Baglioni Hotel

A child-free weekend planned as a chance to catch up on sleep, gorgeous food, wine and shopping – and anything else we could think of…

Arrived just in time for lunch on Friday and headed into High Street Kensington. Not ready for a big meal but keen to savour a nice glass of wine, we headed for  Whole Foods in the old Barkers store building. We headed for the oyster bar and savoured a dozen British oysters and a fresh prawn salad accompanied by a lovely chilled bottle of Chablis. The restaurant was busy, so if you're looking for a leisurely afternoon sitting back and people-watching, this is not the place. We preferred to meander back to the hotel for a siesta. We'd already booked a table at Nobu in Piccadilly. The restaurant certainly packs people in with tables being quite close to each other, but still enough distance to hold a conversation without being talked over by the table next door. The pace was quick but not rushed. We enjoyed a selection from the menu including the Wagyu beef, blackened cod, sashimi and sushi. Our favourites were the tuna with coriander and chilli sashimi and scallops. We both had desserts, simply because we had seen others go past and they looked so good. They were. Afterwards we had a drink in the bar downstairs but after such a taxing day of relaxing we were keen to get back and make the most of a full night's sleep.

Saturday bought glorious sunshine and a jog round Hyde Park to try to counterbalance the food and wine fest. We spent the day shopping and a matinee at the theatre. As it was raining when we came out of the theatre we sought shelter in Kettner's on Romilly Street and shared a bottle of champagne, just to build up strength for the wander back to the hotel. After yet another busy day we did not feel like straying too far from the hotel so ended up in a restaurant a hundred yards or so from the front door. We were very happy to have stumbled across Zaika, a modern Indian-fusion restaurant. Food and service were fantastic and I would recommend the pre-dinner house cocktail – I could drink these every day! Food was very tasty, with lovely strong, fresh flavours. We have now added a couple more restaurants and a hotel to our would-love-to-return list.

A short taxi ride from the Baglioni is Racine restaurant near Harrods. Racine serves wonderful French food in nice, brasserie-style surroundings. Not to be missed.

The location of the hotel is excellent and allows you to try all the best of London. We walked across the park and ended up in Notting Hill where we ate at the Ledbury Arms - a great little pub with a fantastic roast. Also we went to the Royal Albert Hall for a show –  a visit to the venue is well worth it.