Today was Frannie's birthday, so like the sophisticated young women we are we dressed up nice and headed off to a civilised celebration at Le Balcon at Sofitel St James.
Inside is a beautiful mix of English Heritage and elegant French glamour.
Like every good story, ours started with a glass of champagne.
Followed by individual pots of tea - mine was a Mediterranean Rose tea.
Before too long our girly gossiping was interrupted by finger sandwiches, apricot, plain and raisin scones and the most beautiful desserts.
The creme-brulée did it for me...
After another round of sandwiches, because, why the hell not? And another round of clotted cream, because you can never have enough Frannie was surprised with her own birthday dessert, complete with candle and hand-written chocolate.
To be honest, we were completely stuffed and couldn't eat all of the food and had to take desserts back home to eat later. After walking off the food down Regent Street we popped back home to quickly change and get ready before heading out for a less civilised birthday celebration in East London....luckily there is no photographic evidence!
Happy Birthday Frannie!