A wonderful day!

Sophie and I had booked tickets on the 9.18am train this morning, and we left home at 8.30am, battling through the school run traffic to get to the station in time to enjoy a coffee and pastry. We were a bit disappointed to see there was a delay with our train, so we did something sneaky and boarded the 8.48am train instead which had also been delayed and was more expensive, but it left before our scheduled time! As this train then qualified for being "off-peak", we felt justified!

We managed to find seats and had a good chat on the way to Euston. Luckily, our tickets weren't checked, but Sophie is getting fed up with problems every time she travels by train. Go by train! they say... Use public transport! Fine if everything runs on time, or there's not a strike planned!

At Euston, we took an Uber to Marylebone High Street and made straight for Le Pain Quotidien where we had a coffee (me), a juice (Sophie) and shared a delicious Bakewell Tart. 

Outside it was a bit drizzly and grey but we didn't need to use the umbrella Sophie had brought with her. We walked to Harley Street and arrived in good time for Sophie's appointment with Dr Bawa. She had Botox injected into her nose, and upper lip to correct her smile and it was all over within fifteen minutes. They both had a lovely chat about restaurants, as they always do, and then that was it. Another five months and we will be seeing him again!

Our plan today was to eat at Le Relais de Venise - L'Entrecote, just off Marylebone High Street but it was a bit early so we went for a drink at Home, a few doors down from Le Pain Quotidien, and right in the hub of the busy high street.

We sat at a tall table and enjoyed two glasses of Prosecco each. What a lovely way to spend an hour on a Wednesday afternoon!

It was very relaxing and Sophie was fascinated watching the staff working away. The restaurant/bar gradually filled up with people and it was wonderful to sit and chat. I could do more of this!

We left just before 1pm and walked the short distance to Le Relais de Venise. Already, the restaurant was packed to the gunnels, but we spotted a table for two in the corner and joined the queue. You can't book here, and they won't let you in if your party is not complete! Ahead of us was a group of three so we hoped we'd be next!

We didn't have to wait long and soon we were ushered through to the table we'd seen. The restaurant, open for just over an hour, was heaving with people chatting, eating and drinking. We managed to shoehorn ourselves into the tiny table and a waitress came along and asked how we wanted our steak. When Sophie asked for "medium rare" she was barked at! Only medium or rare! 

The only choices you have at Le Relais de Venise - L'Entrecote, are: how you want your steak cooked, what you're having to drink, and what you want for dessert. That's it! We gave our orders and sat back. First up was a beautiful green salad in a mustard vinaigrette, topped with walnuts. We were also given some lovely fresh French bread to mop up the gorgeous dressing. We'd ordered a bottle of the house red and this was lovely and fruity.

Once we'd gobbled up the salad, the waitress came over with a smallish plate of slices of steak in a delicious sauce accompanied by French fries. I was slightly disappointed. The set menu is £29 for the starter and main course, and I had hoped for a more substantial serving!

We made our way through this and the food was excellent, I have to say. The steak (I had mine medium) was perfectly pink and tender and the chips lovely and crispy. We sat back and gazed at our empty plates, but within minutes, the waitress came over and served us another portion of steak and another pile of French fries! This was more like it!

We managed to get through this, and I think this was one of the best steaks I'd ever eaten. We looked at each other and definitely decided to go for dessert. There's no menu and I couldn't remember what was on the list (which is quite extensive) but I wanted something French so I went for the tarte au citron, while Sophie ordered profiteroles. Again, the food was excellent.

The people at the table next to us left, and within two minutes it was set again and another party were sitting down. Outside, a queue had gathered and stretched the length of the window. The restaurant closes at 2pm so you have to be quick to get in! No all-day dining here!

The bill came to £108 for the two of us (including service, plus the wine and desserts) so it's not cheap but I heartily recommend eating here. It's like being in France and it's very authentic.

We waddled back out and waited for an Uber. We had no plans to go anywhere else! We wanted to go home!

More eateries

Waiting for an Uber...

I love this area of London, it's like a village!

Back at Euston, we managed to get on the 2.56pm train to Northampton and by 4pm we were home. Keith met us and we drove home, telling him all about our day. He would have loved the steak!

Neither of us ate anything else that evening and we just drank water. We went upstairs to watch Luther (Keith was watching football) and it was heaven to relax on the bed and enjoy the television!