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

The first thing you notice when stepping in is the space – finally a restaurant in touristic Paris that leaves more than 10cm between tables. You can breathe and have a quiet meal. Banquettes, armchairs, bar stool effect bring a variety of comfortable options but also help to balance the conversation level – a very clever idea.

One very welcome touch on the table that shows that taste and quality here are essential – fleur de sel ( very refined and fragrant salt) and an exquisite olive oil, Château Léoube, delicate, fruity, sublime on a piece of bread. Even before opening the menu, your senses are heightened and longing for more.

On the sommelier’s recommendation, we tried a glass of Bargemone, an excellent Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, very elegant – tangy lime and green apple, a little bit of sage. A perfect match for a refined meal while refreshing the palate – we kept it throughout the meal and never thought once of asking for anything else.

An amuse-bouche of pissaladière was also brought. Nevre heard the word before? Think of it as a Southern style pizza. No tomato sauce thought, the base is an onion marmelade. I often find it slightly bitter but this one proved me wrong: the compote was made with just a little sugar and gives it a confit texture. First the sweetness, almost melting, then the salted enchovies the fruity olives. Had it not been out of the oven and extremely hot it would not have survived more than a minute on the plate.

The descriptions of each dish is almost lyrical and are sure to tempt you. Lemon and pine nut jam, salt and sugar marinated salmon, sweet bell pepper jus… Words have been chosen carefullu, intrigue, you can almost feel the texture on your tongue. My heart will melt for the Velvety soup of forgotten vegetables (France has rediscovered parsnips) with chanterelles mushroom and chestnuts (14€). Almost a carress. And so much beauty in that plate, what a range of colours! Adorable mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, chestnut nuggets: each spoonful brings a different combination, always a new surprise, enjoyed fully, with your eyes closed.

Not a soup person? Try the fine yet ever so tasty veal slices – prepared vitello tonnato style (15€). Qite astonishing – we are so used of serving it hot but this is a wonderful alternative. The presentation is very smart too -  a rectangular, narrow plate, a bed of sweet and crunchy salad, generous shaving of parmesan, pine nuts, olives, capers, parsley. After the excess of the New Year celebration, its freshness is very soothing and the portion consequent enough to make it a lone dish if time is not on your side for a longer meal. Balanced and particularly tasty.

I spent quite some time admiring those scallops à la plancha, what a picture (29€)! Celeriac mash echoes the strong character of the shell, nutty touch of the potatoes, almost caramelised baby-beetroots, chestnuts pieces here and there. A culinary waltz…

Not to be missed either - the cocotte of Iberica pork pluma (24€). This extremely tender meat (between the two shoulders of the animal) is little know but delicious indeed. Cooked in the sauce, it is heaven, satin like and you will want a spoon to finish the latter -  no way you are leaving any. Violet artichokes – ah, so rarely served! – olives, tomatoes, a little black pepper, thyme -  all the South of France is in the smell only… You will wish you could bottle it. Even a couple of weeks later, I still think of this with envy.

The dessert selection is also well worth a look. Since this is in season, I chose the chestnut verrine, Mont Blanc style (10€). The description is not accurate – verrine usually means a small glass but this is so generous it can easily be share with your lover. More complez than the Angelina version, it offers  a wonderful range of textures -  silky mousse, perfect light vanilla chantilly, ice-cream, a meringue sweet on top.

Can’t choose? Ask for the café gourmand (11€), brought with mini-versions of deserts. I imagine they vary from time to time -  on that day we had the miniature chestnut treat, a unctuous panna cotta with exotic mago purée. The macaron was home made with a perfect pistachio paste. Last but not least: a crunchy hazelnut bite, perfect with the roasted note of the espresso.

Verdict: close to the Champs Elysées but nothing to do with the overprices touristic options around. Worth every penny -  the quality of the products is irreproachable. Each allaince of taste has been carefully balanced to reflect the South of france terroir values yet bring a lighter more modern touch than what our grandmothers would have cooked. Veru honest, real fragrances -  Hugo Pinto has some magic in him. Keep his name in mind – he is set to suprise you for a long, long time.

Le Velvet restaurant
Hôtel Beauchamps
24 rue de Ponthieu
75008 Paris

Teatime in Wonderland was a guest of The Velvet restaurant

Well, sometimes, the best resolution is to get lots of sparkles of your own, those that will make your eyes and your nails glitter, hypnotise the gaze. What a better way to shine through the day, even when wind and rain threaten to take your umbrella away?

Cheers!
* Drink to the spirit of our beloved Dickens.

Smile:
* Nothing stops a taxi driver. Not even the cold.
* Do you quidditch?
* Art beats the winter blues in the Tube.
* Chips with that?

Yummy time ahead:
* Hélène Darroze will be offering her delicious Galette des Rois, the traditional French cake eaten to celebrate Epiphany, as part of the Connaught‘s afternoon tea. It will also be for sale at the hotel for people to take back home. Give them a call!
* Have a bite at the it/eat address of the moment, the Delaunay.
* Deal. Remember The Rosendale and The Avalon -  delicious (and kids-friendly) gastropubs. You can eat there for half the usual price till the end of the month!

Out of the ordinary:
* Have a closer look at the Olympic Games area.
* Fall in love with short films.
* Disco, karaoke, bowling and garden gnomes. We’re not joking.
* Dream in a London garden.

Their new address in South Kensington already is quite a success and is just adored locally. The terrace overlooks the pedestrian street and is a real pleasure in any sunny day. Let alone, being just outside the tube and on the way to Hyde Park, what a better place to select a picnic?

The menu is as exotic as in the other branches – takes you elsewhere in just a few bites. Start with their homemade lemonades like the apple-ginger-mint (£2.35) to put you in the mood or the orange blossom and pomegranate for a more poetic touch: such a welcome change from the usual soft drinks.

Now let go. Don’t resist. I found it hard to focus on the menu -  too many delicious descriptions! Really, the best plan is to come here with a wonderful friend and choose a wide selection of dishes to share. It is ever so pleasant to butterfly from one plate to another, combining tastes and textures randomly, creatively. Like those Lamb Kibbeh (£4.65), filled with fragrant lamb, onion and pine nuts. Or a salt and sweet effect with the grilled paneer served with an amazing fig and rose jam.

Don’t know where to start? Go right to the counter and get yourself a selection like this one (on the menu for £7.95 also exists as a bigger version for 2). Hummus to die for, slightly smoked aubergine dip, falafel with its rich notes of chickpea and coriander, a freshly made tabbouleh, slightly lemony, a lovely lentil salad, amazing bright pink pickled turnip slices, a sambousek filled with melting feta and warm triangles of pita bread. Quite a feast.

If you are after something warm, moussaka, koftas, shish taouks also are on the card and smell ever so nice. I chose their gorgeous tajine (£7.95) with aubergines  -  the tastes linger on the tastebuds, ending on the sweet chickpea note, the velvety touch of red pepper, oh and just a little bit of that organic yogurt too. Impossible not to add semolina to the dish, the sauce just calls for it.

Meat lovers will probably go straight to the mixed grill (£12.95) -  lamb and chicken kofta, marinated chicken cooked as shish taouk, generous portions, rice cooked with minutely cut onion, matching the nutty taste of the grilled meat.

It is easy to order so many dishes that you will barely have a space for deserts – remember those piles of cakes that just beg to be eaten. Obviously, Comptoir Libanais knows and has little plates all prepared with a few to take away. Or you could enjoy the nearby museums and come back for a touch of sweetness afterwards: those are lovely treats with hearts of hazelnut, walnut, cashew nuts or heavy with honey…

After all, what better than an exotic afternoon tea to take away the winter blues? Pour yourself a cup of mint and rose tea (£2.45) and you will be spell-binded, ready to dream away.

On the side is a small deli with thousand colours – Moroccan honey, date cream with almonds, rose or pomegranate syrup… – just what you need to take this little holiday pause back home.

Comptoir Libanais
1-5 Exhibition Road
London SW7 2HE

Teatime in Wonderland was a guest of Comptoir Libanais.

I push the door open. I stop right there, amazed.

In front of me opens a beautiful room, high ceiling, wals and columns of marble, diamond-like chandeliers, heavy velvety curtains, old style mirrors reflecting the scene, comfortable armchairs and sofas.  Luxury meeting contemporary design.

Just after the lounge is the restaurant – large round tables circled by Starck’s famous Ghost chairs. A softer, more intimate space, quiet enough to have a conversation without raising your voice (so rare in London!). The decoration is wel balanced -  the richness is not overwhelming and brings a reassuring atmosphere. Service is very kind indeed and it is a real pleasure to ask for advice an recommendations.

What’s om the menu? British tapas as starters and we love the idea. Choose from the 16 miniature choices (2 each are enough and will only cost £7.90) and share. We decided to go “all fish”: a crab macaroni gratin (creamy and very refined, an idea to try an home), a velvery lobster soup (sublime – immediate flashback of seaside holidays and traditional French fish soup and croutons), extra-tender skate cheeks croquettes with a lemony sauce (a must-try) and, more classical, a crayfish salad with a slightly sugary sauce. Let me tell you -  the forks never stopped moving from one dish to another.

Fancy a wine match? The white Sauvignon 2009 by Katnook was a lovely surprise -  tropical, lemongrass notes, very fruity. It definitely brings a festive touch to all fish-based dishes.

The ultimate test for any Froggie in London is red meat. You probably know that we love ours rare and it seems difficult in Britain to get it that way, it generally arrives too cooked for our taste. The Scotch rib eye steak may cost £23.90 but my, was it tasty and juicy, pefectly prepared.  did I mention you get almost 300g – this alone should be enough to make all the carnivorous readers drool. The Dauphinoise potatoes (£2.70) we ordered were tasty, yet could have been cooked a little longer to our taste.

I am a lover of fish pies and Boyd’s is famous for theirs. Very generous in fish, impeccable texture of the cream – I just had to pour all the peas in my dish to wrap them in the sauce. Very filling too. The menu also proposes a pie and pint (of claret, not ale) to be shared for £37.20.

The duo of British cheese is worth leaving a space for. Served on a slate, it comes with celery sticks, grapes, home made chutney and walnut bread -  a savoury way to finish the meal. If you are more a sweet-tooth person, go for the chocolate tart, dense, extra-thin pastry (£6.50) and alternate with the lightly sour dark cherry sorbet…

Verdict: a great selection of classical British dishes at a reasonable price for the heart of London, especially is such a gorgeous place. Theatreland is nearby and you could have an early 3-course dinner for just £18.90. Oh, un afternoon tea y est également disponible… A fabulous place to meet friends for a cocktail, far from the toursity restaurants of Covent Garden, have a quiet meal with them. Oh, and they do afternoon teas too…

Boyd’s Brasserie
8 Northumberland Avenue
London, WC2N 5BY.

Teatime in Wonderland was a guest of Boyd’s Brasserie.

Machiavelli
69 Long Acre
London WC2E 9JS

Escape. Take a few days for yourself, get your energy back. Go right on the border of the New Forest, at Chewton Glen. Just two hours car from London and you could be there, having driven through the soothing woods, enchanted at having met with free horses on the way.

Pass the forged iron entrance -  look on the side, what a beautiful lawn. This 5 star hotel, a gem in the Relais et Chateaux collection, is surrounded by 130 acres of park, tennis court, a golf… It takes the gardeners 39 hours a week to mow it all.

It will not take you long to fall in love with the space – the multitude of cosy lounges, the terrace opening on the green croquet lawn, the width of the hotel that calls for exploring it… up to the rooms which offer an average of 40 square meters! Each has its own atmosphere and is bathed in natural light. Mine was inspired by Miller Harris botanical patterns, both on wallpaper and fabric for a complete harmony.

VIP, celebrating an anniversary? Discuss it with the hotel before your visit -  they can add the extra touches to the room to make it memorable. Chocolate, sparkling wine, treats (the homemade flapjacks, generous in butter and cranberries are to die for), information pack on the hotel and activities – the team is eager to help. A simple example -  I arrived early. In most hotels, you would leave your luggage at reception, would come back later. Instead, they sat me comfortably with a cup of tea, called their cleaning team and asked how long they expected it to be. Details that make the whole difference to your stay -  you know you can trust them completely and let go.

Gold rooms (and above) have their own balcony or terrace. Some will have a formidable view on the park – you will feel like settling there, in the sun, sipping tea or wine, with a book or a friend and spend your afternoon doing nothing. And listen – there isn’t a noise, no traffic, just birds.

I rarely take pictures of bathrooms -  the angle is tricky, how can I make it look good? But this one is definitely worth mentioning. You could almost call it a suite. The room is divided in three -  on your left are  separated toilets with a bidet. In front, a wide shower with two shower heads for massaging options. And last, on your right is the “classical” part -  two sinks to make couples’ life easier, pink marble and… a large bath with television. A formidable luxury that I have encountered a few times and lavish on. Just imagine yourself before going to bed, a few drop of essential oil and your favourite program, head on a rolled towel for comfort.

On the side are some organic REN products – those leave an amazing soft skin, soothing even the most fragile one. Already a fan of their rose bath oil, I could discover more of their range here. Their shampoo and conditioner use oat and bay leaf. Buy those quick: hair is silky and light after this, no need for any extra styling product, just a comb to put them perfectly in place.

During your stay, do take the time to stop at the spa, voted by Condé Nast Traveller the very best of England. Two big names are represented here. First is beauty guru Linda Meredith, acclaimed by celebs such as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow  for the radiance she gives back to the skin. You will also find  who work on both Ila mind and body, looking to restore the balance between the two. A holistic approach that starts will the purest organic products possible, Damaskan rose, Argan oil… as they will be better absorbed by the cellsAll concoctions are blended in the Cotswold with the greatest care.

I am here to try the Ananda (bliss in Sanskrit) facial treatment. Surprisingly, this starts by the feet, massaged gently with Himalayan salts. The reason? To ground you with the earth but also to gently detox the skin and work on reflexology points. A wonderful idea that relaxes the whole body before focusing on the face. Follow 45 minutes of happiness. Wave after wave of caresses on your cheekbones, neck, shoulders -  you will feel wrapped in silky oil, made warm by the touch. In turn, a mask, clensing milk, tonic are used, fresher, tonifying. Asian music in the background erases any thought from your mind. I felt… strangerly rebalanced, all sensed wide awake, tiredness wiped away. A look in the mirror and exceptional decision, I decided not to use any make-up, the best compliment for a skin treatment!

No need to rush back to the real world – a relaxation room on the side welcomes you and allows you to enjoy this soothing sensation a little longer. Sit in one of the comfy chairs, put the headphones on for some music and watch the galazy above you change colours. It takes minutes to fall asleep.

A little further still is the indoor swimming pool (another one is available outside in the summer). Enriched in ozone (so very little chlorine, this is much gentler on oyur skin and hair) and at constant temperature, this is pure heaven for people like me who always find water too cold and usually give up after just a toe in the water. Not only did I swim happily, I also came back after dinner (as it stays open till 22.00) and even woke up extra early the following day to enjoy it a last time.

It is pure bliss to float in the trees reflection with painted skies above you. At night, you can even see stars twinkling. No doubt people cover more lengths here than anywhere else in the country.

You can, alternatively, opt for hydrotherapy with 6 different water pressure systems to try. Plan plenty of time. Surrounded by garden, it is easy to spend the whole afternoon chatting there. There also is an outdoor whirlpool – we loved it at twilight.

Fancy a pause? Just enjoy a magazine on one of the chairs around, designed for maximum comfort…

….or stop at the café (the menu proposes a wide list of healthy meals and snacks) and enjoy outside on the deck on a sunny day…

Another option, if you are in for a full treat, is to try the hotel delicate afternoon tea. Just choose which side of the garden you prefer:

This of course, includes all the classics we love. Sandwiches with cream cheese and cucumber slices, fantastic salmon, chicken filling… are served on tender seedy bread. you can count on plenty of fine pastries too:  light, gorgeous fruit cake, unforgettable plum tart on vanilla cream, brioche with chantilly and strawberries. On starts nibbling gently then sugar crazyness kicks in and you take bigger bites with utmost pleasure. Locals come here too – the atmosphere is perfect to catch up with friends.

A wide palette of tastes and this, of course, concludes with scones, still warm at the heart and extra generous in raisins, The clotted cream was decorated with a fresh strawberry and I can only recommend to add some fresh fruit on top of the jam, how gorgeous! Try the house tea blend -  the strength of an assam yet more velvety. A nice alternative to the classics, more refreshing too and slendid with just a touch of milk.

Being a mum of two, I am particularly touched that Chewton Glen is child friendly. Those are their own time at the swimming pool, juniors can enjoy adapted treatments at the spa, changing tables are available on the ground floor, kids slippers and robes are provided. Close to the terrace is a tree house to climb and invent adventures in unless they’s rather try croquet. During school holidays they can enjoy a special activity club. Many come here as a whole family: little ones, parents, grandparents as it is so easy to enjoy time as a small or bigger group.

With so much park around, there are walks aplenty to enjoy. even better, the beach is a at a mere 10mn walks (15 with kids). Nothing better than this to finish the day and what a pleasure to have so much to do without having to step back into a car!

The path will suddenly open on the seaside with kilometers of beach to walk along. Some jog, others enjoy a romantic walk. This is the Jurassic coast, protected by UNESCO so there is plenty to marvel at even if you are staying a few days.

Sunsets are particularly amaing here. From pink, the sky can turn to liquid gold, as if the landscape had caught on fire. Those pictures have not been modified -  neither the colours nor the contrasts. As if you had stepped into an exotic brochure while knowing you are in the South of England on a autumn evening.

The day has already gone by -  it is time to walk back, put the shells collected in your room and head down for dinner. The Chef, Luke Matthews, has been working here since 1993. Inspired by local specialties, he also loves to create more contemporary recipes that will make your tastebuds go wow.

The Vetiver offers two atmospheres.  A bigger room, beautifully lit but also cosier tables in the nearby room, with curved aniseed banquettes. You might be here for a romantic dinner or a business one -  you will be seduced by how peaceful the place is, how easy it is to discusss the menu, the hostory of the building with the team, as if you were a regular. You can be sure they will look after you well and do take great ride in compliments over the dishes.

The decoration is pretty elegant, lovely play on curves and joyful colours. Cute touch with the rabbit napking holders that bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Now, be prepared to be enchanted. As a starter, I chose a white asparagus and artichoke salad. The latter is so rarely served in the UK and I miss it terribly from France. Slightly crunchy, enhanced with baby leeks and carrots, pickled onions a touch of slat and a drizzle of top quality olive oil, this is simply superb. For the Provencal touch, micro-herbs and fennel seeds… With some of the home bakes almond and raisin bread, you will not want to leave a simgle drop/crumb.

The sommelier proved a real magician. I usually have nor problem matching food with wine. But with such an unusual salad followed with duck breast, what to have? Not only will he find me amazing wines – he showed true passion for his job and could explain how those were produced and matured. He could visualise the vineyards, the grapes. I can’t thank him enough

And so I discovered this New Zealand Malborough wine -  a Sauvignon 2009 by Seresin. The place is divided in 19, harvested and matured separately before being assembled, adding to the complexity of the wine -  like creating music form different notes. Very herbacious with dancing notes of cumin, vanilla, lime. It lingers in the mouth -  one you should definitely find on any winelist.

Next came the perfectly cooked duck breast -  pink as I had asked -  crusty salty skin. I will have to admit -  and this, being a froggie does cost me -  that Devonshire duck does compete quite well with the south of France one. On the side, a chicory Tatin, slightly caramelised pastry, lovely blood orange jus. I expected the vegetable to be bitter yet it proved sweet, melting at the heart. All this was on a peppery bed if courgette. I had chosen a heritage tomato salad for a refreshing touch -  such a nice selection of colours and fragrances, with young basil leaves on top.

The wine caught light magnificently and I played with the glass for a long time. This Ce Palazzo dela torre allegrini offers a fascinating velvery texture, red fruit and pepper, lots of sun, oaky finish. I kept it for desert too without a single regret.

Cheese lovers will not resist the British selection. Grape, celery, apricots, chutney, port -  difficult to know where to start!

I preferred a sweet conclusion to the meal – a lighter one too with this rice pudding, flavoured with coconut milk and Indian Alphonso mango: vanilla seeds, coconut spiral, fruit compote and mango crisp. A little jewel.

You can only sigh in happiness after such a day. A quick swim and I go back to my room, prepared for the night, welcoming bed, bottle of water on the side, dimmed lights on, try offering remote, weather forecast and activities advice./span>

I had to pinch myself when waking up -  had I dreamt it all? No -  outside, the mist was still clinging to the grass, birds were waking up. The newspaper was waiting just outside the door.

Tables were facing the park, the first ray of sunshine lighting up the top of the trees.

Breakfast here is a grand affair with a wide selection og charcuterie, home bakes pastries and bread, separate fruit salads for you to create your ideal mix, even granola pots. Hot dishes can be ordered, of course: farm eggs, New forest sausages, black pudding, vegetarian options, poached haddock or even a mountain of waffles. And silver teapots. Just amazing - stretch the moment, gazing outside, admiring it all.

A last look, a sigh, work was waiting. On the way out, I caught a glimps of the collection of wellies for guests wishing to go for a walk (kids versions are available too). Oh, how nice it must be to start the day so! The boutique sells a lovely selection of guides on the region.

The reception staff is obviously used to their guests’ nostalic look  and made the day much better with a map to avoid the traffic, a bottle of water and delicious cookies to be eaten on the way back.

Well, heaven definitely is here. Next year, rooms in the trees will open -  all luxury of course -  even more magic is on the way!

Chewton Glen Country House Hotel and Spa Resort
New Milton
New Forest
Hampshire BH25 6QS

Teatime inewonderland was a guest of Chewton Glen

Pretty wooden decoration, carefully decorated table with pure lines, classy touches, a very attentive team, adorable with kids, anxious to make sure you liked everything and get you anything you might need.

A mouthwatering menu with interesting association: chicken-caper-lemon… cougette-curry… pork-rosemary-parmesan… All very tender and fragrant. Each week welcomes a guest recipe. How cruel -  you definitely cannot order everything not can you really share: one the plate is in front of you, it seems all promises are suddenly broken! A solution is to go for the sliders served in yummy brioche bread as you can choose three different flavours. The sauce is generous too and bingo, the dishes are available to take away (we decided to upgrade our pack lunches for the following day).

You can also decide on your side dish – spaghettis, homemade mashed potatoes, risotto, delicious honey and thyme carrots. To be fair, you do not need them but it sounds (and is!) so good together. Same goes for the desert -  why would you resist the idea of a passionfruit pavlova – crunchy meringue, velvety whipped cream and tangy, exotic sauce?

All is is at such affordable prices too: £3.95 for 3 meatballs, £2.95 max the side order, £4.95 max the dessert.
Bonus points for having organic and biodynamic wines on the list too.

Meatballs
at The Quality Chop House
92-94 Farringdon Road
London, EC1R 3EA

The party was already fully on when I arrived. Trays of sliders were circulating and being emptied in no time. Because they were that good. Juicy Angus beef, tender pork with apple sauce in perfect buns, a veggie version with black beans and a Bloody Mary sauce that made carnivorous guests reconsider their preference for meat, crab salad with chilli and mango, corn bread to die for, finger-licking good chocolate cheesecake…

The danger is to sit in one of the inviting sofas with a bottle of Meantime beer or a glass of coke & rum. That’s it – they are so comfy you never want to get up. The deco plays on natural tones with splashes of bright colours, vintage effect wallpapers, upcycled themed furniture. Have a look at the menu -  great British and American classics: cajun dumpling, chowder with fennel bread, bubble and squeak, beer can chicken with apple slaw… I remain intrigued by the chicken wings dish with its secret sauce, served with two shots of Tres Agaves Tequila -  definitely have to come back for this one!

Verdict: Guys will love the place – take them all there, boyfriend, brothers, colleagues, father. It has this very homey feeling with a touch of chic, a very relaxed atmosphere, the menu does not try to sell you too-clever-descriptions-meant-to-show-off. Instead, seasoning is key -  spices, lemon, fresh herbs. Take good note that they serve brunches too with mountains of buttermilk pancakes, grapefruit with ginger and mint and even eggs and soldiers… Perfect!

The Plough Bar & Kitchen
89 St John’s Hill
Clapham SW11 1SY

* Tonight all fashionistas will meet in town for the Vogue Fashion Night.

* To be a VIP at Topshop this Friday, don’t forget to grab a copy of Metro.

* Stay with David Lynch the whole night.

* The Thames festival is always worth going to, no matter how crowded it might be. This year, you can play at being at artist. our favourite place is Southwark Bridge, close to traffic on Saturday and which will welcome communal table and a very cheerful spirit. Click here and here for the program. It will close on Sunday on an amazing carnival and fireworks.

* Jermyn Street still is the gentlemen’s street and will, this Saturday turn particulary festive with a street party dedicated to the British style: demos presentating those geniuses tailoring the accessories, catwalk, lessons of refinement with butlers, dance lessons with the Ritz… Children are very welcome and there will be delicious treats to eat along the way.

* If you do not know Dan Hillier yet, rush to discover his refined and enigmatic drawings.

* Don’t you like china with a touch of cheerful crazyness?

* Abracadabra!

* It’s game season! The edible one, I mean.

* Dance finds inspiration in mangas.

* Visit the Olympic Park for free.

Pssst: Seafood lover? The Botanist will open a pop-up from Sept 16-18. Native Oysters, langoustines, Dorset crab will all be on the menu. bring the holiday feeling back and book a table quickly!