Our anniversary in the Capital
As we sat in the comfort of the new First Class on GWR trains, we were very excited about the weekend ahead celebrating our anniversary. Although we visit London often, our trip was planned with military precision this time.We don’t often travel in first class but as the occasion was special we decided to give it a go – it was a good decision and in all honesty I for one will miss it on future rail travels.
Our first evening was relaxed, we checked into the Kensington Close Hotel (this hotel has since rebranded to Holiday Inn). The reception was welcoming and had us checked in relatively quickly considering a large coach of weary travellers had not long arrived. We chose to eat at the Hotel and enjoy a quick G&T before bed.
Afternoon tea for two
Our Uber Exec arrived right on time, after a couple of pictures with the shiny Mercedes we were on route to Piccadilly ducking and diving around small side streets to avoid London’s apparent 24/7 rush hour. We were booked in for afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason at 1:30. The tea room is up on the sixth floor, although there is a lift available, we couldn’t resist taking the grand staircase and having a nose on each floor as we ascended to the top of the building.
After a short wait we were seated (the tea room was popular which is a good sign). We had already made the decision that our afternoon tea would be accompanied with a glass of Champagne, a rose was recommended to us and it did not disappoint and neither did the endless supply of finger sandwiches and sweet treats. We are by no means afternoon connoisseurs but this was one of our favourite selections yet.
Champagne flight on the London Eye
Our next stop was at the London Eye, this was a first for Becky who has lived and worked in London and walked past the famous landmark numerous times but was yet to actually try it out.
We started in the London Eye bar where we were greeted with a Champagne based cocktail. After a short wait we were escorted past the queues and straight into a pod. We shared this with about six or seven others who were also booked onto the Champagne flight. Shortly after ‘takeoff’ we were served with our glass of bubbles and were free to take in the sights of London just as dusk was approaching. Although a cloudy day it didn’t impede the sights.
Italian anniversary dinner
Our final stop of the night was to Bellaria Restaurant in Fitzrovia. I had been in touch with them the week before to request a table in the cosy underground cellar area. We were in for a treat as although upstairs was very busy, we almost had the place to ourselves downstairs. It got a little busier as the evening went on but we still felt like we had the private dining experience.
The staff were absolutely fantastic, their knowledge of the food and wine on offer was second to none. I could not be more complimentary of the food, we went on chef and waiters recommendation and we were both so glad that we did. If you are in the area, you really do want to check out this restaurant.
