We’re Engaged!!! and Tea at Cliveden

A couple of weekends ago, Charles innocently suggested that we go and have a casual stroll around the gardens at Cliveden House. This being probably one of my most favourite places in the world, coupled with the fact that it was sunny, I jumped at the idea! Little did I know what he had up his sleeve…

When we got there he said he would pop inside and ask if they had a spot available for tea. I know Charles and he is a planner, he’s not an ‘on a whim’ sort of guy. I didn’t think much of it and let him has his moment while I stood outside taking in the splendour which is Cliveden House.

Triumphantly he came back out and said they just happened to have a spot available later in the afternoon and that we would go for a walk around the grounds until then. As I said it was a warm sunny day and there were lots of families lying around on the grass soaking up the sun.

After a while we found a quite spot sans screaming children and Charles decided that we HAD to walk through a field of daffodils, he handed me a letter which he had written last year and, without going into too much detail – I will spare you the mushy stuff, once I had finished reading it I saw him reach into his pocket (Slow Mo), pull out a black ring box and get down on one knee…

I of course said yes!!! I feel like the luckiest girl in the world knowing that  get to spend the rest of my life with the greatest guy in the world.

I’m sure you’re all like ugh get to the food part already…

We walked back into Cliveden House, past Emily Blunt I later realised but I was too much in a daze to notice, and were seated at a little table in big wing backed chairs.

We went for the classic afternoon tea, which consisted of scones, mini cakes and finger sandwiches.

All delicious and washed down with a gorgeous bottle of Tattinger 2006.

The staff were all very friendly and helpful and were on standby should you want a refill of any food or tea (at no extra cost!).

We went home in a little bubble of perfect bliss and am sure will be back to Cliveden where we can relive the perfect day that we had.

Tattinger 2006

Cliveden House

Tea at Cliveden

Les Grandes Marches

While on holiday in Paris for the Easter Weekend, we visited a charming restaurant near La Bastille.

As with all holidays for us, deciding where to eat is always a struggle as there are many options and all too tempting.

In France, we find it a lot easier to go with the Plat de Jour as our French is very poor and it allows us to try different things.

Luckily for us Les Grandes Marches had an appetising menu and we were spoilt for choice.

We started with an aperitif of a Kir Royale and an Americano followed by our starters which was foie gras with toasted brioche. We also ordered the wines which were two half bottles; a Sauvignon/Semillon from Bordeaux and a Languedoc Cabernet/Merlot blend.

Main course was a deliciously juicy 300g Fillet steak cooked Blue (personal choice for Charles), served with a peppercorn sauce and frites.

Chloe had the fish of the day, served with seasonal vegetables and a beurre blanc sauce.

As is tradition in France, following the mains was the cheese course, where we selected a number of different cheeses to try.

After this was dessert of hibiscus sorbet and crème caramel.

At 72 euros for two people, we would defiantly recommend trying this great restaurant if in Paris as it provides a relaxed dinning experience coupled with fantastic food. It is especially good on a sunny day as you can sit outside and enjoy a wonderful meal while the hustle and bustle of Paris goes by!

Chloe+Charles