Tower of London

The Tower of London is an iconic landmark situated on the north bank of the River Thames, home of the Historic Royal Palace and The Crown Jewels as well other prominent and powerful entities through the years since it was built in 1078. Tricia and I embarked on a tour lead by a spirited Beefeater, wandered the green (noting the legendary ravens) and explored the Royal Armory. We were engrossed in tales of beheading among others told of London's past, and fascinated by the visual displays of all that accompanied a life of majesty.

The tower is worth a visit especially (or specifically) for a glimpse of the jaw dropping collection of Crown Jewels. The sheer beauty of these gems - among them diamonds, rubys and emeralds to name a few, set in regal purple crowns and gold encrusted wands with their perfectly cut shapes, massive size and intense sparkle factor, is unreal. (Too bad you can't photograph them.) What you can photograph is just about everything else, as shown in the Instagram collage below.

The majestic Tower Bridge can be seen from atop the fortress walls and around the outer perimeter of the area. This famous landmark is commonly mistaken as London Bridge, which is actually further down the river and not nearly as poignant. We didn't have time for a tour of the bridge on this trip, but to marvel in its presence felt like enough.

Charing Cross Hotel | London

I have been meaning for quite sometime to write about the hotels I stayed at while in Spain and then the one in London. My affection for hotels runs deep (I've actually reviewed quite a few on here) and plus, I'll take any excuse to let the travel related posts continue! 

The refined and charming Charing Cross Hotel sprawls over the eponymous Underground station in the heart of London, located on The Strand adjacent to Covent Garden, steps from Trafalgar Square, Victoria Embankment and the West End.The Victorian style architecture embodies classic elegance and the interior design matches with a polished luxury that also manages to feel cozy and homey. Our stay occurred from December 9-12th so naturally the spirit of the holidays shined through in the decor. Charing Cross was well dressed for the occasion!The front desk staff were extremely polite and the always helpful concierge was a constant source for restaurant recommendations and other general questions. He was very thorough, offering to make us reservations on the fly and taking the time to point out spots on the map and give us directions. The hotels central location makes for an ideal home base as it is within easy strolling distance to most of the major sights and shopping districts. And when we did not feel like walking, everywhere we wanted to eat or explore was a short cab ride or Underground trip away.The elevated hallway that we walked over to get to-and-from our room is an eye catching point on the exterior and was done up tastefully on the interior with twinkling strands of white lights fronted by sheer curtains. Every corridor is illuminated with red glass candles, adding to the elegance as well the understated coziness. Up a sweeping marble staircase carpeted in a deep red and gold pattern and down the glowing hallway over the street, a sleek room featuring modern furnishings with gray, maroon and navy accents awaited.It was clean and comfortable, boasting two twin beds with fluffy white linens, and a glistening bathroom stocked accordingly with mini bath gels and creams. Décor points included a leather purple chair with unique floral upholstery and fun iridescent black lamp shades.  Appreciating the simple luxuries, I always feel the need to capture the pristine looking space I'll be calling home for the next few nights. This means snapping loads of photographs upon arrival and/or throughout the stay.We didn't have an in house mini bar (just an empty fridge, stocked to order) but we did have a hot pot and a coffee and tea spread accompanied by packets of gingersnaps. This was most appreciated, as coffee is an essential start to my day! (And the empty mini bar was easily remedied by a trip to the neighboring convenience store.)While we did not experience the food at The Brasserie, we did enjoy a nightcap at the sophisticated Elanor's Cocktail Bar in the form of champagne cocktails. If you're looking for 4-star accommodations in central London, Charing Cross is a fantastic choice.

Charing Cross - A Guoman Hotel 
The Strand 
London WC2N 5HX

Oxo Tower Restaurant

Situated on London's South Bank rising over the River Thames - Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar & Brasserie is a luxe dining destination where modern British and Mediterranean cuisine are met with sparkling vistas of the city.

The dramatic 8th floor bar and dining room is an unusual space beginning with the shuttered ceilings and extreme blue hued lighting. With glass spanning the walls and ceilings entirely it is as if you are dining in an opulent greenhouse. But actually a blue house. The gaping, angular windows provide a beautiful view out to St. Paul's Cathedral. 

The ultra modern, almost futuristic looking space is heralded by a long all-white bar with a curved edge. Towering white vases contain Poinsettia plants. Tables are set in white linens with handsome leather u-shaped chairs. 

Tricia had dined here back in 2008 and had a feeling another fantastic experience was store if we returned. She did not steer us wrong! We were greeted warmly by maitre'd as we stepped in off the elevators, she took our coats and umbrellas and showed us a seat at the bar area where we ordered cocktails.

We were seated before they arrived and so they swiftly followed in our footsteps. True to form, the Aperol based sparkling libation caught my eye. Combining my favorite orange liquor with Mandarine Napoleon, crushed peach, passion fruit and a charge of Prosecco the Riveria (£13.50) appeased but at a lofty price point.

Tricia chose the Black Libertine (£9.95) made with crushed fresh blackberry, Drambuie Liquor and lime juice. It came overflowing with ice and seemed slightly challenging to drink. Forgoing an appetizer since our late lunch (almost an early dinner) of fish and chips kept our appetites at bay, we jumped right into the mains. Apparently, where fish is concerned, I could not get enough this trip. My Cornish Stone Sea Bass with black risotto, baby squid, sea purslane and lemon oil (£27.50) presented with every element perfectly in its place. The dusting of salts and sea purslane across the white canvas were eye catching. 

This blue lighting - not so much! I thought the black and white photos were easier on the eyes in some instances.

This was an expertly seared piece of Cornish sea bass. The generally mild fish benefited from a simple preparation, where delicately crisp and toasty skin gives way to buttery, lemony, flaky flesh.

Squeaky clean squid tentacles mingled with strips of nicely sautéed haricot verts over a compact and generous portion of jet-black risotto. I typically come across squid ink in pasta form, but I relished its heightened flavors as it absorbed the tender rice. Building from the briny seafood essence, there's an understated richness, a subtle murky deep sea flavor with a complex mouthfeel that fulfills a high honor of complimenting that beautiful fish.

Tricia ordered the Roast and braised wild duck with goats curd, cinnamon dumpling and coriander caramel (£25.50). Benefiting from a flawless preparation and a unique flavor profile, Tricia loved it all except the caramel topping. It felt like the chef was taking a risk with this element of the dish!

Our interactions with the waitstaff at Oxo Tower were interestingly enough, all over the map. Our first server at the bar was highly engaging and genuine, his bright personable nature was followed up by one-note table service; which was mostly courteous and timely. Towards the end, one server became all too fussy and his presence felt slightly imposing. (Hovering, awkward conversations, unsolicited advice.) And was that just a poor attempt at an upsell or is he genuinely concerned that we only ordered one small dessert to share? (Giving him the benefit of the doubt.) Once we were presented a tiny dessert of Hazelnut parfait with poached pears and lemon verbena (£8) his gesture made a little more sense. Despite the fact that I thought it could have been double the size, it was absolutely lovely.The parfait was ultra creamy, complimented by a crumbly lemon verbena cookie, soft delicately poached pears, a crunchy caramel nougat and plated alongside cute little meringue teardrops. Above all, the menu showcases a wide variety of beautifully prepared dishes, executed precisely and in harmony with exciting ingredients. Detractors claim you pay for the view, can you blame them? Even if you likely are (hello $20 cocktail) the food rises to the occasion. If you are looking to splurge or celebrate a special evening in London, allow contemporary British cuisine at Oxo Tower Restaurant to entice you.

Oxo Tower Restaurant

Barge House St, 

London SE1 9PH, 

United Kingdom

Classic London

The well known and quintessential sights of the city likely need no explanation. From Big Ben and Parliament to Buckingham Palace and Queen Victoria Memorial; we came, we saw, we photographed. We also has a blast drinking Pimm's Cup, British beers and mulled wine. 

I was excited to devour the classic British meal of fish and chips with mushy peas. A cozy pub in Liverpool Square named The White Hart satisfied the craving.

The fillet of hake was ale battered and deep fried to crispy, flaky perfection a top lightly fried chips and served with a side of mushy peas. Mushy peas are in fact a lot more appetizing than the name seems to suggest. A cup of tartar sauce was also on hand for dipping. Additionally, our first mugs of mulled wine did not disappoint. They were warm and soothing with sugar and spice infusions of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg.

The royal sights and regal buildings are matched with an energetic spirit and unique embrace. On the whole, classic elegance is balanced with staple comforts. London is a European city distinctly different than any I've traveled to and it absolutely holds a special place.