How to book
with Pedro Ximenez ice-cream.
At around £140 for the food, plus wine - served to us by a sommelier, who clearly did not mess about when it comes to wine, I wondered just how fancy food can be until it just becomes overpriced. The prices are elevated, but it’s London, of course, and it was a fantastic experience in a stunning building.
Nothing was too much trouble and I know it’s five star and you expect to be treated, to get what you pay for, but it really felt like we could ask for anything and it wouldn’t be a hassle.
We were spoiled throughout and left walking on air after our anniversary dinner.
The restaurant is one of three dining options in the hotel.
The Palm Court is another, the ultimate grand tea room. Sat gazing out at the beautiful room at breakfast, I soaked up the atmosphere.
It’s apparently ‘where the tradition of afternoon tea began,’ we were told. And from the civilised setting, I could see why, with its sumptuous cushioned booths, tinkling piano and gentle chatter.
The other dining option is The Langham Club Lounge, with freeflowing Champagne and canapes, fresh baked cookies, afternoon tea, all to have when you fancy. It’s a sanctuary, I thought, as I sat enjoying a glass of fizz, bubbles zipping up the glass in the sunlight.
And then there’s the bar Artesian, a cocktail bar which has won ‘World’s Best Bar’ four years in a row and is a destination bar for Londoners.
This summer the bar is being joined by a new pub, described as a ‘post modern interpretation of the traditional English pub.’
The hotel is also getting a new spa, named the ‘Chuan Body + Soul’ spa, which incorporates ancient principles of traditional Chinese medicine into its treatments, with gym, wet rooms, steam and sauna facilities as well as the swimming pool.
It’s all in the heart of London, just The Langham, London, 1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London, W1B 1JA. Rates from £360 including VAT for a Superior Room, breakfast not included (£20 per person when pre-booked). For bookings go to langhamhotels.com/london or call 0207 636 1000. opposite the BBC in the heart, between Marylebone, Fitzrovia, Mayfair and Soho with access to the shops and restaurants of Regent Street and Bond Street and a short stroll to Regent’s Park.
We enjoyed the city in bright sunshine all weekend, making us realise again that London is only two hours on the train from Manchester and why don’t we do this more often?
The buzz of the city is another level. I still find it an adventure.
If you want to treat yourself, head to The Langham. It’s dreamy, really gorgeous.
You rarely have nights you’ll remember forever, but I won’t forget our anniversary dinner at The Langham. It sounds cheesy but it felt like something out of a film.
We were made to feel really special, if only for the weekend.
You need moments like that every now and again.