So, in five years I have: attended University and gained a degree in criminology, torn my left ACL on a skiing trip with the Cambridge University Officer Cadets and had a Patella graft to fix it, I have built a name for myself as a model and signed with RAGE/UGLY models and had my face in some awesome places (highlight: Charlotte Tilburys ‘Uptown Girl’ model for ITV’s This Morning workshop trio), I have also managed to forge my way into the acting industry, gaining parts in a variety of roles, short films, music videos and web series, and now am signed on to two feature film projects, despite noone thinking I could. There’s only one thing that’s remained constant within this crazy meandering journey; Dan.

In so many ways Dan is like my Aladdin. He fell into my life and turned my world upside down. He also, has never ever for a second stopped believing in me. He pretty much said the line ‘tell me Princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?’ and opened my eyes to so much more than I knew. He also got ‘A Whole New World’ engraved on the inside of my engagement ring, which he proposed to me with in Cinderella’s pavilion at Disneyland Paris.

So, it seemed only right that we go to see Aladdin the Musical to celebrate five incredible and crazy years for the both of us. (Dan has achieved some amazing feats and beaten odds set against him too!!)

Anyway, Aladdin. Was i prepared for the absolute rainbow of emotions I was going to feel? Not at all! The set design was absolutely genius and in every way kept alive Disney magic. The cast were fabulous, although i won’t lie I sorely missed Abu (though I know, naturally, this would have caused many problems). The costumes were glorious, and, the soundtrack, well… Tears, love, joy and wonder, I’m not sure there are words… ‘Indescribable feeling’ is probably the closest I will get. The magic carpet and the cave of wonders were my two absolute favorite parts in the whole show!

And afterwards I just HAD to purchase the Aladdin Teapot, cup and saucer with a little help from a lovely Australian family!

Following this incredible show I lead Dan to our next destination: The Punchbowl, Mayfair.

I myself had never been here either, so it was a surprise for both of us, when we walked in it seemed to be a normal, friendly pub where people congregate after works to unwind and have a nice cold drink! However out the back there was an absolutely gorgeous restaurant set up, which neither of us saw coming! There were some beautiful two person table seats, all elegantly dressed up with every last detail. We were extremely lucky to be seated in a booth. Which seemed perfect, not only for our celebration ourselves, but also for almost any occasion,; be it a date, a family meal or indeed a stag do! It’s a quiet and comfy area (pictures to follow guys be patient) with pillows and lovely ambient lighting!

I must mention how lovely and accomodating the staff were too! As we had never been there we struggled to choose from the mouth-watering menu and so staff were keen to give us their opinions, which were absolutely spot on as the food was incredibly tasty!! I hear they now have released a summer menu, which sounds positively divine! Honestly, if you have never been and want to try out somewhere other than these big chains, please please do head to the Punchbowl, Mayfair (http://www.punchbowllondon.com/), or their sister pub: The Admiral Codrington, Chelsea (http://www.theadmiralcodrington.co.uk/).

We began with the Crispy duck, nashi pear, radish & cucumber salad, smoked tomato, honey with poppy seed glaze, which was a gorgeous fresh dish, and certainly made us super excited for our mains as it was delicious! I had the Norfolk chicken breast with forest mushrooms, celeriac, roasted garlic and truffled tarragon sauce. My oh, my, compliments to the chef, the chicken was beautifully done and the flavour combinations were absolutely on point! Dan had the Crispy chicken burger with stilton mac & cheese, old spot bacon, mustard mayo served with sweet potato fries, well, the noises from the other side of the table can only mean it was potentially one of the best dishes he’s ever eaten. The only feedback I got from him was ‘Mac and cheese on a burger might actually be the most genius invention’ before I lost him again to the food!!

It’s also worth noting that the Punchbowlwas voted ‘Best Pub in Mayfair’ by Time Out London and Design My Night. If that doesn’t sway you by now, maybe these photos will!

Charleen Meredith

CinderElsa

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Aladdin & The Punchbowl