London calling

In March, the pause button on all that's going on at home, in the country and across the globe was pressed and another short break in the capital, in the company of the Boy,  was arranged.  It proved to be just what the doctor ordered. 

The trip coincided with a tube strike and a couple of days of heavy rain.  Whilst the plan was always to use Uber (cars and boat) and cabs and Shanks's pony like last time, the temporary closures of the underground, combined with downpours, had a massive impact on traffic (there was much more of it so progress was very slow) and on demand for taxis.  So much so that, on the last evening, we had to dump the cab which was well and truly stuck in a jam and make a run for Kings Cross and the train home. 

But, with just a couple of adjustments, we packed lots in and, as always, had a wonderful time.  London never ever disappoints.

Our base was here, close to Buckingham Palace.  Dogs are welcome, with the promise of 'the full five star treatment'.  Don't tell Boo.

So, the highlights. 

After depositing bags and cases in left luggage, we had a mooch around Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square, stopping for a very delicious late lunch in Dishoom.

One of my Christmas presents was tickets for Cabaret and so, after a wander and snack stop in Soho, we made our way to the Playhouse via Trafalgar Square and Waterstones.  Eddie Remayne and Jessie Buckley were superb, well deserving of all the awards and accolades, and I'd have to say this has to be one of my best theatre experiences ever.  Afterwards, it was back to the hotel for the late night buffet and ice creams.

The second day began with coffee and pastries, dodging heavy rain afterwards with an impromptu visit to the V&A.  The Buddhist sculpture and fashion exhibitions were free and well worth a leisurely browse.  After lunch and purchases of pasteis de nata, it was our timeslot for the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition next door in the Natural History Museum.

Wow.  So many powerful, thought provoking, tear inducing images. 

Dinner at the Ritz that night (with a sighting of chef, John Williams, who'd popped out of the kitchen to chat with some VIP guests) was so very delicious.

The postprandial glasses of champagne and nibbles weren't bad, either.  

Day three began with the first visit of the day to Borough Market for a browse of what to buy later and a vegan apple crumble and custard breakfast (highly recommended).  Then onwards to the Sky Garden by way of Pudding Lane and St Dunstan in the East Church garden.

There was a second visit to Borough Market for a thali late lunch and to stock up on spices, sauces, chocolate and tea before heading for the pier to board an Uber boat to Westminster.

All too soon it was time to return home, but there were still a couple of days before everyday life resumed and we certainly made the most of them: unpacking bookish and other treats, visiting cafes, enjoying dinner in a favourite restaurant, spending time at the beach.  

One thing's for sure, though. 

I love London, me.