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.
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.
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. Needless to say, we’re seriously regretting scoffing those Ferrero Rocher earlier…
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:
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.
10 pm: Mayfair Madness
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…
Not bad going was it? What do you think – how would you spend your perfect 24 hours in London if you had the chance?
Afternoon Tea and shopping sounds like an awesome way to explore London a bit! I’d be down with that anytime.
I can certainly testify to that Pola!
Not a bad day at all!! Sounds really like my type of day in London!
Yes we certainly made good use of the time!
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
Oh any excuse Ashley – love London!
Interesting to note while our Civil War was winding down, afternoon tea was kicking off across the big lake.
Ah yes Ted, it’s that Keep Calm ans Carry On mentality, isn’t it?
A gift box of treats to eat later?! um YES! sounds like a fun 24 hours!
Yes – and it was great to be reminded of that ad from the nineties too:)
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!
That’s amazing Erin – we’ll have to meet up when you’re over
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.
Great book Anna! London’s history is fascinating – there are so many excuses to plan a return visit!