Diary of Our UK Trip. First Stop London
I can not believe where the time is going, already we are well into our time in the UK and yet it seems ages since we touched down at Heathrow airport last Thursday. Maybe it’s the time difference, the body clock that’s struggling to keep pace or maybe one cocktail too many – as if!
So where have we been? What have we been doing?
Day 1
Landed at Heathrow, picked up our hire car and we were on our way to our hotel The Sheraton on Park Lane, with no GPS just directions from google!
After a few beeps from other road users/impatient motorists and wrong turns. We found ourselves in Knightsbridge passing Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Christmas lights a twinkling – stores brightly lit calling me in – no chance to stop this time I am afraid.
We found the hotel eventually right in the heart of London.
The situation of the hotel was perfect as we would soon find out.
What an entrance. I felt like I was entering a different era. Opulent decor, elegant and luxurious. Shame I left my Ladyg furs and diamonds at home (in my dreams).
Resident harpist playing soothing music just perfect to take in afternoon tea, or a romantic evening dinner.
The Great Hall with original Art Deco pieces, centrally situated in Mayfair, facing Green Park and a short walk from Buckingham Palace. Easy access to Piccadilly and of course Oxford St/Bond St/Regent St/Carnaby St – for a little Christmas shopping.
After a typical hearty albeit expensive English breakfast and some decent bread! We definitely were ready to have a lunchtime power nap.
My son and daughter had a few things planned for our visit to London – weather permitting. Those plans would change slightly due to the excessive rainfall predicted for the weekend but we were ready to go.
Off to the bustling tube station at Green Park Shoreditch to meet my daughter from work at the offices of Yasmin Sewell where Jemma is a Senior Consultant and Forecaster. Check out her blog at yasminsewell.com called rollthedyas.tumblr.com http://t.co/YKtiqHIr.
Dinner was to be an informal affair with Jemmas boyfriend nominating himself as head chef and waiter. Fabulous food – all made by Rich himself, very impressive as per usual. We had a chance to get-to-gether with Rich’s parents and my son Liam. A lovely evening with great company, good food and a just a little vino.
Day 2
Sleep deprivation due to time zone changes was the reason for Ladyg to be somewhat grumpy this morning. But a breakfast at Ozone Restaurant in Shoreditch rejuvenated me.
On public transport once more London underground, overground & city bus. My husbands face was a picture, taking the mickey out of the fact that Ladyg doesn’t do public transport normally! Well some sacrifices have to be made don’t they?
A trip to the Fire station where my son Liam is stationed in Bethnal Green. I felt like I was on the set of the series Chicago fire!. From there we walked to see his apartment on Palmers Rd overlooking the canal for tea and a catchup with his flat mate.
Some male bonding down the pub was required so hubby and Liam set off to taste a little southern ale while myself and Jemma caught up with Yasmin Sewell and her cute little boy Knox.
Back to the hotel, to freshen up before a Christmas surprise from Jemma, Rich and Liam.
A couple of cocktails to start off the evening – over Blackfriars bridge to…………… Dinner at The Oxo Tower Restaurant & Brassiere.
The entrance to the restaurant
A spectacular view from the OXO Tower
Day 3
What will Saturday bring besides rain? A visit to Oxford Street, a little light lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant (one of my daughters haunts), more shopping..
We finished off looking like drowned rats, so there was no alternative but to head to the nearest wine bar for cocktails. After that we had no option but to call room service. 
Its curry night!
Sunday we would leave London, my daughter, her beau and my son to head up North to Yorkshire . Weep, weep!
I have no forgotten about whats in the Selfridges bag – which completely disintegrated with the rain by the way..
As we have no internet access at both our parents homes, so you will have to wait for the next installment. Oh happy days!
