We were “based” in London and, while we didn’t have endless days to explore, we DID get around!
We chose just the right hotel:
The Rockwell Hotel
It was convenient (tube stop: Earl’s Court). There were many good restaurants within easy walking distance (see below.) Our room(s) were lovely and comfortable. The staff was wonderful and so helpful. The courtyard garden in the rear was a perfect place to have breakfast.
Our first three nights we opted for a large room with terrace and it was just the right decision. Lovely lovely. Then we checked out (for our night in Sissinghurst) and checked back in to a smaller double; then I checked out again and left to visit Julie and returned for one night in a single. The hotel staff was very accommodating in all these comings and goings!
We had bought tickets to the Tate Modern exhibition of Matisse Cut-Outs
I had never been to the Tate Modern and am oh so glad I had bought tickets months ahead. Even the birch tree allée leading to the museum is wonderful; and the walk along the Thames Embankment is not to be missed. It was very low tide when we finally left the museum and lunch in the restaurant (that was a great Pimm’s Cup!) and the Sunday walk along the river was a great experience.
Needless to say, it is an exhibit to see. And, if you missed it in London you can see it in New York where it opens this week, October 12 and continues through February 8, 2015.
I also spent some time with another new friend,Doris, of
Diary of an Interior Novice
Doris is originally from Australia but she has settled permanently in London with her husband and young son. We met at the V&A: I had time to walk the galleries and have some lunch out in the garden area before meeting up with Doris who invited me to the
Wedding Dresses 1775-2014 Exhibition
We both loved looking at not only the historical evolution of the wedding dress, but also the details and textures and fabrics and designing of these ever-changing dresses. If you have a chance, I highly recommend the exhibit.
And now, on to food!
A few places to recommend:
Côte Brasserie
Among many yummies we had was that crepe up on the left. Can I say to die for?
And another French restaurant just by Earl’s Court:
The Little French Restaurant
The advertised price is £12.50 for a 3 course meal and this is T R U E. Cash only. I had Coq au Vin and it was respectable; the salad had very fresh greens; and Creme Brûlée was tasty. No, not a 4star meal, but for £12.50 I am not surprised it has become a neighborhood favorite!
And this was a very special Birthday Lunch:
Bar Boulud was our favorite! The staff was SO accommodating (we had to make last minute changes) and our light lunch was beyond good. For such a hyped name, this restaurant is almost down-home good and friendly. Highly recommend!
In general we found the food to be really good: much better than we expected, lots of variety in restaurants, and of course, the “tea everywhere” suited me perfectly.
