A year out- and maybe skipping the natural sequence of trips- but a fitting post nonetheless- a year later. My 51st- and a solo trip- not that we anticipated this- rather we decided as our dog was getting older and we’d already asked enough friends to dog sit that we’d do solo trips. Mine was to my favorite- London!!! (Surprise!).
Off I went. The goal- musicals and London and all my fav’s! I once again hit the goals. I stayed in Central London and a glorious view of the London Eye! St. Martin’s Lane Hotel- nailed it! I was welcomed with a glorious room and a bottle of wine!
As I was there for a short time I headed out. A 2 min walk to Trafalgar square whee I was immediately greeted by 15000 protesters supporting Charlie Kirk and MEGA. I clearly recognized this was not the place for me and headed back to Covent Garden. A nice early dinner at Dishoom did me just fine and headed back to my room!
The Sunday of course started out with a lazy day lie in- and dreams of a late Sunday breakfast. Plans then began for the fun and pre-birthday celebration. An afternoon matinees of none other than ‘Titanique’ . Friends- this is fun, ‘camp’ and soooo much fun. I mean really- who can’t love ‘Celine’ in all her glory. Such a fun show!
The evening had to end with a Sunday roast! And so it was done- Blacklock Covent Garden delivered. It’s always an amazing time when your server ‘gets you’ when you ask for the English Sparkling Wine to not run under. He delivered. I’m not sure one can ask for more in a Sunday Roast.
The next day was my ‘off’ day. I chatted with the concierge the day before to ask for a fun plan. He had fun thought out- just was unable to deliver due to wind. So we came up with plan B. But of course I asked what his plan was- a helicopter tour! Maybe I’m glad! But the winds were too high and the air space was closed due to a Royal funeral- I believed him.
Plans B turned out! Off I went to the Thames for a riverboat cruise. I picked one that has ‘champagne’ listed. Why not? It’s My birthday trip!! Turned out to be a fantastic choice! The agent ‘got’ me and said the printer was down- and immediately had wrote a ‘Diva’ ticket. And so it began.
This turned out to be an adventure. The team truly leaned into this. Champagne was served and just like that- the fun began. On the way back when I boarded I asked if the stop was long enough at the Tower of London to take a quick pic of the poppy display. When I left the boat- the crew watched out, they all had a fun time ensuring the ‘Diva’ was back onboard. Even the captain greeted me back!
After a safe return to land I quickly headed to ‘Just for One Day’ – kinda fitting really? A fantastic high energy west end musical- the story of Live Aid- dual venue benefit concert in the 80’s. I loved it! My seat mates were in their 80’s- we had such fun.
But wait- that was a matinee- the day continued. I had a dinner booked at ‘Frog’- an Adam Handling Michelin starred restaurant for dinner.
The dinner was a show- as was expected! Dry ice created a stunning visual for a perfect English dinner. The flavours and tastes overwhelmed and the crisp wines accompanied an otherwise perfect ending to my birthday. It was absolutely stunning!
Of course during the trip there was a little shopping- Aspinal of London and Strathberry, as well the traditional English favourites. A stunning and perfect short getaway!
It does seem as though a lot of champagne was involved here as I read this. Of course, it was nicely balanced with a lot of wandering and walking. A quick but fun, luxurious getaway for a fun Birthday! A perfect hotel in Central London- an amazing husband who arranged champagne and strawberries- what was not to be perfect here?
Leave a Reply