A weekend with Ma and Pa

Back in November, Mum and Dad came to visit. It had been a while and the rentals were keen to kick start the Christmas period with a visit to the bright lights of the big smoke.

They arrived on the Thursday evening and spent both Thursday and Friday sightseeing with some friends before meeting me and The Boy after work for a catch up dinner. And aside from some drunken behaviour from Dad (and you Stewart) everything went off without a hitch.

We started the day with a surprise for M & D: a mid morning drink at Aqua at the Shard.

Too bright for me

Recommended to me by my friend Mikaila Aqua at the Shard is a bar and restaurant that sits atop the tallest building in London where you can book an area (or not) and take in the scenery. The views are spectacular, and all the more enjoyable because you don't have to pay for the privilege.

The Boy went for a cocktail, whilst the rest of us stuck to tea - after a few too many the night before, Dad most definitely needed to be on his best behaviour!

Next came a wander around Borough market, which was heaving with people keen to pick up a pre-Christmas bargain or two, so we didn't stay for long. Just long enough to try a few samplers and take a few pics before the pub was calling to the The Boy and we headed off to try a few ales.

We stayed a while at the Royal Oak, discussed Dads bad behaviour the night before, Christmas present ideas and both Mum and Dads trepidation about Dim Sum for lunch, a food choice neither of them are sure of.

We headed back central to Chinatown for a spread of deliciousness we thought they might like and, crazily enough both Mum and Dad loved lunch. We ordered Dim Sum galore and everyone gobbled it down - so quickly that we didn't even take any pictures. The day continued with a trip to Selfridges, the Christmas lights of Oxford Street and the wonderfully festive windows at Harrods, before heading home and curling up in front of a film for the evening. It was a lovely way to start the season.