Fancy a Cuppa? Afternoon Tea in London

Afternoon Tea is one of those quintessential British activities and though we have done it in Devon and the Cotswolds, we haven't had High Tea in a posh London hotel. We didn't want to go to a big place like the Ritz or Dorchester, so instead we found a small out of the way hotel in Knightsbridge, so still plenty posh! 

The Egerton House Hotel is in two Georgian style townhouses on a side street and still maintains the feel of an early 19th century house.  

We took our tea in the sitting room, which also doubles as a bar. We went the full nine yards, starting with a glass of bubbly, before moving onto several pots of tea each, sandwiches, scones and lots of little pastries and cakes. 

We finished it off with a Martini for CW and a Cosmopolitan for Cora. The bar tender Antonio is supposedly the finest Martini maker in London so we couldn't resist trying one. Although it was CW's first martini, he can honestly say it was the best Martini he has ever had!

All in all we had an very relaxed three and a half hours enjoying how the other half, or 1%, live!

Ice Skating at Somerset House

The Christmas season in London is not complete without a trip to one of the ice skating rinks they put up at famous landmarks around the city. There are temporary rinks in Hyde Park, the Natural History Museum, Tower of London and Somerset House. We have been to all of them except the Natural History Museum, which is usually overrun with kids, but we have not skated at Somerset House in the evening, when it is a touch more romantic!

We went after work the first day back after the holiday break, giving us something to look forward to on what can be a bit of a depressing day! It was lovely, with a huge Christmas Tree all lit up and the rink bathed in either bluish or reddish light depending on the alternating lights. A bit of music and the happy chatter of people filled the large courtyard giving it all a magical feel. 

You only get an hour and the rink is a bit small and slightly cramped, but it is a great experience and has truly become a must-do wintertime activity in London.  Although there are other rinks in London, Somerset House is definitely our favourite setting!