Tea and Shopping at Fortnum & Mason

Our first day in London, so, we decided to ease into it with some tea and shopping at Fortnum & Mason. What a beautiful day it was! London, you did good on the weather! Just gorgeous! The Fulham Broadway tube stop was super close to our flat, so we used it, A LOT. (Kind of crazy when you didn't know there was going to be a Chelsea game, and you are trying to walk against a sea of 3,000 crazy fans, but whatever, when in Rome)

Coming up from the tube into Piccadilly Circus, my heart skipped a beat - we were really here! We meandered along to Fortnum's, were we had a 12:30 reservation for tea in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Room. After much distraction looking at the yummy food and getting into the wrong lift, we made our way to the correct lift and up we went. And stepped into a gorgeous, calm oasis in the heart of the City. It was a sea of blue and white, with subtle hints of gold and silver. It's really hard not to become completely relaxed, and totally into the experience. The choice of teas was overwhelming - as are the choices for food, but we settled on afternoon tea, and it was the perfect amount. With our waistbands near their bursting points, we made our way down, floor by floor, taking in all the trinkets that this truly unique store has to offer. My favourite floor, aside from the macaroons located on the first floor (I brake for macaroons), was the perfumery. Gorgeous glass bottles were on display everywhere, it was like stepping back in time. I can see why this store holds a Royal Warrant!

It took us the better part of the day - so many things to see! This has become a must stop for when I visit, and I can't wait to go back!

 

The spiral stairs went on forever!

Delicious Macaroons!

The Perfumery!

Loose leaf tea

Those biscuits the Duchess of Cambridge made famous.

The Royal Warrant

Shopped too much? Feet hurt? Have a cocktail!

Latest Lustings

1. Tangle Teezer Compact Styler, Union Jack  2. Estee Lauder Jeweled Flag of Britain Compact 3.Whittard Iconic London Tea for One 4. Jan Constantine Cream Tattoo Union Jack Heart Pillow 5.Cath Kidston Cut Roses Crush Mug, Chelsea Rose Crush Mug 6. Jan Constantine British Map Cushion  7. Links of London Regal Nodding Dog

The Perfect Cup of Tea

I saw this adorable mug on Amazon and totally snatched it up. I'm pretty sure that by now I've gotten my cuppa down to a science, and know exactly how I like it given the amount of times a day I drink it, but it was too cute to pass up. The cup is entitled My Cuppa Tea - Colour Matching Guide, and features four Pantone colour swatches around the inside of the mug to which you can match your tea, for the perfect cuppa every time! The four colours are Milky, Classic British, Builders Brew, and Just Tea. At first I thought I might be Milky, but it turns out, I'm Classic British, with a slight lean towards Builders Brew! (as if there was any doubt) Too cute not to share.

P.S. - There's one for you coffee drinkers too!

Tea Time

There is something so calming and relaxing about tea time - the fabulous company, the savory treats, the sweet scones, the divine teas, and the sinfully delicious cream and jam. It's the perfect way to catch up with old friends, or get to know someone new. Don't you agree?

Q&C xxoo

The Wonder That is The National Trust

I always say, if I lived in England, I would make it a point to get to as many National Trust Properties as possible. I mean, the US has a great history don't get me wrong, but we are a fairly young country as these things go, and some of these houses in the UK go back to the 1400's!! I don't know what it is about it, I just can't get enough of the rich history. All of the people who have walked the halls, sat in the chairs, strolled in the gardens  - apparently, it gets me going...anyhow...

Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire is a stunning moated half-timbered manor house  - complete with a lovely knot garden! The house remained in the Moreton family for 450 years until it became part of the National Trust. The building itself actually appears to be bowing - and it is! The long gallery visible at the top of the building is roofed with heavy stone slabs, which has caused the supporting floors below to bow and buckle. Since this was discovered, it's been sured up and visitors are able to walk this beautiful space - originally an area for ladies to take exercise during inclement weather.

As an aside, can I tell you it's a secret love of mine that no matter what you visit in England, there is always a cafe (or two) where you can rest up halfway through your visit, and have a nice cuppa, and perhaps a buttered crumpet or scone :-) (American tourist attractions, please take note) Little Moreton Hall has a quaint one, complete with a nesting mother duck who likes to take strolls in to ask for some of your food! Though she was discovered by the staff, and promptly removed - much to the our sadness.

Below are some photos from my trip - hope you enjoy!

Little Moreton has done some settling over the years.

The beautiful black and white timbered exterior.

Detailing of the black and white timber

The Toilet - Empties into the Moat!

View from the Gallery

Little Moreton Hall

Tea for Two

This past Christmas, the hubby and I packed our bags for Jolly Old England - I think Christmas is definitely one of THE best times to visit. Many might disagree. Yes, it's limited daylight hours, it's cold, and most of the time, wet, but your in LONDON! Winter Wonderland is going on in Hyde Park, Oxford and Bond Street are bustling, the lights are out everywhere - it's simply magical.

We were lucky to get reservations for two at the iconic Ritz London Hotel. If you haven't been, I think it's simply a must do for anyone wanting to experience a beautiful tea time. If you didn't feel like royalty when you walked through the door, you certainly will when you sit down. Be warned, you need to dress up a little for this one (no jeans, this is The Ritz people...), but it's so worth it. I especially enjoyed the to gentlemen sitting to my left dressed in full morning suits, it totally added to the "experience". Though I'm sure that wasn't their intention. And the carolers singing to the baby grand piano in the corner make you feel like you're in a Dicken's novel. Which, I'll be honest, I'm all for!

Anyhow, I plan to try as many tea times as I can whenever I visit England - and you should too, if you love taking tea as much as I do!!

Delicious Scones - Lots of Food, So Don't Fill Up Before Coming!!

The Beautiful Palm Court Tea Room

More Exquisite Treats