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!

Battle Proms at Hatfield House

Every year there are a series of outdoor picnic music events around the country known as Battle Proms.   The events are an opportunity for people to get out and enjoy the summer weather, good company, great music and beautiful fireworks and other displays.

As the name suggests it has a military feel with air displays, cavalry shows and patriotic music. This year was a celebration of 200 years since Napoleon retreated from Russia in 1812, so Tchaikovsky's famous 1812 Overture was featured proudly.

Our friends Amy and Elliott discovered the event taking place at nearby Hatfield House where they were married and invited us to come along.  Hatfield House is a beautiful historic estate, known best as the location where Queen Elizabeth I ascended to the throne in 1588.

Last night heralded the first of true summer weather, so it was a perfect evening spent with good friends.

Here are a few photos and videos of the event.  Conrad in particular may enjoy the videos of the Blades Aerobatic Display Team and Spitfire flyover.

Thanks again Amy and Elliott for a great evening together!