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Oxford vs Cambridge

Now that’s something I have heard many times before... Whether it’s which university is better, who is going to win the boat race, which city is superior, people have their opinions.

Until recently I had always been pro Cambridge, pretty normal I think as I grew up on the Northamptonshire/Cambridgeshire border and went to school in Cambridgeshire. But I had never actually been to Oxford... So I thought I would put it to the test and see if I was right.

Now this is just for a bit of fun, both are world class cities and I would recommend each to those visiting the UK, everyone has their own opinion on the subject, this is mine.

Getting There:

It depends what direction you are coming from, but neither city is the easiest to reach. Often with Cambridge you have to tackle the dreaded A14, with Oxford the M40, neither road is desirable. Both are a nightmare to park in. In fact, don’t do it, don’t even try. Both Oxford and Cambridge have very efficient park and ride services, both at a similar price. I give them both a big tick for their bus services.

Oxford is definitely better connected however, whilst both have fast trains into London, Cambridge seems a little more isolated.

Shopping:

I am going to get this out of the way quickly, both cities have so much more to offer than shopping and I would visit neither city solely for this purpose (unless I lived 20 minutes down the road...). But I would have to say, I prefer the shops in Cambridge, there is a big John Lewis, something Oxford is missing. Both cities have many independent stores which is nice, but if we are judging solely on shopping, Cambridge wins for me. I also think the market in Cambridge is superior.

Architecture:

This is where I struggle... both cities are stunning, beautifully built, with fabulous buildings all round. But for me, I must say Oxford is the winner.  I absolutely loved Radcliffe Square and the Radcliffe Camera, I have never seen a building like it. Whilst Cambridge is surrounded with magnificent architecture, Oxford seemed a little more grand and unique.

University Colleges:

Oxford and Cambridge are most famous for their world class universities. Each college has its own buildings, walkways, architectures, gardens, you get my drift. But whose are better? Again, I wouldn’t say one is better than the other, they are equal, but something I did notice is that I found it MUCH easier to explore the colleges of Cambridge and this made a big difference to my experience in each city.

Sometimes the colleges are closed to visitors. It can be easy to forget they are not really a tourist attraction, they are educational facilities that are in use for much of the year. That being said, I have been able to sneak into a few in Cambridge when they have been closed and no one has ever tried stopping me, I also found they are usually pretty easy to explore. Unfortunately when I was in Oxford, every single one of the colleges I couldn’t gain entry to. Sometimes they are open but luck was not on my side, and they were closed the day I visited. I actually got told off by a security guard for just looking over the gate at one. For this reason, Cambridge wins for me.

St John’s College, Cambridge is my favourite of them all...

Places To Eat

Cambridge has around 50 more listed places to eat than Oxford on Tripadvisor, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they are better. What I like about Cambridge are the food stalls dotted around, especially the crepe stall by the market square... I did struggle in Oxford to find a sandwich shop where I could just sit down and not feel like people were staring at me for being by myself. Their cafes seemed more upmarket which wasn’t what I was looking for, but of course I found the covered market once I had already eaten! This has some great places to eat if you want something light.

There were some fantastic gems in Oxford I would have tried had I had some company, but for me the restaurants in Cambridge were more accessible.

Atmosphere:

Oxford is a bigger city, and I found this apparent, the city centre did seem a little more commercial. I am a small town girl (actually mostly village), so it is natural for me to feel more comfortable in Cambridge.

Both cities are easily covered on foot, they are much smaller than what you think a city might be like. I love how each place seems to be connected, whether by bridges, alleyways or roads, each city has a heart. If you are looking for a place to people watch, both cities are great.

For this reason, both cities are tied - there is a strong sense of community in each.

Conclusion:

Like I said, Cambridge will always be my favourite, but that is mostly because I lived over that way for so long.

However, I prefer the countryside and villages surrounding Oxford (sorry Cambridge...). Each city can be visited in a day, that’s not saying you have done is justice, but it is possible. If it’s a day trip you are looking for then Cambridge is so easy to visit from London. If you are looking for a weekend away then why not combine Oxford with the Cotswolds?

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Edinburgh’s Number 1 Destination

The Balmoral in Edinburgh is not just a hotel, it has become an iconic part of the city’s skyline. Opened in 1902, the Balmoral began life as a railway hotel, and many of these traditions are still apparent today.

Located next to Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, it couldn’t be easier to get from the train and into the hotel, all in about five minutes, if that. As soon as you walk through the hotel doors, you are hit by a wave of calm. The lobby is a large, open space, bright, airy, and very welcoming. Upon arrival staff checked us in, and although the hotel was almost at full capacity, we had access to our room even before 9am. It seems as though staff are willing to go above and beyond to ensure their guests are happy.  

It was easy to find our room, and we were more than impressed. We had been upgraded to a Junior Suite and were only five doors down from where J.K.Rowling completed the final chapter of Harry Potter.

For an inner city hotel, the rooms at the Balmoral are very generous. We walked through a small hallway, and passed the bathroom and into the large, open plan bedroom and sitting area. No detail has been missed and we appreciate the little touches such as the Scottish shortbread that was waiting for us! It is the small things that make a big difference.

We unpacked our things and set out for a day exploring. The Balmoral is a great location for getting around from, you are situated right on Princes Street so if shopping is your thing, then this is your place. It is around a five minute walk from the Royal Mile, and less than ten minutes from Calton Hill, we had chosen well with this one.

Back in 1988 the Balmoral (known then as the North British Station Hotel) was closed for a full refurbishment. The hotel was reopened in 1991 by Sir Sean Connery, this is still reflected today in the hotels decor, with the bathrooms paying tribute to the actor.

We got a good night sleep in our large, double bed, with the fluffiest duvet and pillows known to man! The next morning we admired the sunrise over Arthur’s Seat as we sat down to breakfast. There was a large spread with everything you could want, including an entire salmon! If you really want a morning boost, then try out one of the health shots as you walk into the restaurant. 

We were so thankful for our time at the Balmoral, everything was 5* from the service, to the food, the accommodation, and the decor. We thoroughly enjoyed the two nights we had here, and we would definitely stay again on our next visit to Edinburgh.

Did you know..

Since 1902, the Balmoral’s clock has been set three minutes fast to ensure that the people of Edinburgh would not miss their trains. This tradition still runs today and the only day the clock runs on time is on 31 December (Hogmanay) for the New Year celebrations.

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Want To Be Successful On Social Media?

Social media can open doors. It’s not the be all and end all but it can create new opportunities. 

We have seen a huge shift in the way brands are advertising and connecting with their audience. Traditional forms of media such as magazines, newspapers, and radio are in decline. Think about it, who really watches adverts on the TV when we can now just fast forward through them, or go make a cup of tea during the ad break (yes mother I am looking at you!).

Brands and businesses are now turning to social media to learn what their audience wants, what drives them to buy, and of course, to sell.

So how can you be successful? These are our top 5 tips.

Be yourself - You can put on a front if you want, but you will soon tire of this and people want to follow someone who is authentic. 

Have a theme - Do you have a passion? Then let the world know. Post about what you love and people will be interested. Find a theme you are comfortable with, it will give your audience a clear message of what you want to portray.

Good content - Take pride in what you are posting and take your time. Quality over quantity, people want to engage with something which has been put together with care. Snapping a picture of a landscape? Take your time, stop, take in the views, and think about what you want to say with the image. Don’t just snap, run and post.

Engage! - Who wants to follow someone who is only about themselves? Talk to your followers, chat with them. We can all learn something from other people. Social media is supposed to be social.

Don’t obsess over numbers - Having a million followers doesn’t mean anything if you are not inspiring people. It’s better to have 100 people love your content than 10,000 people who don’t.

Good luck, and remember, enjoy yourself, social media shouldn’t be a chore.

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Gin Tasting at Sheraton Grand Edinburgh

I asked Alex what experience he wanted to try at the Sheraton, afternoon tea? The One Spa? Nope, the gin experience! Of course I should have known he would say this. I am not a gin person, or an alcohol person for that fact, my uni years took it out of me, I can barely drink a glass of wine these days.

Anyway, he wanted gin, so gin it was! 

I was apprehensive as we walked into the One Bar where the gin experience would take place. 

‘I don’t like gin’ I said.

‘Just try it’ said Alex...

Okay here goes. Our bartender came over with water and some nibbles, thank goodness I thought! He was very knowledgable when it came to each gin variety, we started out with the Sheraton’s own gin - One Square Gin. 

He brought us a small glass each and we were to try the gin straight. ‘Wheres the mixer!?’ I panicked. However, I pushed myself to take a sip, and I was pleasantly surprised! The gin was fresh, light, and although there was a second of burning as it went down, the after taste was delicious and I found the whole thing enjoyable! The bartender promptly explained the type of tonic water that would be paired with this particular gin (each gin is suited to a different type of tonic water!). We then tried the gin with the tonic water in a delicious concoction and we were left to enjoy our drink.

Next was the Martin Miller’s Gin, paired with the Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water, this was even more fresh, and somewhat summery. This was my favourite of them all, perhaps this was because we had strawberries floating around in this one!

After the Martin Miller’s was the Monkey 47, a gin created in the Black Forest, Germany. A blend of sweet and bitter, this wasn’t my favourite, however this is great for someone who likes a real kick to their drinks.

Then came the G Vine with Fentimans Botanically Brewed Tonic Water. Straight from France this was delicious, fruity and citrusy. This is where I stopped taking photos, I was definitely on my way to being quite merry as each gin became easier to drink, and the G Vine was certainly pleasant on the tastebuds!

The last gin was definitely a blur. In fact, once we finished the fourth we were joking about them bringing us a 5th, and they did! Whatever it was, it went down well, and three lots of nibbles later, we were finished.

This was a great experience, it allowed us to taste and enjoy the spirits in a relaxed (and warm!) environment. The service was excellent and all the bartenders were very clued up with the gin on offer. One Square offers over 80 types of gin so if you enjoy this drink, I would highly recommend this experience, even if you don’t have a particularly mature taste for alcohol you can really learn a lot.  

Click here if you are interested in booking this experience.

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The Best View in Edinburgh?

Looking straight out onto historical Edinburgh Castle, the Sheraton Grand is perfectly situated for a weekend of exploration.

Just a 10 minute taxi journey from Edinburgh Waverley Station, we arrived at the hotel within 15 minutes of stepping off our train from London. 

Stepping into the warm lobby (needed for those chilly Scottish days) we were greeted with smiles from all the staff. Check in was easy and we made our way up to our Castle View Room.

As soon as we opened the door into our room we knew we had hit the jackpot with this place. Straight out the window was a panoramic view of the castle itself - bonus! If you decide to stay here yourself I would highly recommend upgrading to the Castle View Rooms as they are totally worth the money.

The rooms were very spacious, we were situated on the top floor of the hotel with club benefits - worth the upgrade if you prefer a quieter space for breakfast, drinks and canapés are also included each evening, oh and complimentary WiFi and spa access too!

As soon as we had sorted our things out we headed out into Edinburgh for a mooch around and to look for a place for dinner. We didn’t have to look far, the hotel leads out onto Lothian Road which is full of restaurants and cafes. We went a little further and walked through Princes Street Gardens, just five minutes walk away. We did a full circle round to the Royal Mile and then up through Grassmarket where we enjoyed pizza (very Scottish....) and back up to the Sheraton.

Alex and I are both early birds so watched a bit of Sherlock on Netflix and then got some needed rest, ready for the next day’s activities. The beds were comfortable and big enough that you aren’t banging into your sleep companion all night, the pillows were a little too squishy for me but you could call down to reception if you fancied a change. One of our concerns when we first arrived at our room is that we were opposite the Club lounge, we were worried we would hear noise throughout the night but luckily, everything was silent and we got a good nights kip. 

We woke up early the next morning, the mornings are darker up in Edinburgh so we were up in time to watch the sunrise behind Edinburgh Castle. This was stunning and well worth watching, so we set up a time lapse to capture this...

A video posted by InstaBritain (@visitbritain) on Jan 27, 2017 at 12:00am PST

We enjoyed a continental breakfast in the club lounge, this was included in the room rate, if you wanted a full breakfast you could pay £5 and take this in the main restaurant. For us, the tranquility and quiet of the club lounge suited us. 

Whilst we didn’t use it ourselves, the Sheraton has a fully functioning spa named ‘One Spa’. An oasis in the centre of Edinburgh, One Spa offers an infinity edge swimming pool in a light and airy setting. Along with a roof top hydropool you can team this up with a relaxing spa treatment, or if you are feeling energised, a gym session.

The Sheraton Grand also hosts ‘One Square’, a buzzing restaurant and bar leading out onto Festival Square and serving classic British dishes, as well as afternoon teas, brunch, and even gin tasting experiences.

Overall the hotel is contemporary in an ancient city, it is not the most traditional hotel in the world but a great base in order to explore Edinburgh, and even better if you are a spa lover. The service is genuinely friendly and nothing seems too much trouble for the staff, we also loved the little splashing of Scotland dotted around the hotel such as Scottish shortbread in the room, a huge print of Eilean Donan Castle on the main stairwell, and the subtle appearance of tartan. 

Please click here to be directed to the Sheraton Grand website.

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A Valentine’s Treat

Last week we headed over to the Lancaster London Hotel, home to a fantastic restaurant, Island Grill.

Island grill offers fresh, seasonal food, much of which has been locally sourced. Just a 10 minute walk from Paddington Station, and located directly next to Hyde Park, Island grill is easy to find and easy to reach - it’s also a great place to eat if you want to head out for a night in London. 

On arrival we were promptly greeted and taken to our table (close to the bar, hurrah!). We were sat next to one of their floor to ceiling windows, looking out onto Bayswater Road, I love people watching so this was ideal for me. 

Having looked through the extensive drinks menu, we decided on cocktails, it was a special occasion after all. I chose the Pina Colada and it was a Mai Tai for Alex. The drinks were delicious, full of fruity flavour, and had I shut my eyes I could have definitely imagined I was somewhere a little more tropical!

Next was the food…

This was a sharing menu, which worked great for us, it meant we could try all sorts of new dishes. As a fussy eater, I was a little apprehensive, but I tried everything (even the fish!) and was blown away. Starters included Lancaster London Smoked Salmon, Crispy Gressingham Duck Salad (my favourite), and Warm Golden Cross Goats Cheese with Walnut & Endive Salad (pictured). 

Next came the mains..

Extremely delicious, fresh, and full of flavour is the best way of describing the next four dishes. We enjoyed Pan-Fried Seabream with Potato Gnocchi, tomato confit, and Watercress & Keta Salad (pictured). Now as I hinted earlier, I am not usually a fan of fish, in fact, I haven’t eaten fish since I was about 10 years old, however I tried the sea bream (that’s a big deal for me!) and was completely surprised that I actually liked it, it was a great texture and was not overpowering like some fish can be. Next we tried the roast Fillet of Suffolk Pork, served with braised red cabbage, celeriac puree, wilted spinach, and crackling - one word, divine! The pork was mouthwateringly succulent, cooked just right, and the sides complimented the dish perfectly. 

We also tried the Roasted Fig, Pine Nut and Cherrywood-Smoked Cheese Tart, with radicchio and caramelised shallots - a perfect finish to our mains. 

Our waitress kindly let us wait for the desserts, so our mains could go down, we could soak up the atmosphere, and of course finish our cocktails!

The desserts were presented beautifully, as you can see below, perfect for a romantic meal for two. Whether you are on a first date, second date, or if you have been married thirty years, these puddings were a fabulous addition to a wonderful meal.

The Strawberry Panna Cotta was shaped into cute little hearts, alongside a fresh berry compote, black pepper tuille, and candid rose petals. The Raspberry Sorbet meant we could cleanse our pallet between trying each component of the dish, really adding to the flavours of the Dark Chocolate Fondant, and to really finish the meal… a full cheeseboard complete with crackers and grapes!

If you want to treat your partner to something special this February and you have run dry of ideas, this is a great opportunity to surprise and delight!

Tables can be booked via the Island Grill website - http://www.islandrestaurant.co.uk/

We hope you enjoy!

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A Hotel With A Difference

The Georgian House Hotel, situated on a pretty street in Pimlico, is best know for it’s Harry Potter style Wizarding Chambers. However, we were here to see the hotel in all its glory, not just a small portion.

On a day where the tubes were striking and the rain was pouring, my sister and I weren’t the happiest of bunnies. Victoria is the easiest tube station to reach this boutique hotel, however this was shut, so we walked from St James’ Park. We were rather bedraggled but our spirits were lifted as we got into close proximity to the hotel and wound our way round the pretty streets of West London.

Once arriving at the hotel I instantly felt comfortable, the atmosphere seemed relaxed and laid back, the hotel was quiet but you didn’t feel a nuisance by being there either. 

The Georgian House Hotel was built in 1851 and has been family owned for over 150 years. In 1987 the hotel was passed through the family to Serena von der Hyde who opened the property as a bed and breakfast with 28 rooms. Today the hotel is now a five star, luxury boutique property with 63 guest rooms and apartments, perfect for those on business or visiting London for leisurely purposes.

Check in was easy and we were shown to our room, number 17, towards the back of the property. First impressions of the room were great, whilst cosy, the rooms were spacious enough to not feel claustrophobic, with a large double bed, sitting area, and all the amenities you could possibly need. The bathrooms were small but beautifully kitted out to the highest standard, including The White Company toiletries.

We spent some time relaxing in our room (more like attempting to control my rain drenched hair), before heading out to see what the local area offered. 

We ended up wandering over to Victoria, a short distance away, and having dinner at Victoria Place, a small shopping mall, with plenty of places to eat. We then strolled back to the hotel, it was dark by this time, however we felt completely safe walking around and decided to take the long route as it was so pleasant (we definitely didn’t get lost...).

As my sister is mother to an almost two year old, we took the opportunity to get an early night, this would be one of the first times in two years she had the opportunity to get a good nights sleep!

The walls were fairly thin, but overall we both slept well, and as we woke up the next morning we were looking forward to breakfast.

And boy, did we have reason to be excited..

When it comes to hotels, breakfast is a make or break for me. There is nothing worse than getting excited over the possibility of french toast and ample amounts of bacon to then be dissappointed. Yes it’s happened to me before and yes, I threw a hissy fit.

Luckily, the Georgian House Hotel hits the nail on the head with their delicious spread. With the option to choose off an a la carte menu, I of course picked my favourite, french toast with maple syrup, and the kitchen was kind enough to cook me some bacon on the side. Emily opted for eggs and soldiers, a staple in any British breakfast. 

Once we had both devoured these, I had some fruit (I was feeling a little guilty having just eaten french toast AND bacon), and my sister had a croissant, oh how I wish I had her metabolism.  

After breakfast we packed up our things, checked out, and headed out to explore Pimlico. The area is picture perfect, as you can see below...

After our morning walk we headed back to the hotel ready for our tour of the Wizarding Suites, which definitely deserve their own post, so watch this space!

If you want more information on the Georgian House Hotel or would like to book a room, please click here

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A Glamorous Affair

As you have probably guessed, we love afternoon tea, and not just any afternoon tea, it must be unique (or atleast extremely delicious)!

We headed down to the K West Hotel in Shepherds Bush on a very chilly and dreary Saturday afternoon.

The K West Hotel, a short distance from the Central Line at Shepherds Bush, was once a BBC recording studio, and this old tradition has not faded. We took a seat upstairs in the Studio Kitchen and our waitress kindly explained the menu to us, there are a selection of teas, or if you fancy it, tea infused cocktails!

We were treated to the Tea Rex, a bespoke tea comprising blended black tea leaves, mellow green tea, a natural cherry flavouring, with peony flowers and fragrant rose petals.

Then came what we were most excited for, the food!

It’s usually the sweeter things in life I look forward to, but as afternoon teas go, these were the most delicious savoury snacks I have had. More modern than many afternoon teas, we enjoyed items such as smoked salmon on rye bread, Mini Halloumi, Turkey Sliders (with cranberry of course), Roasted Peppers and Sundried Tomatoes on Focaccia (my favourite!), and even Mini Hamburgers.

Moving up a layer we reached the scones. I am fussy, so it is hard to get these right for me. Too stodgy? Too raw? Nope! These were cooked to perfection, light and fluffy, and of course we smothered on the clotted cream and jam.

Next we were presented with a sweet feast! A top the cake stand perched devilish deserts such as Chocolate Cherry Apples, Rocky Road Fudge, Orange & Cinnamon Panna Cotta Shots, Chocolate Truffle Lollies, and a selection of Macaroons. 

I’ve enjoyed many an afternoon tea in my time, but this one has got to be some of the best tasting food so far. Even better that it comes with the history and heritage of this West London jaunt, the setting is stylish and laid back .Once finishing our tea we took our time to soak up the ambience and listen to the music that filtered into the Studio Kitchen, just at the right volume.

The staff were friendly and we felt we could take our time and enjoy the afternoon without being rushed out the door. Overall I would highly recommend the Glam Rock Afternoon Tea, this would tie in perfectly with a day of retail therapy at nearby Westfield.

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Afternoon Tea With A Twist

Unsurprisingly London is a hot bed for afternoon tea. With so many places to choose from, tourists and locals are starting to look for something unique about their cake and scones. Yes it has to taste good, but it also has to be Instagram worthy. We took a trip to London's Sanderson Hotel, the home of the 'Mad Hatters Tea Party', in search of finding somewhere a little more special to satisfy our very British cravings. 

We were seated in the courtyard of the hotel. In the middle of January we were a little apprehensive of catching a chill, but the outdoor heaters did their job and we were nice and cosy without our coats on. 

Our first little piece of Alice in Wonderland influence was a deck of cards on the table, each named after a different character from the book. Each card described a different tea that was on the table in tiny glass pots ready for you to smell. From green tea with mango to oolong with chocolate infusions we were spoilt for choice. You can of course also order normal English breakfast tea if you're feeling traditional. 

Then came the exciting part, the menu. The savoury snacks were wonderfully eye-catching and full of flavour. Mini croque monsiuers, cream cheese sandwiches with lime bread, and salmon scotch eggs. Everything was exciting to taste. Our tea came out suitably dressed for the occasion with a crown on top, the plates were also oozing with mad hatter style influences. 

After our sandwiches were finished we were treated to the best course. Not only because it was the one that included scones (my personal favourite) but it was also the most creative. As we looked around whilst we waited we noticed everyone around us as their sweet treats were delivered to their table, "oooh!", "wow!", "ahh look at this!". There wasn't a disappointed face in sight. Of course everyone reached for their phones to take pictures. Our turn came and the waiter kindly explained to us what was on our plates, chocolate worms, marshmallow toad stools, red velvet lady birds and butterfly cake, among others. Everything was so beautiful we felt guilty eating it! But luckily it tasted as good as it looked.

Throughout our visit we were surrounded by ladies lunching, work meetings, and friends meeting one on one. This afternoon tea is perfect for any occasion, and seemed to be enjoyed by everyone there. The staff were friendly, the service was quick and the food was fantastic. Oh and most of all, it looked great on Instagram. Definitely worth a visit.

Book now

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Canvas and Clover, A Girls Weekend In Worcestershire

Set amongst the picturesque countryside of Worcestershire, the Canvas and Clover Glampsite can be found just off the A443. There is plenty of space for parking and as soon as you arrive, it takes you by surprise how big the immediate field is. The bell tents are arranged in clusters, dotted around the site - perfect if you are travelling in a group with friends or family. But each individual tent is set far enough apart for privacy of you are travelling as a couple. The tents are beautiful and of very high quality, the main bed is a very comfy double bed with thick duvets and fluffy pillows! If more than two are sharing a tent then the owners will also provide up to two air beds, such as was in my tent, yet it still does not feel cramped at all.

We were a party of nine so had three tents together, our tents were the furthest away so we were able to natter to each other without feeling like we were disturbing anyone else. The bathrooms are located at the top end of the field and are equipped with good showers and toilet facilities. Even though the campsite was mostly full, we never felt like we were fighting for the bathrooms! There is no electricity in the tents themselves, but electricity supplies can be found in the bathroom block. 

Location wise, the Glampsite was perfect. Far enough away from the towns that you get the full country experience, but close enough to get out to pubs and restaurants. The trip into Worcester only took 15/20 minutes - so not an expensive taxi fare if you wanted to enjoy an evening in the city. Overall we had an incredible time. The owners were fantastic, very friendly, coming ground to talk to everyone in the mornings to make sure everything was going okay. We also had some make-up artists come on site and the owners were happy with this. Glamping is great if you want to sleep somewhere beautiful but do it a little differently! If you don't mind being woken up by the sun and the sound of the sheep, then please do not hesitate to pay this wonderful Glampsite a visit.

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London's Most Pampered Cats

If you're savvy about East London's quirky cafes then you'll know one of them includes London's first "cat cafe". No, no, before you get up in arms, you don't eat the cats, you eat with the cats. We wanted to see what it was all about so last week we took a trip there.

It was a soggy morning in London, the tube wasn't running after yet another strike. As our taxi pulled up outside it was clear which building they were in, there was a cat lounging in the window watching the rain drops sliding down the window. We entered the cafe, washed our hands and listened to the rules put in place to protect the well-being of the cats.

As we sat down we were in awe of the decoration, all made specifically to maximise the space for the cats to run around. In the centre of the room was a large, hollowed out tree that the cats can go inside when they don't fancy socialising with humans, or they can climb it for somewhere to sleep. Behind the seating was more hollowed out spaces for the cats' privacy. There were places for the cats to climb, bridges for them to walk across, an abundance of toys to play with, and even calming music playing in the background. It was cat heaven!

The members of staff were very knowledgeable of each cat, where they came from (most were re-homed) and which their favourite toys were, talking us through their personalities and names.

The real test came when our food arrived at the table. You never know when places have a quirk to them if the food is actually any good, or if people just go once for the fun of it. Well we can safely say it was delicious. Between us we had hot chocolate, tea, two honey mustard chicken bagels, a Nutella cupcake and a vanilla cupcake.

As we sat and ate the cats began to explore their new friends and the tables around us began to fill up with more guests. Some of the cats slept soundly, while others darted around and played with one another. They knew when it was time for dinner as they gradually queued up around the door to the cat's kitchen and waited patiently for their food to come out.

Overall, if you love cats, you need to visit Lady Dinah's. The relaxed atmosphere provides a perfect place to study or get some work done out of the house. The cats provide a great talking point too so if you're looking for somewhere to go on a first date and you know your potential partner doesn't have any allergies then this would be a great pick. Make sure you book up in advance so you're guaranteed a space.

Lady Dinahs, thank you for having us. We will be back!

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ARTea at The Lancaster London Hotel

If you are looking to try a traditional afternoon tea with a difference, look no further than the ARTea Experience at the Lancaster London Hotel.

Set in the comfortable and more informal lounge bar, your afternoon tea experience will start with your choice from their varied menu of 14 teas from around the world. Once you have chosen your tea, sit back and relax and enjoy some of the art on the walls, from which the Lancaster London drew it’s inspiration for the experience.

The hotel itself is based in a leafy part of London, nestled between Paddington and Hyde Park, a great retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hotel is moving into a refurbishment, with work looking to be complete by August 2017, Although you do not have to be staying at the hotel to appreciate their afternoon teas!

The price of the basic afternoon tea experience is £35 per person, a reasonable price for central London. You can upgrade your experience to include a glass of gin and tonic (£43.50) or a glass of champagne (£45). After sipping our champagne our chosen teas - the Pai Mu Tan and the English breakfast were brought over to us by the friendly waitress, along with an sand-filled hour glass brew timer, which indicates how long to allow your tea bags to infuse into the hot water!

We then took delivery of our sandwiches, which are served first along with some delicious pastries. The sandwiches included smoked salmon on granary bread, roast English beef with horseradish, free range Barradale Farm egg with wild cress on white bread, cucumber and rock salt on wholemeal bread, along with a warm tartlet of English asparagus. The sandwiches tasted fresh and flavoursome and were the perfect portion sizes, once we finished these we asked for our scones to be put in the oven - the wait was around 8 minutes and this was a great time to let our food go down. All the scones are made to order so they are fresh and warm as soon as they hit the plate

The scones were presented on a board styled like a paint palette, with the cream and jam contained within paint tubes which I loved. The whole spread was very artistic and set in an old art box, this was very unique and fitting for the setting.

Once the scones had disappeared it was time to move on to the final course, the pastries, which had been tempting us since they arrived alongside the sandwiches. There was a varied selection of deserts including chocolate and honey lollypops, strawberry and rosewater panacotta, vanilla and hazelnut mousse in a macaroon, lavender eclair with white chocolate, and a lemon meringue tart with edible art.

We had a truly great time at the Lancaster London and would highly recommend this experience. We were impressed by the warm service and expert advice in regards to their menu and selection of teas. If you are looking for a memorable afternoon tea with a difference, The ARTea is definitely an option to consider.