A Girly Day Out

It is so difficult for me to believe that I graduated almost two years ago now. Listening to the girls at work talking about their plans and their excitement to leave in the upcoming Summer, often brings a sense of nostalgia. It also made me realise that I hadn't seen some of my university favourites in too long! Next thing I know I'm on the phone to one of my best friends and ex-housemates, planning her visit down from Cambridge.

The Plan: a day of exactly what we do best - drinking, eating, drinking, shopping, and a little more drinking.

First stop. King's Road - for the 'most important meal of the day'. Breakfast at Bluebird. I love this restaurant, with greenery blocking the view of the road, it is quite easy to forget that you are in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Chelsea. 

It is the perfect place to be in Summer, with the comfiness of large outdoor sofas to 'set up camp' for a lazy afternoon in the sun, and the ever-changing menu of delicious food and drinks. During Wimbledon, there is also a large screen, so you can sit back with a glass (or pitcher) of Pimms, and simply, enjoy.


So on this 'slightly' cooler Saturday morning, we opted for freshly squeezed orange juice (hold the vodka atm!), toast with mushrooms and tomatoes, and a plate of fresh fruit and yogurt to share = delicious and relatively healthy - not breaking the diet just yet (but lets not speak too soon). Click here to see what else they offer.


Once breakfast ended and we walked along King's Road...(stopping at one of my favourite shoe shops - 'French Sole'), it had gone midday, signalling the start of cocktails - I mean 12 is socially acceptable right? (not that this would stop me - see my post on bottomless brunch). We jumped on the tube and made our way to Knightsbridge, heading for the doors of Harvey Nichols


After browsing the rails of the stunning clothes, and finally accepting that the price tags were currently out of reach, we made our way to the 5th Floor Bar. Quick note: although out of price range, this did not stop me adding to my ever-growing wishlist. Well it is my birthday in...ummm...four months.

Or perhaps I'd be better investing in a lottery ticket.



This is one of my favourite bars in London. When you walk in, there is a sense of class and elegance, but not to the extent where you feel unwelcome and awkward. The brightly coloured pink and greens give a sense of fun and carefreeness, and the bartenders are some of the friendliest. But the best is saved for the beautifully prepared cocktails. 

The drinks that we tried:


Golden Star - Star of Bombay gin is shaken with Prucia plum liqueur, cinnamon and orange bitters and toped with Harvey Nichols Brut Champagne

Diva - This lavish and fruity cocktail features Finlandia Blackcurrant vodka shaken with fresh raspberries, passion fruit and cloudy apple juice. Served long.

Sky Cruise - (too classy to call this a pornstar martini) - Fresh passion fruit and Finlandia vodka are shaken together and served in a martini glass with a shot of Harvey Nichols Rose Champagne on the side. 

Mexican Flowers - This refreshing drink combines Patrol silver tequila, Cointreau, elderflower and grapefruit juice. 

Just writing this is making me want another drink, doesn't it make you want to try one? Here's the rest of the menu


As the clock struck 3...

Now, walking back through the clothes as we make our way to the exit (after a couple of drinks), it is even harder to resist the beautiful products on display. Luckily (or in actual fact, unluckily) my bank would not allow it! So we jumped back on the tube, making our way to Covent Garden.

This is by far one of my absolute favourite places in London. The street magicians, musicians and other randomness that you encounter, are entertaining, different and just fun! Team this with the shops and array of bars, and I could definitely see myself living here......one day!


It is also home of one of the Dirty Martini Bars (and in my opinion, still the best choice).

I always book a table for the whole evening when I go here, when you arrive (say, at 3pm), it is quiet, practically empty, and is a perfect time to get friendly with the bar and table staff. Queue 7pm and it is packed, if you are standing, there really is no space to move without knocking into someone, or worse, into someone's drink. It can also take forever to get to the front of the bar - the no1 reason for getting to know the staff and setting up a tab (though keep an eye on this, as it can end in quite a shock).


12pm also queues the start of 'Happy Hour' on a Saturday, that actually lasts 8 hours. Among other offers, martinis are half price during 12 and 8 - plenty of time to try quite a few!

Dirty Martini brings out new flavours for each season, and I have tried quite a few. My favourites being:

Chocolate Martini
Blood Orange and Vanilla Martini
Passion Fruit Martini

Though there are plenty more to choose from if they don't take your fancy.


After a number of drinks, every girl loves a dance, and these girls were no exception. We headed to Charing Cross, found our table, ordered a bottle of wine, and enjoyed the cheesy songs, and moves that Opal had to offer. Excuse the blurriness of the photo, but I guess it reflects the blurriness of my memory by this point.


And that is where the night ends. 

Have you ever been to any of these places, where are your favourite places to eat, drink and shop? Let me know you lovely lot!

Thank-you for reading...

Claire
xxx

6 comments

  1. Looks like you had lots of fun, those cocktails have made me thirsty. Is it Friday yet?

    Gemma
    www.acrossthispage.com

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    1. Such a lovely day out! Aha I know right, I can't wait to go back and try more off the menu...

      Xxx

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  2. Craving all the cocktails right now!!! I'd have been smashed after the first 3-4, haha! x

    Xtina G Says..

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    1. I started feeling them when I was on the train to Covent Garden - my queue to slow down <3 xx

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  3. It was so lovely to see what you've been up to lately! I love the pictures in this post, they're gorgeous <3 Love your blog!

    Check out my latest?

    www.royallyrouge.com xx

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    1. Aww that's so sweet. Thank-you lovely! And yes, heading over there now xx

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