covent Garden. The fish was golden and crispy, the chips thick and fluffy, with a side of mushy peas that hit all the right nostalgic notes. We doused it in malt vinegar and salt, eating straight from the paper while perched on a bench, watching street performers juggle nearby. It was simple, greasy perfection, and we savored every bite as the city hummed around us.

The highlight of the trip was a walking tour called Fire, Pestilence, and Plague. Our guide, a theatrical historian with a knack for storytelling, led us through the city’s darker corners, weaving tales of the Great Fire of 1666, the Black Death, and the grim realities of medieval London. We stood in the shadow of St. Paul’s, imagining flames licking the sky, and paused at a hidden plague pit near Fleet Street, where the air felt just a little heavier. The guide’s vivid descriptions—rats in the streets, the stench of burning tar to ward off disease—brought history to life in a way that was both chilling and thrilling. It was two hours of pure fascination, and we left with a deeper appreciation for London’s resilience.

Our few days in London were a whirlwind of old and new, from Shakespeare’s pub to a fox in the park, with fish and chips and a haunting history tour in between. The city never fails to surprise!

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