I say a night, but Husband and I had about 26 hours in central London without the kids this weekend (not that we were counting every single, blissful, child-free hour). Once a year Husband and I get away, just the two of us. We are lucky that Husband’s parents are very hands-on, and just plain wonderful grandparents. When we only had one child, we used to go abroad for a 2-3 night break each year (lovely places such as Berlin and Istanbul). But now that we have two children, and we survive on one salary, we only have a one-night break in the UK. But these breaks are important as we love these times together, getting to focus on one another.
Though we live in London, we decided to have our break in London this time. We were both feeling so tired, and did not want to bother with sightseeing. We knew that a night in London would mean great food and great napping. And we were not disappointed! We even managed to watch a film in Leicester Square (though it angered me to spend £32 for two tickets to the cinema). If you fancy a day/night in London, here are my recommendations:
HOTEL:
Premier Inn Holborn – one of the newest Premier inns. It feels like a more expensive hotel than it is. It is surprisingly spacious (and sooo quiet) for a central London hotel, and has a comfy bed. There are pubs, restaurants and cafes in the near vicinity. Covent Garden is a 10-minute walk away. On the nearby Theobald’s Road, you can catch a number of buses including the #38 to Piccadilly Circus or Victoria (it goes to Islington then Hackney in the other direction).
RESTAURANTS:
Ping Pong Dim Sum – Ping Pong is a London dim sum chain. Delicious food, yummy teas and cocktails. if you’re not familiar with dim sum and dumplings, or are not a fan of seafood, try the duck spring rolls, char sui buns, roast pork puff and the spare ribs.
Hawksmoor – The Hawksmoor is another London chain, but they’re opening a new restaurant in Manchester. It’s a great steakhouse, but be prepared for your wallet to take a bashing. I especially loved my lobster starter and the salted caramel rolos for afters. The cocktails are gorgeous!
Hush Brasserie – Hush is a small two-restaurant chain. We skipped the hotel breakfast as I was desperate for pancakes. Husband remarked that the coffee was excellent and I can confirm that my pancakes were as delicious as they looked.
If you plan a stay in London, I definitely recommend the Holborn area (I worked there for years so am quite familiar with it). And if you don’t need naps, you could grab some culture at the British Museum, go shopping in either Covent Garden or Oxford Street and have fun at the South Bank (the London Eye, SeaLife Aquarium and the Southbank Centre).
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Oh, you had me at napping! Sounds like the perfect child-free break – relaxed and great food and drink. Glad you had a good weekend! Xxx
Thanks Jess. Napping is the new tequila! 😉 xx
You had me at napping too! Although I think that’s all we could afford to do!! I’ll eat vicariously through you
We’ll be eating baked beans on toast for the next month now. haha
Sounds fab and I now want Dim Sum for breakfast! X
drooling over those pancakes….
Gorgeous break in your home city! We used to have nights where we stayed over in London despite living there, you feel like a tourist again! #whatsthestory
Nothing like adult time with your man every so often. Even with 6 kids we try to do it a couple of times a year, looks like you had a lovely time and there is so much to do in London that is different from what you would chose with the kids. Love the look of the restaurants you visited, a great 26 hours all round. Popping by from What’s the Story
Did I ever told you that my fave cupcake is maple and bacon! And my fave pancake topping are those too!!! This trip is so yummy and fun! #pointshoot
I agree – it is so important to spend time together as a couple – even if it is just for one night. Looks like you squeezed a lot in too x
I really miss living in London. My old office used to be where Ping Pong is. I loved going in and eating lunch where my desk used to be :). Great idea for a staycation. I really need to do this with my husband. Babysitter needed!
Sounds like a great way to spend 26 hours, and some lovely restaurants that I will have to check next time we are in the city. Thanks
Oh I’m so glad that you had SUCH a great time. A night away is SO important when your kids are young, helps you remember who you are as a couple. Pancakes look lush! x
How fab huni! So glad you had a lovely break. This is a great post, very useful. Thanks for linking up to #PointShoot x
Ooh the green eyed monster is trying to break out. So jealous! Lovely food and a chance to sleep?! Lucky lady. Glad you both had a good time, well deserved break! #whatsthestory