During my five wonderful days spent visiting my daughter and her husband just outside of London, we spent two days in the city.  Just enough for a taste without being overwhelmed by how much there is to see and do in London.

After doing some shopping in the nearby town of Beaconsfield, and dashing in for a quick look in the nearest John Davis store, it was time to hit Oxford Street for some real shopping.

On Good Friday, we drove to the train station at Gerrards Cross, and half an hour later, we were emerging into the sunshine at Marylebone Station. We followed Heather’s usual route to work and were soon on Oxford Street. I was looking for clothes… a skirt… dress… shoes………. something nice and semi-dressed up. After years in the Middle East, most of my clothes, other than really casual ones, were either designed for hot weather, or just plain old.

In and out of shops, in and out of dressing rooms we went – one coral blazer and a top later, it was time to hot foot it to Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair to meet Graham for afternoon tea. Good thing for Google Maps and smart phones, as the streets sure are not all straight.  Lovely weather though.

Brown’s Hotel is old – originating in the late 1800’s. and the tea room was really packed on Good Friday, but the service was wonderful. Tea was lovely – tiny finger-sized sandwiches, scones and clotted cream, yummy desserts, and a pot of tea each.  We left feeling quite satisfied, and well prepared for a walk to St. Martin-in-the-Fields, where we had tickets for a choral concert.

We passed |St. James Palace –

And were soon at Trafalger Square –

Here is the church beside South Africa House –

Although the sanctuary is quite light and modern –

The cafe in the basement gives a better indication of its age.  The current church was constructed in 1724.

The concert was quite amazing – the acoustics are quite incredible, and we enjoyed it very much, although we were quite happy to have cushions on those hard wooden benches.

After the concert – Charing Cross tube station, and the trip home.