The Square Mile Tour

The elaborate peal of St Paul’s signalled the start of our historical tour of London’s Square Mile. Of course London itself covers many square miles but we were only interested in the one that houses the City of London which, at one point in time, was surrounded by the old Roman city walls.Ken began our magical mystery tour inside St Paul’s itself (once we had fought our past a very dedicated wedding photographer!).

It was like stepping back in time as we left the bustling city behind us. The soft lighting created an intimate atmosphere as we marvelled at the mosaics and intricate stone carvings as delicate choral music filled the Cathedral. But soon we were outside again to begin our three hour tour. Ken led us all like the Pied Piper as we hung on his every word weaving our way through the streets of London.

Our next stop was the Merryll Lynch building under the careful eye of a very large security guard. As we left the guard behind us Ken led us to a small green area called Postman’s Park (just off King Edward Street). A sheltered area within the park houses a wall dotted with hand-lettered tiles commemorating ordinary people who lost their loves trying to save others; a wonderful little public memorial celebrating the lives of people who would otherwise be forgotten. Our first lesson was on how to spot a Rogers or a Foster building.

By the time we reached The Barbican and the old Roman wall that nestles within its shadow, we had become quite adept at identifying the architects of the buildings that we passed. Then it was time for a refreshment stop and some deliciously chilled champagne enjoyed in the shadow of Shakespeare.

Through more alley ways and back streets, we emerged by the Bank of England where Sir John Soane, forever immortalised in stone, watched us as we continued on our journey towards Leadenhall market, passed the ‘erotic gherkin’, the Lloyds building and then on to Fenchurch street station. Spotted in the surrounding stone and glass was the neo-gothic Minster Court Offices looking more like something from Gotham City – although there was no sign of Batman! As we made our way along side Trinity House, the stunning view of an illuminated Tower of London signalled that our time travelling architectural journey would soon be coming to an end.

As we crossed Tower Bridge our destination, Butler’s Wharf, shone like an oasis with its lure of a well deserved meal. What an experience. This was a truly unforgettable look at some of London’s finest architecture led by a true expert in his field.

Sally Ormond

The SaVVy Club’s members enjoy a unique calendar of bespoke social events organised just for them. They can enjoy the company of fascinating people and relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.

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The SaVVy Wine Club

The SaVVy Wine Club  Shakespeare once said that “Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used” and who are we to argue with the great bard. It has been around for centuries for the enjoyment of one and all.

Indeed the oldest known bottle was unearthed in 1867 during the excavation for the building of a house in a vineyard near the town of Speyer in Germany. It was found inside one of two Roman stone sarcophaguses that were dug up. The bottle dates from approximately 325 A.D. 

The SaVVy Wine Club can’t quite promise that sort of vintage, but what their buyers and advisers can do is offer an exciting range of wine and champagne by sourcing hidden gems and artisan wines from quality conscious estates to produce a selection of hand crafted wines from both old and new world regions. Unlike other wine clubs we don’t just offer excellent wine and champagne. By joining you will also have access to wine tasting events, vineyard tours and competitions.

As well as enjoying our cellar for yourself, The SaVVy Wine Club also gives you the opportunity to purchase hidden-value ‘Gift Vouchers’ for friends or colleagues (including non-members) which can be redeemed online against a variety of per-selected wines.

Why not visit The SaVVy Wine Club  and see what we have on offer. 

Cheers! See you there.

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Carnival

Carnival!

There is something about summer, heat, and holidays that makes people want to dress up in weird and wonderful costumes, scream ‘aaaiiiiiieeeeee!’ from the top of their voices all whilst dancing around on garishly decorated lorry trailers. No, its not City bonus day – its carnival season! We have all seen pictures of the wonderful events in Rio and our very own Notting Hill – the colour, the excitement, the energy, the atmosphere…there is just something about a carnival that sets everyone in a good mood.It’s a time to let your hair down and party like you’ve never partied before.

Now, (here’s the very short history lesson) the tradition of carnivals originally came from the urge to have as big a party as possible before the Lent fasting began. Which leads us very nicely to the subject of food; think of a carnival and you’ll think of costumes and dancing and everyone having a wonderful time and, most of all, huge amounts of fun. But that usually means that the food available is fun too.

No room for limp lettuce and its fellow salad partners with low fat mayonnaise.Oh no, we are talking cholesterol city – sky-scraping burgers and hot dogs. Basically it is the food every waist-line has nightmares about.  So how on earth are we meant to stay slim and party? Well, here are a few hints that may just help. Why not try substituting the burgers for a light sandwich which will contain far less fat and a shed-load less calories.

Also avert your eyes when presented with displays of sugary deserts and ice cream; if you can’t see them, you can’t be tempted by them. Whatever you do, don’t forget the hidden calories in drinks too. Instead of alcohol or fizzy drinks, have water or even that British favourite – a nice cup of tea (without sugar, obviously).

Follow these tips and you will party and still remain slender, virtuous, incredibly self conscious and sober. Of course, the other option is to totally ignore all advice, eat, drink and be merry whilst dancing furiously in a style that your father would be proud of and you’ll burn off so many calories you will probably end up slimmer than when you started! Marvellous, I know which option I prefer.

Perhaps you know of an even better method of surviving the carnival season. Do you have any handy hints, tips or even stories that you would like to share with one and all? Go on; spread a little happiness especially for those of us unfortunate enough not to have been caught up in the party atmosphere.

References:Wikipedia: CarnivaleHow: How to Eat Healthily at a Carnival

The SaVVy Club’s members enjoy a unique calendar of bespoke social events organised just for them. They can enjoy the company of fascinating people and relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.

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How to address The Queen

How to address The Queen

Everyone worries about what is the right thing to do these days. Whether it is what is the correct length of dress; is an evening dress too over the top when your man is in lounge suit; should a hat be worn; how many kisses should be proffered when meeting someone for the first time? – It can be a total nightmare and lead to umpteen rows and huffy silences (normally when ones partner gives the completely wrong advice!) not to mention embarrassment. Nobody wants to be the one to make the social gaff of the season that will be talked about for months. To help out we thought it would be amusing to start a series of “how to…” inserts. So fanfare please as we begin with…

How to Address the Queen This would certainly send the most level headed of us into a frenzy. Not only do you have the question of what to wear but also what so say? Well, here are a few hints and tips to help along the way should you ever find yourself in front of Her Majesty. If you are a British subject you should always bow or curtsey when meeting the Queen. Keep your curtsey shallow, too low and you could end up in a rather undignified heap on the floor. Also gents, when bowing, a dip of the head is preferable to a full body bow as you are less likely to head-butt the Sovereign, be carted off to the tower and never be seen again. Phew, you can breathe a sigh of relief. You have got through the first stage without committing any faux pas and are now in front of the Queen; you haven’t knocked her out or fallen over so things are going well.

She now offers you her hand to shake. Sweaty palms are not attractive so if you find yours is a bit damp a surreptitious wipe before proffering would be advisable. Never refuse the royal hand (it may result in losing your head!). A firm hand shake would be preferable to a limp one, however be sure not to be too over enthusiastic and squash the Royal fingers.  Well done. That is the second hurdle successfully navigated. But what if she speaks to you? Keep calm, smile, and respond appropriately.

First greet her as ‘Your Majesty’; that should get you off to a flying start. Now the introductions are over you are old friends so you can call her ‘Ma’am’. It is probably best to follow her lead and simply reply to her questions rather than engage her in any long-winded contentious debates. Ladies, even if she is wearing an outfit to die for, try to resist the temptation to ask her where she got it from!  After your little tête-à-tête it will be time to retire. Although tradition states that you should never show your back to the Queen, please do not be tempted to follow the lead of Hollywood’s finest films and back out of the room.

That inevitably results in chaos, breakages and you landing in an undignified heap on the floor. It would be much safer to wait until the Queen leaves the room. Congratulations! Her Majesty has now left the room, you have remained dignified, unruffled and have just negotiated your way through a potential mine field. You can now retire to the nearest bar, indulge in a huge G&T and take great pleasure in recounting the whole affair in minute detail to anyone willing to listen.  Bravo! 

References:eHow: How to Greet the Queen of England

The SaVVy Club’s members enjoy a unique calendar of bespoke social events organised just for them. They can enjoy the company of fascinating people and relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.

 

 

 

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