Ljubljana-London 2026
After work sistera nd niece picked my up at 4pm. On slow ride to airport I changed my clothes (light trousers, hoodie, belt). On arrival I picked my bag and went to Terminal. After security check I searched for smoking area. Now there are no smoking chambers inside, but you have teracce on 2nd floor, available before documnet check for B part of terminal.
Before boarding I waited a while at document control, ate homemade sandwich. A flight by British Airways from Ljubljana to London Heathrow took 2.5 hours, we were late a bit. The flight on Airbus 319 on 8A seat had limited leg space, we got some snack and water. From window you could see Adriatic, Alps with snow and lakes, later flatlands in France, Channel before landing.
Outside was 14 Celsius. I miscalculate and waited 2h for National Express bus (8GBP – 9€). In that time I went out for a smoke, browsed on airport wifi. The ride to London Victoria coach station took around one hour. I found a place nearby to drop of bag (The Portico hotel-24/7; 3GBP – 3,5€). Now I tried to find a place to have a drink. Most pubs were closing as it was 11pm. Finally I found one still open, Alberts pub (historical site). I order one IPA (6.5 GBP – 7.5 €). Soon Gary (ex-military; Royal Green Jackets) joined me. He ordered another round, we talked about his service, his son, Brexit, football-1970 FA Cup final, …).
After pub closed it was time for me to search for another place still opened. Best chances would be aroun SOHO. On my way I passed Buchingam Palace, there was nobody around. continued over Mall. Some kids drinking on stairs suggested TESCO, but it was already closed. I passed Piccadilly Circus, bought some souveniers (1 GBP – 1 €). Passed few clubs where I was not proper guest. My next stop was at O’Neills at Wardour in Chinatown. There was live music on upper floor. I paid up to 8 GBP – 10 € for beer (Guiness). I was in their venu at King’s cross last time I was in London. They closed at 3am.
It was too early to return to bus station. I asked some cops what would be still opened. Answer was strip clubs or casinos. Closest casino was Rialto. I had to show passport to enter. In begining I ordered beer (7.5 GBP – 9 €) and watched action at tables. Soon I had enough and tried my luck with 50 GBP on roulette. I almost lost everything and lucked changed. I stopped when I had 100 GBP. They have nice teracce on first floor where you can smoke. At least I covered few of expensive beers.
It was time to walk back to bus station. Outside was quite cold, 7 Celsius. First I picked my bag and used toilet before arriving to station. Night life in London was bit dissapointing even it was Wednesday.
