Help me plan a family weekend in London to celebrate DH 50th

[lotsofthingstolearn]

Looking for ideas for a 2 night family break in London to celebrate DH 50th.

So far I've got trip to theatre, AccelorOrbit and Battersea lift etc

But, ideas needed please on:

• Nice hotels- we normally do Prem Inn, but not adverse to spending more as it's an occasion. Central location.
• Afternoon tea, that's child friendly- 2 DS aged 6 and 11
• Nice meal for the other night we're not at the theatre
• Anything else that could mark the occasion nicely

Can't help with the hotel but we went to an afternoon tea at the ampersand hotel in Kensington- they do either a Jurassic park tea or a science tea. I can't explain how amazing they are for kids and fascinating

Sky garden - need to book about 3 weeks ahead but it was lovely there and I think the kids would love it too.

Afternoon tea at marco Pierre white’s restaurant in Leicester Square followed by a visit to the Lego shop! (I found a voucher from buyagift for afternoon tea so maybe worth looking there?)

Or dinner in Chinatown?

You need to suggest a budget for your hotel, because even a Premier Inn can cost £200 these days. Shangri La at the Shard could be fun, but probably £800+ per night. Or afternoon tea there instead? Kids would enjoy the view.
It is your husband's birthday, so what would HE enjoy?

A two night break in London can cost a small fortune!

look at Hilton hotels for good locations and prices are not too bad

If you want to push the boat out check out the Corinthia/Ritz

look at buying a Merlin pass as then you can combine your activities for a better price

Afternoon tea that's child friendly but not necessarily for children: we took DS (then 7, I think) to the Wolseley. The staff were really warm and attentive to him, and us adults enjoyed dining in the stunning art deco interior.

Don't plan too much .. I am currently staying in London and honestly exhausted.. make sure you allow time for relaxing, people watching, having a coffee or ice cream, strolling round a park etc ... we did have a river trip which was relaxing but also interesting with plenty to look at.

Canal boat trip and London Zoo? There's a canal boat that does cream teas, in Little Venice I think.

Ham Yard hotel do lovely teas and it's close to China Town for a mooch!
It's pricey but you may get a deal at Cheval Quays at Tower of London, it's occasionally on secret escapes, good base to explore and great to stay with kids. They provide generous accommodation, lots of food, and might be room to bring babysitter! There is also Blue Orchid suite hotels and anything along the Minories is cheaper Friday to Monday than the more traditional Kensington etc. It's all business folks Mon-Thus.
From there you could have fish and chips at Poppies (Whitechapel and quite a famous old fashioned chippy). Do a tour, Tate and Sky Garden (free and better value that shard!). River taxi is value with a tube card discount ( just byob ). There are two good rooftop bars nearby Jin Bo Law and Savage Garden.
I really rate Bermondsey now too, nice walk from Tower Side and kids can have a play en route at Potters Feilds, there is a great hotel on Bermondsey square and it's lush with good eating places (Jose for Tapas! Casse Croute for French and Cafe Murano for pasta). Sea Containers also good but not sure I would waste it with my kids