London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Ah, Baker street and its forever atmosphere of a Conan Doyle adventure. Deep inside we all wish Sherlock homes would come rushing our way, deducting the culprit from a clever analysis. Look -  his profile is everywhere, on the tiles of  the tube station, on the shops. He even has his own museum, at his “real” address.

I am often asked which part of London is best to stay when coming for an express visit. Well, why not this one, especially if you are traveling Eurostar. St Pancras is a mere 4 subway stops away, no change. Marylebone High Street and Oxford street are within walking distance. the circle line will even take you towards Spitafields if you fancy looking for street art, walking down Brick Lane or visiting Columbia Flower Market.

Now, where to stay in that particular neighbourhood? Try the Park Plaza Sherlock Hotel -  two minutes walk down the street when stepping out of the tube. No way you can get lost. A lounge space with inviting leather armchairs will first greet you -  a Sherlock sculpted in wood  looking at you from the bar. Reception is right after this. Check-in is quick and easy, always with a smile. The team will check straight away (even if you are before check in time) whether your room is ready and will explain where the gym, sauna, spa, restaurant are. A lovely welcome always makes you relax and feel on holiday straight away. Someone else is in charge and knows what is going on, you can let go and enjoy. On the walls, illustrations of the famous detective catch the eye – oh, what a pity they do not sell those as postcards!

We had, that day, a wonderful executive studio. So much space – 38 square meters! I can remember my first flat in Paris being less than that. Hotel rooms in Paris (remember I am a froggie) are usually pretty small even in 4 star hotels so this is a real bonus. Makes you regret having packed light for once: I feel like filling drawers and cupboards. On the side is a work space where to connect your laptop -  the cable for the net is provided, as well as a real keyboard if you only came with your smartphone and want to check your mails on the plasma screen – always handy.

Think that’s it? Oh no -  another lounge space makes the room even larger and has its own television. The sofa can be unfolded, providing additional bedding. Perfect for a family of four, everyone having a little world of their own.

The bathroom is well thought too -  spacious, shower and bath separated, wooden and metallic notes for a design yet warm touch. Lovely to find Elemis products too – the British spas favourite brand. Not only the usual treat (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body cream) but bath salts, a body buff and even an instant refreshing gel which takes all the tensions off your shoulder after an afternoon walking.

For those, exhausted, who can’t face going back out to hunt for a restaurant (we have all been there), do not hesitate to go down to the restaurant-grill within the hotel. It offers a soothing atmosphere and contrary to most restaurants in town, there is no loud music drowing the conversation. Even better, it has been awarded an AA rosette.

Let me tell you more about the menu -  you will not regret staying in. Let’s start with the Cornish white crab meat (£10) -  generous, lemony, bed of ripe avocados, lovely sweet note of grapefruit, peppery touch of cress…

You could also go for the roasted Cornish king scallops – such a tender heart, melts on the tongue, impressive size, served with a refined cauliflower purée, smooth, beautiful contrast with the caper sauce which adds character to the dish -  a real signature.

And really, you could stop here, totally satisfied, sipping a glass of Sancerre La fuzelle – a fruity Sauvignon blanc, crispy, green apple and lime aromas (£7.75 a glass). Just a dessert to finish on a sweet note.

But you would miss quite something.

The meat is extraordinary. On our waitress’ advice, we tried the beef Rossini, foie gras and truffle sauce. £24 but oh, so worth it. And 200 grams of it too! The stereotype might be that British never succeed to cook rare to perfection -  certainly proven wrong here. The dish is perfect, just perfect. Ever so tender, you will barely need a knife. The foie gras has been freshly prepared, heightened by the truffle taste. A 5 star dish.

The chips (£3) are sure to put a smile on your face -  as much for their size than for the cute presentation.

I cannot hide my pleasure at seeing duck on the menu. While this is very common in France, it is often absent on this side of the Channel. This one (£17) comes from Gressingham, renowned for their high quality of products. The dish is extremely generous – not one but two portions, leg and fillet, slightly crunchy on top, juices so good you will wish you had saved a little bread, fig roasted in honey, grainy flesh on the fragrant one of the duck.

Try some wood roasted vegetables with it (£4) -  beautiful mix of carrots, courgettes, aubergines, always a perfect comfort food in winter.

We definitely were not hungry anymore at that point but to be honest, I can never resist the call of crumble and this one was rhubarb and blackberry (£6). Nice tangy taste balanced by juicy berries, crumbs rich in butter and sugar, served hot, real vanilla ice cream melting. What is not to like?

Another classic  -  after such a  feast, you really want simpler tastes, soothing somehow. Like this crème brûlée (£6), again with real vanilla, crunchiness of the caramel hiding a perfect unctuosity.

The desert wine was just unforgettable. It even beats my beloved Sauternes! The Browns Brothers late harvest muscat (£6.75 per glass) instantly makes you picture orange trees blossoming, thick and white petals releasing their poetic fragrance in the summer air of an exotic country. On the palate, notes of honey, apricot, peach. I have to tip my hat off to that one. A pure Australian nectar.

A last smile to the team who took real good care of us all along and we go back to our room. Ah, the wonderful feeling of a fresh duvet, fluffy pillows! After such a wonderful meal, I expected to sink right in the mattress. I loved the quietness of the room -  not a single noise from the street or the neighbours, so nice after the buzz of Christmassy and crowded London. Needless to say, it took seconds to fall asleep. Yet, if you have energy left, you will find a little Conan Doyle to be read…

In the morning, the space proved again an enjoyable luxury. We could empty and reorganise our bags, cocoon in the bathroom while the other read the magazines available in the comfy sofa, window slightly opened… Another positive point -  at least for me who is easily cold – is the fabulous heating in that building.

Breakfast offers more than the usual buffet -  pastries, meat, fresh fruit. you can order a great choice  à la carte -  omelettes, English breakfast, eggs to your preference, energy pizza (yes!)… Or why not this succulent toasted bagel with salmon, poached egg and cress? What a better way to start the day? If you have a seet tooth, follow my lead and jump right to the pancake part. With maple syrup, of course.

Checking-out is quick, nice chat with the team who take the extra time to know what you thought of your stay, not just listen blandly. Verdict? A comfortable hotel, ideally located in the center, prices being reasonable compared to most hotels in the heart of London. I highly recommend the executive studio if you are coming with two kids.

Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes
108 Baker Street
 London W1U 6LJ

Like it? have a look at this one -  still a Park Plaza but on the County Hall side. The view is, how could I say? Wow.

Teatime in wonderland was a guest of the Park Plaza Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes only exists in Conan Doyle’s extraordinary world.

Such a bad idea – such a roar from the public claiming their hero back! The more he resisted, the more letters came through the door. He had not choice but bring the detective back to life, a total of 56 stories.

This success remains unchanged today – just look at the number of visitors at his supposed address where a small museum has been created! Nothing historical here but a nice atmospheric stop. Lovely time travel and ideal with kids.

Gosh, the houses were small in that street. But it’s enough and makes it even cuter somehow. The first floor probably is the best – you really can picture the two friends chatting the night away. You almost expect to see Sherlock’s pipe smoking in a corner. Watson usually is here, welcoming you and proposing a picture in the detective’s chair. Complete with the hat, of course. Alternatively, pose with the bobby outside who keeps a cape and a few hats at hand for souvenir photos too….

Oh, and do get a few quaint souvenirs from the shop. You’ll find everything from Teddy bears to pipes and matches in there.

Sherlock Holmes Museum
221b Baker St
London
NW1 6XE

£6/adult, £4/enfant

Equipped with fun accessories? Why not go and pose in profile in the tube station?

As a child, you got hooked on sherlock Holmes stories.

What was your magic potion? The books? The TV series, the movies? Mine was a manga on which worked the famour Miyazaki – every character was a dog. There was supense, emotions, laughs. I even recently bought the whole box of DVDs and even years after, it still hasn’t lost its charm and power.

The latest American blockbuster with Robert Downey Jr  and Jude Law as a team is sure to put Baker St back on track. No fan will come to London without stopping at the famous Sherlock Holmes museum, or resist putting on the famous hat and investigate the souvenir shop…

But don’t forget to search the Baker Street station too -  Holmes might have left you a few clues…

Who knows? You might even meet his statue on your way out…

Or if you’re more of a 70ies nostalgic, head for the Beatles shop nearby!