GETAWAYS
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one ALDWYCH
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A D A M
R E A D Y
ONE ALDWYCH HOTEL IS AN AWARD-WINNING CONTEMPORARY LUXURY HOTEL IN THE HEART OF LONDON. SET IN BUZZING COVENT GARDEN, THIS 5-STAR HOTEL OFFERS CREATURE COMFORTS WITH PERSONALISED SERVICE. LIVING IN KENT, WE OFTEN FORGET HOW SPOILT WE ARE BEING IN SUCH CLOSE PROXIMITY TO LONDON, SO MY GUEST AND I DECIDED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS AND VENTURED INTO THE CAPITAL FOR A NIGHT OF FINE DINING AND LUXURY.
We arrived at Ashford International Station right on time, and boarded the train to London. Travelling at speeds of up to 140mph, Southeastern’s High Speed 1 service into St Pancras was amazing. This journey remarkably only took 37 minutes, helping us arrive at our destination in Covent Garden in just over an hour, after a short tube ride and 10 minute walk up the famous Strand from Charing Cross underground. One Aldwych is a triangular shaped building built in 1907 by Mewes and Davis forThe Morning Post newspaper. It is situated opposite the Lyceum Theatre which currently hosts The Lion King musical, and is a few seconds’ walk to Waterloo Bridge. The elegant entrance leads you through the stylish bar area to the reception. As we arrived slightly earlier than planned, our room was not quite ready so we enjoyed a cup of breakfast tea in the guest lounge at One, which you access via a secret door in the wall. After a mini rest we headed up to the 6th ?oor to our deluxe room. As we entered our light and contemporary room we felt relaxed and at home. We had a view overlooking the theatre and everything you would expect from a 5-star boutique hotel to make this a relaxing stay; there was even a weather card on our pillow at turndown for the following day. We were impressed by the extras which are set as standard, such as free Wi?, mini bar ?lled with London goodies and each room has an iPod docking station. We soon connected our iPhone to listen to our favourite music before heading off to visit some tourist attractions including visiting the 69th ?oor of The Shard for some stunning views (see more on pages 114-115).
After a tiring day, we returned back to the hotel in time for our dinner reservation which was in the Axis at One Aldwych restaurant. We started in the lobby bar which serves some serious cocktails – mine was the Fizzy Jack: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee honey, apple juice, vanilla syrup and mint foam topped with bubbly; a great way to start the evening. We then headed down to the lower ground ?oor to Axis, also accessible from the main street above. Whilst looking over executive chef Dominic Teague's menu we indulged in some breads including apple, and a rosemary and herb. For my starter I ordered the roast Orkney scallops, leek and sea purslane terrine, and con?t lemon. My guest opted for the chilled watercress velouté, lobster and potato salad. Both were wellpresented and tasted amazing. From main course menu, I was drawn to the rack of Cornish lamb, provençal vegetables, and lemon thyme jus. The lamb was cooked perfectly medium and the jus was perfect. My guest had the dry-aged ?llet of beef, young vegetables, and summer truf?e, and was left speechless by the ?ne ?avours on the plate. Side orders of buttered Jersey potatoes and mixed green vegetables along with a glass or two of the Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon Western Australia accompanied a ?ne meal. We just about had room for desserts and were glad we did as the Chewton Glen honeycomb cheesecake with mango and elder?ower, along with the chocolate and caramel tart with buttermilk ice cream were divide. The dim lighting gave the restaurant a relaxing a ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????e???????????????????????????????????????????????????????()?????????=???????????????Y??? ?????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????$???????????????????????]???????????????????????????????????????????????????Q??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????L?????????????????????????????
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