Office Christmas party time ..

Just got in from a fabulous evening in London with the office Christmas party.  The day started with Secret Santa gifts in the office...  MBA know how to have fun!

 from the bottom left, James, Leslie, Shaun, Phil, Josh and Monica

 James Leslie, Lesley and Shaun

 Natasha opening her cocktail book...

my Secret Santa was a Nigella cook book

 drink themed gifts seemed quite a popular choice

 Fast forward to London.  Half of us went by train and half by cab as Kirsty is on crutches at present and suffering with a bad knee. 
First call, a bar for a quick drink...

 and some silly faces...

 and not so silly
Phil

 Monica

 outside, dark now, and a short walk to the restaurant gave me some photo opportunities...

 love London at night at Christmas!

 lights strung across the street,

 I really liked these ones, although avoiding the buses in the photos was tricky

 past hotel doors

 Trafalgar Square with the famous Christmas tree

hmm. not sure if I moved or Josh did... camera was struggling in the dark, - I am not sure how half the people can be out of focus and the rest not

 inside the Trafalgar St James' Hotel for dinner, a gorgeous display in the entrance

 Reminded me of  Dale Chihuly glass sculptures.

 in the lift , Leslie and Natasha... sorry girls!!

 and onto the Rooftop Terrace for a drink before dinner... brilliant views across Trafalgar Square lit up

 and the London Eye, plus cranes from the massive building work going on all over London it seems

 luckily they supply blankets... Phil playing hungry and homeless...

 James and Lesley

 me and Kirsty. 

 Josh, Natasha, Shaun, Jeff

 I need a facelift

 Lisa arrived to meet us just in time for dinner

 our own private dining room, still with views across London

 table decoration

 Lots of fun being had...

 even through the windows the views were amazing

 obligatory crackers

 starter... quail on a bed of pearl barley and pomegranate molasses.... lovely, but very filling for a starter

 main, turkey and veg.  delicious; but I couldn't eat it all...

 hmm..  you probably had to be there....

and dessert...  roasted pineapple, with coconut and lime sorbet - so delicious!



and it is here the photos seem to have stopped!


Once again a huge thanks to Monica for a fantastic night out and to the team for great fun!!