Bliss Spa, South Kensington

Many girls have recommended Bliss Spa to me… and when I mentioned I was visiting this Luxury London spa to the girls at work a variety of oohs and ahhs followed, “what are you getting?” they cried.

Working in a new office in South Kensington, Bliss Spa is just a 5 minute walk from the tube station, sitting amongst the gorgeously smart shops like Paul Smith. I was glad to go inside away from the dark cold streets, and into the glowing winter wonderland inside, smiling faces greeted me at the door. I was accompanied downstairs to the lavish changing area where I wrapped up in the softest white gown. Through another series of doors and I found myself in a room with fruit and chocolate brownie treats, a quick complimentary snack before the pampering begins.

I tried the Post-Party Perk Up (30 mins £60.00) intended as a revitalizing quick facial to perk up tired, party pooped skin. The treatment includes a hydrating, skin-reviving facial and eye treatment. After a brief consultation with my informative beautician, she began rubbing various different lotions and potions into my appreciative face. Everything smelt and felt delicious with the addition of feeling beneficial to my weary skin and eyes. The mask was the most exciting: gel pads were placed underneath my eyes, and a thick gloopy mud mask slathered all over my face, neck and even my eyes, I felt like I was being mummified. When the mask was gently peeled away my skin felt like it had a new lease of life, and has remained silky soft even days later. I pleaded in my head for the facial not to end, but after a heavenly 30 minutes I had to face the world, luckily with a glossy new face.

Oprah Winfrey called Bliss the best facial she’s ever had, and now I know why. Your skin will thank you for a blissful treatment from this spa. I left debating how I could raise the money to go back and treat myself to the full blown Bliss facial, perhaps a Christmas present to myself?

Visit the Bliss website here, or call 0207 590 6146 to book an appointment.

Mastercard Priceless Events: Winter Wonderland at The Natural History Museum

It was just like the film 'Night at the Museum' when we turned up at the magically illuminated Natural History Museum for one of Mastercard's Priceless nights, I was invited along to their most recent event at London’s most famous Museum to learn, explore and eat.

The hall inside was wondrous, soothing string music, lights flickering and glasses of champagne cocktail clinking, a true Winter Wonderland. After some delicious canapes (so good, you want to follow the waitresses around), there was a brief talk where the evening was explained... we were split into groups and taken round with guides - experts in different areas: Dinosaurs (Paul Barrett), Fossils (Adrian Lister), Plants (Mark Spencer), Rocks and Meteorites (Natasha Stephen) and Mammals (Louise Tomsett).

We were off to see the dinosaur man first... torches were handed out for our atmospheric tour in darkness. It was exciting to understand these fascinating creatures and to see the proof of their existence. Although I have visited the Museum before, never have I been so intrigued and amazed by the stories behind the specimens. The mammals are intriguing and adorable, we learnt about snow foxes and reindeers (the scientists were keen to put a topical Christmas spin on their talks). Next we walked through the spectacular vault to reach Natasha Stephen, who specialises in meteorites from Mars! We all got to hold and examine various ancient meteorites, including rocks that had compounds older than the earth itself, it was amazing.

Before the final two sessions, we were treated to more music and bowls of food in the main hall: Thai beef curry, sausages and mash and vegetarian risotto was on offer, warming and comforting food that replenished our energy. We met a lovely group of people who mentioned that they attend all the Mastercard Priceless events, and couldn’t praise the programme highly enough.

Mark Spencer, plant man, was engaging and friendly, better still he was very passionate about his speciality and this rubbed off on us… the talk about holly and ivy and other Christmas plants was very memorable. Finally we went down to the fossils to see specimens from the last Ice Age, apparently relatively new fossils compared to others in the vast National History Museum collection. It was hilarious to hear how these mammoth tusks and lion imprints had been found in Ealing and Isleworth, the very ground we walk on every day.

Exhausted from our exciting educational evening, (I did regret wearing heels for such a museum trek), we ate our chocolate mousses and left before the crowd. Thank you Mastercard for a truly imaginative and informative experience, it was one of the most unique nights I have ever had the pleasure of blogging.

Visit the Mastercard website here.

Three5 World Tapas, Restaurant, South Kensington

Three5 World Tapas is based in MyHotel Chelsea, a restaurant for overnight guests but also open to the public wishing to dine. Firstly I must mention the name is, in my opinion, dreadful... It is impossible to remember or understand. After investigation, I am guessing that is corresponds to the street number of the hotel, which is 35.

The restaurant space is small and cosy and has an informal vibe. We started with cocktails - I had the refreshing watermelon martini, my friend chose the classic mojito. Food is split into: ‘smaller bites’, ‘larger bites’ and ‘the classics’. We ordered an assortment of smaller and larger bites acting as starter and main. Our waitress recommended a total of about ten plates; we took her advice, and a banquet arrived. I was relieved to see other tables tackling similar quantities of food… for once I didn’t look like the greediest diner!

The food was comforting though the majority was quite oily and heavy. We picked at the various canape-like dishes. My favourite was the zucchini frittata: thin and crispy courgette slivers coated in light salty batter - devilishly delicious. The bruschetta was good, with a thick slice of creamy mozzarella and flavoursome basil. Arancini were a bit of a let down, served with fragrant saffron sauce, these rice balls were tasteless with an unpleasant gritty texture.

For second course we were brought a selection of larger sharing plates, slightly more substantial dishes less easy to eat with your fingers. The house salad was beautifully presented - a mass of fresh peppery rocket with yummy sun dried tomatoes, soft parmesan and a splash of sweet balsamic vinegar… I appreciated having some greenery in contrast to the rich meat choices. Melanzane a la Parmigiana was disappointing especially as this Italian aubergine and tomato recipe is usually a winner with me. It was again too heavy with too much bread, ruining the other flavours and making it soggy. Fish cakes and celeriac salad went down well with my guest, fresh well seasoned fish, soft inside with a crispy outside. The herb marinated lamb cutlets were a little tough and arrived on an unnecessary lump of mashed potato.

Puddings however exceeded all expectations, dense creme brulee cheesecake and light and divine lemon posset with passion fruit thick whipped cream. Both were delicious, but the citrusy posset really was a lovely combination of flavours and textures. Chatting away, with our fresh mint teas, it was nice to pick at these desserts at our leisure, no rush, no pressure.

Three5 offers world cuisine inspired tapas: a fusion of flavours in small portions ideal for sharing. The food isn’t spectacular but for a relaxed, affordable meal Three5 is a pleasant place to dine.

Visit THREE5 WORLD TAPAS website here.

Tendido Cero, Tapas Restaurant, South Kensington

The other day my lovely friend took me out for lunch to one of his favourite tapas restaurants in London, Tendido Cero. Having lost my appetite recently he insisted this would revitalise my palate, and knew I wouldn’t be able to resist the little plates of goodness. Part of a family of three Spanish restaurants on Old Brompton Road, this is apparently the best. Despite turning up rather late for lunch, they managed to squeeze us in and took our order immediately. The front windows were open and the sun was blazing in.

Cambio de Tercio across the road is much smarter and more expensive, at Tendido Cero the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and I got the overwhelming feeling of being somewhere where everyone just really enjoys food. I left the choosing entirely in the capable hands of my friend who ordered in impressively fluent Spanish.

I am a big fan of Spanish meats: chorizo, Iberico pork... at Tendido we tried a delicious plate of charcuterie, which was quite tough but deliciously flavoured. The Spanish cheeses with membrillo were wonderful too, with a big chunk of my favourite, Manchego as well as some intriguing soft cheeses. For fish lovers there are lots of enticing options, my companion ordered the Galicean octopus with potatoes and paprika and the Garlic prawns cooked in garlic, olive oil and chillies. Although I couldn’t bring myself to try the seafood, I tried the salty oily sauce with my bread and it was, I must admit, divine. Lots of sparkling water and fresh bread accompanied our light lunch.

I can’t say I loved Tendido Cero quite as much as my very favourite tapas restaurant, Opera Tavern, but this is certainly authentic tapas of a very high standard.

Visit the website and book here.