Sunday 15 June 2014

London town...

Last week we took our little trip up to London.
We couldn't leave until after hubby had been to his specialist appointment, but that didn't have the outcome we were hoping for, with more waiting around for an Mri and then a long 7 week wait for results, so we have to put our life on hold a bit longer!

So, we found our hotel easily enough, not far from Victoria station, dropped off our bags and ventured straight out again.

We took the bus to Westminster, and headed to South Bank, as I think its a nice area to relax.


We needed to pin-point certain areas to go to, as hubby's knee was not up to wandering aimlessly! After a stroll by the river, we sat back and watched the world go by.


The weather had a temporary blip with a heavy rain storm, we found a little nook to shelter, and watched everyone frantically dashing past getting soaked.


We tool the bus back to Victoria and found a colourful Mexican restaurant for dinner. We had an enjoyable meal, the food was lovely, just a shame the service wasn't quite up to par!!


The following morning was a hot one, and we had to get suited and booted for our pre-booked Afternoon tea (well morning for us!) at the Ritz hotel. This was actually a prize I won last year at work, this included the travel and the hotel. I felt a bit trepidatious about going but it was an experience not to be missed. The staff were a delight and we felt at ease immediately as our chosen tea was poured from a silver teapot into delicate floral cups.


On the cake stand were a selection of finger sandwiches, little macaroons and cakes


When it looked like we were finished with the first round, we were asked if we would like to try the scones, well it would be rude not to! They were still warm! With a dash of clotted cream and jam, oh my goodness these just melted in the mouth!


Of course whilst eating you were eyeing up the delightful cakes, dying to tuck in, but before then they came round with a hostess trolley with the 2 cakes of the day, and the sticky toffee cake was too hard to resist!


By the time we got to that lovely top layer of the stand we were struggling, didn't know where to put it all, but what a waste, we had to try!
So we had more of a taste test rather than devouring it all
The little cream dome, that turned out to be heavenly, with an oozing peach centre


whilst the macaroons were crisp, yet soft and textured and simply scrumptious. I run out of adjectives, it was all just good enough to eat!!

Of course it was all taking place in the most exquisite surroundings


The room was light, airy and totally decadent


And I've never been so impressed with a bathroom before that I had to take pictures 


I would recommend this experience to anyone, truely high class, but beware of eating too many sarnies, leave enough room for cake!!


We could hardly move we were so full, so we only ventured as far as Green park, just around the corner, and we didn't budge for a couple of hours. The sun was beautiful and warm, and we watched with fascination the steady stream of people that wandered by.


Our next stop-off was to Covent Garden, another favourite haunt of mine. With music, comedy, circus, statues there is always a host of entertainment.
Another rest-point for us was back down by the river again, but this time on the other side


For the evening we had booked the theatre, courtesy of my Mum, who had given us vouchers in the past. We had chosen to see the Lion King, and it totally lived up to all the rave reviews.
The performance was brilliant and the costumes fantastic, the slight downside is that we were surrounded by school parties, you almost felt too old to be there!!! But they were reasonably behaved and didn't spoil the show at all. So thats another attraction that I recommend you add to your to-do list!


Then it was just the journey home, always the worst part, and then back to reality. It may have only been a couple of days away, but it was a break that was much needed, and did us the world of good. 
So enough of my gushing, I will just leave you with this weeks mood square



There was no hard decision about what colours to choose for this week.
Blue - blue skies, the river, and royal blue
Yellow - warm sunshine, happiness, and gold

6 comments:

  1. I loved reading your blog post about your trip to London. I had tea at the Ritz back in November and it was a most memorable experience. I hope your have a great week. (lovely granny square you created, too!)

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  2. Aww it sounds like you had such a lovely trip and you describe it so beautifully i almost feel like i went myself!

    p.s. As a pudding fan i always make sure to leave room for the sweet stuff ;) x

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  3. Those cakes look amazing!! My idea of heaven. Sounds like you had a lovely time in London and really made the most of it. Love your mood square x

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  4. Thanks for another great travel post - Also enjoyed reading about your trip to Cornwall x

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  5. What a wonderful trip you had, the photo's are lovely and you described it so well. I love having breakfast in Covent Garden. I've never been to the Ritz, it all looks beautiful and the cakes look delicious, especially the toffee :)

    Good luck with the results etc :)

    Jan x

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  6. That tea sounds totally amazing and delicious! I hope you enjoyed your short trip to London.

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