Breakfast with a View

The other weekend we enjoyed our breakfast with the most amazing view of London at Duck and Waffle. We sat at a corner table with floor to ceiling glass on either side and looked down on buses snailing their way along Bishopsgate whilst enjoying some rather gorgeous waffles. The view to the south was not bad either, looking down on to the Gherkin with Tower Bridge in the background. Quite exciting. 

I had booked our tables 10 weeks in advance - this is a popular place so planning a visit is essential. I thought breakfast was a good time to visit, but would like to go back in the evening to see all the lights of London twinkling away.

Lunch at Homa

On a recent visit to Stoke Newington we stopped for lunch at Homa. How gorgeous to sit by one of those big windows enjoying a deliciously garlicky pizza. I hope I have reason to go back soon - there were plenty of other things on the menu I would like to try!

Market Voices

Tete-a-tete, a pound a pot!

Tete-a-tete, a pound a pot!

Lovely lilies, two bunches for a fiver - don't be shy, it has all got to go!
Or how about a bunch of carnations for you mother in laws grave?

The sun is out and the market comes alive. It is packed with visitors from all over London, even some out of towners I think. And lots of tourists of course. I make a quick dash to the shop to buy some milk and pastries and secretly feel a bit smug about the fact I don't need a bag because I live around the corner.

Red

There is still some time to catch the Valentino exhibition at Somerset House. I enjoyed being allowed for once to get up close to the garments without any glass cabinets as barriers. Followed by a coffee at Fernandez and Wells, this makes a lovely day out. Valentino: Master of Couture is on until the 3rd of March.

A Magical Evening

What an amazing feeling to walk out of the office yesterday evening knowing that there are two whole weeks ahead without alarm clocks and to do lists. Instead there will be peace and quiet, family and friends, good food with drinks to match and lots of sleep.

To celebrate the fact that we have got through another year of hard work with plenty of challenges along the way, I met my husband at J Sheekey Oyster Bar for a glass of champagne and a bite to eat. Afterwards we headed to the London Coliseum to see the Nutcracker. I can't think of a more romantic Christmas tradition than this. A truly magical evening.

At the table next to us in the restaurant was a lady celebrating her 99th birthday. I wished her Happy Birthday and got a stroke on the cheek and a compliment which I swiftly returned - she was 10 times more glamorous than me. Wonderful. And that little exchange enhanced the evening and will now be part of this memory.

Christmas Card from Columbia Road

On the coldest evening of the year we went along to the Christmas Shopping evening on Columbia Road. The mulled Cider with Rum helped warm us up. I left with one hand painted bauble and a pot of jam. And with a lovely Christmassy feeling inside.

The Scenic Route

The Olympics have finished and there is a sense that we have just witnessed and been part of something really amazing. It feels a little bit sad but I am not sure what to do about it, apart from moving to Rio...

To me the most amazing thing about the London Olympics was the setting - London itself. So many of the events had fantastic backdrops with one landmark in view after the other. Not many cities could compete with that. On Sunday we went to watch the Marathon runners. This picture is taken from where we were standing in Leadenhall Market, a covered shopping arcade in the City. The drinks were flowing and the cheers were deafening whenever a competitor ran past, no matter what nationality. You would struggle to find a more friendly, open and fun atmosphere. Well done London!