My Top 3 UK City Breaks// Where To Stay & Eat

I always have, and probably always will, love going abroad. There is something so unique about experiencing a different culture, different climates (usually sunny if I'm picking) and creating the most amazing memories. However I have recently been thinking how much I do actually enjoy UK breaks, maybe not 2 week long ones, but the odd long weekend break here and there really satisfies the wanderlust that is forever inside of me. There is a lot to discover in the UK, and most of that I am yet to visit and are on my to-do list, but for now I thought I'd put together my current Top 3 UK city breaks, and where I would recommended for you to stay, eat and drink! 

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London

 I know, I know, pass me the Mrs Predictable badge! But how could I not include it, when it really is my favourite places in the UK. No matter how many times I go, I will discover something new every time, and fall in love with it that little bit more.
HOTEL
If you are looking for somewhere in central London, I would highly recommend checking out theMalmaison Hotel. I did a whole blog post about my stay here, and you should be able to see from the photographs just how gorgeous it is! The rooms are SO Instagramable, and the service, location and food are faultless. Obviously because of the location it is fairly pricey, but you kind of expect that in London. If you are looking for something a little more affordable, I also enjoy the Village Hotel Watford - this is out of central London and is located a short drive from two tube stations which will get you into London central in around 30 minutes. Be sure to check into one of the upper-deck rooms (which are still super affordable) and you can't go wrong! The rooms are spacious and super clean. The hotel also has an in-house pool, gym, starbucks (YASS)  and two bars/resturants!
EAT/DRINK 
I'm sure there are a million fabulous places in London to eat, and I don't think you could ever get round them all but here are some of my favourite places so far.
Lunch:
Farm Girl Cafe: Portobello Road - V Instagramable cafe with Lavender Lattes and amazing Avo on' toast.
OXO Tower: Pricey but good. Perfect for a special occasion, dine whilst looking right over the Thames. 
Sketch - The quirkiest place I have EVER been. Just google "Sketch London Toilets"  and you'll see why.
Dinner/Evening
Duck & Waffle: Right at the top of the Heron tower the views are simply incredible. The food is amazing to - the Duck & Waffle is a MUST TRY! Be sure to pre-book around 3 months in advance.
Gaucho - Tower Bridge or Chancery branch. Some of the best steak I have ever tried, in one of the coolest settings I've ever been in.
Flat Iron - Covent Garden: BARGAIN! Steak, Chips, Creamy Spinach, cocktails and you get free popcorn & ice-cream. Need I say more?! Super affordable to. You can't book in advance and it gets super busy so plan ahead.
Cocktails
Selfridges On The Roof: There is a hidden bar & resturant on top of Selfridges which changes seasonally. The last time I went there were deck-chairs and you could slurp on prosescco pops and fruity cocktails! The dream.
The Rum Kitchen Soho: Situated in Carnaby Street, I love that there is always a fabulous atmosphere when I head here. The cocktails are divine and they have a happy hour! Winner winner! 

Although that was a LOT more information than I intended in this post, if you would like to see more, I did a whole post on my fave spots in Londonhere.

Above: Farm Girl Cafe Portobello Road

Above: Sketch London: Coffee & Cake

Above: Malmaison London Hotel Room

Above:Village Hotel Watford Hotel Room

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Chester

Me and Rich had our first "romantical" (yes I just made that word up) weekend away here, and it is where we have continued to go for almost every anniversary since (4 years, if you were wondering). We have only ever stayed in the one hotel, and I don't think we would ever stay in any other, because we love it so much - but more on that later! When visiting we love to spend one day in Chester itself, in the town centre, shopping, eating, drinking and looking at the stunning buildings. Then we spend the next day at Cheshire Oaks Outlet - if you have ever been to Bicester Village, it is very similar, but just a little more highstreet/affordable. It it basically a designer outlet with shops such as Yankee Candle, Ralph Lauren, Next, Paperchase, Ted Baker, The Cosmetics Outlet and many more! I always managed to grab a bargain here!
HOTEL
We ALWAYS stay at the Doubletree By Hilton Chester Hotel & Spa, It's my happy place, you could say. I have done a whole post about ithere, but I'm sure you can see just from the few photographs below how stunning it is. I think you can actually get married here! Hint hint Richard! The rooms are spacious and the hotel grounds are beautiful. There is a spa onsite which is one of the best spas I've ever been to, with an open top pool Jacuzzi, relaxing beds and tonnes of different saunas and steam rooms! There is also aMarco Pierre White Steak House on site, which is always handy! 
FOOD/DRINK
I'm not going to be the best to answer this one, as we are always fairly boring! We would usually spend our evening in the spa here, and because of this when we get back to the room (around 8pm) in our dressing gowns we don't really fancy heading out into Chester, Instead, we get dressed and head to the hotels brasserie, just next to the reception. They serve gorgeous food at reasonable prices - it has a relaxed atmosphere yet you still get the fancy food. We visited the MPW Steakhouse on site once, it was ok however we thought for how much it cost (Very expensive) we would rather have a few more cocktails in the hotel brasserie and eat there (still having money leftover).

Outside theDoubletree Hilton Hotel and Below inside the Spa!

(Just one of the many stores at the Cheshire Oaks outlet - you can see the full list of stores here)

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Leeds

Leeds has never really been somewhere I have been desperate to go to, I didn't really know what was there if I'm honest. But a few years ago my friend started uni there, and after her telling me the shopping was good, and the cocktails were even better, I thought - hey let's give it a go! We booked a hilton hotel, and hit the jack-pot, as it's turned out to be one of our favourite hotels in the UK that we go back to time and time again!
HOTEL
The Double Tree Hilton Leeds City Centre, is like a second home to me. I have stayed here so many times now I feel like I should be able to wonder round the lobby in a dressing gown and slippers, saying hello to everyone who walks by. The rooms are stunning, particularly the junior suites, however I have stayed in the standard rooms many times and they are still just as lovely. However the things that make this hotel perfect in my eyes are A. The location- just a short walk to the city centre, yet you still feel outside of the hustle and bustle. B. THE SKY BAR! Ahhhh The Sky bar, where I have drank many a Pornstar Martini! The bar is on the top floor of the Doubletree - overlooking Leeds it looks stunning at night (see picture below). It boasts floor to ceiling windows and a buzzing atmosphere, especially on the weekends.
FOOD/DRINK
Obviously you should head to the sky bar, as discussed above before you night even begins, but then if you're heading into Leeds I have a few suggestions!
Blackhouse The Grill On The Square Leeds - this is with-out a doubt my favourite steak restaurant. The venue itself is stunning, with fairy lights all over the windows, and usually a live singer will be playing on the weekends with a guitar, making it quite romantic if you ask me. The steaks are second to non, as are the cocktails! Be sure to order an expresso martini! 
The Living Room restaurant and bar - another great relaxed, chilled atmosphere with great food! This would be my second choice after Blackhouse.​

Above & Below: Doubletree By Hilton Leeds Hotel Room (Junior Suite)

(View from the Sky bar at the Doubletree Hilton Leeds)

(Blackhouse - The Grill On The Square)

Where are you favourite UK City Breaks? 
​Georgie xo

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