Celebrating a Birthday in the Midst of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis - Shrewsbury, Shropshire, UK - March 2020

When I received this personalised Veuve Clicquot signature arrow tin with its iridescent lid, I felt confident about my 2020 birthday.  The original plan was to stay at the new Four Seasons in Madrid to celebrate, I know their General Manager from New York & Hong Kong and so it would have been an exceptional trip. 

Since then the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has halted travel, closed hotels, restaurants, gyms etc and changed our lives.

I am now in Shrewsbury in Shropshire helping my parents with their self-isolation. My birthday will, therefore, be a small family affair. Today is my 'Birthday Eve' and so I have decided to post some photos to cheer us all up.

Stay safe, healthy & positive all at this difficult time & hope the photos below make you smile too.  My awesome mum will ensure I have a '7 teddies' (🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻) birthday tomorrow.

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The flowers I bought from The Dorchester's new florist shop. Meijer Roses dedicated this new variety of rose to The Dorchester and Philip Hammond's signature floral arrangement was exquisite.

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After ordering the flowers, I had lunch in The Dorchester Grill. Tom Booton's food had even more flavour than Daniel Humm's at Davies & Brook at Claridge's, where I had lunch the previous month, and The Grill's Pudding Bar (this photo) must be tried. However, it was chatting to General Manager Robert, as well as legendary Janice, during lunch that made my day. It was a such a nice surprise to learn there was no charge for this memorable lunch.

I am thrilled with new Frette bed linen for my Barbican place that Harrods did such a beautiful job of personalising.

The pool at Mandarin Oriental New York, where I swam earlier this year. It is swimming I really miss at present.

The cake Mandarin Oriental New York created for me in January. It echoes a cake Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur made for my 50th birthday.

The view of Central Park from my suite at the Mandarin Original New York. I spent 5 nights there earlier this year. So glad I did that now & my present daily laugh with my friend in Manhattan helps me to keep positive during the current crisis.

Adored my welcome at Four Seasons Downtown in New York earlier this year & suite. Food from Uruguay was really thoughtful. I have been talking to my friend in Punta del Este during the current crisis too. His birthday is the same day as mine and speaking to him is always a joy.

On the last day at Four Seasons Downtown New York I got to have coffee with their General Manager Thomas. My time with this Four Seasons star is always special.

Thanks to 45 Park Lane General Manager John, one of my best friends & I got to experience 'Home at 45' in London. Yes, that is the staircase inside the show apartment.

In February I was able to take part in Evensong at St Paul's Cathedral, with Shrewsbury School's Old Salopian Club. We got to sit in 'The Quire' behind the alter & it was a fantastic experience.

In February I also visited the Barbican Conservatory again, 5 minutes from my place. I had forgotten how impressive that place is.

I now aim to visit my parents every 6 weeks. My mum's Sunday lunches, with Shropshire beef from The Market Hall, are legendary & that will be my birthday lunch tomorrow.

My Welsh former nurse mum, dad & I all clapped as hard as we could for the NHS & our carers. I from this bedroom window.

I have utilised my one exercise outside each day to walk. Seeing all the history at Shrewsbury School, & a fascinating physical distanced chat with a member of the grounds staff, have helped me physically & mentally.