Month: November 2016

Berners Tavern, while a bit of a scene, is a must-do simply due to its grand decor. The Fitzrovia restaurant doesn’t have a meal I can’t live without, or even a menu of amazing options I can’t decide between, but, boy, is it pretty. 

I don’t even think pretty is the right word. It’s glamorous. And grand. Like you’re stepping into an old Hollywood hotel for dinner and not a London hotspot. Rich colors, chandeliers, circular leather booths, high ornate ceilings, a grand illuminated bar, and then, there’s the wall decor. The walls are dressed with hundreds of paintings in gilded frames of different shapes and sizes with unique detailing. It is a sight to see and seems simple with this common structured theme, yet wildly decadent. I will continue to visit Berners Tavern so it can continue to set a romantic tone for special nights with my husband or to impress guests with the grandiose scenery you will not find anywhere else.

 

If only the Berners’ menu could be as eye-catching as its decor. I went with a group of people and every single person got the steak. The meal was good, not-over-the-top outstanding, but good. It really stood out to me, though, that no one was really willing to try anything else. Even my husband and I will usually get different items so we can swap half-way through, but nothing at all stood out to us. So beware. It is a heavily British, traditional menu, so if British fare is not your thing, you might get stuck.

After the mediocrity of dinner, we braced for dessert. The Flaming Alaska was beautiful and tasty, but my dessert, the berry pavlova, was awful. So over-the-top sweet that we only could have a few bites. The meringue, berries and the berry coulis was all too much. A complete overload. They should have cut the berry sweetness with some type of a pastry cream filling, a whipped cream topping, or a creme anglais drizzle. Anything, but what was served. 

As you can see, our night had a lot of hits, like the decor and attentive service, but just as many misses, with food and a menu that just didn’t meet my expectations. Berners is still a definite “do” with its beauty and charm, just keep everything else in mind!
Berners Tavern
10 Berners Street
London W1T 3NP

I hope everyone had a spooky, safe, crazy-fun, sugar-filled week. In honor of Halloween, four of us hopped on the London Ghost Bus Tour this weekend!  I had seen these 1960’s Routemaster buses on the busy London streets before, and added the activity on my own, personal London Checklist. I decided to reserve this unique opportunity for the scariest time of year, and while it wasn’t necessary, I’m kind of glad I did.

The night was just right. A little misty, the streets a little damp, the sights and sounds of Halloween excitement around the city and in the air. Four of us waited at the Northumberland bus stop for our Ghost Bus to collect us. We were surrounded with other suspecting folks, some dressed up to really get into the spirit of this (black) magical holiday. 

Then there, out of the sea of foggy headlights, emerged an eerie jet-black beast, illuminated by a creepy orange glow. We boarded the bus which was clean and comfortable, and fit with the Masteriece Theater vibe of velvet curtains and actual lamps next to each booth.

We really did not know what to expect. The masked bus driver teased and frightened us, popping his head up in different windows before departure, but after that, the adventure was more of a murder-mystery/comedy tour. Without giving too much information away, let me just say that you learn an awful lot about the City of London’s darker past while experiencing some on-board surprises.

It was also very different to take a tour at night, after dark. Our ride started at 6:30, so you got to see all of London’s famous sights in their eveningwear, with dramatic and sometimes colorful lighting. Something you might take for granted when you’re in an Uber on your way to dinner like any other weekend night. The ride lasted for about an hour and fifteen minutes, which was a perfect amount of time. I found the £23.50 price very reasonable for an all-in-one tour and comedy show, though I could see the experience going very bad if the host/actor wasn’t very captivating. The guy we had was hilarious. His delivery was dry and on point every time. True English humor at its finest, and I believe he made the experience. I can’t say whether or not all of The Ghost Bus Tour hosts are as impressive, but this man sure made the trip worth it. 

In summary, if you want to try something different and not be stuck inside now that the cold weather has struck, hop on The Ghost Bus Tour for something new! It’s a silly, spooky experience sure to put you in a good mood and teach you a thing or two about London’s dark history.

Side note: Shame on the woman that brought her young children on the tour. It is not appropriate whatsoever for children under at least 7. This woman’s 2 and 3 year-olds were loud and unable to hold their attention towards the host which made it hard for the adult guests to hear. Then, were brought to tears once the madness started. They’re probably scarred for life now, all because this lady didn’t want to get a babysitter or do a little research. For appropriate-aged guests, though, enjoy!

 
The Ghost Bus Tours
8 Northumberland Avenue
London WC2N 5