Cutty Sark Gardens

One of the most famous things to see when you come to Greenwich, London is the Cutty Sark, the last of the tea clippers to sail between China and England in the 19th century. Unfortuantely, right now she's under a huge white covering (see photo) as she's being given a long overdue makeover and will be in excellent condition by late 2008. However, you can take hard-hat tours focusing on preservation techniques.

You can still enjoy the Cutty Sark Gardens surrounding it (but don't expect grass, just cement flooring and a great view of the river) where you can happily allow the kids to feed the most obliging pigeons. It is well worth a visit this spring break!

The Thames Path in Greenwich

It was a great sunny day in Greenwich today. Thought I would take a walk next to the river Thames with ChiChi junior. We came upon this junk on the Thames Path. So sad really when all we wanted to do was enjoy the view from the Greenwich University gardens. They even have benches next to the railing for you to take a closer look at this view. Something should be done I figure. Any ideas?

The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College

The Painted Hall is one of Europe's greatest banquet rooms. In the King William Building, it has been covered in decorative allegorical Baroque murals by artist James Thornhill.

The hall was intended as the naval pensioners' dining room but, rather sadly, was declared too magnificent for that once it was completed.

The murals pay tribute to the hospital's founders, William and Mary, and took 19 years to complete. The artist drew himself in the picture with an open hand.

At the end of the hall (shown on left), is the Nelson Room, originally designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, then used as a smoking room and now newly refurbished. For a week over Christmas 1805, this is where the body of the great naval hero lay before his state funeral at St. Paul's.

The Painted Hall ceiling by James Thornhill

Greenwich Park Bar & Grill (3/5)

Whimsy ChiChi absolutely loves this laid back place. It definitely is a place that boasts the best food among its peers in the neighborhood. The ambiance of the place is plain modern European, and spacious to accommodate a wide range of customers although not many tables are available. It could get really busy around eating times. The place also has a secluded outdoor area for summer days.

The menu is diverse, with a set menu for the day or a la carte. Whichever way you go, rest assured. Their chef is brilliant. A kids' menu is also available with a wide variety of choices tailored for young ones.

This weekend, Whimsy ChiChi had the burgers (excellent quality), the same goes for the fries, While Mr. ChiChi went for the hot dogs. It was a good choice, but it could have done well without all the relish on the top (maybe they should have it on the side). But other than that the bread was fresh and the hot dog superb. ChiChi junior had the chicken strips that were tender, not oily, and the quantity was generous. Bravo for knowing what keeps the kids happy.

Whimsy ChiChi's guests opted for the chicken roll and the Italian sausage roll. They came wrapped in the most amazing pita bread. The Italian sausage roll had a tomato base sauce and parsley (messy to eat but delicious), and the chicken roll came with a wonderful garlic yogurt sauce (beats mayonnaise anytime).

The only thing I would say about the place is that the service is slow, although the waiters extremely polite but they do seem to be understaffed as the tables were left unattended for new customers for quite some time. We were sitting at our table waiting for it to be cleaned after the people before us for a good fifteen minutes.

The place has a seating area downstairs with a a really nice spacious bar (perfect for family brunches, afternoon coffee). Their bar stocks the finest wines and beer. There is a dining area upstairs with its own bar as well. The place also boasts a tree house which you can book for special occasions and events. Children are welcome until 7pm (they have a great kid's menu and highchairs) and toilets for the disabled. Seperate smokers and non smokers tables.

This is definitely a place to visit time and time again. Bravo!

Average Price: £35 for 2 persons

Greenwich Park Bar & Grill

1 King William Walk

Greenwich

SE10 9JY