The 30th of all 30ths

Sands has asked me to write her b'day blog as she knows what a straight talking type of gal I am.

Word of warning to the young, hip, urban population of London, DO NOT under any circumstances book your b'day dinner at Elysee Greek Restaurant in Percy St, Soho. You are probably thinking this is a rather harsh non-recommendation, if you had of been out with us last night I am sure you will agree. Regarding the recommender (yes, you know who you are) the readers ought to know that you didn’t turn up last night...which upon reflection was probably just as well.

The 30th celebrations started off the swanky, bustling Charlotte Street Hotel (very New York and SITC) we indulged in lovely champagne cocktails and unwrapped some gifts. The migration across the street to the Percy St Elysee restaurant was bearable too. Upon arrival at 8pm, the 5 of us (AM, Nat, Princess K, Sands) all asked 'where the hell is everyone'. We had walked into a 70's time warp of pink tablecloths, pink cone-like folded napkins, surly waiters and a menu designed to sting you at every opportunity.

We sat there for a good hour waiting for a few more of our party to arrive as well as the other tables to fill up with other like-minded Londoners. Those like-minded Londoners happened to be a couple nearing retirement, and 2 friends of the owners who stayed for 5 mins and then left.

We were given the hard sell in terms of going for the set menu for £35, which included 1/2, a bottle of wine each, all the Greek meze you can think of and a range of main courses. It also included the compulsory entertainment charge of £4 for an authentic Greek band (including electric lute), three lip-synching Greek beauties for the vocals, a little plate smashing and then apparently a belly-dancer-which didn't turn up.

However due to various dietary requirements and appetite issues we opted to order off the menu, therefore whatever we ordered came with a price of about £10 each...'you want Greek salad for the table' 'you want more wine' 'you need some water for the table' 'you need dips and burnt pita bread' all our wants and needs in terms of food seemed to be answered, they were laughing all the way to the bank.

An expensive dinner, but the best company you could ask for including some Aussies and the lovebirds from Waterloo Station (previous post). Nat arranged for a lovely chocolate cake for the b'day girl, Jono and Richie turned up and added another 2 patrons to the empty dining room.

Sands, this was one b'day bash I wont be forgetting in a hurry...girls get onto the restaurant sites today and write some reviews...we were had last night!!!!

Happy Birthday my very good friend, lots of love, Bunny xo