It was my birthday last week so my boyfriend treated me to a weekend away in London (plus a Pandora charm and a gorgeous Lush box but that’s a matter for another post) at the Doubletree by Hilton hotel.
The hotel was lovely in a beautiful location next to the river Thames with its own free boat to get you across to the other side to the tube!
We had a wonderful time being busy and eating nice food and drinking nice drinks in lovely places so here’s what we got up to.
Friendsfest
Friends is my all time FAVOURITE show and it has been for yours to the point I can quote pretty much every episode! (It drives everyone else crazy though, oopsie!) If you turn on my tele Comedy Central will be on and if Friends isn’t on its usually being played from my recorded shows!
So going to Friendsfest on Brick Lane where Comedy Central recreated many of the iconic sets was like a dream come true!!
It was so amazing – they had replicas of Joey and Chandlers apartment, the legendary central perk orange couch and Monica and Rachel’s apartment, the umbrellas and water fountain from the opening credits as well as loads of props and photo opportunities!
There were loads of friendly staff on hand to take photos so we took advantage and took loads!
Dinerama Shoreditch Street Party
We stumbled across this by accident on Saturday afternoon after Friendsfest and were so glad that we did!
It was a well hidden area that looks like the remains of a building site but it is so cool!
They had loads of little street food vans from tacos to Indian to Woodfire pizza to burgers. They had niche bars that sold original cocktails and an upstairs with metal stairs and plastic seating that all worked together to create an amazing atmosphere.
The weather stayed nice and everyone was buzzing around it was an amazing experience.
I wish we had something like this in Nottingham!
We had Indian food (paneer tikka and chips) and had some cheeky cocktails.
Dinner and drinks
We stayed at the hotel for dinner and drinks as it had a lovely view over the river of the buildings lit up so nicely at night time.
They had a terrace lit up with multicoloured lights with heated umbrellas and blankets and sofas so it was such a lovely chilled evening.
Oxford Street
Sunday we went shopping in Oxford street. I say we, the boyfriend carried my bags and wandered aimlessly after me as I trawled through the shops, although having said that he did find a few bits to buy!
Lush on Oxford street was my favourite part- it just so big! And so pretty! The staff there are amazing and there’s so many around asking you if you want help. One girl talked me through all the Oxford street exclusives and showed me loads of cool things and gave me testers and samples and downstairs a guy gave me a rather relaxing hand and arm massage using one of their massage bars.
It was overwhelming how much stuff they had in there and with great restraint I narrowed my purchases down to £30 worth of stuff. I had a couple of exclusives but mainly things you can buy in most of the stores. Blog post to follow!
I also went to Selfridges and built my own BIRCHBOX! It was amazing it had all the excitement of getting it in the post made even better by the fact you could chose what you wanted! Blog post on what I chose to follow!
I visited Primark too and I’m always surprised at just how big it in! I didn’t manage to get much to note apart from a couple of casual (disney Obvs) tshirts and a nice fluffy blanket for my bed for the upcoming winter months!
Had a cheeky little stop to refuel at Ed’s Easy Diner and got my favourite ever nutella milkshake for free as it was my birthday and you get a free one on your birthday with Ed’s mailing list! So even better!
Shopping took up most of the day and a lot longer than we anticipated (oops) although weirdly the shops open at 12 and close at 6 whereas in Nottingham they open at 10 and close at 4! So we got back a lot later and I’m shattered now but it was a really nice weekend so I don’t regret it!
I love a weekend away in London and every time I go I’m yet to do the same thing twice! There’s always so much I want to see!
It was such a lovely weekend away to celebrate my birthday!
Has anyone been on a weekend away recently? Where have you been? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for reading!
I’m so jealous about Friends. I’ll have to go, looks so cool! & happy birthday, looks like you had an amazing time 🙂 xx
It was only there for that week! 🙁 it was so good though! Thank you I did thanks!! 🙂 xx
No way?! Omg I had heard about it in the press, but never looked into dates. Gutted 🙁 xx
I know it was only there from 16th-20th! 🙁 shame it wasn’t there longer!! xx
I’m dying to build my own Birchbox! Also, I’ve nominated you for The Lovely Blogger Award! Hope you take part! 🙂 xo
It was so much fun! Ooh thanks Hun I’ll take a look! 🙂 xx
I seriously envy you! I nominate you for the lovely blog award, please kindly check it out if you have time. no pressure!
It was so good! Aw thank you I will have a look! 🙂 xx