People who know me are very well aware that one of my favourite activities is to indulge in a proper afternoon tea. So, a few weeks ago, I met up with my Girlie in London and off we went to Claridges to sample their vegan and vegetarian versions. 'Are you celebrating a special occasion?', asked our waiter. 'No', says I, 'Just, erm, life.' Did we enjoy it? You bet. Every last morsel.
Last week saw a return to the capital for a stay of couple of days, in the company of the Boy this time. Our base was a hotel on Russell Square (highly recommended) but the main purpose of the visit was to have lunch (again, one vegan, one vegetarian) at The Ritz, a first foray into the world of Michelin starred food for us both.
Honestly? I had no idea a plant based meal could be so beautifully presented and, at the risk of sounding a tad MasterChef-y, packed with layers of flavour (I think I now understand what Marcus Wareing bangs on about). It really was outstanding, from the teeny tiny crisp amuse bouche to the final plates of melt in the mouth 'frivolities'.
Amuse bouche
Salt baked beetroot with pickled blackberries and walnuts
Cauliflower risotto with wild herbs and tonka
A shiny shiny chocolate and banana delice
The Boy's rum baba
Frivolities
The remainder of the time was spent pounding the pavements, visiting the Charles Dickens museum, browsing the stalls at Borough market, perusing book displays (and buying this), enjoying a performance at the Prince Edward theatre, devouring a sticky rum and pineapple doughnut (me) and a pastel de nata (him), and reliving That Lunch.
I love London, me.