London- the Bentley hotel

With Britain heading into a two week heatwave it seemed like the perfect excuse to down tools and head to the city for a short city break.

I had promised to take Alexandros to both the national history museum and the Diana memorial playground in Kensington gardens so it was important to find a hotel within walking distance to both these attractions.

We decided to stay at the Bentley hotel London, a luxury five star hotel situated on a quiet, leafy corner of Kensington.

www.bentley-hotel.com

27-33 Harrington Gardens, Kensington, London SW7 4JX

The Bentley hotel in London puts you in the heart of the Kensington district having you only moments away from London’s most exclusive shopping district, world famous museums and Kensington gardens- home to Kensington palace.

On arrival we were warmly welcomed by the team at The Bentley hotel where we were shown to our suite.

A luxurious and spacious junior suite with a king bed, luxury upholstered furnishings, television , mini bar and toiletries. The en suite was fully marbled with a whirlpool tub, walk in shower and gold plated taps.

A beautiful complimentary sweet hamper was left for Alexandros on arrival which kept a smile on his face for the entire trip ( and mine)

For lunch we headed to Oree – a French patisserie on Fulham road. Oree offers freshly baked viennoiserie, artisan bread and fine patisserie, alongside a selection of breakfast dishes, salads and coffees, to eat-in, or takeaway.

Alexandros went for eggs on sourdough bread, freshly squeezed orange juice and lemon and elderflower tartelette.

www.oree.co.uk

275-277 FULHAM ROAD LONDON, SW10 9PZ

After lunch we headed to the national history museum.

This colossal and magnificent-looking building is infused with the irrepressible Victorian spirit of collecting, cataloguing and interpreting the natural world. The Dinosaurs Gallery (Blue Zone) is a must for children.

www.lhm.ac.uk

Cromwell road, London SW7 5BD

There’s no shortage of great restaurants in London. Cool shops are also ten-a-penny.

But hidden away on St. Elizabeth street , you’ll find the most perfect combination of the two.

We visited our favourite shoe store Papouelli to choose Alexandros school shoes for this September ( big crying face emoji)

Papouelli creates shoes for children that are beautiful, classically timeless but with a contemporary edge.

www.papouelli.com

A photo outside Peggy Porschens is a written rule, right?

And Dominique angel bakery?

A short stroll up the road takes you to the Athenian .

The Athienian on St.Elizabeth street is a small street food Greek restaurant offering freshly made souvlaki prepared in the healthiest way. Souvlaki is our favourite dish when in Kefalonia and both Alexandros and my husband were happy to see local Greek produce including Robola wine from Kefalonia, Ion chocolate and Epsa lemonade being served.

For starter we went for the signature dishes ‘courgette fritters’ and ‘cheese croquettes’

Followed by deliciously prepared souvlaki accompanied with halloumi, pitta, oregano chips, salad and homemade dips.

A truly scrumptious feast and one I fully intend to recreate on my next visit to London.

www.theathenian.co.uk

15a Elizabeth Street, Belgravia, London SW1W 9RP England

Early evening we headed back to the hotel room as after a busy day a relaxing bath and good nights sleep was much needed.

Monday morning we were invited downstairs to the Peridot Brasserie for breakfast.

The Peridot Brasserie is set in a light summery room with a garden view. The room is richly furnished with luxury armchairs, mosaic flooring and grand chandeliers.

The breakfast buffet is filled with a extensive collection of fresh fruits, yoghurts, homemade breads and pastries with eggs to order.

Fed and watered , we headed off to Kensington in the summer sunshine. ( 29 Degrees may I add)

We dipped in and out of the shops until we reached out favourite patisserie Oree, where we stopped for a spot of lunch.

Eggs Benedict with Parma ham

Raspberries tartelette

No Kensington adventure would be complete without a visit to the Diana’s memorial playground.

The playground is inspired by the tales of Peter Pan, this well- designed playground invites children to explore their imaginations and run free in what is described as a magical space. The parks floor is a sandy beach with the centrepiece being a large wooden pirate-ship.