What a treat Richmond is. It's one of my favourite parts of London because it feels nothing like being in London. It has all the benefits of being close to the big smoke, yet it still feels like a visit to the countryside.

Richmond is no more than 15 miles away from Central London, but it's a whole different world. It has a lovely high street, walking and cycling paths that run along the river for miles in both directions, and it's home to the largest of the Royal Parks, created by Charles I in 1634 as a deer park. The deer in Richmond Park rocketed to fame a few years ago thanks to a black labrador called Fenton, but thankfully we had a close eye on the Wonderdog when we visited so as not to become YouTube stars like poor Fenton's owner. Luckily for Shadow, the deer must have been hiding out somewhere dry and warm as we didn't see a single one as we ploughed through the mud and torrential rain. We lasted approximately 33 minutes before calling it a day. But even in the inclement weather, the park is incredible. 

We were lucky enough to stay with our wonderful friends Bethan and Adam in their incredible house in St Margarets, close to Richmond Lock. Opened in 1894, the lock is a sight to behold, a beautifully ornate, Grade II listed canal gate and pedestrian bridge which makes you smile when you walk across, even despite the icy wind and lashing rain. But when the sun comes out, it's a real joy to stroll across and watch the sluice gates below. 

When the sun did finally come out, so did the parrots. Or rather, rose ringed parakeets. The place is full of them. All three of us stood staring up at the hordes of them chattering in the trees around the river wondering if we were going mad. Apparently they are feral and you're allowed to shoot them because there's so many flapping around the English countryside. Who knew? 

So we walked, we ate, we drank, we got rained on and we nearly froze to death. Richmond has a lot to explore, the high street is a lovely way to kill an afternoon. Here's some of the places we found ourselves at, in case you make it to Richmond yourselves:

Danieli Chocolatier: Down a little backstreet called Brewers Lane that reminded me of Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, you'll find this delightful chocolatier with so many great options you will not know what to do with yourself. The service is impeccable, and best of all, both the chocolate shop and the Gelateria next door are dog friendly. Dangerous!

Ole & Steen: Well these lovely little shops weren't around last time I was here and my waistline is thankful that they were not. Delightful Danish bakery that s so popular they are expanding at a rate of knots all over London. The Chocolate bun is ace, as is the cinnamon bun and the bacon sarnie. All of it, get all of it!

Antipodea: An all day Australian brasserie, it serves up classics that anyone who's from Australia, loves Australia or who would like to go to Australia will be delighted with. And more importantly, they do great breakfast options all day that will have you reliving your days back in Bronte.

Richmond Green: There's some spectacular about sitting on Richmond Green, nibbling a bacon sarnie and having a coffee in the sunshine. I can only imagine what it's like in summer with people lazing about and watching the cricket. We were lucky enough to have the place to ourselves because it was a wind chill of -1, but it sure was lovely. And it only takes about 20 mins for the feeling to come back to your face, so it was totes worth it.

On to the wines. Boy, did we try some absolutely stellar vino that Bethan and Adam very kindly decided to bust out of the wine storage. And Mr T was like a kid in a sweetie shop. Or rather more accurately stated, someone who has been given the keys to Buckingham Palace after dark and told to drink as much of the good stuff as possible.

Now I should say that every single drop we drank, from the Ruinart, to the epic journey through Burgundy, and even Berry Bros & Rudd "Good Ordinary White," to my unrefined palette were the bees knees. Some of the best wine I've ever had in fact.

Here's a wee word from Mr T about the reds of high regard:

Domaine Dujac: This is one of the top domaines in Burgundy. Great attention to detail in the vineyard. They stopped using herbicides in the 90’s (way before others even thought of such a thing) and are now they are all organic and biodynamic. And it shows. 2004 was a cool year in Burgundy, after 13 years this wine is really opening up with cherries and a meaty note

Chateau Giscours: A top chateau on the left bank (in Margaux), Chateau Giscours is a Third Growth (Troisièmes Cru) based on the 1855 classification. <Me: dude, no one knows what that means! Don't be coming around here with your twaddle! If you're still reading, it basically means it gets a three out of five, or something like that. Do try and keep it interesting dear.> A beautiful wine with black currant and an earthiness. Still seems quite young even at 15 years old so this beauty has a long way to go. 

Chateau La Rousseliere: A wine and chateau that we weren’t familiar with. From Saint-Estephe, which is located in Médoc, it is a cabernet dominant blend with merlot and cabernet franc. It was very rich dark fruits with a hint of cedar and a long finish. <Me: It was seriously delicious.>

From Me: As for the Ruinart, it's always a fav. Made by the oldest established Champagne house which was created in 1729, it is one of the best bubbles you can quaff. Highly recommended. I've never had a bottle I didn't like! Just buy it and drink it and you'll know.

A huge, huge thank you to Adam and Bethan for putting us up, putting up with us and treating us to some of the best wine we've ever had. We had an absolutely splendid time and some rather slow mornings which is proof of a great night. We look forward to repaying the favour somewhere in Europe, a few times over!