London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Not just a florist, a real school. Whether you are a professional or just passionate, there is a course for you. Come for a day or an evening and learn to make the cutest bride bouquet, make a blooming rainbow, create flower hats, or arrange autumn leaves and berries.

The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers
St Martin’s Courtyard
9 Slingsby Place
Covent Garden
London, WC2E 9AB

This iconic hotel, which names remains full of magic, has lost nothing of its sparkle. Sitting in the most elegant lounge, listening to the pianist’s magic touch, you can picture stars sipping on champagne… Choose the  15.00 afternoon tea on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday which is preceded by a tour of The Waldorf: you will discover, among other things, beautiful stained windows, the famous Palm Room which inspired the grand salon of the Titanic and learn the basement used to have its own Masonic templse and still hides many passage ways… Look at the pictures – the treats are as delicious as they look.

The Waldorf
Aldwych
London WC2B 4DD
Afternoon tea £23.50
Afternoon tea with champagne £34.50

Sweet dreams are guaranteed at One Aldwych. A gourmet breakfast too!

As for dinner, children have their own menu to choose from with more adapted portions – scrambled egges with ham & cheese (whether mixed or on the side), eggs and soldiers, English muffins with bacon, warm vanilla scented milk, gorgeous Valrhona hot chocolate… You will not hear a word form them, they will be too immersed in their own private feast.

Steaming cup of coffee in hand, newspaper in the other, you can take your time to wake up -  no rush here. The windows frame amazing bouquets – delicate sunny orchids on that day. Choose from on of the set menus (English Breakfast, healthy option…) or like me, select everything à la carte. The muesli is absolutely perfect – moist, generous in a wide variety of nuts, seeds, fresh fruit. Order two at once. No you will not want to share. The eggs royales are an absolute must-have – slightly toasted muffin, tasty smoked salmon, eggs with a golden yolk, a slightly lemony sauce, very unctuous – I still dream about it. It is all in the elegance, the presentation, down to the honey comb touch…

I can easily picture inviting a work team here, having a good brainstorming: the atmosphere is so quiet, soothing, the food inspiring. Feel like coming with friends? Indigo proposes at week-ends, from nooon, a sensasional brunch. Or you could enjoy one of thei Moet movies – recent films projected in their own private, cosy cinema. the price also includes dinner, a glass of champagne and popcorn, quite a celebration indeed. And a good excuse to come back…

One Aldwych
London
WC2B 4BZ

Teatime in Wonderland was a (very spoilt) guest of One Aldwych

A tiny art gallerie has opened in Covent Garden. They have fascinating representations of cities, black & white and suddenly a rainbow of tints, as if the colours were the ones telling the story. Have a look at the Delicate Mayhem Gallery, 3 Russel Street next time you are around. Nice to see some art in that neighbourghood!

That’s art, baby:
* Facebook inspires street art.
* Rainbow of colours with David Hockney.
* 21st century art: 3D printing.

So British:
* Become a cricket fan.

Sing it:
* Keep a coin for the juke box.

Take the little ones along:
* Street art: follow Stik around.
* Sunday, robotic camera workshop.
* In honour of the musical Mathilda, Roald dahl fans will not resist the stupendous afternoon tea.

Yummy time ahead:
* Hate detoxing? Oh but it can be quite fun at The Botanist et au Chiswell Street Dining Room.  Until February 12, you can sip  on Lemon Aid (white tea sirup and apricot infused gin), de Green Business (vodka, cucumber, basil, spirulina) et Hazy Days (gin, green apple liqueur, fresh ginger, goji berries). We promise those are filled with good things for you!

Out of the ordinary:
* This Thursday evening small is beautiful and fun at the Wellcome Collection.
* Still on Thursday, stop at the Imperial War Museum for a free movie.
* Nostalgic touch -  see a silent movie at the Barbican.
* Note the London tips of the fantastic Luiz Hara.
* Galop at the O2.
* You might think it is Halloween with this coffin exhibition.
* Discover Three Mills Island.
* The Take-away shop proposes to share… anything from anedotes to skills vis London histories and craft. I tip my hat to that.

Discovering One Aldwych is like opening a treasure chest -  full of surprises.

The Lobby bar, elegant and spacious, has been my favourite meeting place recently. Imagine enjoying an afternoon tea (and believe me, their Battenberg is worth stopping for) or a cocktail here, amidst works of art and floral scenes… The tables are set to create mini-lounges and facilitate conversation, the atmosphere therefore cozy, intimate. You never have to raise your voice to make yourself heard, which in London is quite precious indeed.

Ideally, if it is just the two of you, try and get a space at the bar. The mixologists here have style. I expect Bond could not do better would he consider a change of career – something in the elegance of the gestures, even the way they pour the drink. Ask for one of their flamed cocktails -  the preparation is fascinating. Rory Slater, their Food and Beverage Director mentioned on the hotel’s Facebook page(worth following as they also include London tips!) he is looking at creating a signature drink which would become as iconic as the Singapore Sling is to the Raffles Hotel. I certainly will be delighted to discover this – watch that space!

The lounge also welcomes children and has mocktails on the menu (although I have seen them challenged with a glass of warm milk with a touch of cocoa sprinkled on top and yes, they will get it for you with a smile). Louise*Anne, whose favourite colour as you can guess is pink, never hesitated: the Smooth Berries (£6) had her name on it. Blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, pomegranate and cranberry juice – 5 a day in a glass! The waitress even brought a second straw so she could share with her favourite fluffy bear as well as a plate of homemade biscuits in case she did not like the savoury mix. At that, my daughter whispered to me: Is it like that every day in a princess’ life?

Note this down – dessert cocktails. What a fabulous idea to finish a meal on a lighter note or simply add a little more magic after seeing a musical -  after all you are in the heart of theatreland. You will fall for the Sweet Temptation (£11.50) : lemon sorbet mixed with gin, pistachio liqueur (how had I not heard about this before?) and almond oil. Close your eyes and dream of Italy. It is very addictive and you will need sip after sip to get the full extent. This will make you forget your love for chocolate treats!

It is easy to chat the whole evening there. Yet at some point you are bound to feel hungry. No need to run around Covent Garden, just go to the first floor to discover Indigo. How pleasant to dine sitting in real armchairs, being able to put your arms down and relax the whole body! If you can, ask for a table near the balcony to glimpse down on the Lobby Bar. The sight reminds me of Vienna Cafés – musical sounds of glasses being cheered, silkiness of dresses, candles flames dancing. I expected the guests to suddenly start waltzing.

Through the arched windows, you can see the Lyceum where the Lion King is played. Shrek is also a street away – ideal with kids, you can walk everywhere.

Children have their own menu. The selection offers classics such as fresh spaghettis with homemade tomato sauce, mini-hamburgers. But also soups, chicken salad, yakitori brochettes. The quality of those dishes, I have found usually is lesser than adults’ portions in restaurants but not here -  I tried the fish & chips: just excellent. The team will also adapt to the family needs. My son fell in love with the sesame seed bread: the staff offered him a few more slices. My daughter fancied a simple apple for dessert: they found her one. Always with a smile, finding each request perfectly normal. This, to parents, is simply priceless.

Let me warn you. Shall you decide to keep on reading, your mouth will water and you will end up emptying your fridge. I know because I have just worked on the pictures and done this exact thing. Look at this amazing presentation of the crab tempura (£15) -  how refined, how tempting! Delicate flesh, grilled scallops, seaweeds for an additional sea touch, a little dill, touches of juicy grapefruit, orange, lime, bites of gorgeous sea bass infused with saffron, dollops of cream with herbs. Refreshing and ever so different from anything you have tried before – you won’t leave a single crumb in your plate.

The fish soup (£7) also is succulent. A light texture but filled with flavours. No need for the usual sauce, better enjoy this first class mix on its own, or maybe just some baguette croutons. At the first spoonful, you will realise how generous in clams and mussels it is. A wonderful winter option, especially if you have just walked in the cold. Ever so comforting.

As main dish, we really need to give an award to the Cumbrian chicken (Chef Tony Fleming sources as much as he can British products). The most tender I have ever tried, reducing any conversation to a mmmmh. And I do cook an excellent one myself. What is the secret? An extra ingredient? I really felt like going to spy in the kitchens. This sits on a bed of cauliflower mash enriched with tarragon jus. On the side where rich cèpes which made me nostalgic of the Bordeaux region where they are a favourite dish -  these tastes just like the way we serve them at home. perfectly cooked purple broccoli sprout added a perfect more peppery note.

Having recently succumbed to the luxury of truffles, I ordered these poached eggs infused with this exceptional mushroom. Ah, la, la mes amis -  as the Froggies usually exclaim. An exceptional polenta, creamy, melting in the mouth. The egg offered a rich golden yolk. All around, wild mushrooms in a dense parmesan cream, that you will let linger on your tongue. All this crowned with shavings of truffles. I could easily enjoy this for breakfast, lunch and dinner and never tire of it. It takes quite some skills to balance these very strong flavours so elegantly without saturating the palate.

We chose an Argentinian white wine to match the dishes -  quite a discovery for me as I usually go for Malbecs. Almond, oak, vanilla -  I will definitely need to investigate more about this region! We were delighted to see the sweet options included Canadian Ice Wine, too rarely served in London.

One Aldwych have thought of their guests with a sweet tooth -  meaning people like me who start reading the menu by the dessert part then select the rest of their meal accordingly. I was spoilt for choice. Apples with Sauternes jelly and mini-doughnuts, banoffee macarons, all chocolate plate… I could have gone for a starter-main-treat all in this section but I am told that it is not reasonable and not a good example for the kids. Such a pity. Ask about their  10 after 10 offer, though: a glass of wine and a dessert for £10 after 10pm. A delicious idea to discuss a theater play for example…

Lemon fans have to try this citrus assortment (£7). Slices of candied orange, a moist sponge cake so fragrant it wins your heart even before the fist bite, a mille-feuilles of lemon shortbreads with layers of thick vanilla cream, tangy lemon curd, orange and lime zest in a sugar syrup. Crunchy, tender, unctuous.

If you are after exotism, have the lemongrass parfait (£7), ideal to conclude such a feast. Biscuit moist with the juices of caramelised pineapple, spice up with star anise, topped with a lemongrass cloud-like mousse and some fresh pineapple. Divine. It is served with a verrine on the same theme but different textures such as this tropical granite. Someone has to tell Pierre Hermé to come and try it.

I cannot believe this restaurant does not have a Michelin star yet -  it certainly deserves it. Rush before it gets too famous -  especially as the pre & post theatre offers (17.30-19.00 then 22.00-23.15 or 22.30 on Sundays) are quite well prices: £18.5 for 2 courses and £21.75 for 3.

(To be followed -  breakfast at One Aldwych is quite something too)

One Aldwych
London
WC2B 4BZ

A week-end away with kids, especially young ones, often looks as if you were taking half the house with you. Favourite toys, change of clothes, a few biscuits, a thousand things that fall into the dangerous category just in case. No one wishes to locate a precise shop at the very last minute.

The One Aldwych, a gem hotel between the Strand and Covent Garden, has thought of all their customers -  businessmen, couples on a romantic escape and families alike.

From experience, chic and elegant places tend to ignore the little ones. True, an oasis of calm is not an easy place for a cheerful and enthusiastic child. Parents try their best to canalize their energy – with more or less success – and usually end up exhausted, having had no time to enjoy neither the beautiful surroundings nor the exquisite food.

The One Aldwych has considered all those details that will make a parent’s life easier: access ramp for pushchairs, smiles from the whole team, adapted menus (breakfast and room service included), and even a little surprise for each age range… In a nutshell: kids are VIPs, as much as you are.

Invited to discover the hotel, we have fully realised how much difference this makes. Any challenge was fully answered by the staff with a solution: no stress, complete relaxation. For a maximum of comfort, we were given the most wonderful space -  a suite with the adjoining room, as big as a flat really. James, 17 months old, found it the most extraordinary playground, going round and round finding new details each time, completely amazed. Our bedroom, spacious and filled with natural light, was large enough to contain the baby’s bed, the suitcases and the pushchair without us feeling squeezed. The cot had been set up careful with a comfortable mattress, cute linen and even a particularly soft bath towel.

Gorgeous pillows and a warm blanket were very inviting and we would gladly have taken a nap. Sadly, my son had other ideas in mind and rolled gladly on the bed, setting himself against the cushions, laughing cheerfully. We loved the tiny lamps on the side and easily dimmed lights to allow you to read in the evening even if the child has fallen asleep. Each room also has the option of nightlights -  sweet dreams guaranteed.

Louise*Anne, 6 years old, came to find me. She was convinced she had been upgraded to the princess category. Cheeks all pink with pleasure, she set to show me her room, her television, her bathroom, her own glass, slippers and robe to her size. In no time, she had settled her toys in and adopted it completely. With Covent Garden nearby (meaning animations, pastry shops, Disney store, Moomin boutiques and Build-a-bear), this was definitely a slice of heaven for her.

A touch of poetry – flowers in every room, even white orchids in the bathrooms. One Aldwych have their own florist and his creations always are quite a wonder. Do not miss the flower fireworks in the bar area. Those change every week and I always try to catch a glimpse when in the neighbourhood. Here and there, plates offered juicy red apples – quite handy to answer one of the kids’ favourite questions (dinner time, of course).

Bathrooms proved a cocoon space – bath and shower, soft white colour, very zen, very soothing. It makes you feel alive again, take your lipstick and perfume from your bag, make yourself all pretty again. I completely fell for the PlanTation products: velvety, fragrant with lotus and Darjeeling, very unique.

To everyone’s happiness, bathrooms also offered television screens. No more fight about choosing the program, no tears for missing the end of a cartoon or having to relinquish the TV to the parents for a while! James had a total fascination for those, smaller and more to his level.

Follows a large corridor integrating a kitchen. A microwave, a fridge with a wide range of drinks including – a very rare thing and so handy when you have kids – milk. Coffee lovers will be delighted at the sight of the Nespresso. Bottles of water are available on the side to offer you the best quality possible. Tea is from the excellent Tea Palace, which store is nearby would you be seduced by their selection.

A few more steps and you are now in the lounge with a fantastic angled view. We spent quite some time looking at the passing double deckers, the lights of the city twinkling at the end of the day -  a fascinating scene. The salon can be divided in three zones -  a large sofa area which you will find impossible to resist. It makes you want to call all your friends and enjoy an afternoon tea or maybe a glass of champagne with home made macarons.

On the left is a discreet desk, should you want to work or just check a few last minute details of your program. WIFI is free, a keyboard is also available to access the web on the TV – good to know in advance and you can spare the laptop and extra cable weight! Fancy some music? Just plug your Iphone on the design loudspeaker and enjoy.

Last, on the right, is the dining area. Do ask the restaurant for a high chair should you need one. The room service menu has a handy selection of kids’ favourites and smoothies. For more specific needs, you can always run to the nearby Boots, Tesco or Marks & Spencer. See, your suitcases could really be very light this time!

One Aldwych offers more than just amazing rooms. Children also receive, towards the end of the day, a surprise adapted to their age. Louise*Anne was completely taken by her new book (the adventures of a little girl and a cat), reading a few pages between each dish at dinner.

James cuddled his new bear friend and would not part from it at nap time…

A multitude of kind thoughts that lighten up the day, bringing a smile to everyone’s face. Parents can finally relax – vital!

(To be followed for One Aldwych is a real gem indeed!)

One Aldwych
London
WC2B 4BZ

Some perfumes wear off -  they are part of a few pages of your life, a phase, a mood, a feeling. New chapter, new fragrance.

Yet, Safran Troublant has been mine for almost ten years. A swirl of ginger, sandalwood, candied rose. Each time more intriguing, you can never quite place all the notes, there is always something escaping you, what could it be? And so the love of your life gives your wrist, this tender,warm spot in your neck another kiss. Neither sweet not too powerful, just mysterious, uncomparable.

A fragrance that dances around you and unsettles senses, capturing all attention at once…

Many boutiques for L’artisan Parfumeur -  In London, they have one right in Covent Garden as well as a dedicated space in Liberty.

My advice of the week? Go for a Christmas afternoon tea at the Mandeville hotel. They had already won my heart (and my stomach) with their traditional version and I fell for that one too. Tangerine tartlet with a touch of gold, light but delicious Stollen the best scones in town, mince pies to die for, cupcakes decorated as a Christmas tree, a brownie teaxture to the chocolate cake with a touch of mint… What better way to celebrate the season before, during or after a shopping session? Even better, match it to one of theur fantastic cocktails -  the Via con me is a drink-it-up tiramisu version and the Dragonfly is very Turkish Delight like… You will be back for more!

‘Tis the season to be jolly:
* The Xmas tree dresses up in Legos at St Pancras.
* Don’t forget the Pudding Race!
* Woodlands get enchanted.
* Celebrate Xmas with a Swedish touch -  gorgeous food and drinks, ski lodge atmosphere and soft furs…

That’s art, baby:
* Open space and green!
* Robots invade the Science Museum.

Yummy time:
* Shhh -  a secret place for Whisky lovers.
* The Real Food Market gets festive.
* Learn to cook Tudor style at Hampton Court.

December, your best excuse to do some shopping:
* Do your shopping at this night market. Chinese lanterns and DJ – what a lovely atmosphere!

Out of the ordinary:
* Turn back the clock and head for a sensational Victorian evening.
* Brave the cold.
* Fingercross for a chance to see the Cointreau Cabaret.
* Beat that winter-blues with a ray or two of light.
* Discover Mrs Marmite Lover’s London.

A winter treat.

Lost gloves. Blowing on my fingertips, in vain.

Pushing the door of the One Aldwych, sudden cocoon of warmth.

Sitting at the bar, cheeks pinking up slightly, smiling.

Choosing and changing my mind a hundred times.

Spellbinded by The Mist.

Hypnotised.

Dancing blue flame of the Calvados.

Vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, Szechuan pepper.

A slice of dried apple, a swirl of delicious aromas.

A nectar to be sipped delicately.

Sugary lips, dreamy gaze.

The cold? Bring it on.

The Mist, £11.50 in the seasonal menu.
Love flamed cocktail? Then do try the Wild Essence too: vanilla and honey,
orange, cacao liqueur, bergamot.

One Aldwych Hotel
1 Aldwych
 London, WC2B 4BZ