London too ....

Going to business meetings in London has its perks too.  We happened to go when Chinatown was all dressed up for its New Year.  Susan and I were on a mission,it was to find the Opium Den ... ok so I got the name wrong it was the Opium Cocktail and Dim Sum Bar -no 16 Gerrard Street. So when you don't know, I was always told to ask a policeman . His eyes nearly popped out of his head when I did so but he didn't know either. Susan said I had a lucky escape from spending the night in the Tower of London -now that may have been interesting. A burly doorman filled the door way and the only clue to where it was -a brass name plate on the door. -OPIUM . Some people where been turned away but we were lucky .they always say it is who you know not what you know. We ascending into.. darkness a black staircase lit only by red candles and the heavy scent of incense filled the air.  There were flights and flights on spiraling staircases. We were led to a private dining area called Peony. All I can say is it was amazing. Cocktails and dumplings what a combination.  Although Jack is very much a beer drinker I think he would have been in his glory here. I can see another trip in the offing... but decided to give Stringfellows a miss it didnt quite fit the image in daylight.