Please note, this post contains gifted items thanks to Moonpig.
I had planned a 10 day trip to Bangkok and Koh Samui however the infamous Covid-19 has other plans for us all this year. That meant I needed to do a staycation on UK soil. When you think of staycationing in the UK, your mind probably goes to the Lake District, the cliffs of Cornwall or dabbling in Devon. I, however, decided to do a staycation in London’s Canary Wharf district. Why? To me, Canary Wharf is like a miniature New York City – high rise buildings, a river flowing through laced with a touch of luxury.
Restaurants and hospitality opened back up in the UK on Saturday 4th July and it has dawned on me that I hadn’t checked into a hotel or ordered food at a restaurant that wasn’t my kitchen in over four months. I am acknowledging that that sentence screams pure privilege but lockdown has forced me to realise how lucky I am to have enjoyed these simple pleasures in life. A staycation in Canary Wharf, eating out and frankly going outside was something I needed to feel some semblance of normality again.
Two Nights At The Hilton
I checked into the Hilton Canary Wharf just before check in time because I like to get my money’s worth when it comes to a hotel. First one in and last one out.
At check in I was informed the restaurants was closed and room service was unavailable which was fair enough given the current circumstances. I then took the lift up to the tenth floor, tapped the room key and open to up to home for the weekend. I don’t know about you but I love checking into a hotel for a weekend or longer. Away from the stresses of everything and time to switch off and relax.
In terms of costs, I paid £160 for 2 nights (I had £35 worth of Expedia points which reduced the cost). Overall, the room was in your standard Hilton style – spacious, lovely views of the surrounding area and a brilliant shower.
Celebrating Life
I have mentioned on this blog before that I am not a huge fan of celebrating my birthday but this year has been a lot to take in. Turning 30 is an achievement. Celebrating and reflecting on your life is absolute necessary – it is so easy to get caught up in the monotony and mundanities that modern life brings. This year has been the adult half-term we have always needed and we cannot go back to the way things used to be.
To celebrate, the team at Moonpig kindly sent me some gifts to mark the momentous occasion. They are your one-stop shop for all things gifts – from cards to flowers, to my favourite… prosecco. All of the gifts I was sent couldn’t have been more perfect – prosecco to celebrate, chocolate to indulge in, and travel-sized makeup brushes for my next trip(s).
If you download the Moonpig app here you can get one free card with the code APPFREEWGIFT when you buy a gift. The promotion ends 17th August 2020.
The First Post-Lockdown Meals
Gaucho
The first post-lockdown meal had to be somewhere special because it had to be something I couldn’t make at home (aka Argentinan steak) and champagne cocktails. The meal was exquisite and I commend all hospitality staff for having to deal with the general public again. The Gaucho Canary Wharf is in the perfect location to watch the sunset, see London’s fine skyline and cheers to life or whatever you’re celebrating.
Burger and Lobster
The second post-lockdown meal again had to be something I couldn’t make at home – steamed and grilled lobster anyone? Delicious. The new normal will see you having to give your contact details as part of the NHS track and trace system. Don’t let it put you off though, wear a mask, socially distance and of course – WASH YOUR HANDS.
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Overall
I was against staycations at first because I think the UK is overpriced when it comes to accommodation… but having done one in Canary Wharf in early July, I might do it again. Lockdown might be “easing” but things aren’t going to be the same for a while (🥴).
Are you down for a staycation or waiting for the all-clear to travel “properly”?
Char xo
Please note, this post contains gifted items thanks to Moonpig; all views are my own.
Bugo says
I loved reading this post. Canary Wharf is a 5 minute walk from me so it was so lovely to stroll around during lock down and discover hidden routes I would never have. I’m glad you enjoyed your staycation and now you’ve said it, it does look like NY and the waterfront looks like Dubai Marina too (if you squint really hard) haha