London in the Details: A Few Moments from Our Trip
In my last blog post, I shared a few moments from our recent trip to Scotland. For this one, I’m focusing on our time in London, where we spent a few days as part of celebrating Jeffry’s 50th birthday.
This was our second trip to London—we first visited in December 2022—and we’ve loved the city ever since. Coming back gave us the chance to explore it a bit further and discover a few things that we didn’t experience the first time around, which I’m excited to share with you here.
View of London skyline with St. Paul’s Cathedral and modern skyscrapers along the River Thames — photo by Joshua Jones
Where Old and Modern Meet
As an interior designer, I naturally pay attention to architecture and history, and London offers a rich mix of both. What stood out to me this time was how seamlessly the city blends old and new. You can walk down a single street and see historic stone buildings alongside sleek, modern structures, yet it never feels out of place.
One part that I found especially interesting is how much of the modern city—particularly in the financial district—sits on layers of history. Many of the older medieval buildings were destroyed during World War II bombings, leaving only fragments behind. What remains, though, is the original street layout, with narrow roads and traces of cobblestone that still reflect the city’s past.
After the war, much of the area was rebuilt with mid-century commercial buildings, many from the 1950s to 1970s. Now, those are gradually being replaced again with taller, more refined skyscrapers. It’s fascinating to see how London continues to evolve while still holding onto its historic foundation.
Interior view of Liberty London’s multi-level atrium with Tudor-style architecture — photo by Joshua Jones
Inside Liberty London
This was our second visit to Liberty London, and the experience felt completely different this time. During our first trip, we visited in the middle of the holiday season, and the store was incredibly crowded. Coming back during a quieter time made a noticeable difference—we were able to slow down, explore each space, and actually take it all in.
What I continue to love most about Liberty London is the building itself. The Tudor-style architecture, both inside and out, gives it a character that feels more like stepping into a historic home than a typical department store. The layout, with its smaller rooms and layered spaces, makes the experience feel more intimate and less overwhelming.
Liberty is also known for its fabric and pattern designs, and seeing them throughout the store adds to what makes it feel so unique. It’s one of those places where the environment itself becomes just as memorable as what’s being sold.
One moment that stood out to me was seeing the masks from the Netflix series Bridgerton on display. We had just finished watching the latest season before our trip, so it felt like perfect timing. Being able to see the masks up close—instead of on a screen—made it feel even more special and memorable.
Selection of handcrafted chocolate truffles at Adam Handling Chocolate Shop in London — photo by Joshua Jones
Sweet Stops Around the City
London has no shortage of great sweet spots, but there were a few places we visited that really stood out to us.
Bilmonte – They’re known for their gelato, and it ended up being some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had. It was so good that we went back a second time the day before we left London. Definitely one of those places that’s worth going out of your way for.
Adam Handling Chocolate Shop – This is from the same chef behind our all-time favorite restaurant, The Frog in London, where we had dinner for Jeffry’s birthday. When we found out he also has a chocolate shop, we had to check it out. We were welcomed with a hot European-style chocolate, which was incredible. We also tried a selection of truffles and biscuits, and everything felt thoughtfully crafted and indulgent.
Donutelier – This isn’t your typical donut shop. Their approach is much more creative, both in presentation and flavor. Some of the donuts look more like plated desserts than something you’d grab on the go. We tried a few different ones, and they were just as good as they looked.
Interior of Two Temple Place featuring ornate woodwork, grand staircase, and stained glass ceiling — photo by Joshua Jones
A Quiet Discovery: Two Temple Place
One unexpected stop during our time in London was Two Temple Place. I had never heard of it before—Jeffry spotted it on Google Maps while we were heading to another location, and we decided to make a quick stop to check it out.
I was completely blown away the moment we walked in. The space felt incredibly rich in detail, from the carved wood paneling to the grand staircase and the stunning stained glass ceiling above. It didn’t feel like a typical gallery—it felt like stepping into a historic home that had been preserved with so much character.
The building dates back to the late 1800s and was originally created as a private residence for William Waldorf Astor, which makes the level of craftsmanship even more impressive. Today, it’s open to the public as an art gallery, and surprisingly, it’s free to visit.
It ended up being one of those places we hadn’t planned for but left a lasting impression. Sometimes those unexpected stops turn out to be the most memorable.
Architectural gallery at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London featuring historic columns, arches, and sculptural details, photo by Joshua Jones
The V&A Museum
Jeffry and I hadn’t originally planned to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, but that quickly changed after a friend we met in Edinburgh strongly encouraged us to go. With some time left before we left London, we decided to check it out—and I’m so glad we did.
The experience was honestly jaw-dropping.
The museum is massive, with an incredible range of exhibits, but what stood out to me the most was the architectural section. Seeing full-scale building details, carved columns, and historic sculptures up close was something I didn’t expect. As a designer, it was one of those moments where you stop and really take in the craftsmanship and detail—it was that impressive.
Beyond that, the museum also features furniture, glasswork, ironwork, ceramics, and so much more. It felt like walking through a timeline of design, all in one place.
I’m genuinely grateful my friend pushed us to go, because this easily could have been something we missed—and that would have been a mistake. If you have any appreciation for design, architecture, or history, this is one place in London that’s absolutely worth your time.
View of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament along the River Thames in London, captured during our trip and photographed by Joshua Jones
Why London Keeps Pulling Us Back
This trip reminded me why Jeffry and I fell in love with London in the first place.
Even though this was our second visit, it felt completely different from our trip in 2022. That’s what I find so interesting about London—it’s a city that keeps revealing new layers every time you visit. From the mix of historic and modern architecture, to unexpected places like Two Temple Place, to experiences like the V&A Museum that weren’t even part of our original plan, there was always something new to discover.
What stood out to me most on this trip were the details—the kind you don’t always notice the first time around. Whether it was the craftsmanship inside Liberty, the architectural elements throughout the city, or even the creativity behind some of the sweets we tried, those small moments ended up being the most memorable.
London has a way of balancing history and evolution in a way that feels effortless, and I think that’s what keeps pulling us back.
I already know this won’t be our last visit.
