London is a frequent haunt for me. I never tire of it, but I usually travel on my own itinerary, which wasn't quite the case this week.
My first challenge was the psychological acceptance that I would be staying in a hotel not chosen by myself. And I'm pretty passionate about where I stay, boutique over Big Bang, leafy streets over tourist central. Not so this weekend, I was booked into the Strand Palace, iconic in its heyday, I imagine, but too much dated eighties and tired bathrooms for my personal taste. Style was as successful as its service. Best we leave that there, as I did every morning until evening hours, concentrating my weekend on the immediate vicinity.
But, hey, my weekend base is on the Strand. Just how good can you piece together a weekend on the doorstep of Covent Garden, without getting scooped up by the tourist trap?
Well, you can. I have 48 hours and I have more than a few nice tales to tell of places to see and socialise, that doesn't require a ticket from an open top bus for special entry!
Friday evening started with cocktails whilst the reunion gathered pace and, once everyone had arrived and settled, we raised the style stakes in the luxurious Savoy.
The Beaufort Bar is reserved, but relaxing. I might question the friendliness of every waiting staff but, in the main they were pleasant and helpful. Surroundings are so important to a night out and at the Beaufort it is opulence from ceiling to floor with black and gold interiors and a cocktail list that is as mysterious to finger through. We were a fairly traditional table with Cosmos and Espresso Martinis, and a very fun negroni by the evening end. My greatest love was the stemware, as languid and long as the wonderful drinks and a great end to post-travel Friday.
Saturday morning started with a little shopping along Long Acre, followed by an eager afternoon of relaxation and Afternoon Tea at the Me London. Served in the Marconi lounge, low lighting and mellow beats and surrounded in candlelight the service was sublime. Afternoon tea was served in gold and white Jasper Conran China, with quirky London landmark plates for your goodies soon to be served on individual three tiers. Yes, one each!
Bar a heavy rye bread on salmon sandwich, the rest was divine and we had no rush to eat up and go. Laid back champagne on tap and beautiful sweets and treats, just four girls...perfect! Me London typically has London landmark patisserie for their Tea. Oddly we were still on their festive menu, albeit Jan 9, but delicious nonetheless and the leftovers boxed up for some tea a little later at the hotel.
Bar a heavy rye bread on salmon sandwich, the rest was divine and we had no rush to eat up and go. Laid back champagne on tap and beautiful sweets and treats, just four girls...perfect! Me London typically has London landmark patisserie for their Tea. Oddly we were still on their festive menu, albeit Jan 9, but delicious nonetheless and the leftovers boxed up for some tea a little later at the hotel.
One negative, Marconi lounge had no facilities for baby changing. A surprise. But more concerning that staff advised you to change bubba on the floor of the disabled loo. I'm sure they must have elsewhere in the hotel, and that should have been the response.
Saturday evening was spent at one of my favourite London eateries, before it leaves the city this month. St Martin Lane's Asia de Cuba will close in a few weeks for a new restaurant to be launched, and I wanted to get my friends the experience before it does. It didn't disappoint - 6 starters and mains of signature dishes, three fabulous desserts to share for 7, all for under £550
Post dinner drinks stayed local at Light Bar and a night of great nineties dance music. Again, Light Bar will close for a new era, it was great to have a final fling!
Sunday morning I headed, solo, to explore the great feedback I had heard on the new Ivy Market Grill, sister restaurant of The Ivy. Bang on the border of the Piazza, but this is not tourist trap. Food is great, interiors are very Art Deco and I couldn't help compare it to neighbouring Balthazar which underwhelmed me. Ivy Market Grill is definitely one to add to your little black books for London, and I imagine dinner is as great as my truffled eggs breakfast!
Move over Shake Shacks and be sure to make your tourist area dining more taste and less Punch and Judy.
Next week will be Ireland based Belfast to Dublin.
Til next time, Pandora.
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