Paramount

If you’re looking to have a drink with a view and you can’t afford the Shard, the next best option is Paramount bar and club. You need to call to make a reservation, but after that you don’t even have to worry about being on time. The building where you find Paramount is called Centre Point, and the closest station is Tottenham Court Road. Upon arrival, you walk up the stairs and talk to the reception, they then take you up to the 33rd floor where you will find the bar. 

This isn't just an ordinary bar, its a bar with an amazing view. I like to go there around Christmas time because they’ve already set up all the lights so there’s even more to see. The drinks aren't cheap, but with a view like that it’s worth it. Also, their wine glasses are bigger than in most places around London. The staff is incredibly polite, and they know exactly when to approach you and when to leave you alone. That to me is very important I need to read the whole wine list before choosing one, and I hate being rushed.

After making your order, walk around the bar, since all the exterior walls are made of glass you can see London from every direction. Last time I went I spent hours just awing at the view. I never expected to see that much of London especially since somehow its always grey here. Overall, if you want to treat yourself to a good drink and a nice evening I strongly recommend Paramount. Where else can you go to see all the Christmas lights? 

Here’s their website: http://www.paramount.uk.net/

L'Eau a la Bouche

Walking through Broadway Market sometimes you just want to sit down and people watch. My friend and I struggled to get seats here, at L'Eau a la Bouche, because so many people are doing what we planned to do, sit and watch the people walk by. Previously I had been in this shop/cafe, to buy mortadella and other southern European foods. I really enjoyed the food I bought, and I had finished it really quickly. But this time we just wanted to get coffee and look at the people walking by.

Originally we had brought books with us to read in the crowded cafe, but I think I was only able to read 4 pages in the two hours that we sat there. It was just such a good view. We were able to see different families walking past, with cute children stopping to listen to and clap for the street musicians. We also saw the different ways people talk to each other, and analysed body language of different groups of people. It was also a good way to see what clothes we liked and which shoes I wanted to buy. 

They probably would have let us sit there for a lot longer, but the market was closing and there were less people to watch, and it had been a while since we had finished our coffees. But if you ever feel lonely in London, sitting there on a Saturday afternoon will really cheer you up.

Here's their website: http://www.labouche.co.uk/

Founder's Arms

Founder's Arms is a pub type place near the Tate Modern on the south side of the Thames river. Its really nice to eat there on a sunny and warm day, cause the breeze coming from the river is really relaxing. I went there with my flatmate Emily on a Saturday evening and we were able to get dinner and something to drink for about 15 pounds each, which is pretty good for dinner in London. 

We got to watch the sunset, and enjoy our drinks. You have to go inside to order the food, and sort of scream it across the bar to the bartenders. But they understand everything and after you've paid they give you a number to take back to your table so they can bring you your food. I liked that, because they came over to bring the food and all of the eating utensils so it felt like they knew what they were doing. I had a really good chiabatta sandwich and fries, not too healthy, but really yummy. 

It was just a great evening because we got to enjoy the remaining hour of sunlight, and it wasn't too cold. It was nice to be outside for a change, because in London you often find yourself running from the rain. 

Here's the link to the pub's site: http://www.foundersarms.co.uk/