Saturday 2 April 2011

Come dine with me

Well what a day I had yesterday. Before I share with you my birthday treat I would like to thank you all  for the birthday wishes you left for me on my last post. I enjoyed reading every single one of them. It really is great to have such kindness from my blogging friends scattered all over this, not so small now, world of ours.

So this is how I celebrated my birthday yesterday. I woke up and opened some lovely cards and presents and then needed to get ready promptly as my dear Hb had booked a table for us to have lunch at none other than Claridges in London. I do like taking you with me on my trips so I took my trusty camera with me so that I could share my day with you all.


Claridges is such an iconic hotel. It really is London's Art Deco jewel. It is also not as "stuffy" as places like the Ritz or the Savoy...I really think it is my favourite hotel in London.

Last year for my birthday I was treated to afternoon tea here which is such an experience, in my opinion it is the best place to do this in London. This year my Hb decided to book us for lunch in the restaurant.


The hotel is just off Bond Street very near to the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street but it is such a peaceful place. The decor inside is pure Art Deco. Everywhere you look takes you straight back to the times of the 1930s.


Here is the entrance hall with the revolving doors.
Everywhere is so light and full of glorious glass pieces and mirrors.




This is the bar and the ornate staircase which also leads out to the cloakrooms.
















There were fresh cut flowers everywhere you looked.







There were even flowers at the entrance to the cloakroom/ladies.


Here is the room where afternoon tea is served



Just look at the roses in the centre....the most wonderful white flowers.













This is a close up of them. We had to walk through this room to get to the restaurant.










When we arrived in the restaurant we were shown to our table. The atmosphere was very relaxed even though within an hour every single table was filled.
This is the view from our table, note my Bellini cocktail sitting on our table (my favourite cocktail) and yes they really do give you an iPad to choose your drinks from...no paper wine meu is used. Every table was decorated with glorious orchids.






                                               All the ceiling lights have silk shades
                                                                        More glass
And more glorious mirrors.

We had a 3 course lunch which was so delicious that I had eaten it before I thought of taking any photos. The service was also exemplary, just the right amount of attention was given to us. At the end of the meal this was brought over to me which I thought was a lovely touch

And, as I promised I said I would, I raised my glass to you all, my blogger friends, as I celebrated my birthday.
Cheers everyone! Thanks for joining me for my birthday. I have reached my half century and ...I'm not out!

Tomorrow is my long awaited family and friends birthday lunch and I shall be back some time next week to share the last of my celebrations with you.

Bye for now,

Jane x

22 comments:

  1. Jane, you certainly "do it up" in style! What a grand entrance to the mid century mark! Love the setting, all the flowers- such magnificent birthday bouquets, but your smile tells the whole story! Let's keep this party going, girl! :o)

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  2. Michele it was such a great day....and yes the party is still going :0)
    Jane x

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  3. Oh that's just right way to celebrate big five-0 I think! It looks fantastic and you, the b-day girl look fab too! Happy celebrations still to come, Jane, and see you next week!

    Yours,
    Mia

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  4. It certainly was Mia...see you again soon,
    Jane x

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  5. What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday Jane and you look great!!
    I am so impressed with those flower arrangements, just gorgeous!
    And still more celebrations to come, you lucky girl!!!
    Have a great day tomorrow. :)
    Vivienne x

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  6. Dear Jane...

    *H*A*P*P*Y* * *B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y*!*!*!*

    Thank you SO much for taking us along on your very luxurious lunch at that fabulous hotel!

    My birthday is at the end of this month but I'll likely be in a funky beach fish & chips place for lunch on the Oregon Coast. :-)

    BTW - you are gorgeous!!

    Hugs, Teresa

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  7. Thanks Vivienne, the flower arrangements were really quite extraordinary! Sunday has now arrived and it's time for me to get ready for my lunch party...so exciting..."see you soon"
    Jane x

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  8. Chips sounds great Teresa! You are very kind with your comments, thank you. Enjoy your birthday celebrations at the end of the month!
    Jane x

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  9. Dear Jane, this was really special lovely post! Happy Birthday again! I was touched when seeing you to toast with us!That hotel and restaurant look amazing - just perhect for your celebration!
    Love Teje

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  10. I love going on your outings with you! What a beautiful place and the flowers are just gorgeous. Looks like 50 is sitting on you very well. Maybe it won't be too scary when it's my turn later this year? Happy birthday!!!

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  11. Hi Teje, glad you enjoyed this and cheers again! ;0)
    Jane x

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  12. Hi Linda, glad you enjoyed Claridges with me. I am rather enjoying these big 50th celebrations and as I said in an earlier post I think in my head I stayed around 25!
    Jane x

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  13. JANE, Happy Birthday!!!!!!! Sorry I missed responding. Your lovely birthday looked elegant, romantic, and just the best way to celebrate a big birthday. What an amazing place. So happy you had a wonderful time and hope you get to enjoy all week too. xoRobin❤

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  14. Thanks for your birthday wishes Robin, it was the best a birthday can be!
    Jane x

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  15. What a wonderful Birthday Dinner we had, you organised it perfectly It was a great family get-together and we had great fun looking at photos of
    the last one 10 years ago.What a laugh we had at the fashions and looks.Thanks Jane Love M&Dxx

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  16. Happy Birthday Jane! I am soooooo very jealous, we ate at Claridges when I was pregnant with my oldest (so over 6 years ago) and it has remained the very best meal I have ever had. So glad to see you celebrating in style ;) Bethx

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  17. Hi M+D it was a great time indeed! Jane x

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  18. Hi Beth, I quite agree, our meal there was one of the best I've had..the service and setting was quite something!
    Jane x

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  19. Happy, happy birthday Jane! What a beautiful way to celebrate.

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  20. Thanks Bethanie, I had such a memorable birthday!
    Jane x

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  21. OH Jane, HAPPY Belated Birthday to you! I am so delayed! Wow, what a thrill to see all of these wonderful pictures of your celebration..it looked fantastic and you look so happy and vibrant, and YOUNG! Wonderful that you took pictures for all of us way out here across the pond..thank you so much for sharing!

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  22. Great to get your kind wishes Shirley. It was such a wonderful weekend and I raised my glass to all my dear blog friends. Cheers to you!
    Jane x

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Jane x