Angela

Hi there

I am heading to London tomorrow (Thursday) for the weekend. It is to celebrate my 30th birthday. It has been a VERY last minute decision (only decided and booked today), so I have not got as much planning time as I would like. We have only been to London once before (even though it is only a one hour flight from Belfast!)

We have booked to stay in the Mandarin Oriental.

I would like some ideas on places to eat and things to do.

Foodwise, we will need somewhere for Thurs, Fri and Sat night. Thursday is my actual birthday, and I would love something special for then. Perhaps one of Gordon Ramseys restaurants? Last time we were there we went to Angela Hartnett's and Jamie Olivers Fifteen. We are after something not too formal, good atmosphere and excellent food. I suppose if there is one 'must do' formal restaurant we would do it on the Thurs. Any ideas for somehting different? I read about Dans Le Noir, where you eat in darkness, has anyone tried here?

Last time we were there we fancied eating in the Oxo Tower, is it worthwhile? Also, is there a staircase to it, I hate lifts and couldnt find any stairs.

I also need advice on things to do. I really want to do the Tate Modern (has it still got the slide?), but to be honest we arent really interested in galleries and museums otherwise. I also want to do Madame Taussauds!! Any other unusual ideas? Also, any short day trips worth doing?

Lots of questions I know. I will spend today doing research and hopefully narrow down the questions a bit!

Thanks

Angela

ellene

Gordon Ramsay will be difficult on such short notice. Try Maze, if you cant get into claridges. The boxwood is near the Mandarin, but I dont think it is as good as his other options.

if you want a fun night out, try Lavant for great lebanese food and a belly dancer. Cafe Du Marche is also nice.

The food hall at Harrods, right near by is fun for lunch.

The slides are gone, from the tate modern, but there is the royal academy summer art fair, which is great. Also try the gowns exhibit at spencer house or kensington palace( i cant remember which one). They psycho buildings exhibit at the hayward gallery is fabulous. Read up about it, and go early. The lines get really long.

Taste of London is on this weekend, where a bunch of restaurants offer "tastes" of their signature dishes in Regents Park. You need to buy tix in advance.

Have fun

Angela

We were previously going to go to Paris and this is the restaurant I wanted to try there: L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, but I know there is also one in London.

Any reviews? Is it as good as I imagine?

Would there be any chance at all of getting into it tomorrow night?

Thanks

Angela

Angela

Thank you Ellene.

The Phycho Buildings Exhibit is EXACTLY what I am after for something different. I know I said I wasn't interested in galleries, but that has changed my mind, it looks really cool! What time do you suggest we get there and which would be the quietest day? Also, should I boook in advance? Thanks again for that.

As for lunch in Harrods, that is already top of my list!! The last time we were there we had lunch at the pizza bar and its one of our favourite things to do there, so we'll be doing that on Thurday. Pizza, nice bottle of wine, gorgeous husband - what more could a girl want on her birthday?? (Ok, so he better get me a sparkly present too!!))

I am going to try and book Gordon Ramsey at Claridges, but I dont fancy my chances at such late notice.

Angela

Angela

Ok, so my tendency to overplan is in full swing now....!

I have booked Gordon Ramsey at Claridges for Thursday night dinner. As this is my birthday this will be our big splurge night and I wanted to have it booked and organised.

I have so wanted to eat at L'Atelier and order lots of little dishes at the counter table (!), so I have booked this for Saturday lunch. I dont want to over plan our evenings, and lunch here will ber a lovely way to try the restaurant without spending major money. The only problem is that I think it is a right distance by taxi (half an hour), but that cant be helped.

Any suggestions for more casual places for the other evenings? Some hip and happening wiht a good buzz and good food and wine!

Thanks

Angela

Ps many thanks to Ellene. Your idea of the taste of London is also right up our street, so I am booking tickets for that also. It sounds wonderful, and jsut the sort of thing we love. You have been very helpful - we seem to think the same way!!

bdj

My dining experience at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Paris was wonderful; hopefully you can give your impressions of the London venue upon your return…pleasant and safe travels, Angela.

Angela

ttt