We spent three days in London for my birthday, it was amazing to just 'be' in London and not work for once. Don't get me wrong, I love doing work related things in London but it's nice to stop and take London in rather than run around the city looking at Google Maps and frantically panicking about meetings etc. Let's see what me and Matt got up to on our final day/night in London! (You can read about my first night in London here).
We started our day with brunch with my good friend Victoria. I really wanted to introduce her to Matt so we headed to Thomas' at Burberry cafe. It's such a divine cafe and somewhere I'd highly recommend popping into if you're in London. Naturally it's a little more expensive than your average coffee but it's an amazing experience.
We started our day with brunch with my good friend Victoria. I really wanted to introduce her to Matt so we headed to Thomas' at Burberry cafe. It's such a divine cafe and somewhere I'd highly recommend popping into if you're in London. Naturally it's a little more expensive than your average coffee but it's an amazing experience.
After brunching at Burberry, we headed to our second hotel. Le Meridien (which is where we stayed on our first night) was booked up so we switched hotels. It worked out quite well actually as Le Meridien was closer to Regent Street and our new hotel (Amba Hotel Marble Arch) was literally on Oxford Street. The hotel itself (a newly launched hotel which I was excited to try out) was in the most amazing and central location for shopping (literally right next to Selfridges) and was comfortable. I've seen a few people describing it as luxury which I wouldn't describe it as but the service was perfect and the rooms were smart and comfortable. 
Macaroons on arrival always make me happy too.
I've stayed in an Amba hotel once before and was blown away by how gorgeous my room was (Amba Charing Cross) which is why I went for this one - I'd say that the Amba Charing Cross is much more luxurious than the Marble Arch one though as this hotel did seem quite basic and more focused on location. I do love the in room iPads you get though!
I love that you get free mini bars in your room too in Amba hotels.
The bathroom was really lovely.
We headed out for dinner at Carluccios which was literally a 5 minute walk from our hotel. We went to the St Christopher's place one. Carluccios is somewhere I eat at a lot, you can't go wrong with Italian food and good service in a relaxed atmosphere. We were really tired so just wanted to go somewhere we could rely on.
I was hungry and ate all the olives in about 2 minutes.
The cocktails in Carluccios are my favourite. Give me gin any day.
If you're yet to try a Carluccios sharing platter, you should go right now. They're heavenly.
I always go for the pasta with spinach balls.
Poor Matt must already be sick of me constantly photographing our date nights.
He went for the chicken and he didn't speak whilst eating it so I assume he loved it. Carluccios is quickly becoming our local, we always seem to eat there.
It was time for Matt to play photographer.
We left Carluccios after a few hours of sitting, chatting and laughing with our waiter who honestly was amazing - we stayed at the end and chatted to him about his home in Budapest for a long time. Incredible service really can make a place stand out and the staff at Carluccios were just amazing so I wanted to give them a special shout out. Oh, and I'm still dreaming of those amazing platters. After dinner, we stumbled upon a bar called The Luggage Room which I cannot recommend visiting enough if you're in London - I didn't take any photos but it's hidden away behind a little door in Mayfair, you knock and if they're nice enough and let you in, it's like something from a film. Imagine a tiny bar, full of people who have also managed to find this little place. You're seated on comfy leather sofas and there are suitcases on the walls. It's such a quirky little place and we ended our night there.
The following morning, late check out meant we were able to just chill out. I hate getting out of hotel beds early, I feel like hotel beds should be slept in for as long as possible and this bed certainly was a comfy one. I wore my new top by Missguided and my new bomber jacket by Motel rocks which I love so much. I put it with my Topshop coated jeans.
We headed out for a spot of retail therapy eventually...
Then stopped off at 108 Pantry for some afternoon tea.
It got really cold so I popped my new coat on.
We were greeted by the loveliest staff who looked after us all afternoon (we were so exhausted that we just basically sat and ate cake for a whole afternoon and it was heavenly).
I was really impressed with their array of teas, particularly their selection of green teas.
We both went for the 'healthy' afternoon tea, gluten free and less sugar than their indulgent afternoon tea.
It was nice to go somewhere for more of a healthier afternoon tea.
The staff couldn't do enough for us and topped up our sandwiches whenever we wanted (not that we had room for anymore!).
I wore my new Topshop jumper. I can't explain how plush and relaxing the gorgeous decor was.
At the end, we were invited to choose MORE cakes! We were too full but we were allowed to take them away for our journey home. The selection was amazing.
We said goodbye to London at Christmas time and piled onto the train with all our bags absolutely exhausting from all the walking, shopping and eating. Oh it is lovely to be a tourist in London once in a while!
Do you ever visit London as a tourist? Have you ever stayed in an Amba hotel? Do you love afternoon tea?
Lots of love, Em x
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