Valentines Memories in London

As valentines fell during the week this year and Syd and I both have busy work schedules I didn't know what to expect. Syd came through and kept it surprising and well planned! I was working away (until 6:30 - yikes) getting the odd text message from Syd saying that he left work. So I continued to work only to look up and see him standing right in front of me, at my desk! He has never come to my work before so that was well cool. He said it was interesting to see where (and how) I work. He found it weird that there was alcohol randomly located around the office. I don't partake, I swear!

From there we went to this cool bar in a meat-packing district near my work in central east London to this bar (revamped warehouse) called Smiths of Smithfields. It was pretty busy and was a great place to wind down and enjoy a drink. It was a quick drink actually as Syd was getting anxious about the reservation he made.

We got in a cab to Trafalgar Square - which is literally a huge roundabout with streets going in 6 different directions. Syd only had an address, which could have been any one of the streets! After a brief walk around, we found the restaurant (which was huge) and it was called Albannach. When we went inside the entire wait staff were in kilts (including the men - hot) and I instantly smiled and turned to Syd and said "Honey, you booked a Scottish restaurant for us? Wicked!"

It was quite a fancy place. There was a 'natural' theme about it as antlers (and even a lit up deer near the coat check) were used everywhere. Antlers made up the base of lamps, and interconnected antlers made up a massive chandelier in the middle of the tall ceiling. It was well cool.

What made the ambience that much more special was the tenor saxophone player that was playing some jazz and modern tunes throughout dinner, starting with the classic "Only You". ;o)

Our meal was so good. We both had chateaubriand (nice cut of steak) with a truffle mushroom mash. That was followed up by a cheese plate and decadent desserts - I had a cheescake with a shortcake base while Syd devoured a dark and white chocolate mousse cake.

To top it all off, Albannach also had a lounge bar below named Doon, which had a great menu of cocktails that we enjoyed one interesting drink a piece while we took part in people watching a number of singles that showed up for a masquerade night.

Thanks for a great valentines memory in London!