Southbank Christmas Market

I really thought I wouldn’t like it. Because seriously, can it get any more touristy-tacky than a fake German Christmas market in the middle of London?

I don’t think so. But then as we crossed Embankment bridge and turned left I saw myself getting magnetically drawn towards the many small tree huts hawking everything from photo opportunities to Spanish churros with chocolate sauce (yum!). I even found a liquorice stall selling the salty Scandi version.

We walked for a bit but then decided to head back towards London Eye and Big Ben. As we walked under the bridge a seductive smell lured us forwards and onwards.

With eyes wide open we passed a cosy moose-clad stall selling mulled wine. But that was not what we could smell.

And another one, where the men were busy grilling juicy burgers. But that was also not what we were after.

But there it was! The bratwurst/currywurst stall. Nothing beats a sizzling hot sausage on a cold winter’s day.

I of course had to go Full Monty and order the cheese sausage (the one where you squeeze and cheese oozes out in the middle) as I hadn’t had one of those since the 90s. What a trip down memory lane that was.

After the sausage orgy we continued along the Thames, past merry-go-rounds and highly inventive street performers.

And ended up with these views of London Eye and Big Ben. Not the worst way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon in London.

You can find the Southbank Christmas Market between the Southbank Centre/Royal Festival Hall and London Eye along the River Thames. Until December 23rd.