Weekend escape to London

A few weeks ago I went down to London for a couple of days with my parents. It rained. And rained some more. And kept raining. Hence, no photos to show - sorry. Between the worst downpours we drifted from Oxford street all the way down to Chelsea and ended up having a light meal and a drink at the Pig's Ear, a scruffy but stylish neighborhood gastropub crowded by locals killing a rainy day. My asparagus salad was delicious but tiny, which is probably true for the rest of the items on the menu, except for a pig's ear which you can have for about one pound. The upstairs dining room is supposed to be pretty - but book in advance if you wish to see it.

If you, as I, are enchanted by peacock feathers, beauty, art for art's sake, and old-fashioned wallpapers, stop by at the Victoria & Albert Museum before July 18th to see the exhibition Cult of Beauty - the Aesthetic Movement 1860-1900.

We staid in the lovely, modern Marble Arch by Montcalm. The room was equipped with a bed suitable for the princess bruised by a pea, a huge rain shower, more light alternatives you could possibly need, an aromatherapy box and a good-sized assortment of chocolate and candy. Not bad for a lady tired after a whole day's walking. The sister hotel across the street offers "Ladies First" -rooms with hair styling equipment, Aqua di Parma bathroom amenities, fashion magazines, and complimentary massage - perfect for a ladies' weekend in London.