When I was a sock designer in the eighties I used to travel to London every couple of weeks, but since the new millennium I have only been a handful of times for fleeting visits. That’s why I was very keen to seek out the changes in cuisine on a recent visit. I found a huge variety of epicurean delights that will suit all budgets and as my friend and I were travelling with kids it made the experience more challenging.
The contemporary Afternoon Tea offers fresh warm cinnamon and sugar doughnuts filled with apple jam in the place of scones.
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| The Arch Hotel |
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| This fruity cocktail was an exotic start to the Afternoon Tea |
Sweet treats include homemade Macarons; exquisite Mini Coffee Éclairs; and a Lemon and Mango Rice Pudding with Toasted Coconut. Strawberry and Pistachio Tarts and Mini Raspberry Victoria Sponges will provide a nod to the traditional British Afternoon Tea.
This was afternoon Tea with a difference. The kids adored the mini fish and chips and mini burgers while the adults demolished the chicken on a stick. This charming hotel is somewhere we all would like to return to.
Check out this chic boutique hotel on this link The Arch
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| My daughter couldn’t wait to explore Borough Market |
Since the development of the South bank of the river Thames there is always somewhere yummy to eat. Southwark is home to the Tate Modern and the new Globe Theatre and although I had not been I had heard about the development. But I didn’t realise that Southwark is home to an exciting food Market. The aromas from the stalls are filled with so much choice and variety that there is something for everyone’s taste. From the hog on the spit, Pad Thai in a box or Oysters for £5 my eyes and senses were reeling. Under the gaze of the Shard (the tallest building in the EU) this area is also home to The Leaky Cauldron and a must for Harry Potter fans! Start your Muggle Tour here!
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| Borough Market |
Check out the website here to whet your appetite. Borough Market
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| Radio Rooftop at ME London |
Brunch is a great way to spend a lazy Saturday or Sunday and I think I found the perfect spot in London. The Radio Rooftop restaurant has probably the best view of all of London’s major sights in the perfect location on the Strand. At the top of the uber trendy ME hotel it is a hive of activity with a menu that will satisfy all tastes – including picky kids!
Check out the views on the website if you don’t believe me. Radio Rooftop
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| Kids on Top |
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| Happy Mums for Saturday Brunch at Radio Rooftop |
With super fast Wifi the kids were so busy that my friend and I could mull over a bottle of Prosecco for three hours under the London sunshine. French toast with berries satisfied the kids while I enjoyed crab omelette, sweet corn fritters and my friend, Wendy went for the Eggs Benedict. Yet again we found a true delight and if I return without the kids I will be paying this bar a visit in the evening too!
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| The delicious Caxton Grille at the St Ermins Hotel |
If you are looking for a truly special meal in London, then a few steps across the road from New Scotland Yard is the beautiful St Ermins Hotel and home to The Caxton Grille. Masterchef Adam Handling made this dining experience one of the best meals I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. I did wonder how the kids were going to like such exotic cuisine but I needn’t have worried…after their delicious mains our waiter produced a bowl of homemade candy floss to impress the girls and it most certainly did!
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| The Kids choclate Brownie with Candyfloss in Background |
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| My main course Wagyu Burger |
My mouth still waters every time I think of my Wagyu Burger and I didn’t think that the meal could get any better…until desert came out that is! A feast for the eyes and senses is the only way to describe my popcorn, nougat, caramel and burnt orange ice-cream pudding.
