Breakfast at The Connaught

Over the last year I have shared some of my favourite breakfast stops within London and last Friday I stopped for breakfast in a venue that has been on my "Breakfast & Brunches" list. Fridays breakfast stop was at The Connaught - sister hotel to Claridges and The Berkeley and part of the Maybourne hotel group.

The Connaught sits in St Carlos place a short walk from Bond Street in the heart of Mayfair. Its a beautiful hotel steeped in old school classic glamour. Breakfast is served in the ESpelette which overlooks Tadao Ando's Silent water feature which is a calm tranquil pool offering haven to a family of ducks in the corner of the Mayfair village.
The revolving doors that you enter via lead you into a dark wood lobby, complete with sweeping staircase and a fireplace. The Maybourne group are renowned for their stunning floral displays within their hotel (here's a recent trip to The Berkeley) This weeks floral displays were glorious puffs of hydrangeas and peonies, perfect for the start of June...
Even the bathroom had its own hydrangea display along with a vanity units filled with delicious Dior treats.

I was seated alongside the window which offered a view of the square and I watched the world wake-up.
I opted for the full English which is a healthy option for me on Slimming world and thoroughly enjoyed it all.
The food was delicious and the service and ambience was impeccable. I loved my Friday fry-up treat in lovely surroundings.
The Connaught is a gorgeous hotel and I will definitely go back for another visit.... thank-you Connaught for making me feel welcome and special.

Breakfast treat in the Forest..

Sharing a recent breakfast treat in a forest on a roof in central London.... I am of course referring to Forest Restaurant on the Roof, sitting on the roof of Selfridges 400 Oxford Street. Forest is one of Des McDonalds ventures and features a menu inspired by British spring forests, including Suffolk lamb & rosemary stew, Baked Cornish brie and Chocolate forest & Honey cheesecake.
I have visited the restaurant pop-up previously when its been a Cornish seaside escape, an apres shopping winter Chalet and Forest follows a similar theme. Accessible by an express lift in the fragrance hall you are greeted by a little winter wonderland entrance leading onto the roof.

I had the first slot on a Saturday morning so got to enjoy un interrupted views of the rooftop.
I love the styling, especially the blanket throws on the backs of the chairs, perfect for laps or shoulders if its too chilly for you.

For breakfast I opted for Crumpet Benedict ... (eggs benedict on a home made crumpet) a small treat to celebrate loosing some weight, with coffee and a gorgeous pink grapefruit juice.
All were delicious and a perfect treat for a Saturday at my desk.

Before I headed back to my desk I spent some time on the drinks terrace, complete with warm winter huts. Perfect for an early morning coffee or hot toddies in the afternoon.
Although chilly it was a lovely bright morning and Forest is a lovely space to escape the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street life on a Saturday morning.
Another great little breakfast retreat in the city.

Christmas treat at Claridges

I know that it’s the middle of January but I am still working my way through my Christmas activities, I'm therefore giving myself until the 25^th of January to share my Christmas fun and then I'm blocking out February to share my New York adventures. As blogged last week Breakfast treats were my new thing for 2015 and my Christmas breakfast was indulged at the beautiful Claridges.

Having spent my birthday breakfast there, and had such I lovely time, I booked a return for the festive season.

Every year Claridges invites a  designer to create their Christmas tree for the season which takes pride of place within their lobby ; this year it was Christopher Bailey from Burberry that got the honours. With his unique creativity a Christmas tree of gold and silver umbrellas was unveiled early December.

Visiting Claridges on the Monday of Christmas week was special and due to the early time of my booking I felt like I was watching a unique little corner of Mayfair wake up. The team were as accommodating and friendly as on previous visits and it was the perfect way to start the week.

Claridges breakfast menu is huge and offers so many options it's hard to choose, however I opted for the English; accompanied by juice, toast and coffee. All beautifully presented and cooked to perfection. (any breakfast menu that has burford browns on them is a winner in my world)

Aside from the Umbrella Christmas tree, Claridges decorations were distinctly traditional and starred The Nutcracker. The outside canopy and wreaths along the wrought iron fence line all had varying sized Nutcracker dolls along with huge christmas trees, gold branches and red and gold baubles. Little woodland nutcracker christmas scenes nestled in glass pears on furniture, alcoves and the fireplace, creating magic and theatre in the most unexpected way, it really was a delight to see.

Claridges has become a Christmas must for me and one year I have promised myself a stay on Christmas Eve, until that time I will look forward to visiting in December for breakfast, dinner or tea. 
Thank-you Claridges for making my visit so lovely and kicking off my Christmas week in such fabulous style.

Here are my previous trips to this lovely establishment in Mayfair. Look forward to visiting again in 2016.

Breakfast in the Sky Garden

Last year Breakfast became my new 'must' for 2015 and I took pleasure in both what I ate at my desk and treats in and around London. I finished the year with 2 fabulous breakfast treats; one at Claridges Christmas week and then the other at the Sky Garden New Year's week.

I started 2015 visiting the Sky Garden and finished with a return visit. It became one of my go-to places in 2015 and I enjoyed seeing the seasons and skyline of London change over the year. The light and space is just glorious 38 floors above the London streets.

I have no doubt that Sky Garden will remain on my musts for 2016.

This visit I booked a slot at the Sky Pod bar which allowed me to arrive just after 7 to an empty Sky Garden, which was lovely and allowed for some quiet contemplation watching London wake-up. With it still being dark as I arrived it also allowed me to capture The Shard's festive light show in all its, white, green & red splendour.  

Sky Garden bar offers a range of breakfast pastries, juices, coffee and porridge for the early morning treats and I opted for porridge with berries and coffee whilst watching the sunrise. Both were delicious and as dawn broke and the sun began to rise it really was the most perfect way to start a work morning.

With a visit between Christmas and New Year, the garden was still festively decorated and I loved the pink decorative accessories; especially the optional hot water bottles and the splash of colour bought the space to life adding a cosiness to the seating areas.

For anyone visiting London I couldn't recommend this space more, especially as there is no charge to enter, something which takes the sky Garden head and shoulders above its competitors, but also allowing you to eat & drink in spaces bathed by glorious views. For further detail on how to book a slot visit Sky Garden.

More of my breakfast adventures can be found here.

Goodbye December....

Before we close our doors to 2015 and embark on a new adventure in 2016 its time to look back on my highlights from December. Spending the 1st week of the month in New York was just fabulous and was one of the best weeks that I had had there. (no week is anything other than great, but somehow this year was just fabulous)
The build up to Christmas was energetic, fast and full of fun things and will share more in January when the nights are long and cold and my diary is bare! Here's some of my instagram snaps from the month of favourite things.....
1. December Daily / Journal your Christmas - for the past 5 years I have documented and scrapbooked my December via prompts from the talented Shimelle; this year I am looking forward to doing the same and then crafting in the new year. Here is my album from 2014.
2. Duran Duran took to the stage at the O2 in December for an amazing gig where they absolutely rocked the roof off!..no Christmas songs, but lots of happy middle aged ladies!
3. Christmas songs - love getting the Christmas CD's and playlist on the ipod for trips in the car & tube.
4 & 5 Planning and wrapping are 2 of my christmas moments - every year a new theme; this year black, gold, silver & white. Loved this years themes.
6. Taylors 1st Christmas - boot filled with yellow bags and commuting to and from work singing along to Christmas tunes and decked with fairy lights!
7. Team night out involved Shake Shack and Somerset House for a night of Skate & Shack.
8. Christmas morning breakfast with Nans legendary sausage rolls.
9.Remembering loved ones passed during the festive season with holly wreaths and roses.

It wasn't just me that had lots of fun at Christmas - the kits had bundles of fun along with lazy sleeps too!
Fitz definitely the most inquisitive of the 2, or the one that got caught the most; whether sneaking kisses, exploring gift bags and even inside the tree he explored lots!  Darcy liked the holiday duvet lots and was often found asleep there or curled up with his brother on my lap or by the fire. He did find a parcel that he thought was his! With there own stocking from their fur buddies Jax & Roxy, they were not left out.

After much deliberation the Christmas tree went up late in T's terrace. From the many decorations that I have, I selected the black, gold, white and silver decorations to compliment my theme. I was really pleased with how it all came out.
The kits definitely seemed to like it and it was the first year with the kits that it remained upright for the holiday period!

Boxing Day was spent as in previous years at work. Driving into London, the streets were desolate until you hit the big department stores, were Q's snaked around the block.
Busy day all round and welcomed the sofa in the evening for a rest.

Early morning breakfast's in glorious surroundings were spent in December. Claridges in Christmas week was just magical and then the Sky Garden pre New Year watching the sun rise was equally as magical.
Detailed posts to follow.








As you can see December was busy and hard to believe how quick that it and 2015 have flown by. With the New Year approaching its time for a blog overhaul, with so much to share from Christmas I am going to keep the blog Christmassy until the 12th night when the decorations come down...
29 days ago I was standing in Times Square looking at the big silver ball that would drop on New Years Eve...

Birthday Treats ~ Breakfast at Claridges

This year for my birthday I decided to do something a little different and embarked on a day of treats in London.

My day started at the gorgeous hotel of Claridges for a birthday breakfast....having been for afternoon  tea and  christmas dinner, I knew that breakfast would be as lovely.

Fortunately my breakfast was a perfect summer's day and showcased the hotel in all its glorious splendour.

Sweeping through the legendary revolving doors into the gorgeous art deco lobby, a vision of glorious blue blooms from the hotel florists McQueen's showcased the areas beautifully.

I was led into the foyer and reading room where I was seated in a comfortable armchair for my breakfast. 

The breakfast menu is vast, and offers a huge array of choices from healthy through to indulgent... I opted for the english, consisting of  Burford brown eggs; fried, poached or scrambled, sweet cured bacon, Middlewhite sausage, grilled tomato, field mushroom,showcasing british produce at its finest.

My breakfast was absolutely delicious, accompanied with a gorgeous pot of coffee and freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice. Much to my embarrassment & delight after eating my breakfast I was presented with a birthday pastry complete with candle and birthday message.

I couldn't fault food, service or ambience during my visit to Claridges and had an amazing start to my birthday. As I was leaving I was handed a little green Claridges bag filled with treats - jams and a mug for my birthday, a lovely surprise and a gorgeous souvenir of my time in this stunning hotel. Claridges really is one of the best hotels in London and a perfect place to kick-start a day, especially if its your birthday.Thank-you Claridges & team for a lovely time, food, service and surroundings were perfect.

Breakfast 31 floors above London

Something that is firmly becoming a favourite of mine in London is breakfast in lovely locations, .....especially if they showcase the city as it wakens to a new day.
Last week during Chelsea Flower show week I grabbed breakfast 31 floors above the city at Aqua Shard. Its been on my list of things to do and I couldn't have picked a better morning to spend an hour watching the city wake up.

The elevator transports you up 31 floors in seconds and opens you up to a stunning floor to ceiling view of London. 

With a 7am booking, I really did feel like I was on top of London as it began to come alive for the day. The décor of Aqua Shard has a modernist gentleman lounge feel, complete with purple and liberty print seating with, its stylish & decadent glamour. Aqua showcases itself with lots of mirrors and without lots of high fixtures, thus creating an environment which is both secluded and private but also maximising the most of the view and light. With virtual panoramic views from the east to the west and north to south it is stunning.

The breakfast menu is varied and caters for all food requirements. If I wasn't hot footing it to work after, the breakfast cocktails looked delicious. An almond milk based cocktail with raspberries & chambord topped with kellogg's cornflakes. I opted for the English breakfast, which sourced all of its ingredients from the british isles; flavoursome and perfectly cooked, the perfect start to the day. 

As well as offering amazing views whilst dining and drinking, Aqua Shard also offers fabulous views whilst visiting the bathrooms. Obviously there is some privacy for certain moments, but I'm sure that there aren't many hand-washing facilities that offer views like these! During my visit Aqua Shard were showcasing a glorious floral display from their floral partner Mcqueens 

flowers celebrating Chelsea Flower Show week in London. The watering can waterfall of pinks & purples along with wheel barrows and crates of vintage flowers was just beautiful. The room was filled with the scent of the geraniums and jasmine along the pink & purple hues of wisteria, rhododendrons, lupins, and roses. stunningly beautiful.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Aqua Shard, and will definitely be returning ... highly recommended for a breakfast treat pre-work.

Up on the Roof...

Last week I spent a gorgeous morning eating breakfast and watching the sunrise over the London skyline at the new 'view' in town. - The Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street. (affectionately known as the 'walkie-talkie' building or controversially the 'walkie-scorchie' building after it started melting cars, all now fixed with its own sun shade).. The Sky Garden opened to the public earlier this month and booking can be made via their website.

The Sky Garden is only accessible via tickets, a number of free slots to level 35 daily, however these are currently fully booked for February & March. Sky Garden also offers 2 dining experiences along with the Sky Pod bar on level 35. The Sky pod bar is currently styled like a very urban apres ski winter retreat, with glorious fur throws, blankets, and lanterns... stunning against the London skyline.

Fenchurch Seafood Bar & Grill is on level 37... offering a very 'city' gent menu and dining experience.
Darwin Brasserie is located on level 36 a glorious mezzanine which offers stunning views onto the Thames and the sky garden below, offering a softer dining experience. I booked for breakfast, which allowed me access into the building early and the opportunity to explore the surroundings and soak up the atmosphere with very few others.

 Breakfast dining is one of my new favourites in London and is now a close second to Afternoon Tea treats. Sky Garden is now added to my London musts for this. Darwin is a 'rhubarb' venue and prides itself on using seasonal home grown ingredients. Here is a sample of the menu.

My breakfast was gorgeous, an English (opting out of the beans & black pudding), with coffee and grapefruit juice it was the perfect start to a Friday morning.
I had a table which offered fabulous views onto level 36 and out across the Thames and skyline. Darwin's team were delightful, and the service and food fabulous...

The Sky Garden's planting is a mix of Mediterranean and South African species, planted in waterfall banks alongside seating areas and sweeping staircases.

I can't put into words how glorious the light is in this building, It changes by the second, drawing your eye to something new.... stunning, a fabulous legacy left by the architect. 

Last year I blogged about 5 of my favourite ways to view London from above... well I think I've just added a 6th... Sky Garden is gorgeous and I am hoping to visit again this year, exploring the seasons and how the space changes throughout the day... 

London heights .... Duck & Waffle

This Saturday saw me jumping onto a 6am train and heading into London for some early morning breakfast. My chosen venue for such a early morning outing was Duck & Waffle, 40 story's above the city of London at the top of Heron Tower.

Booking a 6.30am breakfast slot on a Saturday morning, I expected to be dining alone, I was so wrong.... D&W is open 24hours, and a venue of choice for clubbers and early risers!. I had heard mixed reviews of Duck & Waffle, but decided to make my own opinions. The venue is 40 story's above London in the Bishopsgate area of the city, a stones throw from Liverpool Street station. The venue is a mix of urban warehouse, street & glamour, with grafitti'd walls, and chandeliers all complemented by amazing views. Accessed by a glass elevator with ascends London in less than a minute, its not for the faint hearted!

Seated in a corner overlooking East London, I watched the sun rise over the East, clearing the haze in the distant. The team were very polite, helpful and made you feel very comfortable. I opted for the full english, with coffee & grapefruit juice. A number of people around had the signature duck & waffle, .. maybe next time I will try.

A sign of a good breakfast for me is perfect eggs... having chosen poached this would be the test!... I had nothing to worry about, they were delicious, poached perfectly with golden runny yolks... delicious. 

With only a handful of tables covered, I was allowed to roam and take photographs from several views which just enhanced the experience. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my early morning breakfast at Duck & Waffle and have added it to my restaurants to return to list....  service, food and views were amazing for a Saturday morning.

Breakfast at the Wolseley

I've wanted to breakfast at the Wolseley for some time and fortunately this month I managed to tick it off my food to do list. On a cold damp Friday morning the Wolseley was a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.Every table was full with an eclectic mix of people, business men / women, tourists, actors and me! I recognised a number of people,but couldn't remember their names.

The Wolseley is world renowned for its breakfast and I wasn't disappointed, the menu caters for all tastes, including Full English, a full range of croissants and pastries and my favourite Egg & Soldiers!... I opted for Eggs Benedict which I love and it was delicious. Along with the coffee in its silver pot it was the perfect breakfast.
The Wolseley is old school glamour at its finest, from its heavy velvet curtains, sweeping staircases,and black wrought iron chandeliers. The white linen clothes, siver polished accompaniments and über tailored waiters add to the glamour of this establishment.

The service, food and atmosphere were superb and I can safely say this wont be the only visit I make to the Wolsley.