Savouring the Day: 16 Days of Luxury, History & Hospitality (TM) with Kitchen Chat
Something about the gentle rustle of comfy duvets in the morning, the hush of a country garden at dusk, and the sparkle of champagne shared with friends reminds you to slow down and savour the day.
Over 16 days in June and July, we’ve embarked on a journey with a dear friend, Margaret, that’s been as much about indulgence as it’s been about discovery — an adventure woven together by fine food, gracious hotels, historic landmarks, and the ever-faithful company of George and Lulu.
This wasn’t just travel; it was a celebration of the moment. A masterclass in remembering that every detail, from the scent of lavender in a garden to the warmth of a hand-written welcome note, matters.
Feasts, Fêtes & Fabled Places
We began our journey in the heart of London, where storied addresses like Claridge’s, The Dorchester, The Peninsula London, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, The Cadogan and Corinthia Hotel reminded us what timeless hospitality truly means.
This journey was one long, glorious table of sixteen Afternoon Teas, we sampled tiers of delicacies, from classic scones to inventive patisserie masterpieces. Each tea was a ritual, a daily pause for conversation, laughter, and a little sparkle.
Then, we went to the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath, following in Jane Austen’s footsteps. We watched the sunset gild the famous curve of Georgian townhouses. A garden hidden behind the historic façade became a secret world for quiet moments of reflection.
And then there’s Gidleigh Park — a world away from city life, where the only sounds are birdsong and the gentle rush of a stream winding its way through the estate. The house feels like something out of a forgotten novel, all honeyed stone and deep, wraparound gardens.
Across to Estelle Manor — a modern country house with old-soul charm, where dogs sat happily next to us by the pool, and we dined beneath chandeliers.
Then, onto the regal splendour of Airelles Versailles, where waking to the sound of a courtier at the end of your bed with morning coffee reminded you of how utterly transporting travel can be. It was simply one of the most unforgettable experiences.
We stepped into history’s embrace at the Château de Versailles after-hours, exploring its candlelit halls in hushed wonder, as if the centuries were whispering their secrets to us.
And then — a moment of profound beauty — standing before the reopened Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, its beloved spire proudly restored. To witness that first-hand was to feel the heartbeat of a city reborn.
Between it all, we boarded the elegant Belmond British Pullman, where vintage carriages transported us back to a golden age of rail travel. Starched linen, polished brass, and lunch served as the countryside slipped by in a haze of green.
To top it all off, we were at Wimbledon, where strawberries and cream tasted better beneath Centre Court’s iconic roof. Every match was another tournament tradition, and we watched an edge-of-the-seat match.
Tails & Travels
What made this journey truly remarkable for me was the warmth shown to our canine companions. We weren’t merely allowed to bring them — they were celebrated guests. At every turn, dog menus, plush beds, homemade treats, and welcome packs awaited them.
Feasting for the Eyes and the Soul
It wasn’t just a hotel tour—it was a sensory experience. We sipped champagne in secret gardens and tasted menus that told stories of place and season. We lingered over breakfasts where no one rushed, shared stories, and discovered new ones.
In a world that moves fast, these 16 days reminded us of the quiet luxury of time well spent, of stepping inside places usually glimpsed from afar, and of knowing that some of life’s greatest moments come not from grand gestures but simple, shared pleasures.
A Journey to Remember
Now, as our bags have been unpacked, and we carry on with our everyday lives, we carry home more than memories. We’ve gathered inspiration, rekindled friendship, and learned to savour each day, whether beneath the chandeliers of a grand salon or on a park bench with a takeaway coffee.
Margaret’s inspired motto for living, Savour the Day, is not about bucket lists but about living in the moment. Here’s why Margaret’s infectious joy of living made me enjoy every sip of champagne.
Thank you, May, for this special opportunity to share my joy with your audience.
“Savour the day” is my life motto. It’s a gentle reminder that life is a gift and that finding joy in the little things nourishes the soul. My father embodied this daily commitment to positivity through his love of food, family, and friends. Fifteen years ago, I launched Kitchen Chat®️, a food podcast, to honour his legacy.
My father passed away in Paris at Charles de Gaulle Airport during a business trip. Just before heading to the airport, he and his colleague had visited Notre Dame. His colleague later shared that my father lit a candle in front of the altar as an act of forgiveness for someone who had wronged him in a business deal. He prayed aloud, offering forgiveness and asking God to bless that person and their family. That moment of grace became a defining part of his legacy.
On my recent trip to England and France with May and her beloved dogs, I had the poignant opportunity to visit Notre Dame since it reopened. There, I lit a candle in memory of my father and celebrated his life and the joyful journey of honouring him through Kitchen Chat®️. I am deeply grateful that May stood beside me as I lit the candle and sat beside me as I wept in the prayer area. She is one of my dearest friends, and our friendship has spanned 41 beautiful years.
The Taste of Luxury, History, and Hospitality™️ tour brought joy as we visited 16 venues for delightful celebrations and conversations over Afternoon Tea. How special it was that George and Lulu could join us for several of those occasions! England is wonderfully “paw-gressive” in welcoming dogs into tearooms.
So why do I, as an American, have such an overwhelming passion for Afternoon Tea? I believe the British have it right. Taking time out of a busy day to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea—at home, at work, or in a special tearoom—is a tangible way to Savour the Day. It nurtures creativity and builds community. Inspired by the delightful array of finger sandwiches, I’ve even begun creating my savoury bites at home.
The connections made around the tea table are remarkable, whether with friends, colleagues, or family. Afternoon Tea invites us to slow down, engage in meaningful conversation, and create moments that linger in the heart.
Always remember: take a moment to Savour the Day—and Savour the Sip.
Follow Margaret’s podcast Kitchenchat.info and @kitchenchat
