London Bridge Guided Walk and The Quarter Bar

A group of fellow bloggers and travel writers were invited for a Southwark guided walk and afterwards  drinks and nibbles at the Quarter Bar at the 4 stars  London Bridge Hotel.  I was really looking forward to it, the only downside was waking up early on a Saturday. Well, it was worth it! We meet Alice, our fantastic guide from Context Travel, in front of the Royal Festival Hall at 11am, the walk took around two and a half hours. 
Context Travel, provides bespoke guided walks and tours around the world for a maximum of six people. The guides are highly skilled professionals, from a network of architects, historians, art historians, and other specialists who organise over 300 different walks in 15 cities around the world. Prior to the walk we were asked  if we had any particular requirements or curiosities about the area we were going to visit. I loved that!
We started the walk at The Royal Festival Hall moving on the National Theatre ,  The BFI, UK’s lead film organisation; passing OXO tower, walking all the way to Blackfriars,   Bankside Gallery, The Tate Modern, Shakespeare Theatre, Bankside walk, into the Clink and ending in London Bridge.  We were educated about the local architecture, history and local anecdotes. Alice, our guide, was courteous, professional and very knowledgeable. The fact that we were ten people instead of the usual six didn’t faze her at all.  She was so well liked that Nick, GM of London Bridge Hotel, invited her for the drinks and nibbles afterwards at The Quarter Bar.
Opened in May 2011, it’s located  next to London Bridge Station. It seats up to 70 people.
Nice relaxed atmosphere greatly located for business and leisure meetings.  The decor is modern and sophisticated, the service and staff are friendly and helpful. 
Carlo, the bar manager, give me a recipe for Russet Apple Martini: Here it is: 
Powerful Russet Apple Martini
Ingredients:
Russet Apples peeled and diced
Apple liqueur
Sugar cubes
Vodka
Ice
Method:
Mash the Russet apples with the sugar cubes and apple liqueur.
Leave to  rest for about 4 hours…
4 hours later…
Strain the mix of apples, sugar and liqueur
add vodka, ice and shake and pour into a Martini glass.
The bar offers a variety of hot food and nibbles, including cheeses at very reasonable prices.  For example, an afternoon tea costs £12 and an extra special Champagne afternoon tea  sets you back £20. Cocktails from £9.
I really enjoyed the Apple Martini – wow powerful!
We had a variety of finger foods including burger sliders, feta salad, small Chinese savouries, cheeses and sweet treats washed down with a tea or coffee of our choice.
The London Bridge Hotel reception, bar and lounge:
inspired by our walk earlier in the day
 
Hot&Chilli was a guest of Context Travel and  Quarter Bar. Thanks to Magellan PR for organising such a wonderful and inspiring day.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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4 Comments

  1. February 24, 2012 / 9:46 am

    What a fun experience, so nice to see and learn about London from a great guide.

  2. February 25, 2012 / 7:19 pm

    Hi Kavey, it was a great day and I was very impressed indeed. Hope you are well.

  3. February 27, 2012 / 4:28 pm

    Sounds so cool, another place to visit soon! Have a nice week Rosana 🙂