Thursday
While we were waiting for our rooms to get ready, we walked over to the Kensington Terrace Cafe for a leisurely breakfast. I got the avocado toast and a flat white, Dad got pancakes and black tea, and Eric opted for a hot chocolate, eggs and bacon platter. Everything was well prepared and I enjoyed the side salad that came with my toast.
I had been wanting to try any of the Wright Bros locations for a while due to their £1 oyster happy hours. Luckily, the South Kensington location was super close to our hotel, so Eric joined me for marcona almonds while I enjoyed my 8 oysters. These were from the Channel Islands and they were plump with lovely salinity, I barely needed any accompaniments. We each got a glass of bubbles, I tried the English brut and Eric had a Cremant d’Alsace. Although the oysters were a steal, the drinks were pricey, but we liked the vibe overall. I would go back.
One of our favorite spots in London, we visited Cork & Bottle for dinner on our first night. We split a bottle of the sparkling rosé and I ordered the carpaccio starter. Figuring it might be a modest portion, I agreed to split the three cheese plate with Eric – cambozola, Shropshire blue, and smoked cheddar (very nice). Service and atmosphere were lovely as usual.
Friday
Another favorite of ours, we chanced a Friday lunch visit to Gordon’s Wine Bar, hoping to get into the cave section of the restaurant. We were in luck and got to enjoy our meal by candlelight, listening to the rumbling trains below us. Eric and I split a board with Portuguese sausage, an Essex blue cheese, olives and bread. Eric had a glass of Vouvray while I had a Dolcetto. Eric’s Dad stuck with water and his buratta salad was huge.
Later that afternoon we enjoyed a snack in the Wallace House courtyard cafe. Eric ordered the (most sour!) lemon and raspberry sorbet duo and Dad had the raspberry almond cake and tea. I had a glass of sangiovese.
On Friday evening, we met my cousin and her fiancé for dinner at Da Mario. The first floor was absolutely packed with people and was very loud, not recommended for an intimate dinner! Dad and I both got the pappardelle beef ragu which was loaded with meat and Eric got the margarita pizza. We shared two bottles of rosé for the table and the second bottle took forever to show up. Overall we thought the food was fine but doubt we’d rush back.
Saturday
I met my aunt and uncle at Daquise for lunch while the guys were at Wimbledon. I had the house rosé wine to start, which was kinda meh. Switched to the house red with my blood sausage which was much more drinkable.
Sunday
Before heading out to the countryside, we stopped in to Filo for breakfast. This place is Turkish inspired, so all the dishes skewed in that direction. I wasn’t super hungry, so I just had a pistachio chocolate bun and a flat white while Eric had the eggs on a croissant. Patrons were constantly coming and going during our meal and the staff was forever moving seats around to accommodate everyone. At one point, the small kitchen was getting quite backed up and the chef just started banging on the bell to get the staff to deliver food!
