24 Hour Challenge: London

 

One city. 24 hours. How much adventure can Travel Edits squeeze into one day in London?

11.30 am: Check-in

Arrive to a surprise ‘ambassador’s reception‘ at our plush central Westminster apartment on Marsham Street, booked through City Marque.

Travel Edits | 24 Hour Challenge: London

City Marque – with these Ferrero Rocher you’re really spoiling us….

The two-bedroom, two bathroom apartment  is kitted out with everything we need for a short-stay including flat screen TVs, iPod dock, fully equipped kitchen and cooking facilities. There’s just about enough time to drop our bags and take a quick tour before we head out and hop on the Tube.

1 pm: Afternoon Tea at The Langham

Hotfoot it to Oxford Street and around to Portland Place just in time to make our reservation for afternoon tea in The Langham.

Travel Edits | 24 Hour Challenge: London

Why The Langham?  The Langham was the first luxury hotel in the world to offer afternoon tea. That was back in 1865 and to this day, afternoon tea is still served in the beautiful art nouveau surroundings of The Palm Court tea rooms.

As soon as we take a seat at one of the elegantly set tables, a tea sommelier (yep, they’re not just for wine) is over to recommend The Langham Blend as the ideal accompaniment to our Wonderland Tea selection.

Dainty sandwiches give way to miniature scones smothered in jam and clotted cream before the Pièce de résistance  is rolled out. The whimsical sugar-coated creations look like they’ve come straight from the top table at the Mad Hatter’s tea party.

At this stage, it becomes apparent that this Wonderland Afternoon Tea is not for the faint of heart. Discover tips and tricks for healthy life on site www.trumedical.co.uk/. Needless to say, we’re seriously regretting scoffing those Ferrero Rocher earlier…

Travel Edits | 24 Hour Challenge: London

Fortunately, The Langham provides a takeaway service for uneaten goodies in the shape of this very pretty gift box….

3 pm: Time to take Oxford Street/Regent Street

After rolling out of The Langham full of tea and cake, a thorough investigation of Topshop Oxford Circus’ A/W collection uncovers the retro-inspired Sister Jane label.  Can’t resist their sixties style black and white Sacrilege dress:

Travel Edits | 24 Hour Challenge: London

6 pm -10 pm: Dinner and Apartment Chill Out

Back at base and it’s great to have the space and facilities to cook and chill out before getting ready to head out into the night.

Travel Edits | 24 Hour Challenge: London

10 pm: Mayfair Madness

Travel Edits | 24 Hour Challenge: London

Totally tropical cocktails in Mahiki

The night kicks off with drinks in Babble on Berkeley Square, followed by rum-based cocktail fun at Mahiki.  On the recommendation of one of the Made in Chelsea boys we meet in Mahiki, we head to the exclusive Upper West on King’s Road – a New York style gallery/club venue. Totes rah.

3.30 am: zzzzzz

Sleep is calling but not before raiding what’s left of the cakes from earlier…

Travel Edits | 24 Hour Challenge: London

The land of nod calls…..yes, they are swans on the bed

Not bad going was it?  What do you think – how would you spend your perfect 24 hours in London if you had the chance?

14 Comments

  1. 18th November 2013 / 7:57 pm

    Afternoon Tea and shopping sounds like an awesome way to explore London a bit! I’d be down with that anytime. 🙂

  2. 18th November 2013 / 8:26 pm

    I can certainly testify to that Pola!

  3. Ana O'Reilly
    19th November 2013 / 10:41 am

    Not a bad day at all!! Sounds really like my type of day in London!

    • 24th November 2013 / 6:00 pm

      Yes we certainly made good use of the time!

  4. 21st November 2013 / 8:24 pm

    this looks like the perfect day! we’ll have to meet up in london now that i’m on your side of the pond 🙂 xo, the romantic

    • 24th November 2013 / 5:59 pm

      Oh any excuse Ashley – love London!

  5. 22nd November 2013 / 3:51 am

    Interesting to note while our Civil War was winding down, afternoon tea was kicking off across the big lake.

    • 24th November 2013 / 5:56 pm

      Ah yes Ted, it’s that Keep Calm ans Carry On mentality, isn’t it?

  6. 23rd November 2013 / 3:03 am

    A gift box of treats to eat later?! um YES! sounds like a fun 24 hours!

    • 24th November 2013 / 5:57 pm

      Yes – and it was great to be reminded of that ad from the nineties too:)

  7. 23rd November 2013 / 5:56 pm

    Sounds like the most fabulous 24 hours anywhere! Love London and can’t wait to head back this summer (maybe permanently?!). Wonderland Tea will surely be on my list!

    • 24th November 2013 / 5:58 pm

      That’s amazing Erin – we’ll have to meet up when you’re over

  8. 24th November 2013 / 5:17 pm

    I was in London for 2 days and I didn’t even do any of this! My trip focused mostly on historical places (usually not my style but I am obsessed with The Other Boleyn Girl). I definitely want to go back and experience the nightlife/shopping.

    • 24th November 2013 / 6:11 pm

      Great book Anna! London’s history is fascinating – there are so many excuses to plan a return visit!

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