A la Colthard: Hotel du Vin/Wimbledon

I had last stayed at this hotel when it was the Cannizzaro, a Palladian house in the style of Kenwood with equally magnificent grounds.

However the hotel – especially the service – disappointed.

Now under the management of Hotel du Vin they have upped their game.

On arrival I was stuck behind an Australian booking in for a month asking question after question on the best room for him.

My impatience was clearly visible as the General Manager booked me in.

My room which they termed a suite had that eccentricity of the bath in the bedroom. I have never worked out the logic of this.

True from the bath you have fine views over the parkland but one would I prefer to enjoy from a comfy armchair.

I attended a lunch for my godson’s birthday at the Ivy Cafe in Wimbledon Village

This was much like every Ivy Cafe, which is not to be over- critical as the service is good, the food reliable and the prices fair.

The waiter succeeded in dropping a buttered knife over my neighbour followed by knocking a glass of wine over her!

I walked back over Wimbledon Common but found myself back in the room at 500pm, tired but not hungry.

After a quick nap I walked the parklands which had the most beautiful rhododendrons.

I enjoyed a couple of Pimms on the terrace of the hotel and one of my favourite pastas – risotto nero.

It was a lovely finale of a long warm evening to consummate a happy day.