Back to my old haunt today as I was keen to have a look at the new style bakery and coffee bar. A contemporary interior with dark colours and subtle lighting creates a theatrical backdrop for the expertly produced baked goods by Master Baker Lance Gardner and his team of artisans. It is all very…
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Borough Market Cookery Club
This is a terrific concept which is based in Borough Market the home of fine seasonal produce and artisans of the food industry. Angela Clutton is the co ordinator of this fine idea and once we have been allocated a cookbook. In this case by the much loved Antonio Carluccio you pick the recipe that appeals…
The Berkeley Hotel
We are so fortunate in London which is home to so many wonderful and quite historic hotels. The impeccable service and high standards have spanned generations. I remember my grandmother always took us to The Connaught for special occasions and we were frequently taken the The Ritz for tea where we had coffee ice cream…
LASSCO Ropewalk
London is a city steeped in historical neighbourhoods and endless opportunities to explore. My perfect Sunday is a good brunch and time to enjoy our hometown. Ropewalk in London Bridge incorporates a series of railroad arches. Housed here is LASSCO (London Architectural Salvage and Supply Company). This has long been a destination for sourcing eclectic…
The Ivy Cafe Wimbledon Village
The chaos of Wimbledon Tennis is now over and an element of tranquility in Wimbledon Village resumed. On June 11th in the heart of the village The Ivy Cafe opened its doors and what a very welcome addition this is. I love this venue. Inside and out it has been carefully considered and designed in…
Rooftop Film Club
June in London and not exactly the warm summer evenings we look forward to at this time of year. Despite this Immie and I ventured to Peckham to discover the Rooftop Film Club situated on the roof of the Bussey Building in Rye Lane South East London. What a great concept. The ground was carpeted…
Anthony Stern
I recently visited The Club at The Ivy and was impressed with the collection of British Contemporary Artists and amongst these was some of the work of Anthony Stern. I worked for Anthony for some time and I was reminded that his glass works were displayed in this great establishment. Anthony has an interesting and loyal…
Reiko Hashimoto
Reiko Hashimoto has just completed a series of Sushi Masterclasses at her cookery school Hashi .To introduce us to a taster of some of her other fantastic classes we were invited to The Loft at The Club at The Ivy. On the agenda were Gyoza (a shallow fried dumpling which is effectively first steamed and then allowed to…
Rosie Olivia
Finding a good hat for the impending Royal Ascot week is always a challenge and while in the good retail hat departments you can gain inspiration and some variety there is always the option of visiting a good milliner. We set off to North London to visit Rosie Olivia a wonderful hat designer. Rosie supplies hats…
Royal Ascot
A truly British and fantastic day at the races. A week of watching the fillies and enjoying formal picnics in car parks with your friends what could be more English. We took our daughters as soon as they were permitted to attend and from an early age this has been a great family event. My…
Saatchi Gallery & Duke of York Square
The transformation of The Duke of York Square now makes it a central feature of the Kings Road at Sloane Square. The restaurants have all embraced this little enclave as have the retail units and it has now really come together with a great atmosphere and buzz especially at the weekends when there is a…
Glyndebourne
Its May and the great British season has begun. May June and we all pray for good weather and sunshine as we have to plan picnics in Black Tie sitting outside in beautiful gardens or near a race track! The first of these outings is Glyndebourne. Founded in 1934 by John Christie who was married to the…
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