Weekend full of family fun in big smoke

My family and I were lucky enough to enjoy an overnight stay at the stunning Radisson Blu Edwardian, Vanderbilt, and our trip included a visit to an ice skating rink, with the sublime National History Museum as a backdrop.

The hotel itself is the swankiest I have ever stayed in and what made it even more special was how the staff, from the duty manager to the waiters, treated us all in such a special way, particularly my four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. It was all part of the Radisson’s family package, London with the Little Ones, which really brought a smile to Annabelle’s face.

On arrival, in the corner of the immaculate room, was a tent and inside a teddy bear to keep along with a children’s book. We also received homemade cookies and bottle of bubbly, which was very much appreciated after our walk from London Marylebone to the hotel.

The family-style bedroom included high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi, while children are also usually treated to a glass of milk and tempting sweet treat from the chefs.

Annabelle loved the teddy, which she carried round with her the entire weekend, as well as playing in the tent and even enjoyed the story once we had finished our evening meal at the hotel.

The adjoining Scoff & Banter restaurant prides itself on serving hearty and traditional British cuisine, with a contemporary twist. We went for Cornish crab cakes with a chilli lime sauce, and slow-roasted garlic mushrooms, which were served on toasted sourdough, for starters.

Kelly ordered from the light menu for her main, but we still very impressed with the portion sizes having gone for the lemon-infused Scottish salmon with garlic and paprika roasted kale.

Having indulged on a lot of meat over Christmas, I opted for one of the hotel’s signature dishes – but the veggie option – which was Portobello mushroom, black cabbage and goat’s cheese Wellington with buttered baby carrots.

Along with a side of hand-cut chips and Maris Piper truffled mash, all the meals were superb, packed with flavour and, most importantly, we were never rushed. It meant we could enjoy our food over a couple of hours, with a nice wine.

And the staff were second-to-none. Attentive and always serving us with a smile, we were treated so well during our stay, from the check-in to the restaurant meal and right through to breakfast. We even got a tour of the entire premises just before checking out.

But back to the food, there was nothing we could fault. It was simply delicious food served in a lovely atmosphere.

Again, the staff kept Annabelle entertained and she thoroughly enjoyed her three-course meal from the children’s menu, lapping up roasted vine tomato soup and warm crusty soda bread, breaded corn-fed chicken with a warm garlic and herb butter, served with carrots and peas – which was recommended by one of the waitresses – and an ice cream selection to finish.

We all headed up to our comfortable beds well-fed and ready for another busy day to follow. The next morning we went down for breakfast, which was the possibly the best spread we had ever seen. Along with full English options, there were also smoothies, fresh pastries, yoghurts, cereals, cheeses, smoked salmon and even an a la carte menu – basically, if you wanted it, you got it.

The waiting staff once again went above and beyond, offering coffee refills and just generally making sure we had everything we needed. Annabelle was even served some award-winning organic drinking chocolate with a creamy finish.

Just before checking out, we were shown around the hotel, which has a fascinating history. The Grade II-listed building was originally home to the Vanderbilt family who, after snapping up 10 of the 19th century townhouses, turned the entire property into a single hotel.

The family’s legacy remains too, with staircases, decorated ceilings, stained-glass windows and wood panelling all still in place. All the rooms are immaculately turned out and the owners are in the process of refurbishing all the rooms and installing new TVs. Radisson also offers a Breakfast on Blu package, which runs until February 24.

And with Covent Garden, Kensington, Leicester Square, Oxford Street and Bloomsbury all within a short distance, the Radisson is in a great location to explore the capital.The hotel is also an official hotel partner to the National History Museum Ice Rink, which is where we headed after breakfast. Just a five-minute walk away, the backdrop to the skating rink is simply stunning, making it a truly magical place to visit during the winter.

Putting aside how difficult ice skating can be, something I had forgotten during my near 20-year hiatus, it was lots of fun. Kelly and Annabelle settled in quicker than me and the 50-minute session flew by. We then enjoyed a quick drink in the café bar and balcony.

The rink’s main operating hours are 10am to 10pm, and also offers Scoff & Banter skate and dine package, and afternoon tea packages. To plan your own party or event at the Ice Rink, visit the parties and private events page or contact skating@img.com for more details. But you’ll have to be quick as it closes on January 20.

Nicely warmed up, we headed to Kensington Gardens to take in some of the park and then Annabelle enjoyed playing in Princess Diana Memorial Park, which was brilliantly kitted out for children. We boarded the train back to Birmingham with filled with lots of lovely memories of our first family trip to London.

The Radisson has 149 standard bedrooms, 41 deluxe, 11 business class, 13 family and one junior suite. It is also an official partner of the Natural History Museum Ice Rink. Breakfast on Blu packages range from £119 to £249. Rates for the family package, London with the Little Ones, start from £279 per night, which includes breakfast and junior amenities. For more details visit www.radissonblu-edwardian.com