If you're a regular reader, you'll remember our splendid competition earlier this year with the prize of a real VIP weekend for two in London. Courtesy of Le Meridien Hotels, GNER and the Our House musical, our lucky couple were due for a weekend of real style. The fortunate winners were Michael and Debbie Livermore, and this is their report:

Having been very fortunate to win this competition my wife and I were going to ensure that we made the most of it.

The holiday got off to a great start and the first class GNER carriages just gave it that little extra touch. With complimentary drinks served all the way from Darlington to London at regular intervals we remained seated and relax for the whole of the journey. The staff were very helpful and hospitable and chatted with us for a while, when they had time to do so. The food served on the train was reasonable priced and was very nice indeed.

Upon arriving in London we headed to the hotel situated near Piccadilly Circus; the room was fabulous and I must admit that the bed was the most comfortable that I have ever slept in. The Le Meridien Piccadilly was beautifully presented and the staff very friendly, even though one of them was a self confessed Arsenal supporter (never mind).

The hotel's leisure facilities were excellent with male and female saunas, as well as a mixed steam room, Jacuzzi and swimming pool as well as a solarium and therapist rooms. The gym was exceptional and was as big, if not bigger than, some leisure centres with all the up to date facilities. The food was very good and the staff very polite and helpful and it was served in a very relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. The hotel in general is excellent and can be only appreciated by a stay, as well as having the added bonus of being in a good location to appreciate the sites.

Our House, the Madness Musical, really put the icing on the cake. This excellent production was mind blowing and by the end of the show had everyone dancing in his or her seat. One not be missed if you were, or still are, a Madness fan.

The whole weekend was excellent from start to finish, with that little extra touch of comfort. It makes a weekend in London that extra special, especially when taking in a show in the West End.

* Thanks very much to Michael and Debbie for letting me know how much they enjoyed their trip, and don't forget to enter our competitions regularly -- it might be you writing the next report!

Published: 06/06/2003