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High and low(brow) in the U.K.
I was a bit hesitant do a report on this trip given its quotidian destinations, but I had fun writing the last "live" report, and the only harm done is a few KBs of space on the server, so here goes...
We're off to the airport for a ten-night excursion to the U.K.: two nights in London on either end, Birmingham, Belfast, and Edinburgh. The itinerary includes what should be some spectacular meals (including Opheem in Birmingham), quirky experiences (the Shakespeare Express train to Stratford-upon-Avon), and decidedly lowbrow amusements (like a Taylor Swift brunch at a ball pit bar). Our flights themselves are unlikely to be report-worthy. This will be my first flight in World Traveler on British Airways, so I am personally interested in comparing it to both Club World and American's economy product. I plan to keep the report light in London (so as to not clog up the board with the xxxth such travelogue) before ramping up the commentary in Birmingham. Next stop: JFK Terminal 8. |
We quickly made it through the First check-in area and security and stopped at the Soho Lounge. I find this to be an exceptionally pleasant lounge. While the food offerings were not extensive (as with the Greenwich Lounge, the dinner buffet is a lot better, in my opinion), I thought that everything was tasty other than the potatoes, which were bland.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...648e85e350.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6bd11d68f1.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e09a184fd1.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9177e576ba.jpg The orderly boarding process began with pre-boards, and we boarded the plane with Group 1 two minutes after boarding started. |
A snafu--there appears to have been a plane swap that caught me unawares. While I am still in the emergency exit row aisle seat with unlimited leg room, my wife across the aisle is no longer in the first row. Others in her row said they suffered the same fate. I should have booked her the middle seat next to me. I offered to switch, but it's nearly physically impossible for me to fit in a seat with such little pitch. This is a lesson for me if I ever book World Traveler again. The trip can only go up from here!
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Looking forward to this report!
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Subscribed and looking forward to sharing your adventure.
Last time in went out for ‘posh nosh’ in Birmingham Opheem lost out to Tattu so I’ll be very interested to see what I missed. Personally I find all flights report-worthy, but I’m just nosey :D Same can be said for London travelogues. |
Originally Posted by JapesUK
(Post 36302483)
Last time in went out for ‘posh nosh’ in Birmingham Opheem lost out to Tattu so I’ll be very interested to see what I missed.
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We had an on-time departure and a stroke of luck right after the doors closed--a seat was open in the emergency exit row on the other side, and the crew member offered my wife the opportunity to move.
The IFM announced that they are a crew member down, so all drinks will be served from the rear galley. I'll pass. Other than the crew members having different accents and serving slightly different food, this has been (unsurprisingly) identical to my experience flying across the Atlantic on American--friendly crew members, a comfortable enough seat and serviceable food. The breakfast was served within an hour of takeoff. I made an unspirited attempt at the glob of eggs, but the rest was edible. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c901f2b7ba.jpg As expected, not much to report on this flight but the disconcerting number of people entering the lavatory in socks or barefoot. |
Originally Posted by ewh9
(Post 36302702)
We had an on-time departure and a stroke of luck right after the doors closed--a seat was open in the emergency exit row on the other side, and the crew member offered my wife the opportunity to move.
The IFM announced that they are a crew member down, so all drinks will be served from the rear galley. I'll pass. Other than the crew members having different accents and serving slightly different food, this has been (unsurprisingly) identical to my experience flying across the Atlantic on American--friendly crew members, a comfortable enough seat and serviceable food. The breakfast was served within an hour of takeoff. I made an unspirited attempt at the glob of eggs, but the rest was edible. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c901f2b7ba.jpg As expected, not much to report on this flight but the disconcerting number of people entering the lavatory in socks or barefoot. |
I already like this TR simply for the fact that I can now add 'quotidian' to my lexicon. Thanks
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https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...39b2773df0.jpg
The "sausage empanada": had the consistency of a Hot Pocket microwaved without the crisper sleeve, but all in all, not bad. |
A bit behind because I left my phone on the charger...
Our first two nights are at the Renaissance St. Pancras. This is one of the most visually stunning hotels that I've ever stayed in. I will post a few pictures taken in the daylight tomorrow. By the time we dropped our bags off and took care of some things, it was almost 10 pm. We got an order in right before the restaurant closed at the hotel's combo bar/restaurant, Booking Office. The Singapore Sling replica, the "Million Dollar Cocktail," was delicious. I went to Raffles 18 years ago, but I thought it was a worthy imitator. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...30df75e792.jpg I also had to get the "Seelbach Cocktail," a bourbon/champagne cocktail named after a famous historic hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. After I repeated the name three times, the server said that I was the first person to order it. Everyone else is missing out. We closed out the night at Decimo, on the tenth floor of The Standard across the street. Great vibes and good music, slow service. And the view is tough to beat. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9fa78b06f5.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e39d1813f6.jpg Now, I'm about to turn in, with a full day tomorrow. To the extent that people criticize this hotel, this may be one reason why: https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7cf32f5137.jpg This is the "newly refurbished" room we received as an upgrade--with Ambassador status. However, the room is comfortable and in good condition, and we are certainly not complaining. |
The tin of lounge water is slightly funny
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Originally Posted by ewh9
(Post 36302702)
As expected, not much to report on this flight but the disconcerting number of people entering the lavatory in socks or barefoot.
There's probably some sort of super-fungus evolving in that lav |
Well done - enjoying everything so far. I think the Renaissance St Pancras is a dreadful hotel and that room looks more like Harry Potters bedroom under the stairs.
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I’ve never had the pleasure (or misfortune perhaps?) to actually stay at the Renaissance St Pancras but have enjoyed the hospitality of the bar quite a few times in the past. I remember it as you describe, visually stunning. My wanderings of late haven’t taken me to that part of town at beer o’clock unfortunately. I’m quite shocked at the room, it looks like granny’s spare bedroom without the chintz.
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