Welcome back to Frolic Fest: the version of this publication where someone with a wealth of cultural knowledge (and the lexicon to back it) steps up to the plate. Today, our special guest is Nicole Kyle - a writer, journalist, and researcher - with a passion for theatre and Earl Grey. Although an American by birth, many would argue Nicole was destined for the UK from the start - she’s a natural with a trench coat and a brolly.
Some say everyone has a spirit city, and I say, London is mine.
Three of my nearly five years there gleefully coincided with our Frolic Log founder’s own stint in the Big Smoke. I lived in my favorite city with my friend who is family and the grand master of frolic. It was my Golden Age.
I ponder moving back often. Friends ask why, and I struggle to reply. I certainly can wax poetic about London’s virtues (it’s coming!), but the query makes me slightly uncomfortable. Justifying my spirit city is akin to explaining my favorite color, rationalizing falling in love, or discerning why I am a perpetual night owl.
For me, London is wine bars and pub lunches, plays at fair prices, and park picnics with badminton. I love that Wimbledon is a cultural event and that tea and cake are sacred. Solo Southbank strolls, blue plaques, Waitrose coronation chicken, and reliable Tube journeys are simple pleasures no other city replicates. Nearly everything is accessible in thirty minutes.
When should you visit? I moved there in January and don’t recommend it. But Pimlico’s cherry blossoms bloom in April. London is its most beautiful in the summer sun, under cornflower skies and purple-pink sunsets. Kensington Gardens’ autumn foliage trumps Central Park’s. Richard Curtis was right: London at Christmastime is true magic.
London - all nine zones of it - grew by addition. Neighborhoods glommed onto each other over centuries as the city burst at the seams of its inner boundaries. Different neighborhoods have their own architectural styles and auras.
Accommodation, particularly in surviving Victorian and Georgian buildings, tends to be smaller, but embrace it. Pub culture springs partly from space constraints: when people lacked space to entertain at their homes, they communed instead at pubs. Pubs are the neighborhood’s living rooms.
Whenever (and wherever) your frolic brings you to London, proximity to parks and pubs is paramount. Luckily, with the properties below, you’re never too far from either.
North London
Ah, North London and your leafy green streets. Primrose Hill is one of those North London neighborhoods that makes me feel fancy, intellectual, and artistic for no real reason. But I like it! You may think you’ve stepped into Grimmauld Place (in all the right ways) in this homey and tasteful property. All bedrooms have hardwood floors, which is not guaranteed in London, and the garden space is primed for morning coffee or Saturday night pre-drinks.
One of my favorite city walks starts in Highgate, goes along Highgate Cemetery, and through Hampstead Heath, down to Primrose Hill. The high street at the bottom of the hill is full of good pubs, like The Queens and The Albert, and lovely restaurants, like Greek restaurant Lemonia.
This stretch of North London is popular with film stars and musicians. The vista from Primrose Hill is worth a visit regardless of where you stay. It’s a popular location come Guy Fawkes night.
East London
Everything I know about East London I learned from our fearless leader in frolic. Milling about Broadway Market, drinking beers in London Fields, and watching a drag show are hallmarks of a good weekend spent East.
Chic and alternative, edgy yet quaint, Hackney is where creatives design London in their likeness. This beautifully designed townhome is no exception. It’s perfect for a frolic friendship group that appreciates eclectic design. If this property were a meme, it would be frazzled English woman X Brat summer.
Get familiar with the Overground as rideshare and black cabs will take longer to traverse the city.
South London
Clapham Junction has good access to Tube and rail lines plus proximity to green space. Aussies and athletes of all kinds flock to Clapham for the nearby Wandsworth Common and even more sprawling Clapham Common. Clapham Common is also the scene of my one and only attempt at playing flag rugby.
The Windmill Pub is another favorite feature of Clapham Common; it’s a pub in the park. It’s also where I’ve run into Niall Horan. What a time!
Speaking of outdoor spaces, can’t you picture a backyard BBQ in London summer in this back garden? This house is perfect for a group looking to enjoy R&R at home.
West London
Since Lindsay Lohan as Hallie Parker as Annie James stepped out of a 1959 Bentley S2 and into Elizabeth James’ white stucco townhome, West London has held my heart.
Notting Hill
Consider Notting Hill. Sure, it’s a popular neighborhood with American expats. Yes, Portobello Road is crazy busy on weekends. I know, those pictures in front of pastel mews houses are everywhere on TikTok. It’s all true, but I promise it’s all really fun and really cute.
This property nestled into Portobello Road is the perfect way to live among the action but maintain a safe haven from crowds. The rooftop is ideal for a summer dinner party. Nancy Meyers would approve.
From here, walk over to Holland Park or Kensington Gardens. The Sun in Splendour or Walmer Castle are my favorites for Sunday roast.
Fulham
Polo House in Fulham is one of my other favorite listings for a West London frolic. I’ve spent the last three summers in Parsons Green, and the river walk through Fulham and into Chelsea is on my dog-walking route. Kings Road, Sloane Square, and Victoria are all accessible by bus, scooter, or Uber Boat! Ever since my college roommate and I furnished our Durham, NC apartment with a red couch (or should I say, sofa) I’ve been partial to them.
Best park in Fulham? Try Parsons Green, South Park or Hurlingham Park. Best pub? The Duke on the Green!
May your London frolics be as life-altering as mine. Thank you, Frolic Log for having me. I hope I did you justice.
Thank you for having me! I hope to Frolic Fest again!