Tuesday 14 December 2010

Item 77: Somerset House Ice Skating

Location: Somerset House, London

Maybe it's because of its corporate sponsor, bit I Iike to think its due to the very nicely decorated Christmas tree that welcomes you into the courtyard of Somerset House which makes it the prettiest place to go ice skating during the festive season.

Many thanks to my friend to organised our tickets a month in advance, as the weekend sessions are now sold out.

One hour on the ice followed by a hot cup of mulled wine in the bar, this is what it's all about. The festive cheer will definitely be be topped off if the weather forecasters have got it right... here's to dreaming of a white Christmas.

Item 77: Somerset House? CHECK!

Sunday 5 December 2010

Item 76: Leeds Christkindelmarkt

Location: Leeds, England

We arrived in Leeds 2.5 hours later than expected, due to train cancellations resulting from "adverse weather conditions," (snow)!

With a short walk to Millennium Square from the station, we located the reason for our visit to the north this weekend - Christkindelmarkt German Christmas Market, just in time for lunch.

Disappointingly the snow from the week before had begun to melt and other than a singing moose-head, we found ourselves looking around for the festive spirit. Luckily, after a bratwurst with a Roasted Apple mulled wine chaser the mood started to pick up. We were introduced to traditional hot German Honey Mead which we cuddled and sipped whilst wandering amongst the 30 chalets housing food stalls and kitchy yule tide decorations. To finish off the festival food menu we enjoyed giant Christmas marshmallow goodness - chocolate royale style, for dessert.

After lunch we walked our full tummies to the Victoria Quarter. This area consists of historic arcades which maintain their traditional architecture from the era. More importantly there're shops and brands that will help you tick off the items on the Christmas shopping list. We didn't buy any souvenirs at the market, but we didn't have to go far to find something to take home from this pretty shopping area.

Item 76: Leeds? CHECK!