Saturday, 28 December 2013

My favourite places in King's Cross St. Pancras Train Station, London

What's the curbappeal?
- Lots of food and beverage options for the stylish traveller:


Upscale food shopping at Fortnum & Mason (the Queens grocer)



Searcy's Champagne bar... with booths next to the tracks...


And, not forgetting, the building itself, which is stunning!


And, at Christmas time, they have a lovely tree! This year it was decorated by Fortnum & Mason ...

With love,
Ms. Curbappeal x

Polite notice : all photos © Curbappeal 2013


Wednesday, 25 December 2013

Claridges (at Christmas), Mayfair, London

What's the curbappeal?
- the art-deco loveliness. One of London's gems 
- seriously atmospheric at Christmas, with it's roaring log fires and gorgeous Christmas tree. We popped in for cocktails at Le Fumoir

With love,
Ms. Curbappeal x

One of their roaring log fires (it was blowing a gale and raining outside so we warmed ourselves here!)


Le Fumoir, one of Claridges elegant cocktail lounges...


Their Christmas tree, designed by Dolce & Gabanna 








Afternoon tea in The Foyer, one of my favourite places for tea in London ....


One of Claridges famous guests...


Polite notice: all photos © Curbapeal 2013










Tuesday, 24 December 2013

Hotel Review: Apokyrfo, Lofou (Troodos Mountains), Cyprus


What's the Curbappeal?:
- cosy rustic guest rooms with a touch of luxury
- tranquil and beautiful feature pool area 
- set within one of the prettiest villages in the Troodos Mountains 

Our room: The Almond House (not really a house though - just one level). 

Recommended?: for those who like to 'get away from it all'. I found it a bit too much after a couple of days and wanted to get back to civilisation (I do live in London). Also expected the food to be a bit tastier, the interior of the restaurant to be cosier and the walls to be thicker (could hear people in room next to us, so had to move). Maybe my expectations were just too high? Setting certainly very idyllic though and can see why many people love this place. 


Front entrance to this small rural hotel. 


Picturesque walk down the hotel steps into the village of Lofou. 


Cappuccino by the pool at breakfast. An idyllic setting. 


Rustic dining room. 


Dining room. Not quite as cosy as I'd expected in the evenings, perhaps down to choice of bright lights? Lack of other guests created a bit of a 'hushed tone', when we were there, so not as relaxing as hoped. 


Beautiful setting for breakfast/lunch by the pool. 


The beautiful pool area. 


One more shot of the pool area.



V rustic and pretty look to the kitchen area/buffet breakfast. 


Breakfast buffet. 


Sitting down for breakfast by the pool. 



The surrounding scenery; in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. 


My room; 'Almond House'.  Name a little misleading, was a guest room not a house, but it had lovely feature log fire-place. 


Peering out to the village, through unique-look window in my bathroom. 


Unique way to control the lighting in my room. 


Date of stay: November 2013.

Christmas market review: Southbank, London

What's the curbappeal?
- atmospheric 'German style' Christmas market. Buy arts and crafts gifts from cute wooden chalets. Or visit the food stalls for bratwurst, hot chocolate or mulled wine. 

With love,
Ms. Curbappeal x











Polite notice : all photos © Curbappeal 2013










Cafe review: Le Pain Quotidien, Southbank, London

What's the curbappeal?
- contemporary farmhouse styling (large wooden communal tables)
- French cafe dining: lovely coffee, croissants and baguettes. I had a silky smooth latte (note they don't do 'skinny's ' here). And a buttery melt-in-your-mouth croissant with ham and gruyere cheese. Lovely!
- The Southbank is an atmospheric place to wander around. Especially at Christmas with the Christmas market. 

With love,
Ms. Curbappeal x







Polite notice : all photos © Curbappeal 2013







Christmas Market, Southbank, London









Time of visit: Sunday, December 2013