Bill's Restaurant Soho

Having tried the best ever fish finger sandwich at Bill's in Angel last year, I was eager to see if it was just as good at their not-so-new branch in Soho. I'm pleased to say it didn't disappoint! Despite the chips being a tad under cooked, I enjoyed a lovely dinner topped off with a delicious Pavlova. I had toyed with the idea of skipping dessert but after seeing it land on the table next to mine I couldn't resist.

Next time I might try the burger which got an impressive 8 out of 10 from my bf.

Who doesn't like a candlelit dinner?

Crumbed Cod Cheeks

Crab Cakes

Burger

My favourite fish finger sandwich

Surely it counts towards my 5 a day? No?

Viva Las Vegas

Now some people can't bear Vegas and think anything more than a three day visit tagged onto an East Coast to West Coast trip is more than enough but not me. I cannot emphasise how much I love the place. I have been three times and each time I think wish I could stay a few more days but alas, my empty wallet tells me that is not wise, and I reluctantly head home.

The first time I went was a girly trip. Three of us plucked Vegas out of America because the price was reasonable and we thought it's a good mix of shopping and sunshine so off we went. Thinking back I was pushing more for New York as I didn't think Vegas was the place for me. In my mind I thought I didn't gamble, what could I do there, surely it would be quite boring? How wrong was I?! As soon as we landed I was overwhelmed by the madness of it all, a true attack on all your senses but what a pleasure it was. It really is the place that never sleeps and perfect for three girls out for a fun holiday. Since that trip I have been lucky enough to return to Vegas twice, each time different but each being as good as the last time if not better. Fingers crossed my fourth trip isn't far away. I would go every year if I could afford it.

In this post I just want to highlight my favourite things to see and do in Vegas. Apologies if some places are no longer there as I will be covering places from all three of my trips.

1) The Hotels

There's no denying that Vegas is Disneyland for adults and if so, the stars of the show are the sprawling hotels. I have stayed at The Luxor, The Mirage and MGM Grand. Although The Mirage was perfectly positioned (right by Caesars, my favourite hotel for clubbing and shopping) and the Fashion Show Mall, I preferred staying at MGM Grand. The MGM grand has the monorail which takes you all the way up the strip as well as great choices for restaurants that cater for all budgets. There is a food court with McDonalds and other favourites as well as 5 star restaurants like Wolfgang Pucks which was open until 6am! Where else can you get gourmet food at 5am in the morning? Only Vegas..

2) Shopping

You don't have to be a gambler to enjoy Vegas, there is plenty to do and shopping is one of them. The Colloseum shops cover both high street designer. The best thing about Vegas is that every hotel has amazing shopping, just be sure you don't gamble away your shopping allowance at the tables. The Premium outlet is my favourite outlet shopping centre. I never fail to stock up on American brands like Timberland, Gap, 7 for all Mankind all for the fraction of the price you'd get in the UK.

View from Ghost Bar

3) Clubbing

The clubbing is out of this world in Vegas, personal favourites include Pure at Caesars, LAX and XS. Ghost Bar at Palms is a must for fantastic views of the strip. I have fond memories of the old JET club at Mirage (now 1 Oak) but as they say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...

Cheesecake Factory, don't let the name fool you the menu goes way beyond cheesecakes!

Bellagio Buffet

Capital Grille

Popcorn served in KFC bargin bucket tubs

Wolfgang Puck's at MGM

Wolfgang Puck's

Delicious souffle at Wolfgang Puck's.

The best ice cream in the world!

4) Eating

Food glorious food! What a haven Vegas is for foodies. There is just too many places to mention so I will list some links of places I would recommend.

http://www.todai.com/new_todai/locations/lasvegas.html

http://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/the-buffet.aspx

http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/Locations/locations# in Caesars

http://www.mirage.com/restaurants/carnegie-delicatessen.aspx at The Mirage

http://www.treasureisland.com/restaurants/pho_vietnamese.php at Treasure Island

http://www.steakhousesinlasvegas.com/restaurants/Capital-Grille-At-Fashion-Show-Mall

The first time I went to Vegas a good friend recommended me to go for a hot dog at Circus Circus at the deli located at the back of the casino. It didn't disappoint and I also got to try strawberry shortcake there. If you're there make sure you check it out.

A special shout out has to go to IcePan in Harras. It is amazing to be able to pick every ingredient that goes into your ice cream and watch it change from a liquid state to ice cream. I wish I ate it more than just the once! Cold Stone is old news compared to IcePan.

http://www.harrahslasvegas.com/casinos/harrahs-las-vegas/restaurants-dining/icepan-detail.html

I also remember a great 24 hour restaurant at The Excalibur from my first trip where I had a very tasty steak.

5) The Grand Canyon. Too beautiful for words and a real must see! It might seem pricey but it's well worth it. The first time I went my friends and I opted for a helicopter ride. It was breathtaking but over so soon. On my second trip I discovered it is better to take the full day trip where you go on a coach, take a boat ride on the Colorado River, helicopter ride and a walk around the Canyon. As impressed as I was with my first visit to the Canyon, overlooking the depths from helicopter it's not until you're on a tiny boat sailing along the bottom looking up it really puts things in a whole new perspective.

6) The Bellagio Fountains.

7) Go up the Eiffel tower

Sharp shooter, don't mess with me!

8) Shoot at the gun range

9) Try the crazy rides at The Stratesphere

10) Have a go on the tables! If you don't know how to gamble stick to betting on red or black at the Roulette table. As they say when in Rome..

11) Catch a Show. All the big hotels have their own shows. I watched Love by Cirque Du Soleil when I last went but not knowing any Beatles song (which it is based on) it was all a bit waasted on me. O by Cirque Du Soleil looks really cool though. I'll probably try and catch that the next time I am there. If you're on a girls trip a night at Thunder Down Under at Excalibur is always guaranteed a giggle or two.

Blogging about Vegas has left me itching to visit again soon. Now, where did I leave that passport...

xx