Sorry guys, I’ve been a bit quiet lately. Seems I’ve been simultaneously lacking in inspiration, preoccupied and melting a bit in the London heat. That said, exciting things have been going on: Royal Ascot, Ed Sheeran & Take That at the O2 (though sadly not at the same time), a seemingly endless supply of Pimm’s and, as this post’s title suggests, Taste of London. I blogged about this delightful foodie event this time last year (where has the time gone!?) and my love for it…
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Spending my days off in one of London’s incredible museums or galleries is absolutely one of my favourite things to do in the whole entire world. Though two years have passed since I moved, I’m more settled and have made some dear friends, I find that my habit (or penchant) for solo dates has stuck with me from my early days in the city. Luckily, London’s plethora of options has me spoiled for choice. I love the progressiveness of the V&A, the awe-inspiring artefacts in the…
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There are SO many markets in London but I have to say, Broadway Market is top of my list (with Columbia Road an unquestionable second). Unfortunately, the market is right across the other side of town for me so I don’t get to frequent it as often as I’d like – but when I do venture out east, I’m never disappointed. With it’s array of sourdough donuts, fried chicken sandwiches, duck fat chips drowning in truffle laced mayonnaise, an endless supply of fantastic coffee, independent…
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Since seeing The Imitation Game a few years ago, visiting Bletchley Park has been on my British Bucket List. So in the midst of January’s seemingly endless grey skies, rain and post-Christmas blues, it felt like the time was right to finally pay the iconic place a visit. Bletchley Park, for those who aren’t familiar, is an estate just outside of London which functioned as a top-secret central location for the code-breakers during WWII. It was also here that Alan Turing invented the Turing Machine…
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I’ve remarked previously how since moving to London I’ve missed the sunshine and beach like crazy. And whilst that’s still very true, upon further reflection I think what this urge really stems from is a desire for escape: escape from the inherent claustrophobia of the city. Upon visiting Hampstead Heath this past weekend, I’m now more sure than ever that what my soul regularly needs to be happy and content is open space and fresh air. When I think about it, it makes sense: I…
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I’m such a sucker for a design market. Not only do I love supporting local artists, designers and creators, but I love the atmosphere and the sense of occasion attached to them. You know – those early weekend mornings filled with hipster coffee, brunch and special new finds. It’s just the dream. Back home, the Melbourne Design Market has long been one of my favourite haunts for finding unique Christmas gifts for my friends and family. Here, the Crafty Fox Market has topped my list so far. Last…
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It’s hard to say what I loved most about my first visit to Brickwood in Clapham. It might have been the coffee, it might have been the bunting and fairy lights strung along the exposed brick walls, it might have been the coffee OR it might just have been the thoughtful shelf full of Tiny Teddies, Shapes, Violet Crumbles and other assorted Australian treats. On reflection – it’s probably just all of the above.
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The Victoria & Albert Museum, aka the V&A (#local), is one of my favourites in London. Aside from being one of the most simultaneously majestic and beautiful buildings in the city, it’s also full to the brim of absolutely beautiful, awe-inspiring things: everything from architecture models to fine china, Rodin sculptures, paintings and tapestries. And, it’s free entry (except for special exhibitions). A few weekends ago, I had the luxury of spending a full day inside the museum, re-visiting the fundamentals of drawing at a Sketch Out…
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Miniature toasted sandwiches with the crusts cut off, sparkling champagne, perfect little petit fours and clotted cream slathered on warm scones: I’m telling you, afternoon tea at the Charlotte Street Hotel is just plain dreamy. In general, afternoon tea is one of my favourite parts of London life. I’m not sure what it is specifically – perhaps the sense of occasion, the bottomless teapots and endless sandwiches. Or maybe it’s just the relaxed vibe as you kid yourself into thinking that that all those tiny little…
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I’m not sure if it’s just a symptom of living in London, or merely apartment life in general, but staying inside all day in London can turn you a bit batty. Sometimes, you just need a walk For all the city’s positives, it has a tendency to get a bit claustrophobic. Whether you were an outdoorsy person before or not, don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving the great outdoors after an extended period visiting or living in the city. Personally, I’ve never been…
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