London's secret and not-so-secret Hot Spots

To eat...

Galvin at Windows is the Michelin restaurant atop the Hilton on Park Lane, Mayfair. Great food, incredible service, and a guaranteed memorable meal. I'm a fussy eater, so this nomination truly is high praise, indeed. TIP: Don't be afraid to request the best seat in the house, and the Cornish lamb Is. To. Die. For.

White chocolate mousse, poached Yorkshire rhubarb,
ginger & rhubarb sorbet dessert

To sleep...

Our suite at The Waldorf Hilton in Aldwych offered peace, relaxation from the hustle and bustle, and the BEST mattress I have ever had the pleasure to sleep on. It sent me into a deep and dreamless sleep within 35 seconds. My boyfriend was not impressed at its sedatory effectiveness but, has since, called them to ask where we can get one for ourselves.

To drink...

"Eat, drink, be merry and party hard" is the mantra of Clapham's Adventure Bar, where the menu is to be found on the inside of a Tom Cruise- adorned video box (remember that thing called the video tape?) and the Basil Grande doesn't disappoint. A good time to be had by all (evident by the photo of the empty cocktail glass). Hit Tip: Book a table or get there super early as seating is very limited. Sign up to their mailing list to get discounts and deals that will take you nicely into Happy Hour.

To do...

Go people watching at Piccadilly then wonder along to the best cinnamon bun outlet in Soho... the Nordic Bakery, 14 Golden Square. Although you will probably have to walk along to Liberty's to burn a few extra calories afterwards. Pity.

Photo credits: Goody Two- Choos, Nordic Bakery

Tea for two

An afternoon spent sipping champagne and eating miniature finger sandwiches all sounds very upmarket for your average Thursday afternoon, but that is exactly how I spent my day today. I found myself in the middle of Dartmoor nestled away in the grounds of Bovey Castle, sipping on champagne and tucking into some very delicious nibbles.

As we pulled into the forecourt we were given a warm welcome by a young gentleman who happily took the car off to be parked, then led us into a breakfast lounge to a lovely sofa with a beautiful outlook spanning the golf course and the grounds beyond. It's a tough life, right?

No sooner had we sat down than two glasses of champagne were placed in front of us. What a terrible situation to find oneself. Needless to say, I just about coped.

The champagne afternoon tea includes a selection of sandwiches, fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a platter of four different desserts. To drink, there was a pot of tea for two (you were able to choose from a tea menu) and a glass of champagne each. I wouldn't fault a single thing.

The service was warm, friendly and welcoming, the view was to die for, and the bubbles go straight to your head- just what you want from any high afternoon tea.

This is the second time I have visited Bovey Castle, and it certainly won't be the last. It's a beautiful part of the world and a must-see if you ever find yourself on Dartmoor.

 

 



The grounds at Bovey Castle



Photo credits: Goody Two-Choos

Special thanks to my wonderful boyfriend, without whom I wouldn't have had such a special afternoon.