Why I overdress...

I've heard this from my friends for years... But it's true and it makes me who I am. I am a person who loves historical clothing. There, I've said it. And today proved it (again) to me. I had purchased a ticket yesterday for the newly opened London theatre show of Top Hat. It's a remake of the 1935 movie staring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The stage play is true to the original script with a few extra songs to make stage segways more easier. I have to admit I was singing along with the cast a few times. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Knowing hubby would NOT fully enjoy this show, I took the oppertunity to go to a matinee. While trolling the on line sites, I came across one with a added offer for champaigne and cheese sampling at a French cafe around the corner. Extra bonus with this, no booking fees. So even if I blew off the tasting, it would be cheaper than the regular seat. Oh, and since I was a single, I got second row, center seat (with no one in front of me). Can you believe it? I was thrilled. But back to the bubbly. This adorable cafe called French Bubbles on Wellington street had a glass of champainge (even blanc de noir for thosse of us allergic to chardonay) and a full size cheese platter. It was a "sample", but I was full afterwards. Oh the dancing and costumes were amazing. It seems that a bunch of the choreography might have been lifted from the film. Which is okay with me. I recognized some of it. But it was amazing. And this is no huge stage either. Nine or ten male and females dancers hoofing their way across a stage, which I swear is smaller than a high school stage, was an amazing feet. (pardon e pun). And the costumes were delightful. I was trying to make mental note to duplicate them later, but I think without a photo I won't make it. They were stunning. And I promised myself a trip to the American Bar at the Savoy seeing I was only two blocks away. After a wonderful show, and feeling like I walking on air, why not. This time, there was no private function and I got a single seat at the bar. I dedcided on trying one of their signiture drinks- the White Lady. Not really a fan, as it wasn't sweet enough for me. But I tried again with a Bramble and, perfection. The music, which was jazz classics, filled the room and the glassw are was spectactular as well. The overall feeling was that of an early 20th century club. Very nice. If you get the chance, go! So all in all a fabulous day. I wish every day could be this nice. At least for those of us who overdress...

I'm going to use the 4 letter "F" word....full

 
One of the things I really wanted to do was to go to the Savoy...sit in the American Bar and have a cocktail. Well I haven't gotten to do that yet, but some of the girls and I spent this afternoon eating our way through their Afternoon Tea. To be honest, I must mention that I did order the gluten free tea, which was NOT the best food I've had. I eat gluten free all the time, and honestly I found better up on our High Street. But it's not really about the food, is it? It's about going the historical, lovely old landmark and sharing in the experience of doing this time honored British tradition. At least that's why I went.

The tea room, as well as the whole hotel was stunning. One of the girls remarked that it was like "being on the Titanic". I think she meant the decor, not the fact it might be a shipwreck... The whole process took just over 2.5 hours, which is much appreciated since there was SO MUCH food. First you pick you tea flavor. Then they begin the parade of scones, sandwiches, clotted cream, jam and lemon curd. Once you have polished off that, the next silver tray with  pastries appears. Mmmmm, raspberry macaroons, chocolate tarts, merangues, chocolate dipped strawberries. Oh, must I go on???

There was also the music and the attentive service. Our Canadian waiter Richard was attentive to the point of playing "mum" and pouring each of our teas. Well, I was crass and asked for my pot to be brought to the table so I could refill as I needed. I drink  pretty quickly, and can't have him loitering over us just to refill my cup...
So now that I've had this experience, I might have to check out the Ritz!!

Tried to hit the American Bar and museum afterwards, but a private party prevented me. SO you all need to remind me to get back there to suck up their signature cocktail --- the White Lady.

What's Kew with you?....

Kew Gardens....one of the loveliest places in London. Gardens aren't everyone's cup of tea. But Kew, I think, has a little of something for everyone. While not a traditional "garden", but more of a park, it has different areas to explore. Mostly people know of the architectural marvels of Kew, such as the Japanese pagoda, and the victorian greenhouses. I found the Palm House and the Temperate House very interesting indeed.

Yeah, yeah...the plants are lovely. But I leave that to hubby and get more enjoyment out of the man-made creativity. Don't get me wrong...I enjoy some good planting as well. But in this amazing structure they are overshadowed , or at least work well with the building.
Part of my ploy to get hubby to Kew was the royal palace at Kew. Since we are members of the Royal Historic Palaces, we get free entry into all 5 palaces. This would be our 5th one visited (thus all of them) and I could feel happy n achieving a full success record. Oddly, entrance to the palace does NOT include entrance through Kew Gardens, so one has to pay a somewhat hefty fee to walk across the grass to the palace. But it is really great. My sort of place. I was never a "fan" of George III due to the fce that he was the British ruler during  our break from England. But, since being here this time I have learned more about him, his family and that parliament was more to blame than the king. Let's blame parliament for everything.  actually, the royal control over the government was waning by this time. OK I'd better stop with the history class and get onto the photos....

The grounds of the Gardens are quite exhaustive and one could spend  more than a full day there, roaming the terrain. We did make it into the Palm House, Temperate house, Princess of Wales conservatory, but never made it to Queen Charlotte house, the Japanese pagoda or many of the other outlying areas.