Two nights in London

DAY ONE

Two months ago, Aaron and I got home from the Bob Dylan concert and decided we should make a weekend trip down to London in December to see the Manic Street Preachers' one-off Christmas gig. And I am so glad we did.

We stayed at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, an impressive building just a short walk from Waterloo and Westminster tube stations.

On our first evening, we visited the Gerhard Richter exhibition at Tate Modern. This meant a chilly walk across the Millennium Bridge but boy, does St Paul's look pretty at night.

We enjoyed a three-course feast at the West End and watched Sherlock Holmes 2 at a cinema in Leicester Square - it was the oldest, grandest cinema I have ever seen.

DAY TWO

We were up 'bright and early' (ahem) to check out Tate Britain, a gallery which I had never visited, and John Martin's epic Apocalypse exhibition. This meant we had visited all four Tate galleries across the country in just a few weeks!

After a late breakfast by Pimlico station, we headed north for the magical land of Camden Town.

It had been three years since I last visited and I can't say a lot had changed - but that certainly wasn't a bad thing. Being a Saturday afternoon, it was particularly busy, but that didn't stop us from exploring the endless rows of market stalls for quirky gifts and pieces for ourselves to keep.

Saturday night was the big gig at the 02 Arena. They played an incredible 38 songs - every single they have released - in non-chronological order. The guest appearance of Nina Persson from the Cardigans was particularly special. Honestly, the only way it could have been more enjoyable would have been an appearance from Richey himself.

DAY THREE

Sunday morning = Brick Lane markets!

We spent hours wandering through markets stalls and crammed stores - but it was not the outside markets of Brick Lane itself that were most rewarding, it was the warehouse stalls bursting with young designers, craft and vintage goodies that were really incredible. Aaron's brother recommended Sunday upmarket where we found unique jewellery and accessories that you will probably see me wear to death over the next few months.

After a quick look around Spitafields we headed back into the city and braved the crowds on Oxford St..... every time I visit London, it is essential that I pop into the flagship Topshop......

(view from inside our hotel)

It took me a little while to warm up to her again, but London, I have missed you.