AS SOON as I heard that HRH Prince William of Wales and Catherine Middleton had set a date to be married, the cogs of this little mind of mine went a 'turning-turning-turning!' An opportunity perhaps to get a few old friends together and have a weekend in London, which I hadn't been to in absolutely 'yonks!' So over the weeks a phone call here and there, I managed to persuade a few old school pals and friends together under the guise of THE ROYAL WEDDING (and with a name like mine, well this wedding had my name all over it).
By ALL ACCOUNTS a 'good time' was had by ALL and we witnessed history in the making. One of those occasions of I WAS THERE.
We also went to see the musical WICKED at the Apollo Theatre (Victoria) about the prelude to just 'how' the wicked witch in THE WIZARD OF OZ (the GREEN ONE) became so WICKED!! Wonderful show, just wish I hadn't been so sleepy and as the lights dimmed, I'm sure I slipped off to Oz on a couple of occasions - whoops!!
On another evening we became patrons of Jamie Oliver's FIFTEEN RESTAURANT which was very, very good (would boldly recommend it).
Fortnum's has just opened a new CAFE on the First Floor, which serves coffee and ice creams TO DIE FOR - REMEMBER...you heard it HERE FIRST. Great pitstop for those gents like myself who burn ourselves out trawling St.James for yummy cigars, shoes and shirts (I'm thinking, Greens, New & Lingwood, Crockett's...et al).
Also, FIRST TIME to have High Tea in CLARIDGES (On Brook St, just off New Bond St.). EXCELLENT FOLKS!! go treat yourself. My usual at THE SAVOY has been booked out for ages following the two year renovation and a TV Documentary following all the work. So every man and his Beagle wants to go there right now. Actually a blessing in disguise as it forced my hand to book somewhere different. I'd been to Claridges for cocktails in the wonderful Deco oasis of the Fumidor (what was the Cigar Lounge). I love it for it's DECO HEAVEN, but it was good to try it for the sandwiches and patisseries. Again - MIDDLETON RECOMMENDS IT.
If you are in London for a spell, book THE LONDON EYE (TIP - pay the fiver extra for the 'fast track' and bypass all the queues!). Great view of London from Greenwich to Wembley - as far as the eye can see (so to speak!).
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ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Claridges since I got into vintage, will have to make a trip - your photos are fab! x
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