A Day in London

As it was my fiances birthday a few weeks ago and we both had the day off work, I thought I would arrange a a spontaneous day to the city, London City. We both absolutely love spending time in London and everytime we go we find somewhere new to fall in love with. As we have been to the city numerous times we could avoid all the usual touristy activities and just explore.

Check out what we got up to and a few tips on how to make the most of 12 hours in London.

Travelling

Booking the earliest flight in the day and the latest flight home and booking well in advance will almost always guarantee the best price for that day. Booking the Stansted Express from Stansted Aiport into Liverpool Street Station online in advance also enables you to get a better deal, so being organised is ALWAYS good.

Belfast International Airport

Liverpool Street Station

Eating

We both love love having food with a view and what better place to eat great food and have an excellent view of London - than the Duck & Waffle. After researching and reading online reviews and blogs I knew we had to visit.The Duck & Waffle is based at Bishopsgate a few minutes walk from Liverpool Street Station on the 40th floor and it is open 24/7. We went for brunch around 10am, I would definitely recommend booking this well in advance as the online booking system books up extremely fast and I understand why. It was AMAZING, such a relaxed atmosphere, breath taking views and excellent food & cocktails.

Mimosa Cocktail - Duck & Waffle

Duck & Waffle Breakfast - Duck & Waffle

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club - Stadium Tour

Much to my fiance delight this trip was less about shopping and more about eating and exploring. In an attempt to be nominated for finacee of the year award I booked stadium tour tickets for White Hart Lane.

White Hart lane - Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

Home Changing Room - Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

Covent Garden & Neals Yard

Covent Garden is one my favourite places to visit in London (excluding the 190+ steps out of the underground). It's quirky, interesting -  I love the atmosphere, street performers, the food, the bars, the shops and everything inbetween, This time round we discovered the Neal's Yard, this is such a hidden gem, the place bright beautiful and full of life.

Covent Garden

Neal's Yard

Homeslice Pizza- Neal's Yard

Where are your favourite places to visit when in London?

Bernadette

Read more...

Chillin' at the Ice House

After spending the night at the Ice House Hotel, I couldn't wait to blog about it. I wanted a short quiet break away, with good food and plenty of relaxation and on arrival to Ballina Co.Mayo I knew I had chosen the perfect location. The journey took us longer than expected, so we were glad to hear “you are now approaching your destination...”

On arrival to the Ice House we were mesmerised by the beautiful view of the River Moy stretching right across to the woodlands. The building was modern with aspects of the original 19^th century building. 'Contemporary chic meets traditional elegance' a statement I couldn’t agree with more. With a brief welcome at reception we were shown to our room where we were greeted with a picturesque view.

Sleep

We stayed in a Deluxe room, it was very spacious with a ceiling to floor window with a spectacular view of the River Moy. The room also had a shower and separate bath, as I am normally a shower person; I get very excited when a hotel room has a luxurious bath that I can take advantage of.

Eat

Food, my favourite part of any trip...of everyday. We went as far as down the stairs for our dinner at the Ice House restaurant, the restaurant was bright and spacious with a view of the wildlife, the river and the adjacent woodlands. I have to say that the food was delicious, accompanied by Pinot Grigio I didn’t want the meal to end – shout out to the best dessert that I have had in a very long time Almond and Orange Chocolate brownie!

Chill

We spent the following morning at the Chill Thermal Spa, what better way to spend your Saturday morning than in a hot tub with a great view? There was a steam room, sauna, outdoor hot tubs and a relaxation room. Relaxing in the hot tub overlooking the river, had to be the highlight of this trip (the hot tub and dessert was almost too close to call).

If you are looking for somewhere in Ireland to indulge, relax and rejuvenate check out Ice House Hotel & Spa. Also check out Living Social for special offers, as this is where I got my offer at the Ice House Hotel & Spa.

Where would you recommend for a short break away?

Bernadette

Follow Me

Read more...

Exploring the Markets - Belfast

This weekend my family and I decided to visit St.George’s Market in Belfast, this is an indoor market with all the authenticity of an outdoor country market. This is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions dating back to 1890’s and on Saturday it's host to the City Food and Craft market. What better way to spend a rainy Saturday than live music, great coffee and indulging in delicious food.

                 

City Food and Craft Market

The City Food and Craft Market is on a Saturday offers a large range of local, continental and speciality foods from around the world. It also represents local handmade crafts, flowers, pottery, photography, glass and metal work with local musicians providing entertainment throughout the day.

The beautiful building and great atmosphere was a welcome change to my usual jaunt around the nearby retail stores. You can easily get lost in your thoughts wondering around the market sampling food and coffee and listening to music, and that’s exactly how I spent my Saturday afternoon.

Belly Busters

Dolci Italiani

Suki Tea

Bailies handroasted coffee 

Jam and Olly's Country Stall

I would definitely recommend spending a Saturday afternoon browsing around St.George’s Market if you are Belfast, to sample the food and coffee, soak up the atmosphere and check out the local craftsmanship.

How do you like to spend an alternative Saturday afternoon?

Bernadette

Follow Me

Read more...