Food

LDNBloggersTea | Champagne Tea At The Lancaster

December 17, 2014 by admin 17 Comments

Although the custom of drinking tea dates back to the third millennium BC in China, it has now become the quintessential of English traditions. In keeping with British traditions a Canadian and American expat have now taken on the tradition with both hands in organising meetup sessions for bloggers to network on not just a brew but rather fancy Champagne afternoon tea sessions. Selena at Oh the Places and Melanie from Sunny In London have been bringing together bloggers from across the city and outer counties to meet and mingle in some of the most prestigious of locations. You may have read about my previous session for the London Bloggers Tea at Milestone Hotel in Kensington.

For this meetup we were at that the Lancaster Hotel. Beautifully located with views of Hyde Park’s Italian Gardens. They certainly didn’t hold back in treating the bloggers like little super stars from arranging a paparazzi style entrance for the bloggers to keeping the Laurent Perrier Champagne flowing throughout the evening. The last meet up before the end of the year which also had a very festive and Christmas theme to it but all so elegantly presented. Below are some of the pictures from the afternoon tea. I have also listed some of the bloggers blog posts at the bottom if you want to check out more pictures from the evening.

Jacintha from Urban Pixxels with her prize from the evening.

Amsterdam’s Best Food Experience You Must Try | High Wine At The Dylan

December 12, 2014 by admin 9 Comments

In my last post I shared with you pictures from the anniversary celebrations that involved touring Amsterdam while indulging in all the delightful foods the city has to offer while doing the Amsterdam Food Tour. Well, the anniversary weekend celebrations continued the theme around food as we ramped up the romance. This time were headed to The Dylan Hotel. They do a High Wine experience which as you may have guessed was born from its relationship to high tea experience.

I have tried many an afternoon or high tea experiences, they don’t know compare. This is on its own level. Dylan Hotel is housed in a townhouse with a rich history and located on one of the most famous areas of Amsterdam; Nine Streets. A fashionable and unique shopping district with a mix of designer boutiques, from vintage to modern fashion, chic little cafes and restaurants in what is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Quite befitting of a place to house a stylish and luxury hotel that is the Dylan.

On this evening we were set for an evening of fine dining with courses perfectly paired with wines from around the world; decadent and simply delicious. The room; high ceiling, dark with low lighting, blazing fire place, mahogany floors and silk floor to ceiling drapes with a love seat on either side of the fireplace creating an ambiance of pure sophistication with romance at the forefront.

If no one was looking I would have probably dived into the love seat in excitement but dug deep and found composure. We were seated by the fire place, soon after told about what the courses were going to be and what the High Wine experience entails.

I was really impressed by all the waiters who were oozing with pride(rightly so) over the food that was being served and took the time tell us about the seasonal and locally sourced ingredients and the indulgently paired wines to each of the courses. Taking the time to help us note even the subtle taste and aromas in the wine to compliment the depth of the flavours in each of the dishes.

I have seriously never tasted wines so good nor have I experienced high-quality services on this level – Yes this surpassed my visit to 7 star Burj Al Arab or my enjoyable feast 500 meters above sea level in Hong Kong’s Ritz.

The food is served from The Dylan’s Michelin-starred restaurant Vinkeles, so I had high expectations. They delivered and had me and my boyfriend speechless and giggling like school kids at just the pure delight of feasting through one of THE best meals I have had, in as long as I can remember. If there is any high one must experience in Amsterdam its the High Wine Experiences in the heart of Nine Streets.

With Christmas approaching a High Wine experience would make the perfect gift for anyone that loves great food and fine wine – and it doesn’t break the bank either. Major PLUS! After indulging in amazing food and wine pairings that took us around the world, all in one evening, we took to the canals. With darkness hitting the streets early on during this time of the year, the bridges around the canals come alive when the tunnels are beautifully lit up creating just the right ambiance for romantic evening strolls.

Celeriac salad with walnuts, apple and poached chicken breast paired with French wine, Mas des Bressades ‘Cuvee Tradition’, Costières de Nîmes, France

Sautéed codfish with pearl barley“risotto”, pumpkin, tomato and a creamy young garlic sauce. Paired with a South African wine, Joostenberg ‘Family Blend’, Paarl.

Black Angus bavette, fries, French bean salad and Béarnaise sauce. Paired with Domaine Chapoton, Cotes du Rhone from France

Époisses Cheese with Ras el Hanout. Paired with Blandy’s, Alvada 5 Years Old from Madeira, Portugal

The Suite Life | Where To Stay

With high-quality service, a High Wine Experience like no other all housed in the fashionable district of Amsterdam why would you lay your head elsewhere. In addition to the divine food with exceptional service on offer The Dylan Hotel, a small luxury hotel, spots 40 rooms, 16 of which are sumptuous individually designed suites. Some of which have views of the canals. For a full list of places to stay in Amsterdam for all bugets, check out this list of hotels in Amsterdam.

So have you experienced High Wine dining experience before?

The Best Amsterdam Food Tours | City Exploring Through Dutch Food

December 5, 2014 by admin 22 Comments

If you ever want to explore a city through its food and sights, the best way to kill two birds with one stone is to do so a food walking tour. We did just that during one of our visits to Amsterdam.

Exploring the Dutch capital by way of Eating Amsterdam food tours, and through that checking out Amsterdam food, passing through Jordaan district food stops, our food walking tour was also combined with a canal cruise checking out more of Amsterdam’s tourist sights. I don’t believe our tour passed through the red light district but we walked by afterward on our own.

Our Amsterdam weekend break was specifically planned around the best Amsterdam food tour and below I will take you on a journey of Amsterdam food and canal tour.

My dreams of travel extend far into many corners of this big ‘ol world. There is one particular place I have been dreaming about for the last two years.

Suriname, a country that lies in the northern-eastern of the Atlantic coast of South America. My daydreams are filled with pictures of pristine sandy beaches, coconut drinks, drank straight from the coconut itself and food full of exotic flavours that send me into an unbounded spiral of wanderlust.

To my surprise I had no idea the trip to Amsterdam a few weeks ago to celebrate 2 years together with a cuddly ginger would have me sampling authentic Surinamese food in the heart of Amsterdam.

Not so far out of the ordinary as the Dutch colonised Suriname. With many places they travelled, they returned with food rich in flavour that even today will leave dinners speechless as they quietly devour each intoxicatingly flavoured bites.

You can explore Amsterdam through locals favourite food tours, tasting not only dutch food but those from out parts of the world, from cheese tasting to fresh seafood, Dutch beers and through these guided tours you feel a little closer to the city than just visitor passing through.

So if you want to get a deeper experience of the city, I would highly recommend one of the many Amsterdam food tours and below I will take you through some of the best Amsterdam food tours.

Also see:

The Best Amsterdam Food Tours | City Exploring Through Dutch Food

🧀 Where to Eat in Amsterdam: Your Ultimate Food Tour Guide

Amsterdam is a dream destination for food lovers — think stroopwafels, Dutch cheeses, Indonesian rijsttafel, and canal-side cafés. Whether you’re a street food sampler or a fine dining enthusiast, a food tour is the best way to taste your way through the city. Here’s how to choose the right one and book smart.

🥘 Find the Best Amsterdam Food Tour Guide

If you’re short on time or just want a local expert to lead the way, start with the best Amsterdam food tour guide options on platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator. Look for tours that include historic neighborhoods like Jordaan, De Pijp, or the 9 Streets for the most immersive experience.

🍴 Where to Eat on a Foodie Walking Tour in Amsterdam

On most walking tours, you’ll stop at 6–8 eateries. Don’t miss:

Fresh herring from street stalls
Gouda tastings in cheese shops
Poffertjes (mini pancakes) at local cafés
Indonesian or Surinamese bites in multicultural districts
These are just a few highlights from the where to eat on a foodie walking tour Amsterdam guide list.

🧺 Try a Food Market Tour

For a more immersive (and Instagrammable) experience, book an Amsterdam food market tour. Neighborhood gems like Albert Cuypmarkt and Foodhallen offer everything from Dutch classics to international street food — often paired with beer or wine tastings.

💳 Save with Netherlands Food Tour Deals

Many tour platforms offer limited-time Netherlands food tour deals, especially when booking in advance or bundling multiple experiences. Look out for seasonal promos, group discounts, and add-ons like museum entry or canal cruises.

amsterdam jordaan district food walking tour

Eating Amsterdam Food Tours

We only planned a weekend in the Amsterdam but were looking for the best way to maximise the time we had and see as much of the city without spending the whole weekend reading guide books. I then remembered I had been invited to join the Eating Amsterdam Food Tour. It was a no-brainer! I paid for another spot on the tour and it was all sorted! Straight from Schiphol Airport into a cab to arrive at Papeneiland Cafe to meet Chris, our tour guide on the Amsterdam Food Tour. For tips on creating your own version of a food tour around Amsterdam check out A World In Reach.

We arrived at the cafe that serves up one of the BEST apple pies my taste buds have ever had the pleasure of making connections with. This place is so good that Bill Clinton himself sent them a letter thanking them for the apple pie that no doubt added an extra 5 years of food lusting expeditions to my life. This place has so much history, but once I tasted the apple pie, Chris’s voice faded out and I was at one with my slice of apple pie…

walking food tour amsterdam | The Best Amsterdam Food Tours | City Exploring Through Dutch Food

tour amsterdam - hungry birds food tour amsterdam | The Best Amsterdam Food Tours | City Exploring Through Dutch Food

Amsterdam Tours| Foods To Try In Amsterdam

From there on the group on the tour tasted flavours from Suriname by way of the Pom sandwich. A sandwich made with sauteed chicken pieces with grated pomtajer mixed in with of other spices. With each stop on the tour, we had stories of the origins of the food, the surroundings in the city and how it evolved.

We also stopped by a fish and chip shop in Jordaan food district that served pickled herring. For someone that hates anything pickled, I had been converted! I must not have hidden my delight so well as a lady walking out of the shop whispered to me ” It’s also very good for your insides too and the oil in the fish too is good for your skin”. By the way for tips on exploring Jordaan District, check out the post by an Engineer On Tour.

I might have to go back to Amsterdam and buy me a few tabs of it in that case. We also stopped by a licorice store and tasted some of the sweet and salty licorice that every Dutch lives by. This is one of the best Amsterdam food tours but for more on foods to try in the Amsterdam, check out Bruna’s guide of the typical Dutch food to try when in Amsterdam.

Our Walking Food Tour Included An Amsterdam Food and Canal Tour

Our walking food tour of Amsterdam passed by Anne Frank’s house as we walked towards the canals where our private tour boat was waiting, our combined Amsterdam food and canal tour. Taking the food tour to the waters didn’t mean the food stopped, it now meant we could wind down the waterways and take in the city while sipping champagne, Dutch beers and tasting fine cheese and more of Amsterdam’s great food on offer. It turned out we were not the only ones on a celebratory weekend, there was another couple on the boat on their honeymoon who had also done the eating Prague tours, the Czech version of the tour while doing the European tour for their honeymoon.

How fitting that our tour was also passing through the “Magere Brug” aka the skinny bridge. There is a belief that if you kiss while passing under this bridge you and your partner will stay together happily ever after. Right as the skipper took us under, you know that all the couples on the boat puckered up and smooched as we passed under the bridge….

dutch food - amsterdam food | The Best Amsterdam Food Tours | City Exploring Through Dutch Food

Great Food And Good Company On Amsterdam Tours

This is definitely one of the best food tours I have done and was such a great way to see the Amsterdam city and eat through the districts at the same time, all the while learning more about Amsterdam and Netherlands in general. This was my gift to my boyfriends and he still singing its praise. Even as Londoner I have been on the Eating London Food Tour. I would highly recommend these tours as you not only learn about the food int he city but little bout the history too.

I love the idea of gifting loved ones moments to cherish than things. Whether visiting London, Rome, Prague or Amsterdam. You can also take kids on theses tours too if you want to make it a family day out. We took the Jordaan Food and Canals Tour, but they also offer one that doesn’t include the boat ride. I believe they are also offering 20% discount if you sign up for their newsletter, so get in fast! Below are some of the pictures I managed to take in between mowing through tasty bites of heavenly delights. Enjoy!…

Top 10 Of The Best Amsterdam Food Tours | Amsterdam Delicious Food Tours

There are plenty of great food tours to check out in Amsterdam city while exploring not only the districts like Jordaan but there are some that also pass by the Red Light District. You and also do the Amsterdam Jordaan district food walking tour and explore top sights in Jordaan like Anne Frank House, Houseboat Museum, Lindengracht Markt. What better way to explore the city than sample bites through Amsterdam delicious food tours. There is also a variety where you also have a choice to do a vegetarian food tour in Amsterdam if you are not a meat eater. Below gives you both options.

A Taste of Amsterdam – A Food and Drink Tour – A 2.5-hour tour sampling Dutch food and drink.
Private Food Tour With A local – A 2.5-hour tour tasting the best Dutch in hidden gems only known by locals.
Vegan Food Tour in Amsterdam – A 3-hour unique walking tour sampling the most delicious vegan food in Amsterdam.
Private Food and Coffee Shop Tour – A 2.5-hour tour learning about the food and coffee shop culture in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Markets and Food Tour – A 2-hour exploring local markets in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Jordaan Food Tours – A 4-hour walking tour in the historical Jordaan district.
Private Amsterdam Red Light District Food Tour – A 2-hour private tour to experience Amsterdam’s notorious Red Light District.
Private Off The Beaten Track Food Tour In Amsterdam – A 3-hour tour exploring the ethnically diverse neighbourhoods of Amsterdam like the Caribbean and Turkish neighbourhoods.
Amsterdam Coffee Shop Cultures and Local Foods Tour – A 2-hour Amsterdam walking tour exploring the city’s coffee shop culture.
Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise Food and Drinks Tour – A 4-course dinner cooked on board while you cruise around Amsterdam’s canal.

Find A Place To Stay In Amsterdam

Booking.com

Dutch Food | The Best Amsterdam Food Tours | City Exploring Through Dutch Food

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B Street Deli – London Cafe Gems

December 3, 2014 by admin 4 Comments

I am sure you
have heard that old saying that someone drinking so much that they could
put a brewery out of business. Well, Alcohol is not really my thing even though I
love a glass of wine occasionally. When it comes to tea, I could certainly put Twinnings
out of business. That’s how much I love my tea. My kitchen features teas from
around the world. I have fresh tea leaves from Egypt to Hong Kong, the USA and other corners of the world,
from fruit infusions to the spicy and aromatics teas and from fragrant blends to
light scented herbals. This also includes teas from the good old brews brought
from my nearby supermarkets. I guess you can tell just how serious this is.

I am forever
searching for independent cafes that not only give me a nice cup of the good
stuff, but in doing so I get more of an experience with my tea tradition. Now, I
am about to reveal a little secret so be sure not blast this to the whole world
as I would like to keep this place to myself(Lets keep this between us, just you and I). On the other hand as much as I want to
keep it to myself, I also want to people to be able to experience this little
gem tacked away under the glare of the Shard that towers above the street
that hides the B street Deli. See that? Its even named after me!

With matured
reclaimed wooden counters, low lighting, copper accents that hangs above decorate the
ceiling, walls covered in remnant reminders of sacks used to transport the finest Colombian
coffee all the way to the British Isles. A beautiful Renaissance portrait mural painted on the wall so prominently, it greets you on entry. I love that the cafe brews the teas
according to the best temperature for each particular you choose. Each tea has a
specific temperature its best brewed at, this will allow it to produce the best
flavours out of the tea and release those tasty little notes for full flavour
and fragrance. The attention to detail doesn’t stop there, the tea is
presented to you on little black trays with your own clear tea pot and
handle-free glass so you can set both hands on that little gem to inhale the fragrant
brew before tasting the much flavourful scents of your chosen tea. This place
is tacked away behind London Bridge but not so hidden that you can miss it. I
also love the fact that you also have many options here with a variety of coffees
and wines with a good cheese board if you are in the mood for something cooler. I have also indulged in some of their other eateries too. The cheese selection is to die for! So, there you have it, one of my little London gem and favourite little cafes. Free
from crowds too, allowing for much needed moments of relaxation in this ever
bustling metropolis that is London.

Sunday Brunch In Amsterdam

November 2, 2014 by admin 5 Comments

Apparently you haven’t experienced the city until you have really explored it on a bicycle. Well on this particular Sunday we had no intention of over working ourselves. Don’t fret though I am back in Amsterdam next month with enough time to go Dutch – cycling on the Dutchies that is. On this visit with a little time on our hands we made a short stop over in in the capital for a visit.

More precisely, the Mr and I ventured out into the city for a Sunday brunch in Amsterdam. Amsterdam can be pretty busy and sometimes a tad too crowded for my liking. If you want a quite moment with a loved one, its quite easy to find a spot in the backstreets, and so we did. After strolling through the quite parts of the city and admiring the many spots of Street art, cutely parked bikes and strange combination of shops built into churches that also sell pot was rather amusing. Yep! I was somewhat puzzled too.

Long strolls in Dutch lanes and passageways and we soon settled our eyes on De Drie Graefjes, a cute little cafe off Dam Square. Small with a cosy feel to it, a spectacular array of cakes to accompany any tea was just what the doctor ordered this on this bright Sunday morning. They have one of the most amazing cheese cakes I have ever tested. Just right, not too sweet and not too rich. Just perfect! You should also try their aromatic mint tea, served with real mint and not the dried cheap kind either.

….Nothing more I could ask for than endless tea and coffee cups sipped over one to one conversation… The perfect Sunday brunch in a beautiful sunny Amsterdam. Can you think of a better way to spend a Sunday?

Where to stay in Amsterdam: We stayed at Amadi Park Hotel located near Leipseplein. You can walk to the Rijksmuseum, The Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum in minutes, and the Vondelpark is right around the corner. With a rental bike or public transport, you can easily and quickly reach sights that are a bit further away. For a wide selection of hotels in Amsterdam check out booking.com.

Amsterdam Canals and bikes - Amsterdam Central

Amsterdam Central Back Streets - BIKES AND CANALS

Amsterdam Debijenkorf - bikes, canals, boats, central station

Dam Square - Amsterdam central, Amsterdam Palace

Dam Square - Amsterdam central, Magna Plaza

The Witchery in Edinburgh | Fine Dining In The Secret Garden by The Castle

August 28, 2014 by admin 46 Comments

The Witchery by the Castle - Witchery in Edinburgh secret garden

My weekend escape to Edinburgh was filled with long walks around a town that oozes atmosphere and sophistication in its mystery from history inherited. This is in addition to checking out The Witchery in Edinburgh, a hidden gem that is a must when you visit Edinburgh. I love a unique dining experience and have sometimes traveled miles just for the indulgence. Check out my dining experience on Spitbank Fort – a man-made island on the Solent.

Living in London, one of the world’s most popular cities, when it comes to food, you can get pretty much anything. This applies to Edinburgh too. On this occasion, I didn’t want the usual eatery I could find any and everywhere. I had my eyes firmly locked on one place; The Witchery By The Castle. I guess you can say I was bewitched from the moment I found out about it.

Dining At The Witchery Secret Garden

The Food at the Witchery in Edinburgh

You may have seen me post a sneak peek of The Witchery by the Castle on my Facebook. Situated in in the heart of the Royal Mile, with the Edinburgh Castle for its neighbour. It’s no surprise the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Cameron Macintosh, two gurus from the theatre industry have frequented the legendary food served up in The Witchery’s Secret Garden restaurant. Accessed via a tiny passageway leading to a small courtyard.

It’s an escape from the busy streets on the Royal Mile that perch on its doorstep. The Secret Garden holds on to its charm long after its opening in 1989. You enter via a pulpit reception and descend the stone stairs that reveals a secluded terrace. Entirely lit by candles, dark wood paneling, beamed ceiling, luxurious tables beautifully decorated with flowers and candles creating the perfect ambiance for a magical and romantic setting. Whether you have a day or 2 days in Edinburgh, this is one place not to be missed.

the Witchery in Edinburgh - The Witchery by the Castle

The Witchery By The Castle’s Secret Garden Restaurant

The Secret Garden allows you take a break from immersing yourself in Scottish history and culture to see another side of the city through its food! Impeccable food locally sourced and you can tell its cooked with love because it tastes so damn good. If you are a foodie then this is definitely a spot you have to stop by. My personal recommendation; The Lamb Wellington, a pastry baked lamb loin stuffed with wild mushroom and chicken mousse wrapped in Serrano ham. Smoked aubergine pureé, served up with spring greens is just party central in the mouth!

It was so good I wanted a second helping but at £60, I thought I would leave room for the dessert that promised to have me licking the plate too. There is also a set menu as well that won’t have your bank manager calling to check if all your marbles are still intact. I was also brave enough to try the Haggis – forgetting for a moment what its really made of. The food was flavourful with fine wine from a weighty book of world-class wines. The service is great, but because it’s so popular the tables have a 2-hour limit.

Witchery in Edinburgh - The Witchery by the Castle

The Witchery Edinburgh Secret Garden Food Review

Though not the most inexpensive of places, if you are in the city and need a real treat or you want to take your partner for a special dining experience this is the place to be. That goes for the ladies too, you can take your boyfriend or husband instead of waiting for them to do it. It is 2014 after all! Your pocket may not thank me, but your taste buds will be doing the happy happy joy joy dance, that the bill would have been worth the dance.

Below are some of the shots taken while the man was in mid-bite and hypnotized by the food that he couldn’t object to my Nikon lens salivating over the feast. Enjoy! For more on what to eat in Edinburgh, check out the post by blogger of With Husband In Tow.

the witchery edinburgh restaurant review

The Witchery In Edinburgh Dress Code

Although a relaxed and inviting place, it seems a place for smart casual. We didn’t dress up to the nines but we a little smart than when we dined at the Witchery in Edinburgh. I don’t think they expect you in black tie but it’s not the place to turn up in trainers either. I really wish I had taken pictures of what we wore to give you an idea of The Witchery in Edinburgh’s Dress Code but you can see what people are wearing in the images on the post just to give you more of an idea.

The Witchery by the Castle - Edinburgh - the witchery edinburgh restaurant review

The Witchery In Edinburgh Menu

There are several menus to chose from at the Witchery. This gives you an idea of prices depending on whether you are dining at The Witchery In Edinburgh at lunchtime, in for afternoon tea, or part of the theatre supper or dining a la carte. Prices range from £38 per person to about £80 for the a la carte. From memory, I think we paid about £160 for two people and it was worth every penny and the wine list is every bit as amazing as the food, although on this occasion we couldn’t afford some of the bottles of wine that fetch in excess of £6,000, yes you read that right! Menus for the dining options mentioned above can be found on The Witchery in Edinburgh menu section of the site here.

The Witchery by the Castle - Edinburgh -the witchery edinburgh restaurant

Witchery in Edinburgh - Fine Dining in Edinburgh

The Witchery by the Castle - Edinburgh - the witchery edinburgh secret garden

Staying At The Witchery by the Castle

The Witchery by the Castle also has a hotel so you can enjoy fine dining and retreat to the beautiful rooms. The rooms are beautifully furnished suites display gothic touches, with large oak beds and 4-posters, velvet-lined walls and flamboyant red and gold décor indicative of the style.

Each of The Witchery’s 9 suites is different, but walk-in dressing rooms. Some rooms overlook Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, looking down towards Princes Street, or across to the old town. The Witchery’s seductive glamour has caught the attention of The Times, The Telegraph and Condé Nast Traveller, and many celebrity fans have enjoyed its suites. You can search for additional hotels in Edinburgh below.

Where to stay Hotels in Edinburgh

There are several options for accommodation in Edinburgh.

For hotels in the Royal Mile check out: Holiday Inn, Radisson Collection Hotel, Jurys Inn, Hilton Carlton and The Scotsman.
For mid-range and budget end hotels on the Royal Mile check out: Stay Central Hotel, Grassmarket Hotel, The Inn Place, Ibis Hotel and Mercure Hotel.
You also have hostels in Edinburgh as well as many rental apartments in Edinburgh in great locations of the city allowing you to explore the city without and still feel at home away from home.

More on Edinburgh and UK:

Also see: The Telegraph’s review of The Witchery.

Cafe 103 | High Tea At The Ritz Carlton Hotel In Hong Kong

July 11, 2014 by admin 33 Comments

Hong Kong: Lunch Date at Ritz Carlton CAFE 101

I shared with recently my visual diary of my visit to Hong Kong, from exploring Kowloon and Hong Kong Island as well as experiencing Hong Kong’s famous Symphony of Lights on Victoria Harbor. I also managed to squeeze in a day trip from Hong Kong to visit Big Buddha on Lantau Island, this is where you will find Big Buddha perched on a mountain. I was in the city to see a friend of mine get married but while I was there I took the time to explore as I was flying solo on this trip. A few days after the wedding I caught up with the bride and groom for afternoon tea in the beautiful Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Stepping out of the car at the hotel you are immediately drenched in stunning views of the Victoria Harbor. Tittering quickly out of the humidity of the city to seek refuge in the hoteair-conditionedoned surroundings. Beautiful and elegantly decorated, Cafe 103, sits on the 103rd floor of the Ritz Carlton. Ritz Carlton is in the International Commerce Centre(ICC) tower and occupies floors 102 to 118. Arriving early I was shown to the table. At this point, I am now 490 meters above sea leave with truly phenomenal views of the city and coastline of Hong Kong and beyond.

Cafe 103 | High Tea At The Ritz Carlton Hotel In Hong Kong

Views To Get Lost In Conversation…

After getting lost in conversation it was crunch time. Mouth-watering and tantalizing culinary delights of pure craftsmanship that it was almost sinful to devour. If you happen to find yourself in Kowloon and after eating your way through the food district do not forget to extend that eating to the Ritz Carlton for High Tea. An exquisite array of choice of food, after tiring of savoring the luxurious selection it was time to tuck in! Hong Kong was fastly turning into a memorable trip. Lunching to views of a bustling Hong Kong in the ICC tower, the world’s 7th tallest building and one known for the largest light and sound show on a single building. My sea-view room at the Marriott sat almost directly across Hong Kong Island so I was in full view of the ICC light show that happened every evening. I could stay and marvel at the views forever but it was time to do more exploring…

A Stay At The Ritz Carlton

If sampling High Tea at Ritz Carlton is not enough then you definitely need to add a stay here. The Ritz-Carlton is the tallest hotel in the world with Luxurious hotel rooms and suites offering a restful and restorative experience enhanced by spectacular panoramic views.This 5-star luxury offers 312 guest units, all set with breathtaking views of Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong Island. With all this why wouldn’t you want to stay at Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong? For a wider selection of hotels in the city your perfect stay via this list of Hong Kong hotels covering both luxury and budget hotels in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong: Lunch Date at Ritz Carlton HK

See that tunnel down below? – That’s what connects Kowloon to Hong Kong Island(apart from the ferries, that is.)

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So have you experienced a stay or high tea at Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong?

Spitbank Fort Sunday Lunch In the Middle Of The Sea

May 8, 2014 by admin 32 Comments

A day trip for a Spitbank For Sunday lunch is a must when checking out Portsmouth. The shores of Southsea on Portsea Island can be somewhat chameleonic. Being part of the UK it does not escape from the ever-changing weather, its the transporting views on a beautiful coastline that stretches of for miles that I immediately fell in love with back in 2003. I guess you can say it was love at first sight. The following year I moved to Portsmouth on Portsea Island, South coast of England.

On long summer days, I could easily spend the day out on the seafront watching sailboats play catch with the wind, ferries transporting islanders to Calais in France or watch cruise liners pass through with passengers hoping for a short break from cabin fever. The beauty that comes with living so close to the seaside and a break from the concrete jungle of London life is what inspired the move to Portsmouth. On this weekend, we were heading out for a Spitbank Fort day trip.

Spitbank Fort Sunday Lunch In the Middle of the Sea | Spitbank Fort | how far is spitbank fort from portsmouth

Spitbank Fort | how far is spitbank fort from portsmouth

Spitbank Fort Sunday Lunch In the Middle of the Sea

Day Trip For Spitbank Fort Sunday Lunch

My visit back to Portsmouth this time was for a Spitbank Fort Sunday lunch date which is not far from Portsmouth. Not many people know about this place. On the coastline of Portsea Island lies the secrets of The Solent. I got to spend the day exploring one of the secrets. Spitbank Fort is one of four forts that was originally constructed to defend the British from Napoleon’s army in the 18th century.

Days of fighting have long gone and these abandoned forts have now been renovated, with one turned into a museum, one is solely owned, with the other two turned into luxury hotels. One of which is the Spitbank Fort and the other twice as big, opening its doors this Autumn. This beautiful man-made island caters to many events as well from Spitbank Fort afternoon teas, lunch to having a Spitbank Fort wedding or weekend stay. For Spitbank Fort room rates, rooms and hotels in near Spitbank Fort click here.

For those wondering just how Spitbank Fort is from Portsmouth. One can only get to the forts by Spitbank Fort boat, so transportation was from the Royal Clarence Marina on Gosport. Floating passed the beautiful Spinnaker tower and sailors no doubt testing out their boats in readiness for Cowes week this coming summer. With a tricky entry onto the fort due to rough seas, on arrival, we were met with glasses of wine and canapes.

Then a tour of the fort with a little historical detail of the living conditions of the soldiers that guarded the seas within the fort. You cannot help but admire the old generation for building such a fantastic structure in the sea, with the little the technology they had compared to what we can achieve today, and it still stands today. There is so much history within the walls.

Spitbank Fort Activities and Sunday Lunch

Touring Spitbank Fort and watching ferries and speedboats sail passed we had worked up an appetite, so it was time to retreat to the dining room for Spitbank Fort lunch served with a side of Spit water! An interesting name for sure, but I assure you it’s not literal. There is a spring running 401 feet beneath the fort so you can quench your thirst with Spitbank (shortened to Spit) water, freshly bottled on site too. With conversations effortlessly flowing with other guests at the table and dessert beautifully caressing each and every taste bud, you could be forgiven for your mind drifting off into a dreamy state filled with all things sweet and nice.

Spitbank Fort was beautifully transformed from a neglected sea fort to one that has a luxurious coziness to it with a mix of a nautical theme and some original furniture items for its hay day. A relaxing lounge, recreation room, outdoor heated pool with stunning sea views, a fire pit to cozy up to and a bar to toast the night away you would wish never to leave the fort.

After much needed Sunday rest and relaxation on Spitbank Fort, it was time to head home and leave the overnight guest to enjoy their humble aboard. The secret is now out of the bag. If you have not head of the forts on The Solent then you need get your fingers busy on Google so you can get you and your special someone over to Spitbank Fort stat! You will thank me for it. In the meantime some pictures from my exploration of the fort…

Spitbank Fort Rooms and Rates

This is one luxurious island hotel. Surrounded by peace and quiet on the Solent as you wake up to beautiful views. There are only 8 rooms so if you want to stay on Spotbank Fort, make sure you are booking well in advance is advisable. For Spitbank Fort rates, reviews and Spitbank Fort special offers check out Expedia.

Spitbank Fort Afternoon Tea In the Middle of the Sea | Spitbank Fort | how far is spitbank fort from portsmouth

Spitbank Fort Afternoon | Spitbank Fort | how far is spitbank fort from portsmouth

Spitbank Fort menu | lunch on spitbank fort

Spitbank Fort Sunday Lunch In the Middle of the Sea | Spitbank Fort menu | lunch on spitbank fort

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Spitbank Fort Sunday Lunch In the Middle of the Sea | spitbank fort day trip

Spitbank Fort Sunday Lunch In the Middle of the Sea | spitbank fort portsmouth

spitbank fort day trip | how to get to spitbank fort

Spitbank Fort Hotel | Sunday Lunch In the Middle of the Sea

Booking a hotel stay on the fort.

Staying on the Forts. You can book a stay at the Fort as well as look at hotels near and surroundingPortsmouth.

Rest and relaxation with panoramic sea views await you… So have you heard about the luxury forts on The Solent before?

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Look Mum No Hands! London Cafe Hopping

March 22, 2014 by admin 27 Comments

I recently wrote about my hunt for a new ride. In my hunt I have taken the search back to my roots. When I say “roots” I use that lightly in that I went to college in Clerkenwell Road which is a just around the corner from the bike hunting ground. I heard about a bike shop that does beautiful bespoke bikes, imported from none other than where the dutchies come from. I have put my name down for a red 3-5 speed bike.

Another plus side to this place, The Bicycle Man to be exact, is that it does the Cycle to Work Scheme. So providing the bike comes under £1000 total including accessories then its all mine! My search of course was sweetened by one of my favourite cafes. Look Mum No Hands sits in the heart of Clerkenwell area in one of London’s fashionable postcodes. I could hang out here for hours. I normally bring my laptop with me and either catch up on some work, blog or just enjoy the relaxed and hip atmosphere with one of their cappuccinos.

Look Mum No Hands is not just any cafe, it has a bicycle repair shop attached to it. You can tell where the name comes from by just looking at the theme of the decor. Which is perfectly fitting with my search for a new bike. This places just goes to prove at how explosively creative our coffee culture has become in London. We are slowly moving away from the usual popular cafes chains and rekindling our love for more independent with an authentic feel. It doesn’t come any better than Look Mum No Hands cafe. The cafe is a popular hangout spot for “two-wheels-good folk”. They have an outdoor courtyard which is beautiful on sunny days.

When I took the boyfriend on a Sunday afternoon for a late lunch, we combined food with a little bit of work as we brought laptops for a bit of programming session. Not unsual, as you will find many of London’s creative folk all typing away on their laptops or chilling with a book or buntering with friends. So whether you are into bikes or just love good food with a bit of a fun atmosphere then this place is for you.

You can also bring your kids too as it a place for young and old. Their food changes all the time and is absolutely delicious. You have to try their chicken and mushroom pie, or their salads, which by the way are filling on their own. I have also stopped by for their fruit smoothies. Natural goodness without any additional crap in the ingredients. There is plenty to choose from too. I love the chatter of the place and I return here when I can for a people-watching session and sink away in the background while sipping away on my coffee.

So what are your favourite coffee shops and what make them special?

Afternoon Tea On The Six

February 25, 2014 by admin 16 Comments

If you have not been to Newcastle then you have no idea what you are missing out on. It seems like its own little country as listening to the Geordie accent totally transports you. Well this past weekend I was literally transported from London to Newcastle. After mingling with travel bloggers and comparing notes over the weekend, Sunday was reserved for a much more relaxed affair. It couldn’t have come any better than an invitation to the Six Restaurant on the river banks of the Tyne. Perched up high on the sixth floor of the Baltic Centre of Contemporary Art. Think Tate Modern in London but this time with less of the sky scrapers to distract you from the endless river views. Mr Awesome and I had the best seats in town with views of the Millennium Bridge, Sage and the beautiful Tyne Bridge. If you read through my travel posts you will know how I go on about architecture so sipping English Breakfast and munching on delicious delights from the magicians in the Six’s kitchen, whilst marveling over magnificent engineering outside is heaven on both the lips and the eyes. Jazz music played softly in the background while sipping away, by far the best way to ease into the week. Not to mention being made to feel like royalty as they are so attentive when it comes to service, my idea of Sunday well spent.

Once we had satisfied our taste buds and let the attention go to our heads, it was time to fully explore the Baltic Centre from top to bottom not that you can miss the building on the river anyway. The building not only houses a diverse collection of contemporary arts but this is a place you can “experience art, learning about it and participating in it, BALTIC is a place where people are happy to meet, eat, shop..” It does not disappoint. You cannot miss out on this place when you visit Newcastle. The afternoon tea at the Six Restaurant is served up with Quayside views for only £14.95 per person and with a little cocktail or Champagne to liven things up is £20-23. Don’t say I don’t take you places. A word of warning for the guys taking the ladies to the Six, make sure to leave a sweet treat on the plate as you will need it to prize your lady from the powder room as she will more than likely be drooling over the wall to wall river views in the stunning the ladies room(see picture at the bottom).

I have a feeling I will be heading back to Newcastle very very soon…