A Grand Day Out

A long time ago, it seems, we won the jackpot a few times at our Sunday quiz. Rather than fritter the money away, we decided to save it, and have a special treat. As we had the best part of a couple of hundred pounds, we could do something really nice. After lots of debate, we hit on the idea of doing afternoon tea at Claridges. Our winnings would pay for our train fares, and tea, and if we saved a little more each week, we would also have spending money.

Yesterday the day finally came, and snow, ice and National Express trains permitting, we were off. The train was actually on time leaving York, but there were some heavy blizzards through the midlands, so we were about 50 minutes late arriving at Kings Cross, which, given the weather we’ve have across the country this week, wasn’t too bad.

As soon as we arrived, I got stuck into my role as ‘official tour guide’ (ok, well, maybe not ‘official’ as no one asked me to do it), armed with my trusty pop-up map.

We’d also discussed what else we were going to do, and lots of ideas were floated:

‘What about the Tower? You’ve (me) never been?’
‘What about a gallery? What’s on?’ (we checked out the websites and the papers)
‘What about a trip on the river?’
‘Well, you’re the only people likely to go on the river with me’

Eventually we’d decided on the V&A, where V hadn’t been for quite a few years, and then a bit of shopping, probably around the Covent Garden area (well, at least I know where the shops are there), so we jumped on the Piccadilly line and were soon in South Ken.

We went round the Magnificence of the Tsars exhibition, but found it a little disappointing – I guess we should have read the small print, which said ‘men’s court dress’, but then also looked at the fashion, and the paintings, and most impressively, the jewellery section, where I spent time picking out which tiara I would have*. We then stopped for a light lunch, before heading up to Harrods for a quick look around.

Deciding that our winnings couldn’t quite run to any of Harrods prices, we caught the Tube up to Bond Street, and had a look in a couple of the department stores before heading for Claridges.
When we arrived, a little early, we were told that our table was ready for us, but adjourned to the ladies cloakroom to make ourselves look presentable.

When we were shown to our table, and it was time to order the sandwiches, the fun started. J was straightforward, she would have everything. As for me, well…

‘Ok, this is where it gets complicated. Can I have no butter, and can I have the smoked salmon without…, and the ham without ...’ V wanted her sandwiches without tomato. Our waiter was lovely, however.

We decided on the champagne afternoon tea, and were served a glass to start with – which was useful, particularly as we had to wait a while for our sandwiches.

When they arrived, they were delicious, and we were offered more, but decided that rather than continue to complicate matters, we would move on to the scones and cakes.

The scones were utterly fabulous. It might seem strange to rhapsodise about a scone, but I’ve never tasted anything like them! We had a second helping, and when I tell you that I ate 5, I’m also telling you that they were dinky little scones. There were also champagne jellies, which were delicious, and really cleansed the palate, and tiny little meringues and fruit tarts.

Of course, we were also taking a few photos of the occasion, but then so were lots of others. I think all in all we were there around two and a half hours, so it was pretty good value for money, and a very special way to celebrate our winnings.

Afterwards, we walked through Mayfair, and through Berkley Square. Sadly, there wasn’t a nightingale in sight, and only one side retains its original Georgian splendour, but it gives an idea of what it must have been like. We then caught the Tube to Covent Garden and spent about an hour just browsing round the shops, before heading back to the train via a quick visit to St Pancras, as neither of the other two had seen the remodelled station. Sadly we didn’t have time to visit the champagne bar, so I picked up a small bottle of rose cava to drink on the train. I have to say it didn’t quite match up to the champagne!

I was home by 10.30pm, and it had been the most fabulous day out. Now, we just need to win some more money!

For the record, the Manchester tiara! It was the most sparkly.