London has always been on my mind for various reasons. One is due to the traditional nursery rhyme of a certain London Bridge. Second is the fact that Singapore was formerly a British’s colony and I had to study some part of that History in school. The third was when I realised that Singapore Dollar was 1:3 against the Pound in currency exchange back then – I need to see what is the big deal about this country. I am glad that the visit has taken place much later when the exchange rate was 1:2 instead.

The short trip was booked kind of last minute after I learn about Finnair’s promotion fares to London. The flights and seamless transit at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport left me with a good impression.

From London Heathrow Airport to Paddington

There are various options available but the quickest way from Airport to Paddington Station is via Heathrow Express, which takes only 15 minutes as compared to the Tube or Heathrow Connect Airport Train. One can save up to 65% of the ticket price by purchasing the ticket online 3 months in advance.

Don’t you just love their X-men style logo?

Outlet Shopping at Bicester Village

Upon arriving at Paddington Station, we went straight to the Left Luggage facilities at Platform 12. Thereafter, making our way to Marylebone station to catch a Chiltern Railways’ train from London to Bicester Village. We alight at Bicester North station where there’s a connecting shuttle bus. And that was how it was done during my visit back in 2012.

Ever since October 2015, the opening of Bicester Village station located adjacent to the popular Outlet Mall offers more convenient for the shoppers.

There are plenty of bargain-hunting locals and tourists around this well laid out shopping environment. From the various paper bags the shoppers are holding on, many have gotten what they wanted at Bicester Village. The cash registers in most shops ka-ching in overdrive mode. This is the next best money sucking machine after our very own ERP gantries.

But according to what I read somewhere before, certain brands are now manufacturing products which solely cater to their Outlet shops. That would probably render some tags like ‘Usual Price/ Outlet Price’ as hype since you will never see the full priced product on display at those upscale boutiques.

Perhaps it would be good to do a bit of product research before visiting Bicester Village?

Prada Bicester Village is busy and popular as per usual.

Settled for a nice quick bite at Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts (closed) before wifey continues her shopping spree. Jetlag, what Jetlag?

This gotta be one of the nicest apple juices I ever had.

Finally, it’s time to head back to London, proper. I ended up with a few Superdry Tee Shirts and wifey, as usual, gotten quite a handful of stuff. – Don’t ask.

From the picture below, you can see what I meant that most people have gotten something right?

STAY: Thistle Euston Hotel review

After collecting our luggage at Paddington Station, we make our way to Thistle Euston Hotel, which is just a short walk away. It will be our base of exploration for the next few days.

We arrived late in the evening and desperately needing a rest. It may not look like much from the outside but the hotel interior is very welcoming with a nice décor. The polite and efficient reception staffs ensure the check-in to be quick and hassle-free. Nice!

The decent sized twin room is clean and comes with very comfortable beds. The stay at Thistle Euston Hotel throughout was very pleasing and I will definitely choose to stay here again.

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What are your thoughts about London and Bicester Village? Leave a comment and share it with me.

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