London - Dior, Chihuly, Champagne, Pimm's, country GTG and more
 

Got home late last Sunday night and finally can get to my TR. This was a short trip - six nights in London and one night out at LHR.

Just a little background: The driver for this trip was the Christian Dior - Designer of Dreams exhibition at the V&A. I so loved the Alexander McQueen - Savage Beauty back in 2015 that I really had to see the Dior. Luckily I belong to the V&A so even though the entire run of the exhibit is sold out (except for a few same-day tix that one can queue for each morning - early) I didn't have to book. So I sort of threw a dart at the calendar and came up with flying from California July 6 and returning July 14. That ended up being a pretty major miscalculation since it had me arriving late morning July 7 which was the final day of the Hampton Court Flower show. But I did and saw enough and more than made up for missing Hampton Court.

I don't plan on doing a blow by blow (but sometimes my TR's often get away from me ;) and have a mind of their own)

Flights and stuff: I booked Business SMF > DFW > LHR to get the lie flat beds over night, and Coach LHR > LAX > SMF to save a boatload of $$. About three weeks after booking I had second thoughts and tried to upgrade the return flight - I was willing to pay money (up to a limit) miles, or both -- but there were hardly any seats available and my only option would have cost an extra 3,000 bleedin' dollars. Uh - no. That was almost as much than my whole airfare in the first place. They did upgrade me in the hour flight from LAX to SMF - big whoop :)

Flights were uneventful -- I got to use the new-ish Flagship Lounge at DFW. On board dinner was really good - after Champagne, appetizers and salad, my main course was bourbon glazed salmon w/ orzo, sugar snap peas, asparagus and cherry tomatoes and I followed up with the cheese plate and port. Settled in to watch The Favourite . . . and fell asleep about 3/4 the way through. LOVE those lie flats :) (I picked up the last 'reel' of the film on my return flight - in much less comfortable surroundings)

I had arranged my justairports ride for 90 minutes after arrival and planned a quick break in the Arrivals Lounge. What with landing early, expedited Immigration, and no checked bags, I ended up with a full 90 minutes in the Lounge so had time for a quick shower and a Bloody Mary. Driver was waiting for me right on time and he dropped me in Pimlico about 1:30 and my room was ready

In London Sunday: Because I slept on the flight and already showered, and semi refreshed, after I unpacked, I walked over to Tate Britain to see the Van Gogh exhibition which was fine but warm, over crowded and just a teensy tad underwhelming. Leaving the exhibit I went to the cafe and all they were serving that late (about 4PM) were prepared sandwiches. I bought one and searched for a place to sit . . . when it hit me I must be more jet lagged and loopy that I realized. - I belong to the Tate and I don't have to resort to cellophane wrapped day old sandwiches - there is a lovely Members' Room with food and drinks all day long. I had completely forgotten. I took my pitiful sandwich upstairs to the MR and had a nice glass of wine :wine: and relaxed a bit. Then I made my regular visits to Carnation Lily Lily Rose, and a few JMW Turner's.

(I'm having problems with the site so maybe I'll try composing then copy/pasting the rest - But I don't have Word but a generic word processor so who knows what I'll end up with??? )

Next - Monday & Tuesday. Kew, Chihuly, Oxfordshire and a country pub GTG

Love this and cannot wait for more. Where did you stay?

Thanks. I stayed at Dolphin Square which is a short walk from Pimlico tube station. I rented a studio which is about 2.5-3 times the size of a typical hotel room. I only used kitchenette for juice, tea (hot and iced, and some fruit). I learned long ago that London flats don't usually provide ice cube trays so every trip where I rent a flat, I bring a cheap plastic ice cube tray from the Dollar store. I start making ice when I check in and as soon as the first tray s frozen I dump it in a plastic bag and start over so by the second morning I have enough ice to last the whole stay.

Monday July 8: I was VERY lucky with the weather - every day was warm but not 'heat wave warm' and it didn't rain a drop until I was leaving Sunday AM. But Monday was especially nice - perfect day to head to Kew Gardens. Slept in a bit so didn't get there until about 11AM. There was a very long queue for tickets . . . and one person in line for members. Last December I got shut out trying to get tix to the Kew Christmas celebrations - It usually sells out /weeks/months in advance. So -- hmmmm - I think to myself "Join Kew, skip that long entrance line and be guaranteed tickets for Christmas @ Kew." . . . So now I'm a member of the National Portrait, the Tate's, V&A . . . and Kew Gardens. :pine: :tulip: :cactus: :palm:

I love Kew - you can spend an hour or ALL day long and there is something for everyone. This visit I was most interested in the glass houses, flower displays, and the Chihuly installations all over the property. I didn't do the tree top walk, or visit the Palace (been there beforeI don't know how many there were in total but a LOT. Plus there was an exhibition in the museum. I didn't spend much time in the museum because I've been to his gallery and a huge exhibition at the De Young several years ago. But in the gardens and especially in the glass houses they were really good counterpoints to the 'real' plantings. First off I had a lovely early lunch sitting outside on the terrace of The Botanist (the nice on-site restaurant) looking out across the lake with a large Chihuly in the center. Had my first Pimm's of the trip - but not my last - a simply wonderful duck breast salad.

Anyone who has not been to Kew -- GO -- if even for all teh amazing glass houses.

After Kew I headed back into town and went to the Playhouse and Duchess theatres to collect my tickets for Wed and Thurs night performances, then went to Covent Garden to wander and shop a bit. Headed back to the flat and had a light supper in the on-site Bar & Grill. I walked a LOT today and during dinner I realized how tired I was - went up the toom, had a nightcap and fell asleep in front of the telly. :)

(Still having issues with the site so I'll do Tues as a separate entry)

I am loving this report so far! Can't wait for the next installment.

Signing on. Have to love those lie flat seats! (And the showers in the Lounge.)

Interested to hear about the Chihuly at Kew, but see it is only on until October.

Veddy, veddy nice. 💣

Thin🐠

Jeeze -- typos and syntax problems galore -- but I was lucky to get anything up because the website kept eating my homework . . .

I'll just clarify the last bit >>Anyone who has not been to Kew -- GO --even if just for all the amazing glass houses.<<

Tuesday July 9: This was GTG and old stomping grounds day. I'd been communicating with flanneruk and in some message I mentioned that my old local (the Nut Tree in Murcott) which used to be just a very pretty country pub is now all posh and Michelin starred no less and that next time I 'm in the area and have a car I'll check it out.

flanner came up with a plan . . . Mrs flanner would be busy til mid afternoon, so he would pick me up at Bicester Village train station (you know an outlet mall is a BIG deal when it has its own train station ;) ). We'd go to lunch at the Nut Tree, drive round about through the countryside where I used to live, head to the flanner manse, meet the flanner pooches, then after Mrs flanner got home we'd all travel back to London together because they had a do in town. On the day, plans changed just a tad because the London party was cancelled and Mrs flanner's day had 'busied up' and she'd be delayed. Bicester Village - √, Wonderful lunch on the terrace at the Nut Tree - √, Scenic tour through my old stomping grounds - √, Visit flanner manor and their beautiful garden - √, meet/greet/play with the (adorable/rambunctious) flanner pooches - √, then finally meet the lovely and gracious Mrs flanner. After she got a chance to unwind a bit we took the pooches on a nice long walk through the town and riverside park (I call it a village - fllaner calls it a micro town). Had a really wonderful time.

https://www.nuttreeinn.co.uk

Then I took the train in to Oxford and back to Marylebone - arriving about 9:30-ish. As I mentioned, the weather was remarkably good and when I got to Marylebone I decided to walk a while because it was such a nice evening. Didn't have a 'plan' but figured I'd find some casual place to have a late supper. As I was strolling south I didn't really find a place right away so I popped into a Pret just before it closed to pick up a sandwich 'just in case'.. Kept walking and before I knew it I was to Portman Sq/Wigmore St/Selfridges (which was still open - ?) / Bond Street. OK -- take the tube home or keep walking -- I kept walking though a bit of Mayfair and over to Park Lane. Still deciding if I would try to eat someplace. I wasn't famished but wasn't really looking forward to the sandwich. On I walked and I get as far as the London Hilton near the bottom of Park Lane. OK what is just about the least 'London-esque' venue . . . Trader Vic's in the basement of the Hilton -- it has been there pretty much unchanged for decades and I decided a crazy tropical cocktail and some sort of pupu platter or appetizers would do just fine :) So that's what I had - a Sufferin' Bastard and a pupu platter and giggled through most of it. Lunch at the Nut Tree and late night supper at Trader bleedin' Vic's :D By then it was getting late - could have walked the rest of the way 'home' to Pimlico but decided to just catch a cab from the Hilton.

Just a great day all around.

Next Wed - V&A, Dior, Mary Quant, Prosecco and Champagne all over town, Fiddler on the Roof:

Oh - if anyone is keeping score -- my second Pimm's of the trip was at the Nut Tree :cocktail: (that emoji fits better for Trader Vic's ;) )

Enjoying your memories--thanks for sharing!

Really enjoying this, janisj! I googled Dolphin Square and, if I got it right, it looks really big. How did you find this place? More soon please!

Reading along here.

I was excited to see there's another opportunity to see some Chihuly at Kew Gardens, but then......October finish. :( I won't be back in UK until next year now.

Thanks everyone :)

Still plugging away. May take me a couple of days to finish.

Wed July 10 - V&A, Dior, Mary Quant, Prosecco and Champagne all over town, Fiddler on the Roof: Today I set aside for the V&A the whatever else I could fit in in the late afternoon before attending Fiddler on the Roof at the Playhouse Theatre. After a light bite/tea/OJ in the flat I took the tube to the V&A. Got there about 10:30 and headed straight back to the Dior. Even members had a bit of a queue -- but it only took maybe 7-8 minutes. The booked/timed ticket line was very long and there were several staff going up and down the line weeding out people who were too early. Don't know if it was because I was there in the AM or because the McQueen taught the V&A how to better manage this sort of blockbuster - even though essentially every ticket is sold for the run of the show - the crowds in each room were not overwhelming like in the earlier show. It was a brilliant show (haven't downloaded my photos yet but took probably 45 or 50. There were lots of similarities in the staging of McQueen and Dior -- including one 'cube' room about 2 stories high/wide that was entirely niches with sample dress forms/patterns entirely in white and a huge round room with continually changing colors/mood lighting. The workmanship and detail in some of the formal gowns especially was beyond comprehension.

Tried to buy the catalogue to be shipped -- but in the last year he V&A has stopped sending purchases from the Museum gift shops. I could order it on line and they will ship it but not for in person sales. (I ordered the catalog sitting in my PJs back home in California and it should be delivered tomorrow).

After about 90 minutes in Dior I went to the Mary Quant . . . two floors in the usual location of the costume gallery. It was no Dior but I really enjoyed the contrast plus all the 60's culture references. There were videos running showing a very young MaryQ discussing her background and style influences, Twiggy, The Shrimp (Jean Shrimpton), etc.

After that I went up to the Members' room and had a glass of wine and a salmon salad then spent some time in the furniture galleries and re-visited the jewelry vaults.

Walked up Brompton Rd and when I got to Harrods - went in just to see if they still carry the Halcyon Days enamel boxes I collect (they did for years then stopped a few years ago - but I had seen some on the Harrod's website). Yes they do -- but none I was interested in. Went upstairs to the new (re-located/re-imagined) Champagne bar and had a glass of . . . Champagne :)

Walked to Victoria and took the tube to Embankment and the short walk to the Playhouse Theatre in Northumberland Avenue. The Playhouse is one of the ATG owned/managed theatres and several of them offer a 'VIP' enhancement when booking tix. Usually cost £15 and for that you get a pre-theatre cocktail, munchies, a lounge and most importantly . . . a private loo ;) You can enter the theatre early, go to the Lounge, have a drink, are escorted to your seat -- then at the interval you can go back to the Lounge - if you want another beverage you do have to pay for it, and of course there is the WC with no queue AT ALL!!! More than worth £15 IMO

For starters Fiddler is not my favorite musical but this production received wonderful reviews in the London press. And they were 100% right. It was brilliant. There was a thrust stage so a lot of the action extended out into the stalls. I had a great seat in the 2nd row to the side of the stage - the dancing, singing, set were all top notch -- especially the dancing.

Again - it was a gorgeous evening so after the show I walked down Whitehall, Millbank, Grosvenor Rd all the way back home to my fat in Pimlico.

Next - Thurs: Lunch with a friend, The Ritz and Savoy bars, dinner at Spring, and a crazy funny play

Enjoying your trip report, Janis.

:) - Yeah -- I thought about that the 2nd or 3rd time I opened the thread. :car: . . . probably should have said >> the primary reason for this trip was the Christian Dior . . .<<

>>>“Just a little background: The driver for this trip was the Christian Dior..”<<<

That's OK -- still a good read for those of us who couldn't care less about fashion!

What are some good restaurants in Pimlico for after the Tate Britian?

Keith and I have tickets for Small Island at Royal National Theatre.

Thin🏈

Thurs July 11 -Lunch with a friend, The Ritz and Savoy bars, dinner at Spring, and a crazy funny play:

My plans for today were an early lunch with a friend I haven't seen in nearly 10 years, pre-theatre dinner at Spring and The Play That Goes Wrong, a long running farce that I hadn't seen before.

Kim and I decided on the Wolseley when they start lunch service at 11:30 - She could have a full on lunch and I could have something light since I have an early pre-theatre dinner booking. Perfect. We sat in the cafe side not the main dining room and caught up on a LOT of stuff and made plans to meet up again in December. She left to catch the train home to Colchester and I had the rest of the afternoon to kill. Walked across the street and into the Rivoli Bar in the Ritz. I love this room and there were only a few people there at 2-ish. Ordered an Amber Elixir - wow - what a cocktail(!) Martell, Pimm’s, Grapefruit, Bitters, cherries . . . AND Champagne. So it counts as a Pimm's and Champagne ;) Plus little pepper crackers and other munchies. A young-ish middle aged man and his younger girlfriend came in and sat across from my table. I overheard him saying he'd just gone across the road to get some cash. When there was a break in their conversation I asked which way up or down Piccadilly was the cash point. End of conversation? . . . Uh - nope :) Come to find out he had just returned to the UK (home is up near Manchester) after living 20 years . . . in the States . . . in California . . . first in the Carmel area (ex-wife got that house) . . . then many years in two different homes - one about 15 miles in just about the poshest Sacramento neighborhood, and the other less than 6 miles. from. my. house. We knew some of the same people and used the same cheese monger and wine manager at the same suburban supermarket!!! His girlfriend thought it was hysterical. (They were only in the bar because their room wasn't quite ready)

Another lovely day so I walked - across the parks and to the National Portrait Gallery to see the Cindy Sherman exhibition. I was only slightly familiar with her work -- Oh my goodness. Don't know how she's slipped though my radar. Really really fascinating -- some were more than a little disconcerting but overall I really enjoyed the show. It was still a bit early for my 5:45 booking at Spring - Skye Gyngell's restaurant in Somerset Hpuse - so I popped into the American Bar at the Savoy for a glass of Champagne.

Then on to Spring -- what a lovely room. All in shades of cream / off white. I will definitely book there again -- this was my only 'posh' dinner this trip and it was a god choice with really good food and very VERY good service. (plus being about a 3 or 4 minute walk from the Duchess Theatre) Dining solo one usually gets decent service - but sometimes . . . not. Spring was terrific - for example being solo it was pretty obvious I would probably only order a glass and not a bottle of wine -- but the wine steward asked me what I was having and what styles of wine I like and brought me three taste samples of his recommendations for a glass that would go well. Starter- jamón ibérico with potatoes tomato and lovage, main - an amazing lamb loin, dessert - an instagram worthy chocolate tart with crème anglaise and rose petals. With a glass of wine and tea afterwards the bill was £79. Reasonable for the quality/ambience/service.

Then across the road to the Duchess for The Play that Goes Wrong. Have you ever been to a play that was TOO funny? Only a slight exaggeration :) The physical comedy was hysterical but by the middle of the 2nd act my ribs hurt from laughing and and it was almost to 'enough already!! How much more can we take?' Just about every sight gag and pratfall you can imagine. Don't get me wrong - I really enjoyed it but almost too much of a good thing :D

Started walking home but hailed a cab at Trafalgar Sq and rolled in about 11:30

Next: Fri - Easy, kick back day - A little shopping, a little tennis on the telly, Tate Modern, early evening.

There aren't all that many special places in Pimlico. A couple of Asian places and Goya which is a Tapas bar and Spanish Restaurant on Lupus Street which would be a bit of a hike from the Tate. If you don't decide on the Rex Whistler in the museum itself, I'd either head up closer to Victoria or into St James's.

I have never had a Pimms and am intrigued. There is a world beyond a good kir or an Apérol Spritz? I'm so ignorant...

Janis, I'm really enjoying your report. I'll be in London next year and want an Amber Elixir!

Fri July 12 - Easy, kick back day - A little tennis on the telly, a little shopping, Tate Modern, early evening.

I'd been running running for 5 days so took it pretty easy on Friday. Stayed in watching the Men's semi final for a bit then headed out to the Royal Exchange in the City. My goodness - its been a few years and lots of changes. Fortnum & Mason has taken over the courtyard and has a full on bar and restaurant plus retail shops - added to all the other boutiques and shops the Royal Exchange really is a shopping destination. I must go back and try Cutter & Squidge -- the most amazing looking cakes and such (in their Soho location they do a 'Wizards Afternoon Tea' in the Potions Room that might be a kick for Harry Potter besotted kids -and adults for that matter. A posh afternoon tea but with 'potions' the guests get to create themselves). My reason for heading out east was the Halcyon Days shop now in the RE. For the las 15 years or so - every trip to London I've bought an enamel box(s). Harrods didn't have any I liked and F&M no longer carries them so figured I'd check out the relatively new HD shop. My quest was successful and as I usually do -- I had them ship it. The VAT comes off the top and more than pays for the postage/insurance and I don't have to deal with the VAT refund at LHR.

Thought about walking west and having a late-ish lunch on the roof terrace at One New Change and visiting St Paul's. But instead walked south and crossed London Bridge hoping that Borough Market would be only tolerably crowded . . . Nope -- absolutely slammed (which I figured would be the case) so I walked on to Tate Modern and had lunch in the Members room upstairs. As busy at Tate Modern is, the Members room is generally much less crowded than either Tate Britain or the V&A. I personally think its because no one can find it and they give up ;) Had a very good smoked salmon sandwich and (I think) a glass of proseco. And a bag of gourmet crisps -- ONLY in England -- Black Pudding & English Mustard flavoured crisps :) -- yes really. And they were delicious!

Tried to visit the Olafur Eliasson exhibition but is was awfully crowded and since I'll be back in London before the end of its run in January - decided to give it a pass this time. Looks wonderful. (the touted waterfall was turned off for some reason).

Caught a bus back to Westminster Bridge and tube home by about 6:30. Grazed/munched in the flat and caught part of the Federer / Nadal semi. Crashed early.

Next: Saturday - Queen Mary's Rose Garden, Wallace collection/Manolo Blahnik/lunch in The Wallace restaurant, Cocktail @ the Connaught and out to LHR.

I always appreciate reading your trip reports Janisj and eagerly await the next installment...Lots of detail with possibilities for our next trip. We just missed you at Dior; we were there on July 6 (booked in advance) and walked right in so I'm surprised there was a line during the following week.

>>so I'm surprised there was a line during the following week.<<

I think it was just that for some reason a lot of people queued too early for their allotted time. Aa for the members' line -- several members mentioned they were surprised there was any queue at all (which was my feeling as well because I've never had to wait for an exhibition before). . . . My guess it was just like on a freeway back home - a little snag and it backs up everything even after the blockage has been totally cleared. There may have been a hiccup right at opening and the tailback effect was still there. Who knows??

Sat July13: - Queen Mary's Rose Garden, Wallace collection/Manolo Blahnik/lunch in The Wallace restaurant, Cocktail @ the Connaught and out to LHR. I packed up (doesn't take long when you travel carryon-only) and left my bag at the front desk. I'm staying out at an Ibis at LHR both to save quite a lot of ££/$$ and to be close to T-3 form my flight home Sunday. Had a 1:30 lunch booking at the Wallace restaurant so went straight to Regents Park and `spent about an hours in Queen Mary's rose garden and sitting by the lake -- considered taking out a pedal boat but just took a bench and watch others having fun. Walked to the Wallace Collection - been several times so mainly concentrated on Boulle furniture and some of the paintings -- but an extra added attraction were the exhibition of scores of Manolo Blahnik shoes in almost every room. They were mostly displayed 3 to 4 shoes on racks under tall glass domes. There were some CRAZY shoes!!!

I love the Wallace restaurant - it feels outdoors but is totally covered. Started with . . . a Pimm's (last one of the trip). Then instead of a main I had two starters - a pork and guinea fowl terrine, followed by a dressed crab & avocado salad. Really quite good. It is a little after 3 PM and my driver isn't coming to Pimlico until 6:30 so I start walking south just sort of meandering. Get to Oxford Street -- and know I'm not doing any shopping so press on in to Mayfair. To Grosvenor Sq checking out the conversion of the old US Embassy (still a long way to go) and remember that the Connaught is only about a block away in Carlos Place. I love the main bar there so pop in for my last tipple of the trip (until the Admirals Club at LHR on Sunday).

Ok -- I'be been to posh places (some too posh by half) and I'm used to getting pre-dinner amuse-bouche. . . . . But I have never ever had a pre-cocktail amuse-bouche :) I ordered a Fleurissimo: cognac, violet liqueur, sugar cube, bitters and topped up with champagne and rose petals in a coupe glass. Supposedly created for Princess Grace. But first he brought what can only be called an amuse-bouche - a teensy drink that was similar to a bloody mary. Perfect end to an almost perfect week in London. Caught a cab to Pimlico and my justairports arrived about 45 mins later.

Wonderful weather. Not too hot - but came close a couple of days. Did not wear a sweater or jacket once (had one of each but they stayed in the wardrobe the whole week). Met old friends and finally met mrs. flanner. Saw two really good plays. Dior/Mary Quant/Van Gogh/Cindy Sherman. Pimm's and Champs all over town. The Nut Tree. Spring. . . . and WALKING. ALL. OVER. TOWN. This is a biggie. Last year at this time I was just barely off a cane and unable to use the tube or walk much at all. Being able to walk everywhere pain free was such a joy.

Really enjoyed reading this. You certainly pack a LOT into a few days. Love the way you are so organised that you source an ice cube tray! Any plans to return to North Yorkshire?

Oh, but 5 days isn't enough! :angel: I'm going back to London in November and am sorry I'll miss the Chihuly exhibit at Kew. I also like your verve with having champagne in such elegant locations...I think I'll adopt that style. Rather have that wonderful experience and have an inexpensive dinner in my apartment/hotel room.

Morgana: >>Any plans to return to North Yorkshire?<<

Sometime for sure but probably not in the next 10-12 months. Tentative plans for my next few trips are London for a week give or take late Nov/early Dec.; Normandy and someplace TBD next Spring; and South Africa Next Aug/Sept. But if the SA trip falls through that would be a good time to get back to Scotland and NE England.

StCirq: You need to try one -- a couple of the post hotels in Paris make Pimm's using Champagne instead of lemonade for the mixer -- you should try it ;)

SusanP: Amber Elixir was really good

northie: Hope you have as nice weather as I did at Kew -- it was lovely.

Vicky: >>I just think I should probably get in some new places before I go back.<<

To get more London 'fixes', what I've done a few times when I travel somewhere else is tack on a few days in London coming or going.

vickiebypass: >>I also like your verve with having champagne in such elegant locations...I think I'll adopt that style.<<

It is an easy style to get used too :)

Sunday July14 LHR and home: I stayed at an Ibis in the Bath road just north of LHR -- there are two Ibis along there, I'd assume they are pretty similar. Totally serviceable. Basic room but nice toiletries, very comfortable bed, in-room tea/coffee, and totally soundproofed. Plus on the Hoppa route so perfect for an early AM flight. Mine was ay 10:30 so I really could have stayed another night in town but the Ibis saved about £95 - have to pay for all the Champagne somehow ;)

It has an onsite restaurant and bar but I didn't use either one so don't know how good/bad they are. And if you are looking for something to do -- there is a big bowling alley right next door . . .

Even only flying coach I still got 'premium' printed on my boarding pass so could use the expedited security queue which was a nice surprise. That gave me more time for breakfast in the Admirals Club. We took off about 45 min late late but made up most of that by the time we landed at LAX. Had an aisle seat so it was tolerable . . . EXCEPT the middle/window couple next to me insisted on leaving both widow shades up the entire flight. They were the only two shades up in either economy/premium economy cabin. It was sooooooo bright - like having a klieg light right there. Actually had to wear my sunglasses most of the flight. If the rest of the cabin was lit it would have been tolerable -- but in a totally darkened cabin it was actually painful. (And yes, I did ask them to lower the shade . . . nicely - butno dice.) It wasn't as if they were looking at anything because we were over the wing so they couldn't even see the water.

Food was fine - a pasta something. I watched the last bit of the Favourite I'd slept though on the way over and then finally saw Bohemian Rhapsody And read some of A Woman of no Importance on my iPad (what a fascinating life Virginia Hall lived) -- but with the laser light, viewing / reading was pretty tough.

I can't figure out LAX -- I've flown AA from LHR many times, a few on this same flight . . . sometimes they land at Tom Bradley (BOO) and sometimes at T-4 (YAY). Tom Bradley is a zoo. Landed at T-4 (YAY) and because of Global Entry and no checked bags - I walked in to the Admirals Club about 15 mins after exiting the plane. Then I had 5 hours at LAX before my flight home - walked in my door around 10PM . . . Already missing London . . .

What a great trip! Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

Pimms; take a pint glass, pour in the cold gin-based Pimms (1/4 of a pint) (don't touch the vodka one), add mint leaves or borage ( if you can find it) and just a few cubes of ice and then top up with lemonade (the real deal not the clear bottle stuff). Sit in shade and drink. Then find a darkened room and sleep for a couple of hours, repeat as long as you can remember your name.

Thanks Janis...lovely trip. Sorry you won't be in Scotland this summer.

Thanks Janice. Very entertaining :)

Great trip report.

Northie - take pics of the Chihuly at Kew, and then let's meet for lunch!

So glad you got to the wonderful Dior exhibit! I had to laugh at your stop at Trader Vic's ....I was last in one about 10 years ago in Chicago with friends (and a few Scorpion for Four massive drink to share). Kitsch at its best. As I was reading I was willing you to go to Hide for a cocktail! ;-) I do love a Pimm's Cup in summer!

LAX - ugh. Just flew through there to Sydney. Out of T2 outbound to Sydney, Landed at Tom Bradley upon return. I will say Delta ONE has it's own very nice check in area in T2 and I fully understand the flat bed. Lucky to fly in Delta ONE both ways on the Sydney trip. Indispensable for that super long flight (and I had to go straight to the office upon landing in Australia).