One great thing about living in Northamptonshire is its close proximity to London, which can be very handy when planning a weekend away.
Often a trip down to London will mean a quick daytime jaunt. But on one recent visit I felt a more relaxing weekend was in order so, accompanied by my mother, we headed to the capital for some shopping and an overnight stay at the four star Radisson Edwardian New Providence Wharf Hotel.
I would imagine the hotel’s location – a short walk from the Blackwall and East India tube stations – is most often chosen by business people visiting the financial district or by concert-goers attending the nearby O2 Arena.
But, even though our intention was shopping, we found the tube ride in and out of the centre of London very quick and easy.
The hotel is ultra modern and stylish, with most rooms boasting beautiful views of the Thames. We were given a tour of the site and were shown the very relaxing East River Spa, where travellers can take time out to have treatments or enjoy the view from reclining chairs in the relaxation room.
Another interesting part of our tour was the Penthouse Suite which, perhaps unsurprisingly, has been inhabited by some of the major stars performing at the concert venue, including Lady Gaga, Jessie J and Beyonce. Apparently it is common for the stars to take boats across the river to discreetly access the hotel after a concert is over.
Our twin room was not quite as snazzy as the Penthouse, but still extremely plush, with comfortable beds and a trendy design.
Our meal in The Azura bar and restaurant that night (with views of the O2) was one of the best I have eaten. I feasted on a roast pear, rocket, cress and Cornish blue cheese salad, accompanied by a perfect amount of walnut and chestnut dressing, followed by a chicken breast filled with feta and leek confit, fondant potatoes and rosemary gravy and, to end, a rice pudding with mango puree and pistachio. At £19.50 for two courses or £25 for three, I didn’t think the prices were unreasonable, given the quality.
The next morning, mum and I felt relaxed and rejuvenated enough to face a full day of shopping and headed happily off to Covent Garden. For anyone considering a weekend in London, the New Providence Wharf Hotel comes highly recommended.
Log on to www.radissonblu-edwardian.com/newprovidencewharf. Rates vary, but online prices for double occupancy rooms on a Saturday night in June range from £245.