Breakfast in the Harry Potter-Inspired Great Hall at Christ Church, Oxford

Anyone who has watched the Harry Potter films will immediately recognize the Great Hall at Christ Church, Oxford, which famously served as the inspiration for Hogwarts’ iconic dining hall.

Only guests staying at Christ Church’s B&B accommodation have the opportunity to enjoy breakfast in the Great Hall, making it one of the most unique ways to experience this historic space.

Originally built in the 1520s as part of the college founded by Henry VIII, the hall is steeped in history. Before entering, you’ll climb the elegant stone staircase with its beautiful fan-vaulted ceiling. Walking through the doorway into the Great Hall is breathtaking. The magnificent hammerbeam roof, towering stained-glass windows, and walls lined with portraits of notable members of the university make it feel as though you’ve stepped back several centuries.

Breakfast itself was a classic English buffet with cereals, fresh fruit, toast and croissants, coffee and tea, along with hot items including baked beans, sausages, ham, eggs, hash browns, mushrooms, and porridge. The food itself was decent, but that hardly mattered.

The real highlight was the setting. Sitting in one of Oxford’s most historic dining halls, surrounded by centuries of history and the atmosphere that inspired Hogwarts, transformed an ordinary breakfast into something truly memorable. It wasn’t so much about the food—it was about the experience. For any Harry Potter fan or history lover, it felt nothing short of magical.

The Great Dining Hall

Oxford OX1 1DP, United Kingdom

A Quintessential English Afternoon Tea at The Old Parsonage Hotel

I visited The Old Parsonage Hotel for afternoon tea, a renowned Oxford institution whose history dates back to 1660. Located just a 10–15 minute walk from Oxford city centre, the hotel is tucked away on Banbury Road, offering a quieter setting away from the bustling streets.

The building itself is beautiful, with a well-preserved façade and its original 17th-century heavy oak front door still welcoming guests today. Stepping inside feels like entering a classic English country house. The interior is tastefully decorated with artwork, plush velvet armchairs, dark accent walls, and elegant wooden furnishings, creating a cosy, intimate atmosphere that feels quintessentially English.

I had originally hoped to sit on the terrace, but it was an exceptionally warm summer day, so we chose a table indoors instead.

Afternoon tea is served daily from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. A gluten-free option is available with advance notice. We ordered the Very High Tea, priced at £38 per person, including one gluten-free set. It came with a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade miniature cakes, plain and fruit scones served with clotted cream and preserves, and a choice of tea or coffee.

The bottom tier featured an assortment of finger sandwiches: cucumber with cream cheese, chicken and tarragon, smoked salmon, honey-baked ham with mustard, and egg mayonnaise with cress.

The middle tier consisted of freshly baked plain and fruit scones served with strawberry jam and rich clotted cream.

The gluten-free top tier included carrot cake, fruit cake, brownie, and orange posset, while the regular version featured a coffee choux bun, lemon drizzle cake, salted caramel brownie, vanilla cheesecake, and orange posset.

The finger sandwiches were enjoyable, although none particularly stood out. The scones were light, flaky, and buttery. The miniature cakes were the highlight. Each was thoughtfully prepared, with a good variety of flavours and textures. The orange posset was wonderfully smooth and refreshing, while the brownie was rich without being overly sweet. My favourite was the fruit cake—it was wonderfully moist and delightfully chewy, packed with dried fruits that gave it plenty of flavour and texture without being overly sweet.

Overall, I enjoyed the experience. While the food was very good, what made the afternoon truly memorable was the setting.

Old Parsonage Hotel


1-3 Banbury Rd, Oxford OX2 6NN, United Kingdom

Taking a Tea Break at Bath’s Historic Bath Bun Tea Shop

Nestled in the picturesque Abbey Green, The Bath Bun Tea Shop is a charming spot to pause while exploring the historic city of Bath. The menu includes a good selection of teas, coffees, cakes, and desserts, alongside a full breakfast and lunch menu. When we visited, a street performer was entertaining the crowd in the square, creating a peaceful atmosphere with a free live performance. Although there was a queue when we arrived, it moved quickly and we were soon seated in the outdoor area. The staff were also warm and attentive, greeting everyone with a smile and providing excellent service.

We were meeting a few local friends, and they recommended this café as a must-visit. It was a hot summer’s day, so sitting beneath the shade of the trees was a welcome respite from the heat.

The café is best known as the home of the original Bath Bun, a local specialty whose origins date back to 1761. The Bath Bun is a lightly sweetened bun topped with sugar cubes and currants, and it has remained a Bath tradition ever since.

Our friends joked that trying a Bath Bun was a bit of a touristy thing to do, but since it was our first visit to Bath, we felt it was only right to try the city’s most famous pastry. We ordered one served with chocolate ice cream and another with clotted cream and jam. The bun itself tasted like a soft, lightly sweetened bread—pleasant, but not dramatically different from other sweet buns I’ve had. However, it paired beautifully with the café’s selection of teas, and the clotted cream and jam made for a delicious accompaniment.

With its lovely location on Abbey Green, shaded outdoor seating, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s an ideal place to escape the crowds, enjoy a leisurely cup of tea, and take a break before continuing to explore Bath.

The Bath Bun

2A Abbey Grn, Bath BA1 1NW, United Kingdom

Breakfast at Cornish Bakery: A Morning by the Roman Baths

One of my breakfast stops in Bath was Cornish Bakery, conveniently located just next to the Roman Baths. With tempting display of Cornish pasties, croissants, and an assortment of viennoiseries. It’s the perfect place to grab breakfast before exploring the city.

For breakfast, I ordered an oat milk flat white, a sausage roll, and a traditional Cornish pasty.

The sausage roll was the highlight of the meal. The pastry was beautifully flaky and buttery, while the sausage filling was juicy, well-seasoned, and full of flavor. It was simple but done very well.

The traditional Cornish pasty, however, was a little underwhelming. Although it was generously filled, I found the seasoning rather mild, making it taste somewhat bland. The crust was also quite thick, which made it feel a little too heavy for my taste.

To accompany the meal, I had an oat milk flat white, which was smooth and well-balanced. It paired nicely with the pastries.

Overall, it’s a convenient bakery in an excellent location, especially if you’re looking for a quick breakfast before visiting the Roman Baths.

Cornish Bakery

7 Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LY, United Kingdom

A Peaceful Afternoon at d Shokudo Kyoto

Located within the grounds of Bukkō-ji Temple, d shokudo kyoto sits quietly beside the D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO gift shop, offering a tranquil escape from the crowds of Kyoto. The calm atmosphere of the temple grounds already makes you slow down the moment you walk in.

I visited the cafe in the late afternoon and sat by the window overlooking the temple grounds. With the soft natural light coming through and the comfortable low chairs, it felt like the perfect place to rest after a busy day of exploring.

The staff were warm and friendly, spoke some English, and there was an English menu available. They offer both a lunch menu and desserts, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and simple Japanese-style comfort food.

I ordered the seasonal yuzu parfait, and it was beautifully layered with many different textures and ingredients. The first few bites were bright and tangy with a slight hint of bitterness from the yuzu, but as I worked my way down the parfait, each layer revealed something different. You could distinctly taste every element, yet all the flavors came together perfectly, creating something incredibly refreshing and balanced rather than overly sweet.

It was one of those desserts that feels thoughtful and carefully crafted, best enjoyed slowly while taking in the peaceful temple view.

D&Department Kyoto / d Shokudo Kyoto

Japan, 〒600-8084 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Shinkaicho, 397 本山佛光寺内

Hidden Gluten-Free Bagel Spot in Seoul

I was looking for a place to have breakfast near the hotel I was staying at and stumbled upon this cozy little café that specializes in gluten-free bagels. Their bagels are made from rice flour, which immediately caught my attention, and they also sell the bagels separately if you want to bring some back with you. The café itself was nice and clean, with a calm atmosphere and friendly staff. They spoke a little English, and there is also an English menu available, which made ordering easy.

To locate it, take the elevator next to CU Mart down to L1 — the café will be on your left.

I ordered the scallion mayo egg bagel along with a Jeju green tea latte. The bagel was light, soft, and pleasantly chewy with a subtle hint of sweetness. The egg filling was soft and rich, complemented by a creamy layer of mayo, while the scallions added a fresh and savory note that balanced everything nicely. The Jeju green tea latte paired well with the meal.

Overall, it’s a great spot for anyone looking for gluten-free options without compromising on texture or flavor. A simple but satisfying breakfast place that I’d happily return to.

Ssalbebe

89-20 Seosomun-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Slow Mornings and Skyline Views at Komfortabel Namsan

Komfortabel Coffee Namsan is a short walk from the Namsan Sky Forest trail. The space feels warm and thoughtfully designed. The ambiance isn’t just peaceful; it’s a quiet escape from the city. I visited on a weekday morning, and it was calm with only a few customers. I’ve heard it gets much busier in the afternoons and around sunset, so going early is your best bet if you’re looking for a more serene experience.

The café is run by Granhand, with their showroom located on the first floor. As you move up, the space opens into an expansive, wood-toned interior with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in beautiful natural light. What I loved most is how the atmosphere shifts depending on the weather and season—each visit could feel slightly different.

The real magic, though, is the view. From the fourth floor, the massive windows frame a layered scene: Huam-dong’s picturesque tiled rooftops unfold in the foreground, with modern high-rises rising in the distance. It’s especially stunning around sunset. There’s also a spacious rooftop seating area if you want to take it all in from above.

Inside, soft jazz plays through beautiful Westminster speakers, adding another layer to the overall experience.

The menu offers a mix of classic and creative drinks, including coffee blends and cocktails like vanilla cold brew latte and espresso martini, alongside cakes and pastries. I ordered the nutty crème latte—it was smooth with a creamy mouthfeel, slightly sweet, and rich with a nutty flavor that reminded me of peanut butter ice cream.

Overall, Komfortabel Coffee Namsan is more than just a café—it’s a place you go for the full experience. Between the design, the music, and especially the view, it’s the kind of spot that lingers with you long after you leave. Perfect for a slow morning or a quiet moment above the city.

Komfortabel Coffee Namsan

16-1 Yunboseon-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki at Junior

Okonomiyaki is a well-known dish in Hiroshima. Unlike Osaka-style, where everything is mixed into a batter, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is made by layering the ingredients — giving it a more distinct texture.

Junior is a tiny, unassuming, and no-frills restaurant, run by just one person. Seating is limited to 8 seats, and because each okonomiyaki is cooked fresh on the spot, the wait can be quite long.

I arrived shortly after checking into my hotel — it was just a short walk away. The restaurant opened at 12, and when I got there around 12:15, all 8 seats were already taken. I ended up waiting in line for over an hour, and from start to finish, it took about 2 hours before I finally got my food.

Was it worth the wait? I think it depends. It seems really popular with foreign tourists, and I could definitely feel the hype while standing there.

I ordered the standard okonomiyaki and beef brisket. The brisket was well-seasoned, but a bit chewy for my liking. The okonomiyaki was savory, comforting, with that classic sweet-salty sauce and lots of cabbage and noodles layered in. It was good, but not something I’d personally wait two hours for again.

It may not have been the most unforgettable meal, but it was still a nice experience. I’m glad I tried it — just maybe not something I’d queue that long for again.

Junior Okonomiyaki お好み焼き じゅにあ

3-21 Tatemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0032, Japan

Upstanding Coffee: A Hidden Gem for Coffee Lovers

 

Upstanding Coffee is a three-story coffee shop in Seoul’s Yongsan district. It has a chill, rustic-industrial vibe with simple, minimalist decor. This place is really all about the coffee.

Each floor has a different feel. The second floor is cozy and quiet, almost like a reading room, with a long bench, a couple of stools, a small library, and big windows. The third floor is a rooftop area, great when the weather is nice.

It might be a little hard to find the first time. The café is down a flight of stairs off the main road, with a small vegetable shop at the top. I recommend using Kakao Maps since it’s more accurate than Google Maps.

You order at the counter first, then find a seat.

The barista was really friendly and explained the espresso options to me. I got the HBC roast as a flat white. The coffee was smooth and well-balanced, with thick foam that held its latte art until the end.

A great spot if you enjoy good coffee in a calm, cozy space.

Upstanding coffee

99-11 Sinheung-ro, 용산2가동 Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea

A Retro Cafe Experience at Umihiko

Tucked along a quietly preserved street lined with century-old homes, Umihiko Cafe feels like stepping into a different era. Housed in a lovingly restored 120-year-old residence—considered one of the “younger” buildings in a neighborhood where many structures date back over 140 years—the cafe leans fully into its retro charm. Inside, antique furnishings and nostalgic touches create a warm, almost cinematic atmosphere.

It’s essentially a one-man operation—just a single staff member running the entire show. There’s no hovering service here; instead, a small bell sits on each table. Need something? Just give it a gentle ring.

I ordered a yuzu tea paired with a slice of chocolate cake. The yuzu drink was bright and refreshing, with just the right balance of citrus tang—perfect for cleansing the palate. The chocolate cake, on the other hand, leaned indulgent: rich, moist, and deeply satisfying. Served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it struck that perfect contrast between warm decadence and cool creaminess.

Umihiko Cafe

Tomo-824 Tomocho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima 720-0201, Japan