After work, my sister and niece picked me up at 4pm. On a slow ride to the airport, I changed my clothes (light trousers, hoodie, belt). On arrival, I picked up my bag and went to the terminal. After the security check, I searched for a smoking area. Now there are no smoking chambers inside, but you have a terrace on the 2nd floor, available before the document check for the B part of the terminal.
Before boarding, I waited a while at document control and ate a homemade sandwich. A flight by British Airways (18:00-19:20, 1227€ flights to the Bahamas over London and return from Jamaica) from Ljubljana to London Heathrow took 2.5 hours, and we were a bit late. The flight on Airbus 319 on 8A seat had limited leg space, and we got some snacks and water. From the window, you could see the Adriatic, the Alps with snow and lakes, and later flatlands in France, the Channel before landing.
Outside was 14 Celsius. I miscalculated and waited 2h for the National Express bus (8GBP – 9€). In that time, I went out for a smoke and browsed on airport wifi. The ride to London Victoria coach station took around one hour. I found a place nearby to drop off a 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, Albert’s pub (historical site). I ordered one IPA (6.5 GBP – 7.5 €). Soon, Gary joined me. Interesting guy, he was ex-military – Royal Green Jackets. He ordered another round. We talked about his service in northen Ireland, his cop son, Brexit, football as Chelse fan he pointed out brutal game 1970 FA Cup final, …).
After this pub closed, it was time for me to search for another place still open. Best chances would be around SOHO. On my way, I passed Buchingam Palace, there was nobody around. continued over the Mall. Some kids drinking on the stairs suggested TESCO, but it was already closed. I passed Piccadilly Circus, bought a souvenir (1 GBP – 1 €).
Passed few clubs where I was not a properly dressed guest. My next stop was at O’Neills at Wardour in Chinatown. There was loud live music on the upper floor. I paid up to 9 GBP – 11 € for a beer (Guinness). I was in their venue at King’s Cross last time I was in London. They closed at 3am.
It was too early to return to the bus station. I asked some cops what would still be open. The answer was strip clubs or casinos. The closest casino was Rialto. I had to show my passport to enter. In the beginning, 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, but my luck changed. I stopped when I had 100 GBP. At least I covered a few of those expensive beers. They have a nice terrace on the first floor where you can smoke.
It was time to walk back to the bus station. Outside was quite cold, 7 degrees Celsius. First, I picked up my bag and used the toilet at the hotel before arriving at the station. Nightlife in London was a bit disappointing, even though it was Wednesday.