Helen and Randall on the road

Arrived in Singapore from Saigon by air, mid afternoon on Xmas eve, checked into the Marina Mandarin, and went pretty much straight to Raffles:

Singapore slings in the Long Bar at Raffles.

Lovely view of kitchen, door propped open with box of bottles, plastic milk containers left lying around, generally a bit poor.

The gorgeous Courtyard bar – beautiful, atmospheric and charming professional bartenders.

The next day was Xmas day and we had booked the famous Mandarin Oriental Sunday Champagne Brunch special Xmas edition with free-pour drinks including Ruinart Champagne. On arrival we were greeted by a choir singing carols in harmony – lovely!

We sat outside in the lovely garden:

Getting stuck into the Champagne.

The food was quite astonishing, both in variety and quantity.

One of the waiters topping up the shellfish station.

Assorted Asian dishes

Chefs flambe-ing to order

Oysters, sushi, charcuterie

Outrageous cheesery.

Antipasti – smoked salmon, gravadlax, roasted vegetables etc

Puddings as far as the eye can see…

Chocolate fountains and crepes to order.

First course

Admirably restrained main course – roast beef & horseradish, mash & veg.

Less restrained pud (!)

Cheese course.

After eating and drinking ourselves silly, on Boxing day we did the 3.5 km walk around the harbour before seeing the new Sherlock Holmes film in the Marina shopping centre. Flight back to UK in the evening.