hhrtmnn's Qype profile

So I'm lucky enough to have a hubby who has worked here from day one - wanna shoot me!?

Granted the views from within are incredible (we're looking over the best city in the word - so what's not to like?) .... but if you don't have a contact on the inside, don't fret.

You're still able to enjoy the architecture from the piazza that surrounds the Gherkin. Walk all the way around the building and notice that when you're standing near to the sides and you look up the top of the building has disappeared! Move back across the street, and you can see the tippy bit again(housing those with contacts). Magic Schmagick.

Drinks upstairs are great on a Friday afternoon and the food is provided by Searcy's but service and ingredients seem to be a little above their usual standard fare. Still not the cheapest of nights out, but one you'll remember.

If you like a pot of well brewed tea and are near St Pauls in the City - try out TEA.

The varieties of tea and the manner in which they brew it correctly is what sets this establishment apart.

It's a smallish place, with a dowstairs area and some outdoor seating to help swell the numbers.

Can get busy at times but service is always cordial and there are some yummy tea goodies they'll serve you with your tea - at very nice chunky wooden tables. That's not enough? Well, you could always cast your eyes towards the spires and steps of St Pauls!

PS They will make you a cup of coffee as well .... but you've really come here for some tea and sanity, remember?

One of the most oversubscribed schools in central London just about says it all.

It's not going to be a walk in the park to get your daughter into this Secondary school - but it'll certainly be worth it if you can.

This superb school has achieved specialist status in a whole host of areas (check out their website) and continues to forge relationships that help it's students.

The curriculum is broad and the staff really do go out of their way to help students and families. Staff are also handpicked so tend to be the cream of the crop.

Worth working very hard at your speciality to get into this sought after school.

School has a 6th form - when some boys are allowed in as well.

Sadly this C of E primary school can no longer be classified as a happy place. (It was once.)

Students are all too easily placed in this school by Westminster local education authority as there always seem to be vacancies - as opposed to other oversubscribed primaries in the area.

Parents who merely treat it as a babysitting service are the other problem.

If you're serious about your child's education and well-being you'll visit this school to make up your own mind ... but not be fooled!

Hidden within The Square Mile is this club/cocktail bar/restaurant.

I've eaten and drunk here - but on a non-show night .... so am still waiting to try the Burlesque bit (Saturday afternoon tease sounds good).

On the evening we went there the food was very good, we had a superb waiter (from Aus) and were able to snaffle one of the last bottles of Aussie red they had .... so the wine came up trumps as well.

Before we descended to the restaurant / show area we tried out the cocktails upstairs. Excellent drinks, on the pricey side, and prepared by a barman with an attitude!

Still, my evening here holds fond memories and will be back to enjoy the Burlesque etc. shows

NINCOMSOUP - You know you love the name and let me tell you, you'll love the product!

This independent store sells fresh, healthy and very generous sized portions of soup. You can add a roll or slice of bread etc. to this but if you order the larger size it's not necessary (and I am a little guzzle-guts).

The variety of soup in each category (Beef, Chicken, Fish, Lamb, Vegetarian) changes daily and they're given funky names.

Choose your fruit and veg and have it turned into a smoothie/drink in front of your eyes.

Certain healthy already made up sandwiches etc. also available.

Pleasant surroundings and you'll not feel rushed .... so next time you pass through or by Old Street tube - treat yourself!!!

It's a luxury brand ice-cream and the price shows this.

Apparently made in Argentina using milk from their famed cows, this product is then shipped out here.
Their speciality therefore is the Dulche de Leche flavoured ice-cream. This flavour is decadent and once you have eaten your two scoops worth (at almost £4) some do say they feel slightly sickly.

I am a veteran chocolate and caramel eater, so can enjoy the full 2-scooper .... but you may wish to share intially .... until you've discovered your tolerance.

Their Dulche de Leche with chocolate chips is also worth a try. Though they serve other flavours (berries etc.) I've not tried these.

Cakes and pastries plus coffee etc. also available from this tiny cafe situated at the bottom of Regent Street (Piccadilly end) which stays open very late (till 2am) Thursday to Saturday.

Not the place to pick up a bargain - but rather for that one-off item that'll have your friends all green with envy.

The hand-picked items here are true vintage. Mostly it's ladies clothing and accessories but there are some interesting bits of furniture that come and go and right now they're showcasing photographic work by Marco Sanges and the prints are for sale.

Also available are some contemporary and brand-new accessories.

I'm not sure I fully understand the pull of this museum but if you have children under 10 treat them to a visit.

When my kids were younger they even dragged me along two days in a row during their school hols to experience an old Victorian school.

There is a little cafe downstairs and they open the doors up onto the canal in good weather so parents can while away the time with a good book and some deliciously creamy ice-cream whilst the kids 'play school' upstairs.

Interactive games and activities for younger children in a Victorian school setting.

Smashing museum (interiors show you how the middle classes lived) set in wonderful grounds. Take some time before you enter to visit the herb garden at the back.

Once you've trundled past all the rooms you can either retire to the cafe (worth it), browse through the interior magazines and books (there is a lovely sunny room with flip down wooden seats for this) or visit their special exhibitions.

Not the most well-known of museums, but a gem.

Watch out for their seasonal activities too.