London

Last night I was invited to a ‘Hen Night’ which was held at an amazing, eccentric, flamboyant restaurant off Covent Garden. It was Turkish/Mediteranean style and included entertainment from a lively string quartet and a couple of opera singers.
http://www.sarastro-restaurant.com/indexfr.html

I took an early train up and walked from Victoria to the South Bank and, as I had time to spare and it was a clear day, decided to go on the London Eye.

A storm was brewing, but thankfully short-lived, hence the black skies in a couple of the pictures. Had a nice coffee and cake at the Festival Hall and listened to a jazz concert before trying to find the venue for the evening.
https://s229.photobucket.com/albums/ee102/jane-poppytree/

I then caught the tube to Leicester Square but ended up walking the wrong way (I hadn’t been given directions) so explored most of Theatreland from the Haymarket to Shaftsbury Ave and lots of streets in between. Eventually found the restaurant tucked away at the back of Covent Garden behind the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Trains home were not brilliant so didn’t get back until nearly midnight but had a great time.

How lovely Jane, and really great photos, thank you.

Great photos Jane, so glad you didn't get caught up in the thunderstorms that were around yesterday in the London area Looks like a brilliant restaurant to go to

OMG you wouldn't have got me in the London Eye with a storm brewing Great photos though Jane and glad you had a good time. Were you on your own, I would have got completely lost if I was

Great photos. I'd love to go on the London Eye

I have been on it a few years ago, plucked up courage but sat in the middle of the pod but no way would I go up there if there was a storm around

Jenny M wrote:Great photos Jane, so glad you didn't get caught up in the thunderstorms that were around yesterday in the London area Looks like a brilliant restaurant to go to

Just a heavy rain shower in the end (I had a brolly with me) and yes, I was on my own and walked for about 3 hours in total. Looked at local maps at the stations but they weren't very helpful as not all roads were shown. Its a long time since I worked in London but my general sense of direction is OK so didn't get too lost.

The restaurant was fab and has great entertainment on Sundays and Mondays. You probably need to book but well worth a visit. The artwork in the loo is spectacular too but didn't take a photo. Sarastro is open 7 days a week and you can get a cheaper lunch without the entertainment for about £20. It was situated just behind Covent Garden and a short walk back to Leicester Square if you don't want to change trains or face the lifts/stairs at Covent Garden tube station.

Got on the Eye for £14 (pensioner's rates!) Thought it was about time I treated myself. The whole day out cost me less than £50 for the rail fare, London Eye, meal and caberet and a couple of coffees and cake at the Festival Hall earlier in the day.

I wonder if they have a disabled rate too he he I've wanted to go on the Eye for a while, just never got around to it ... as with too many things. I really must try harder as I don't really like putting things off all the time he he