London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Get out of the too touristic Southbank. On a sunny day, walk along the Thames but around the Hammersmith Bridge. You will glimpse rowing boats racing by and will fin plenty of pubs with a view (like The Dove) along the way…

A little bit of spring, of blue skies, of sun – oh, how you long for the week-end… Get on a bike, escape, ride along the Thames, sit under a tree. From a dream to another, I somehow ended up on Beg Bicycles – a vintage and romantic style, very inspiring. This, my friend, calls for a picnic…

St Patrick’s special:
* See life in green on Saturday at the Water Poet: yummy Irish treats, lots of Guinness to celebrate St Patrick’s day and the match Ireland-England.

* The Roundhouse also has planned a fantastic afternoon of Irish music.

* Do it at least one in your life -  wear everything green you own then go and see the parade on Sunday. Then party on Trafalgar Square.

* Still on Sunday, why not listen to gaelic songs?

Yummy time ahead:
* Yo Sushi fan? Don’t forget their birthday this Thursday, at their Soho location. The plates will be 97p each, quite a deal!

* Sunday, stop at Gino and try their ice-creams. Inspired by the Japanese festival for cherry trees in bloom, they have created a green tea-white chocolate flavour. And a miso-caramel one. If you’d rather have something a little more classic, why not go for the peach-champagne?

* Plan your next pub crawls.

Take the little ones along:
* It’s spring at the Somerset House -  the yard will be blooming with 10000 sculpted daffodils.

* Take them to an opera they are sure to love – Alice in wonderland with absolutely wow costumes.

Out of the ordinary:
* Thursday evening, go and listen to the Philharmonia Orchestra for free.

* Friday evening, indulge in a regression evening. DJ and childhood game. Well, an adult version of them.

* Order a pizza and kayak your way to it.

* On Saturday, sing French songs on Trafalgar Square with 9 free concerts throughout the day.

* Street art lover? Did you know there is now a London app?

* Another London -  every Monday evening, you can visit the London library.

* Kings Cross station reopens on Monday -  beautiful curves. Don’t miss it!

Or the best way to fade the rain away, even with little ones sparkling with energy.

You could not dream of a more British atmosphere – the Milestone seems right out of a novel. The salons are ever so elegant, a timeless charm, that you will just want to cuddle close to the chimney fire, pour youself a cup of tea from the silver teapot and read a Jane Austen book for the rest of the day. Through the old-style windows, you can glimpse the vibrant green trees of Hyde Park.

Children are welcome too and can order their very own afternoon tea, served on a smaller stand, each their own. Even better, they can wear apron and chef’s hat then go down to meet the cooks in the kitchens, where they will decorate cupcakes with gorgeous icing, fresh fruit, sprinkles and even help to prepare their hot chocolate. Their eyes will sparkle with pride and the treats will taste even more wonderful to them.

Indulge in the slightly smoked Russian Caravan tea, the chicken and mayonnaise sandwich enhanced with almonds, the macarons with their intense ganache, the tartlets topped with exquisite fresh fruit, the gorgeous homemade raspberry jam on warm scones. A delicious afternoon – you will wish for the rain to last just a little bit longer!

Milestone Hotel
1-2 Kensington Ct
London  W8 5DL

Afternoon tea £31.50
Ruinart champagne afternoon tea £39.50
Princess/Prince afternoon tea £12.50

Huge thanks to the Milestone Hotel team who were absolutely charming to the girls, making them feel like VIPs and to About London for this ray of sunshine.

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

I had wondered, before opening this guide, whether it could really be of any use to me -  I certainly have quite a collection of tasty addresses in town. Time Out certainly is the best reference is London but all reviews are subjective – everyone have their own standard.

And so I leafed through it. Nothing stops a foodie more in their tracks than a beautiful picture of a dish. I constantly looked for restaurant descriptions, noting them down and ended up, after 20 mn with more than a page of places I had never heard of yet was dying to go to. Preferably right now, even if it was not lunch time yet.

I also loved the accent on world cuisine and so from the very first chapter. We are all so focused on trying the trendiest places that we tend to forget the intriguing Brazilian, Jewish, Portuguese… dishes. London is a cultural melting pot and you can find your way through it in that book… Good idea to have added menu key words per language too.

Your wallet is in a crisis and restaurants are kept for celebrations? Not to worry -  you’ll get to know the best bânh mì cafés (serving these succulent Vietnamese baguettes), fish & chips, burgers in town or can choose from the many selections of budget bites.

And if you have a sweet tooth, have a look at that ice-cream parlour section – you will melt way before the summer’s back.

A mum of 2, I can only applaude that each entry mentions whether it is baby/kid friendly (with a distinction between admitted and welcome, as well as the vital notion of baby changing facility), offers high chairs, a play area and outside tables.

There also is a theme section: breakfast, brunch, enjoy the view, by the waterside, dishes to share. pretty handy and you will soon have the ideal meeting place with friends, no matter what you were looking for.

A very practical (with even detailed maps at the back), well illustrated, colourful, fabulous for any family outing or just to rediscover your favourite neighbourhoods. I will definitely offer it for Xmas or to any newcomer to London -  a must to start your life here.

Pssst: thanks to Time Out, we have 5 for you to win! How? nothing more simple. First, follow us on Facebook or/and Twitter. Then share in the comments below your favourite yummy place in London and why. You have until Friday November 11, midnight, to jooin in. The winner will be selected at random and the name announced Saturday Nov 12. Ready, steady, type!

Can’t wait? Buy it from the website. don’t forget to have a look at their Eating and Drinking Awards!

Be very afraid, little pumpkins, Halloween is upon us. London shivers in anticipation, vampire and zombie suits are dusted off, synthetic blood is selling like mad and there is a shortage of spiders around. Trick AND Treats please!

* Nothing more fascinating than a cabinet of curiosities.

* L’Old Operating Theatre recreates the medium séances so loved in Victorian times.

* Lancaster has fully embraced Halloween and decorated the halls. they also will be serving pumpkin inspired dishes, amazing themed cocktails such as the Red Zombie, a Death by chocolate afternoon tea and pumpkin scones… (Oct 27-Nov 01)

* The BFI will take you to the end of the night with the whole Final Destination saga.

* 90 beers to taste. Hips!

* Between mansion and exhibition place, Two Temple Place is sure to amaze you.

* Put on your best zombie clothes and join a pub crawl. Tested and highly recommended!

* Want something more atmospheric? See a horror movie… in a church.

* We love the idea of a bookshop doubling as a vintage shoop in Soho.

* Or play it elegantly: how about Psycho with a glass of champagne? For £42.50 the evening also include a 3-course dinner. And popcorn. Would you find something scary in the latter you would have won to stay the night at the hotel for free so take your toothbrush along!

* In Xmas shopping mode? Here is a great idea for fashionista friends: vintage inspired rings hiding lipbalm.

* Take the kids see a puppetry festival.

* Sunday, Bermondsey square will host a cute seasonal market that will end with the projection of A nightmare before Christmas.

* Hop, some psychodramatic music for the Halloween thrill.

* A site that calculates the number of calories burnt by walking form one point to another in London? Just what you needed to give up on the bus!

* Mad scientists will rush to the Natural History Museum to learn more about mumification and head reductions.

I love this confused season -  Halloween mixed with Christmas. I can almost imagine Santa trying trick or treating to fight the recession and get a few more gifts for his stock. I saw today that Oxford Street will be switching its lights on soon, November the first, one party down, time for the next. Sounds like we should all have a few more chocolates to find the energy!

* Hop, pop-corn and movie on Trafalgar. Do bring a blanket.

* American Apparel is sure to make you sprint towards your new wardrobe with prices starting from £1…

* Go an extraordinary banquet.

* American football fan? Stop at Trafalgar Square and cheer.

* Look out for pub cats.

* Try this photo challenge alonge the Thames.

* Marvel at the multitude of artistic travels and installation that make the Bloomsbury festival.

* Celebrate Diwali -  particularly at Dishoom with their family activities on Saturday!

* See London unroll in front of you in digital.

* Add a spoonful of sweetness to your life with this London honey made on Bermondsey street. Chérie City had a chance to taste it.

* One apple a day… Oh well, make it plenty of apples in one day at the Borough Market.

* Pop-ups are not dead. They just turned into vampires…

* A cash machine speaking cockney? Yes! On Roman Road. Brilliant.

* The National Portrait Gallery plays the sexy card.

* Prepare your anecdotes for Halloween.

* Gold stars to be awarded for those preferring walking to public transports?

* Looking for a cute present? One can never tire of the Biscuiteers seasonal shortbreads – have a look!

*

You know how sweet places matter to me. Yet around Covent Garden, this proved tricky. There are delicious cupcakeries and pâtisseries, yes, yet with very limited seating space.

Wasn’t there an atmospheric lounge where one could spend the afternoon with friends? One that would wow friends visiting from abroad, where we could dream together while sipping on a fragrant cup of tea or a succulent cocktail, forgetting the time entirely?

Well, I have found it. Just a two minutes walk from the market. Perfect location.

Step in One aldwych hotel and you will find a soothing luxurious atmosphere, a lovely cocoon. On each side, huge windows bring natural light in -  on a sunny day,  it has a golden touch to it. Look around – there are amazing work of art around the whole building, such as this man in a tiny boat rowing his way through the room. The florist has amazing skills too -  his creations always fill the room magniciently, a botanical firework. Whether you are a regular visitor or a first time guest, you will be treated as a first class guest, an elegant and delicate approach that matters most to this independant palace.

Follow me -  it is afternoon tea season! With a glass of champagne any rainy day suddenly feels bubblier…

Here tradition is brought a modern twist. The triangle sandwiches offer delicious salmon with a hint of wasabi, generous chicken, yummy sauces, cucumber slices so thin they almost feel creamy, seedy bread… but you will completely fall for the canape versions of Welsh rarebit and Scotch eggs. Miniature versions you see, allows more focus on taste and oh, those savoury bites are just to die for.

Ah, this melted cheddar with bechamel that fills the mouth, the discreet Worcester sauce that makes the whole difference, the tomato locking all the taste in a single mouthful… And the quail egg, still runny yolk with a pinch of celery salt, the herby meat followed by the crunchy bready wrapping. I had never been a fan of Scotch eggs -  a bit dry to my taste but here the balance is just right, moist and tender. Try it with a little caper sauce to add crunchiness to the texture…

You could stop there. You would be totally satisfied with a whole plate of those. But you have already looked up and you cannot resist trying the cakes anymore. Start with the carrot cake -  amazing portion yet very light, a little poem of carrot, raisins, walnuts. Well done for not killing it with icing but sprinklinh chopped hazelnuts instead.

Next on your list is the chocolate fondant – dark cacao laced with raspberry. A very dramatic effect that will suprise any chocoholic by its intensity finishing on the cloud effect of the cream. So complex it feels like it is telling a story…

The star is the Battenberg, so cheerful in colour, an explosion of colour. If like me, you had only tasted Mr Kipling’s ones, make a special detour for this. The almond paste is incredibly refined, and you can taste the vanilla in the cake, the apricot jam keeping the squares together. I cannot understand why such an amazing cake does not appear more in British cafés. The graphism is so inspiring too, you feel like piling the squares, making a Rubik’s cube with them or bite straight into it.

Take the opportunity to rediscover the Eton Mess too with this autumn version served in a cute glass. Caramelised apple compote, a layer of vanilla treat then whipped cream and crunchy sugary topping. Dig all the way down to try and have the four ingredients on your spoon and let it melt slowly on your tongue…

Or give up on the clotted cream and enjoy it on their brioche-like scones -  that is just royal.

The bonus? The more the merrier. 4 friends and one afternoon tea is free. 8 friends and you can enjoy a complimentary magnum of champagne.

As it is situated at the heart of theatreland (The Lion King is played in the nearby street), One Aldwych has thought of an idea for those who want to enjoy the magic of an evening a little longer. Come after 22.00 to enjoy the 10 after 10 offer: one of their amazing desert (and the description will make your mouth water) and a glass of wine for £10… Worth noting too are their movies evening -  £42.50 is quite a deal for a 3-course dinner, projection, popcorn and champagne! Being a mum, I love their brunch and family film option too. This is a particularly child-friendly hotel. Little ones get their own slippers and robe, a book is left on their bed for bedtime stories, the room service offers special dishes and smoothies for them…

Have a look at the website to discover the beauty of the rooms. This sublime hotel puts a special care in small details, a personalised atmosphere and really goes the extra mile to make your stay feel festive. I can only tip my hat to them.

One Aldwych
London
WC2B 4BZ

Afternoon tea, £26.50
Champagne afternoon tea, £35

Teatime in Wonderland was invited by OneAldwych for their gorgeous afternoon tea

Diwali, also called  festival of lights,  is the most important celebration of the year in India. The date varies slightly from year to year as it depends on the October-November new moon. Behind it is the fight of gods – a symbol of the victory of good on evil, of light on darkness and hance involves the lightling of  small clay lamps filled with oil. This year, Diwali is on Wednesday October 26 and the best place to be that day will be in Southall, known as London’s Little India.

There will also be plenty of events and activities in the coming month , have a look!

- On October 15, creative kids can make their own lantern at the Horniman Museum.

- On October 16, Trafalgar Square will turn very Indian with songs, dances, colourful food stalls. An enchanting atmosphere which I strongly recommend.

- From October 18-30, Dishoom will propose two special finger-licking good menus. The £22.50 includes Phadalri Kofta Ruby (a dish of dumplings stuffed with vegetables, paneer and pomegranate), Biryani, slow cooked and layered with winter vegetabless and aromatic rice encades in a dough purdah. If you upgrade to the £27.50 option there will be grilled lobstair tail cooked with chilli, lime and coriander followed by the Chicken Berry Byriani . Both feast start with either a passionfruit lassi or bellini served with a Dahi Puri (a mini puffed bread shell filled with chickpeas, yogurt, raita and tamarind), a choice of freshly baked breads, their very famous black daal, a Gola or Kulfi ice cream (try the pomegranate and chilli flavour, my favourite) and a house chai. You will also get a complimentary munthai, the traditional cake gift for Diwali. Now that is a splendid feast!

- On October 18, put on your dancing shoes at Cinnamon Kitchen. After a gorgeous cocktail and delicious canapés, you can enjoy fascinating Bollywood dances by Honey Kalaria’s Dance Academy. The magician Bjarat Patel is sure to fascinate you too. The evening costs £35 and profits go to a charity supporting those in poverty in rural india. Cinnamon Kitchen also proposes a special £45 Diwali menu from October 17-22 and this will make your mouth water: delicate tandoori king prwans, grilled partridge, roasted rack of lamb, Bombay spices vef=getables and a creamy malai hawa dessert…

- On October 20,  Divertimenti will be teaching a cooking workshop to familiarise yourself with the – mostly vegetarian – Indian cuisine. 7 dishes to discover, including biryani, spinach bread, and a special carrot cake with cardamom and pistachios.

- On October 22nd, take the kids to the Greenwich Heritage Center. They propose activities every Saturday from 10.30-noon. That day will be dedicated to Diwali collages and bunting. Alternatively, let them make a puppet show on that them at the Museum of London.

- Still on October 22nd but in the evening, dance till the end of the night at Anise, Cinnamon Kitchen’s ever so trendy lounge. Quite a party with henna tattooists and palm readers! Entrance is £10 or free if you have been dining in the restaurant before hand.

- On October 23, have fun at Dishoom‘s family day. The restaurant has asked Vayu Naidu, an internationally reknown storyteller, to explain the legend of god Rama and his wife Sita. There will be face painting too if your little ones fancy being one of the characters of that story. Everyone can also join artist Damon Priestley to create a beautiful pavement work of art called rangoli with coloured chalk. At 18.30 (yes, there is more!), don’t miss the projection of  Sita sings the blues, a brilliant cartoon on Diwali.

- On November 12, the National Maritime Museum will be joining in with a procession of lanterns through the park followed by live music.

- On November 13,Watford theatre  will conclude on a final festive note with even more Diwali music and colours.