The Royal Yacht Britannia Edinburgh Tour and Tearoom #Review

The Royal Yacht Britannia Edinburgh Tour and Tearoom #Gifted

All aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia, a Royal residence for over 40 years, who sailed over 1,000,000 nautical miles on 968 state visits with the Royal Family, excitingly is now a five-star visitor attraction, voted Best UK Attraction by Which? Magazine, located in Edinburgh.

On 23 June 1994, John Major’s Government announced, that due to the costs involved, there would be no refit for HMY Britannia and hence it was announced that the last Royal Yacht was to be decommissioned.

This fabulous floating palace is stepped in historical Royal providence and charm providing visitors a unique opportunity to experience life aboard from the perspective of the Royal Family and also the 220 hardworking and dedicated crew of Royal Yachtsmen.

The whole of The Royal Yacht Britannia team could not have provided amore warm welcome which just instantly made us feel like royalty and gave us good vibes all round.

This super self-guided tour, via easy portable talking telephones, provided in a range of languages, provide a wealth of interesting information and the five decks of the tour can be explored and enjoyed at your own pace.

Start your tour at the bridge and see the iconic vessel in all its glory, state apartments, crew quarters, engine room and of course the Royal residence and their transportation vehicles.

The Sun Lounge, not photographed as you must see this in person to soak up the ambiance, was Her Majesty The Queen’s favourite room on board, where she would enjoy breakfast and afternoon tea.

Now, talking of Afternoon tea, The Royal Yacht Britannia have a terrific Tearoom* which provides breath-taking views while you indulge in a range of freshly prepared savoury and sweet treats such as a traditional cream tea and of course there is plenty of champagne, so you can raise a glass to Her Majesty The Queen.

In fact, the Tearoom is the very same spot where the Royal Family would have played deck games and entertained, so you know that you are in good company.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is a unique Edinburgh experience where you will have the chance to feel what life was like aboard this beautiful vessel, so make sure you gather your crew and captain them for a seafaring adventure like no other.

Thank you for reading 😊

Melanie xx

*Please note in order to visit the tearoom you must have a valid tour ticket for the day of your tea room visit.

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Double Up the Pampering at the Rena Spa at the Midland Hotel Manchester #Review

Double Up the Pampering at the Rena Spa at the Midland Hotel Manchester #Gifted

After experiencing all what Manchester city centre has to offer, I guarantee you will deserve some much needed you time, so head down to the Rena Spa at the Midland, so you can sit back relax and watch the world go by and let the super spa team spoil you from head to toe.

The warm welcome by Cassey instantly makes you feel at home explaining that every Rena Spa Day package comes with towels, robes and slippers for use while in the spa.  Full use of the thermal suite, poolside area, relaxation room and the onsite gym if you are feeling all active.

Fancy doubling up your rest and relaxation time, well why not opt for one of the Rena Spa exclusive experiences, their divine ‘Double Up’ package, that includes a 30-minute Rasul treatment for two, 50-minute spa treatment, a glass of bubbly, a light lunch or an Afternoon Tea and a £10 voucher to spend on spa products, is pure bliss.

My lovely beauty therapist Hannah, who provided me with a marvellous manicure with polish of my choosing and if that wasn’t enough a beautiful balancing and detoxifying treatment wrap.

The Rena Spa’s Indulgence Spa Day at the Midland Hotel Manchester #Review

The Rena Spa’s Indulgence Spa Day at the Midland Hotel Manchester #Gifted

Ready for some rest, relaxation, and zen vibes well you are in the right place, as the Rena Spa located within the iconic Midland Hotel in the heart of Manchester City centre has all you need for some much deserved you time.

Offering a range of packages, The Rena spa has something to suit everyone.  We opted for the Indulgence Spa Day which included a 50-minute treatment, Afternoon Tea, a glass of bubbly, Robes and Slippers for use while in the spa.

The thermal areas are the perfect place to enjoy a dip in the pool, some jacuzzi time, sauna, steam room or why not enjoy some time under the swan neck water feature.  This may not be the fountain of youth, but it can certainly relax tension within those shoulders.

Treatments are a luxurious and divine offering at the Rena and there are a vast range of options such as the Vinosource Hydrating and Nourishing Facial, Divine Body Massage, Fleur De Vigne Candle Massage Calming Hand, Foot & Scalp Therapy Rose & Honey Harmony Facial, and my personal favourite the Caudalie City Living Contouring and Invigorating Body Wrap.

My lovely beauty therapist, who provided an amazing balancing and detoxifying treatment wrap, which involved gentle exfoliation with their crushed cabernet scrub, followed by an application of their contouring concentrate, designed to help boost the metabolism and ease away tension it also speeds up the elimination of toxins.

This is followed by an application of their vine body butter massaged onto the skin and then wrapped to cocoon the skin with hydrating. The experience also included a full scalp treatment for total relaxation.

After your treatment, while in a full relaxation mode, why not enjoy some post-treatment time chilling within the Rena zen area, a beautiful room with stylish seating, private chamber rooms and the free-standing pod units.

Now if that was not indulgent enough prepare to enjoy a delicious decadent Afternoon tea within the iconic Midland tearoom of course with plenty of beautiful bubbles. 

Christopher our server welcomed us with open arms and was a wonderfully friendly chap who made our day extra lovely.

Boozy Birthday Celebrations with Piglet’s Pantry Vegan Afternoon Tea, Pies & Rolls #Review

Boozy Birthday Celebrations with Piglet’s Pantry Vegan Afternoon Tea, Pies & Rolls: June 2021 #Gifted

Yes, it’s my birthday, so it’s time to get the boozy birthday celebrations started with the amazing Award-winning Piglet’s Pantry.

Based in Worthing West Sussex, Piglets Pantry create the loveliest hand filled pies, handmade sausage rolls, cakes, and next level Afternoon Tea packages delivered direct to your door in their signature pretty pink presentational boxes.

They cater for a range of dietary requirements and they have a whole range of Vegan fabulousness. The Vegan Afternoon tea is a must and includes scrummy sweet treats and sensational savouries so you can sit back and enjoy your birthday bonanza.

Two Teapigs teabag sachets are included, within the vegan afternoon tea, but why not make things a little extra and add on a bottle of beautiful Bottega Rose Gold sparkling rose.  A delicious peachy coloured liquid with a taste of berries, to get you feeling that fizzy fabulousness.

Sweet treats for two included x2 yummy rich chocolate loaf cake with lavender glaze, x2 raspberry, lychee and rose swirl cakes, x2 vegan scones with whipped vegan butter and strawberry and champagne jam – now that is definitely fancy pants!

Also included within the generous Vegan afternoon offering for two are 4 spring vegetable vegan rolls, 2 leek & tarragon tarts and 2 vegan scotch ‘eggs’.  Let me tell you all the super savouries got scoffed in record time!

You can also bag yourself some Piglets Pantry vegan broccoli, cauliflower and cheese pies, spicy bean rolls and their brand-new tear and share Vegan roll offering with a lovely lime and tomato chutney dipping sauce…

Piglet’s Pantry Vegan Winter Sparkle Afternoon Tea Review

Piglet’s Pantry Vegan Winter Sparkle Afternoon Tea Review: February 2021 #Gifted

Piglet’s Pantry is an amazing Award-Winning food producer, who make hand filled pies, handmade sausage rolls, cakes, and biscuits, based in Worthing West Sussex.

Started by founder Jo , who left the corporate world and went on a mission to set up her dream bakery.  In November 2011 Piglet’s HQ was set up, and over the last seven years business has tripled and now Piglet’s employs 25 people.

Piglet’s perfection can be enjoyed, as they have produced some amazing Afternoon Teas including the Wonderful Winter Sparkle Vegan Afternoon Tea.

Brilliantly boxed in this pretty pink Piglet’s packaging, the Vegan afternoon tea will delight and definitely not disappoint.

The Afternoon Tea can be delivered direct to your door, so make sure that you are not late for this incredibly tasty tea date.

The Vegan Winter Sparkle Tea for 2 includes x2 scrummy scones with lashings of wonderful whipped vegan butter and tasty tiptee jam.

As if things could not get any sweeter, you also receive x4 cute cake slices including x2 Rich chocolate cakes with gold glitter dust and x2 spiced caramel apple cakes with pieces of caramelised apples and biscuit on top.

Also included are some smashing savouries x4 spiced chickpea and quinoa pastry rolls, x2 mushroom, garlic, and breadcrumb tarts and x2 vegan scotch eggs filled with a chickpea and vegetable medley and beautiful beetroot centre.

Your much needed thirst can be quenched, as Piglet’s Afternoon tea includes Earl Gray and Breakfast Teapigs teas, so sip, eat and enjoy.

Chocolate Indulgence Package with Chocolate Hamper at York Cocoa Works #Review

Chocolate Indulgence Package with Chocolate Hamper at York Cocoa Works Review: September 2020 #Gifted

York Cocoa Works has always been a home away from home for us.  A lovely local independent chocolatier with high quality products where they literally go from bean to bite, as their yummy treats are produced on site at their chocolate manufactory.

Owner Sophie and her team have created a cosy and snug environment perfect for family, friends and couples to enjoy a chocolate indulgence making your day much sweeter.

As always, the whole team make you feel welcome and part of the Cocoa works family from the moment you step in the door which is a reason many York residents and visitors to York keep returning.

The York Cocoa Works Chocolate Indulgence package includes a platter of super scrummy chocolate truffles, cakes and a hand-crafted bar of chocolate.

You also receive a hot drink of choice and I would highly recommend having their signature hot chocolate.

Sophies beautifully bespoke handcrafted chocolate packages allow the team to adapt for allergies such as dairy free, wheat free, vegetarian and vegan, so perfect for everyone.

VE Day Celebrations with Bad Brownies #Review

VE Day Celebrations with Bad Brownies Review: May 2020 #Gifted

Due to the Coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak it has been a very challenging time for everyone.

That said it is important to enjoy some sweet small indulgences at home and the perfect time to do so for tomorrow’s VE Day celebrations.

Bad Brownies are a brilliant brownies home delivery service that will make your day with their freshly baked bespoke brownie yumminess.

These Brownies are perfect to enjoy at home an Afternoon Tea at home for celebrations such as VE Day, Birthdays and Anniversaries.

Their home baked loveliness comes in 24 beautiful bite box set included Raspberry, Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate Chip, Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter & Jelly and Passionfruit & Coconut flavours, so they make for a super sweet gift.

York Cocoa Works Festive Afternoon Chocolatada #Review

York Cocoa Works Festive Afternoon Chocolatada Review: January 2020

This lovely cute, independent quality Chocolate café York cocoa Works is run by owner Sophie along with her team including the marvellous Michelle.

Their beautiful bespoke city centre York location is the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy some you time.

Fixtures and fittings have been carefully thought out mixing the traditional and contemporary to create a warm and welcoming hub.

Get cosy and snug and craft your very own chocolate lollipops, perfect to gift or enjoy for yourself.

Why not go all out and enjoy an exquisite York Cocoa Works Festive Afternoon Chocolatada…pure yumminess!

The bonus about being independent is their ability to tailor make options especially when it comes to dietary requirements.  Not only were dietaries such as no milk, no egg etc not a problem, but the way Michelle reassured myself before the visit put my mind at ease.

York Cocoa Works Chocolate Lollipop Making and Afternoon Chocolatada #Review

York Cocoa Works Chocolate Lollipop Making and Afternoon Chocolatada Review: October 2019

Sophie, founder of York Cocoa Works is a skilled and dedicated chocolate enthusiast.  Creating a bespoke, luxurious and quality brand, York Cocoa works offers a range of chocolatey experiences to suit all tastes.

When visiting York Cocoa Works it feels like family, as Michelle and her team are just as lovely as their chocolate treats.

The Chocolate Lollipop making was a simple, but fun experience which took me back to my childhood evoking memories of baking in the kitchen with my mum.

You are free to release your inner artistic and creative spirit and use the toppings to create your Lollipop Piece de resistance aka your marvellous masterpiece.

Red Bus Bistro Harry Potter Themed Afternoon Tea #Review

Red Bus Bistro Harry Potter Themed Afternoon Tea Review: September 2019

Witches and wizards leave your broomstick and wands behind, as Red Bus Bistro will work their magic and fly you around Edinburgh…on the wheels of a fabulous vintage 1966 Routemaster bus of course!

The 70 – 90 minute tour takes in Edinburgh Castle, the Elephant café, along with many of the locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series of book such as Spoon Café, greyfriar’s cemetery and George Heriot’s school which is believed to be the inspiration for the Hogwarts architecture.

The Red Bus Bistro team will sort you into your house, whip up some wizarding incantations and spells to create a magical mouth-watering Harry Potter themed Afternoon tea…swish and flick.

With lighthearted, fun and factual Harry Potter themed commentary from our wizarding Mr Potter, I am sure you will score his performance much more than 9 ¾!