London last weekend was in fine form; with March still a week away, there was a real feeling of Spring in the air. Enjoy my report with extra relish, as you could win the same VIP weekend for two.

I left Durham station late Friday morning for the most civilised way I know of getting to the capital - via GNER and their splendid lunch. Their new "Go Eat" programme uses a lot of talent in the shape of the McCoy brothers (of Cleveland Tontine fame), chefs from the Harvey Nichols restaurants, and Peter Jordan, GNER's chef of the year. The friendly service in the restaurant car is top notch too, and the overall experience is comparable to the best in non-mobile establishments. Dishes include an excellent onion potato cake, and a particularly fine oven-roasted sea bass.

If you are a regular traveller, it's well worth joining GNER's Excel scheme, which produces such goodies as a free half-bottle of wine with a meal, and a 2 for 1 drinks offer. I was particularly virtuous as I had a meeting at the other end, and it looks so unprofessional to arrive sloshed! Running on time, at under three hours, it's a much better alternative than driving for much longer than that through Friday afternoon motorway traffic.

If you'd like to plan a getaway, GNER have some special offers running currently. They are cutting the cost of rail travel this winter by offering return standard class fares from Newcastle, Durham and Darlington to most GNER served destinations; for example to London from just £25 or Edinburgh from £12. The new off-peak standard class fares are available for travel every day until 31st March. GNER operates an extensive service from the North East to London, Yorkshire, The East Midlands and Scotland so there are plenty of seats on offer.

Tickets, which are subject to availability, must be booked at least 7 days in advance at major North East stations, GNER Telesales on 08457 225 225 or online at www.gner.co.uk

Bookings close on 10th March.

Mid-afternoon arrival at King's Cross was followed by a short taxi ride to Le Meridien's flagship hotel in Piccadilly. For such a large and sumptuous hotel (266 rooms) this has a very personal feel, and a chat with hotel manager Dominique and guest relations expert Carolyn was a very welcome introduction. Dominique (like Le Meridien) is French, and Carolyn is Spanish but speaks American - a good indicator of the lovely cosmopolitan feel of the place.

Inside the hotel is so calm and peaceful, compared with the bustle of Piccadilly just outside, and it's perfect to enter that special world after an encounter with busy London. If you stay here, I'd warmly recommend the afternoon tea in the Oak Room, accompanied by a live pianist. Breakfast and dinner (both top-notch) are served in the Terrace Restaurant, largely glass-built with good views and a very airy feel.

The icing on the cake is the Champney's Health Club on the Lower Ground Floor. Hotel guests enjoy free membership, and slipping into the pool after a day's shopping is bliss indeed. More detail on the hotel on www.lemeridien.com

The great thing about this place is that it's comfortable walking distance from some of the best bits of London. You're literally next door to some great shops, theatreland is ten minutes walk away, and, especially on a sunny Saturday afternoon, Covent Garden is unmissable.

The mixture of niche and unusual shops there is fantastic, and the live entertainment was entertaining large crowds on a sunny afternoon. Top of the Pops for me was the juggling, stripping unicyclist (you had to be there), and some superb music from outdoor chamber orchestras. Sitting in the sun, cool glass of Muscadet sur Lie in hand, listening to a polished version of Pachelbel's Canon was a knockout.

Now here's the really civilised bit. Back to the hotel (by rickshaw! - loads about these days and really nippy through the traffic), a swim in Champney's, freshen up, and off to the theatre.

We went to the Cambridge Theatre to see Our House, featuring the music of Madness. This production has just won the Lawrence Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and it doesn't surprise me at all. When you remember that it's beaten some of the multi-million musicals like Bombay Dreams and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, that's quite an achievement. It's a great concept, weaving the well-loved tunes into a gripping storyline rather than simply tacking them on. Lead Michael Jibson, only 21, leads a fabulous cast which shows more energy than you'd believe possible.

It's a show which is hard to describe, and I'd urge you to see it for yourself (its run has just been extended to September 27). There's more on www.ourhousethemusical.com

It's a completely new kind of musical, as ground breaking as West Side Story was in its day. The Cambridge Theatre has a big proscenium arch, and the whole stage is used to great effect, often on several levels. For energy, ideas, music, and sheer energy, it's a "must-see" on your next trip to London.

A great weekend, then, with 48 hours away feeling like a week off!

Don't forget to enter our competition here and win the weekend for yourself and a lucky companion.

Published: 28/02/2003