Authentic Thai Cuisine at Mango Tree, London

It was the hottest day of the year in London. We'd ambled for miles around the Royal Parks, sweating in the midday heat, but inside the entrance to Mango Tree in Belgravia, we were provided with a very welcome respite from the glaring sunshine. The contrast of the cool, dark interior of the restaurant and chic minimalist decor which looked as though it had had the full Feng-Shui treatment was exactly what we needed.

We had come to sample the menu, as well as the new Dim Sum menu, which I was rather excited about. The London branch used to have a sister restaurant in Doha, which closed shortly before we arrived, and we had heard so many good things about it from our friends.

But before we got stuck into the food, I really needed a drink. As if reading my mind, a member of staff welcomed us with a warm 'sawadee kah!' (hello) and showed us through to the bar.

It is one of those bars which reminds me of ones I used to frequent in my younger, care free pre-child days, with comfy seating, an extensive cocktail list and lots of strategically-placed uplighting. It was reassuring to see that even though it was lunchtime on a random Monday, there were still a few office workers inside, enjoying a rather leisurely post-lunch drink - they looked quite at home and had obviously made it their local.

One delicious and fruity mocktail later, and we were shown our table to peruse the extensive menu. The starters all looked delicious, and being the indecisive people that we are, Mr Sunshine and I went for the platter to share.

Chicken satay, Thai fishcakes, prawn spring rolls and duck spring rolls were brought out on a beautifully-presented slate. I loved that the chicken had been char-grilled, giving it that lovely barbecued taste, and the accompanying satay sauce was sweet and crunchy. The Thai fishcakes were perfectly seasoned, and both Spring Rolls, although a little greasy, had that deliciously crispy bite to them.

I'm a big sauce fan, and delighted in dunking everything in the satay, plum and sweet chili sauce, and then spooning more on top. Being married is great because Mr Sunshine knows and accepts this kind of behaviour. If I was on a first date, I'm not sure my date would want to take it any further!

We were also keen on trying the Dim Sum platter, but unfortunately two of the Dim Sum that made up the selection were not available, so we opted for the Tom Yum Chicken Siu Long Bao instead.

The waiter warned us that this Dim Sum was rather sloppy to eat, and he wasn't exaggerating! They weren't the firm little parcels that I was used to, and it was difficult to bite into them without juice dripping down your chin (once again, thank goodness I wasn't on a first date!). Still, the flavour was beautiful, and I wish that we had ordered more.

Our main dishes included a twist on the classic Pad Thai and Ped Makham - roast duck on a bed of Pak Choi with aromatic tamarind sauce.

The restaurant's signature egg nest made the presentation of the noodles instantly Instagrammable, but it was the taste which really made me smile. The signature sauce was sweet and oh-so moreish, and it was like no Pad Thai I had tasted before. I also liked that various elements of the dish had been deconstructed, so you could stir in as many peanuts or bean sprouts as you desired. The duck was something which I wouldn't usually choose on a menu, as I think it's incredibly difficult to get right, but it landed on our table perfectly cooked, with just a touch of pink, and the sweet and sour Tamarind sauce tied the whole dish together beautifully.

Now I rarely order dessert on hot summer days, as it usually makes me crave an afternoon nap, but the rest of the food had been so good that when I was handed the dessert menu, I couldn't resist. In fact, we both agreed that if we were doing this properly, we probably should go the whole hog, and ended up ordering the dessert platter.

The chocolate tart, layered banana pudding and matcha ice cream were all perfectly executed and indulgent without being overly sweet or overpowering. But the real winner in the selection was the mango Crème Brûlée, which tasted heavenly. I hoovered up most of this before Mr Sunshine had even had a look in. Sorry hubby, I couldn't help myself, desserts this good weren't made to be shared!

With quality such as this, it didn't surprise me when we were told that a Mango Tree had opened in the world famous Harrods food hall, as well as another restaurant in the Mango Tree empire, Pan Chai.

With kind service, deliciously authentic Thai food and a beautiful ambience, this is one Belgravia restaurant not to be missed. Even Sophia was content throughout the entire meal, looking around at the pretty vases of flowers and dozing on and off in the serene atmosphere. And that, for me, is a real win.

Mr Sunshine says:  
"Really liked this restaurant. Good food and drinks in an effortlessly cool environment. Was a little underwhelmed by the starters and I did think the Dim Sum was a little sloppy but the main courses more than made up for it. Look forward to trying the deserts next time we go as I didn't get a look in this time round!!"

Mango Tree London | 46 Grosvenor Place SW1X 7EQ | 0207 823 1888

We were guests of Mango Tree on this occasion, but as always all views are my own.

6 of the Best London Hotels for a Short Stay in 2016

When it comes to choosing top notch hotels in London, Mr Sunshine and I have a little experience under our belts. As busy expats that love nothing more than a quick trip home at least twice a year, we've flown in and out of Heathrow on numerous occasions since we moved to Qatar. In order to break up journey times to and from friends and family and to help us to relax before and after a long-haul flight, these trips to England are almost always accompanied by a short stay in a luxury hotel at either end of our visit.

Accumulating all of our knowledge and experience, I've put together a handy summary of my top 6 hotel picks for short stays in England's capital in 2016.

1. The Kensington

No hotel represents traditional English hospitality more perfectly than The Kensington Hotel. Part of the luxury boutique hotel chain, 'The Doyle Group' which includes The Bloomsbury and The Marylebone, the hotel is situated just a few steps from South Kensington station, and it oozes historic charm and a deliciously homely feel.

The hotel's restaurant, Town House, along with the Town House Bar is actually a series of interconnected drawing rooms, with large bay windows and ancient fireplaces. A very special space from which to enjoy afternoon tea.

Address:

109-113 Queensgate, South Kensington
SW7 5LR

2. The Montcalm at the Brewery

An old favourite of Mr Sunshine's and mine, we have stayed at this converted brewery on countless occasions. We love it for it's interesting features and cosy bedrooms, as well as the big discounts that you can often find on a room if you're booking out of season.

An extra selling point is the excellent gastro-pub, The Jugged Hare which is situated just downstairs - very handy when you have just stepped off a flight and you're craving a roast dinner with all the trimmings, and a glass of prosecco or two.

For a full review, head here.

Address:

52 Chiswell Street,
EC1Y 4SA

3. Cheval Phoenix House at Sloane Square

These apartments and suites were the location of Mr Sunshine's and my most recent stay in London just after Christmas, and we had a brilliant time! We were kindly upgraded to a loft suite which comprises of two floors, with a generous bedroom and bathroom at ground level, and stairs that lead up to a mezzanine level and a spacious living room and kitchenette.

What really made our stay were a few small but generous touches that helped us to settle in quickly, such as a welcome pack comprising of bread, jam, tea bags, crisps, biscuits and muesli (and a Christmas cracker!) - something we really appreciated given that we have become accustomed to hotel living and room service! We also enjoyed the fact that we were a two minute walk from Sloane Square and The Kings Road, arguably our favourite place for shopping and dining in the whole of London.

Address:

1 Wilbraham Place, Chelsea
SW1X 9AE

4. The Ampersand

I would really struggle to find a single fault with The Ampersand. It has everything that I look for in a hotel: beautiful architecture and modern, bright and clean interiors; quirky decor and friendly staff; great location and beautiful food.

It's one of those hotels that I would return to 'just for a coffee', which I think is a very good sign. Its pretty corridors have won over my heart, and with it my life-long custom and loyalty.

For a full review, head here.

Address:

10 Harrington Road, South Kensington,
SW7 3ER

5. The Conrad

Conrad Hotels and Resorts are a luxury hotel brand that are owned by the Hilton Group, with properties spread across 5 continents in some of the world's most sought-after locations. The Conrad London St James is no exception. It sits on the doorstep of Westminster, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, just a stone's throw from the Royal Parks in one direction, and the meandering Thames in the other.

If luxury is what you're after, then this hotel really delivers, particularly if you're lucky enough to be able to afford an executive floor room, and access to the Executive Lounge. If not, then the Blue Boar Restaurant and Emmeline's Lounge are very special spaces in which to dine, serving regional British produce and an excellent selection of wines.

Address:

22-28 Broadway, Westminster,
London

6. The Mondrian

Although this list is in no particular order, I think I might have inadvertently saved the best for last. The Mondrian is housed in the quirky converted Sea Containers building on the Southbank, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. It was in the bathroom of our hotel room here that I took the pregnancy test that told me that I was 3 weeks pregnant with our little girl right at the end of our honeymoon last year. Because I was shattered from the early stages of pregnancy, we mainly enjoyed this hotel for its enormous fluffy beds, and the view of the beautiful sunsets that spread out across London's rooftops from our window.

 
However, I think you will enjoy it for it's proximity to the eclectic and cosmopolitan vibe of the Southbank, the 1920s glamour of the building which is punctuated by unusual art and installations, and the plethora of excellent (and award winning) eating and drinking options that will take you from sumptuous breakfasts through to late night parties on the roof of the hotel.

Address:

20 Upper Ground, Southbank,
SE1 9PD

Which hotels have I missed? Where would you choose for a short stay in London in 2016?

5 Things To Do In London At Christmas

Out here in the desert, Mr Sunshine and I have been busy recreating all of the Christmas-mood enhancing traditions that help you to survive the festive season in Qatar.

However, we haven't put our heart and soul into it in the same way that we did last year, because for a few weeks now we have had leave booked in to head home for the holidays. In two weeks today, we will be up in the skies and en route to our favourite place in the world to celebrate the Christmas season: London!

To help myself get into the festive spirit, I've put together a checklist of things we must do while we're in the English capital in order to get the best out of Christmas.

1. Visit the West End and Mayfair

Show me anywhere on earth that feels more Christmassy than this area of London and I will eat my (Santa) hat! Beautifully decorated shops and streets, twinkling lights and even fake snow falling on Oxford Street make the Christmas shopping experience in the West End and Mayfair a rather special one.

2. Have afternoon tea

Sure, this London tradition can be done at any time of year, but many hotels put on an extra special Christmas afternoon tea for December, with special Christmassy treats accompanying the usual sandwiches and scones and live choirs and piano music playing festive tunes in the background while you eat. The perfect way to catch up with family while indulging in the way you should indulge at Christmas.

My favourite Christmas afternoon teas this year are the new Ventian dining room, Celeste at the Lanesborough.

And of course, The Ritz.

3. Go ice skating

London has a plethora of ice skating options that open up to the public every year around the end of November.

I partricularly love the rinks that are bordered by beautiful old buildings and decorated with pretty lights. Somerset House is a must, but book well in advance because places fill up very quickly. But my personal favourite is the rink outside the stunning Natural History Museum.

4. Go to a Christmas market or fair

There are many well-known markets that pop up around this time of year, such as the South Bank Christmas Market and the More London Christmas Market. However, it's worth checking out some of the smaller, less mainstream offerings in the capital, including the Monocle Christmas Market in Marylebone and the Fair Christmas Fayre in Regent Hall, Oxford Street.

However, there is one Christmas fair in particular that's on everyone's minds at this time of year and that is Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland. If you're looking for ice skating, shopping, eating, drinking, games, prizes and entertainment all in one spot, this is the fair for you. Don't forget to book your ticket online in advance!

5.  Wrap up warm and have a wander

Finally, one day don't make a plan. Pop on your scarf and hat, take a train somewhere central and simply walk around, soaking up the unique Christmas atmosphere of the capital.

Just don't forget to stop for a warming eggnog latte to keep you going.

I am posting this as part of the monthly travel link-up. To join in, simply head over to Kelly's, Rebecca's, Emma's, or guest host Ayla's blog at Mrs Ayla's Adventures to link up your post on a festive season theme before the 7th December.

FYS Guest Post: The things I love and miss most about London

London; it's kind of a big deal.

This week I'm honoured to be guest posting for the second time over on Big World Small Me, and this time it's all about the stunning city of London. Head over here to find out why I've been missing the Big Smoke so much since becoming an expat.

I am also linking up with The Lifestyle Diaries' #LondonLiving linky while I'm at it - click over to Lauren's lovely blog to find out what lots of other bloggers have been saying about the wonderful English capital.

Just over a month until I'm home again now and I can not wait!

Review: Saying Goodbye To The UK From The Ampersand Hotel

While I revel in the luxury of a big-name hotel with a global presence, there is nothing I like better than a small, quirky and unique boutique. Which is why I had had my eye on The Ampersand in South Kensington for quite a while.

For the end of our most recent UK trip, after all the wedding planning and traipsing around the country, Rich and I decided it was only right that we allowed ourselves a little extravagance, and hastily booked ourselves in for our last night in the country.

I was delighted to find that the hotel was every bit as unique as I had hoped. In keeping with the Ampersand's 'theme', the walls are decorated in a series of astronomical, botanical, architectural, geometric and ornithological motifs.

The grand central staircase is adorned with a winding tree of (literal) fairy lights.

And best of all, the rooms are beautifully furnished, with huge, comfortable beds, sofas and soft furnishings...

Quirky, monochrome bathrooms...

Impeccable bedside reading material...

And floor to ceiling windows which flood the space with sunshine.

The Drawing Rooms downstairs provided the perfect comfortable location to meet the in-laws for a catch-up over a coffee...

Before we headed out to experience some of the wonders of the local area. For honestly, this is the true delight of this stunning hotel. It sits just thirty seconds walk from South Kensington tube station, arguably the most perfectly appointed part of London, and most definitely one of my favourite places to spend my precious time when I am in the capital.

My top 6 highlights of the local area:

1. Local museums and art galleries including the Victoria & Albert Museum which I had visited just days before, The Saatchi Gallery, The Science Museum and the gorgeous building of The Natural History Museum.

2. The unique pubs, cafes and boutiques of Belgravia, our favourite of which is William Curley, the gorgeously decadent chocolatier.

3. The bars of the Fulham Road, a few stops down the District Line. We think The Fulham Wine Rooms is unmissable.

4. Brunch at Muriel's Kitchen

5. Any of the other pretty streets, shops, cafes and restaurants around the area of South Ken, the King's Road and Sloane Square (It was too difficult to pick just one!)

6. The Royal Parks and Buckingham Palace, just a short walk to the East. If you want to combine a stunning view of both park and palace at the same time, then a short trot through St. James's Park is just the ticket.

And so it was, that The Ampersand became more than just a beautiful boutique hotel to us; it was the perfect place from which to amble away our final couple of days in London while soaking up all of the capital's greatest sights, sounds and tastes. Isn't that after all, what travel is all about?