Simple pleasures

Half term holidays are all about the simple pleasures. Like having a second cup of tea in the morning, just because there's time. Or spending a little extra time in bed and reading when you've just woken up instead of when you're falling asleep. This one's been no exception and as always, I've kept myself busy with lots of little things. As such, it has absolutely whizzed by! From Friday night to tonight, it's been jam packed with friends and exploration. Highlights have included romance, food (lots of it), Deadpool, museums, a hotel, sunshine, catch ups, cat cuddles, more mews, a trip on the River Thames, vintage shopping, a gig and lots of sofa time.

The holiday began with Valentines weekend and it was another lovely one. This time we opted for a staycation and ultimate romance when on the Saturday night we watched Deadpool at my favourite cinema, Genesis in Mile End. The day itself saw a visit to the even more romantic Crime Museum. Exhausted by the in-take of information at the Crime Museum (all incredibly fascinating though; a must-see), a 'roomy' room at Hoxton Holborn was incredibly welcome respite. 

A 12 o'clock check-out and a breakfast bag delivered to the door made for a leisurely start to the day then it was home to welcome a friend visiting from Bath. Faced with far too many options but at the same time feeling unsure about the state of the weather, at least two cups of tea were consumed before we eventually made a decision and headed out and about.

The initial plan was to pop into the Natural History Museum where rumour has it the dinosaur skeleton has been replaced by a lage whale? Turns out we'll have to wait a while to find out because there were enormous queues at both doors (am I allowed to hate half terms yet obviously love them at the same time?) so we promptly turned around and instead headed for the V&A.

Now usually my visits to the V&A are made only for the gift shop or use of the toilets but this time, further exploration led us to the stained glass and silver collection. Like a magpie blinded by all things shiny, here I ogled at Art Deco tea and coffee services and we mourned the redundancy of over-sized, over-extravagant golden wine coolers and punch bowls. Coming to the end of this area, we were then led down the ceramic staircase, another gem I'd never encountered before, then out into the garden where we paused for just a moment before unruly children threatening to push each other into the central pool compelled us to move on.

Already pretty late in the day, it was nearing dinner time and as we'd chosen Dishoom as our restaurant of choice for the evening meal, we figured there could be no such thing as too early. Even upon arriving at 5 o'clock, we were faced with a wait but fortunately everything was pretty fast moving and before we knew it, we were settled in the bar armed with mocktails and I with lamb samosas to wet the appetite. Glorious food, a waiter with far too much enthusiasm, laughs a-plenty and lots more mocktails later, we were homeward bound and found ourselves squashed onto the sofa hunting for holidays (watch this space).

Another lazy start to the following day and the need for four females to be using the same bathroom meant that by the time we were out and about, it was basically lunchtime. We had decided to search for Beyond Bread, a gluten free bakery in Fitzrovia. Not my choice, I confess I'm usually pretty averse to free-from anything (even as a lactose intolerant) so I was feeling sceptical. Nevertheless, I ordered 'The Cure', a smoked salmon toastie followed by a brownie which was not only gluten free but dairy free as well. I'm so good. To say I was pleasantly surprised would actually be an understatement. I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch and certainly wouldn't refuse to go back if the invite arose.

From Beyond Bread, we made our way to Paddington so as to be in a suitable vicinity for train departure. A gentle stroll along to Little Venice in the sunshine was a sweet end to a lovely couple of days which brings us to Tuesday evening when I almost forgot to go to choir what with being all out of routine and what not.

Wednesday came and another visit, this time from a Cardiff-based friend (still working on her to move a little (a lot) closer) which took us here, there and really and truly everywhere. I was greeted by her in the form of an assault outside of Victoria Coach Station which taught me that I'd actually be horrendously awful if genuinely attacked. As much as I may like to think that I'd be able to handle myself in such a situation, turns out I just freeze and scream, even when the arm around me is adorned in recognisable fur and leather gloves.

So we wandered in pursuit of tea which I thought would be all too easy to find along one or another of the many pretty streets in the area. Many new mews' were discovered, but no tea (at least none that we felt we could afford) and before we knew it we were on Knightsbridge. Seeking the cheaper alternative, we found two seats in an incredibly busy Starbucks where we had lone businessmen to the left of us and a meeting that involved a large amount of make-up and serious talk to the right. Not wanting to out-stay our welcome, we eventually moved on to we weren't sure where. As we passed the counter again on our way out though, we did realise it was probably lunchtime so we decided somewhere new with food should be our next stop. 

I think a need of the toilet was what led us into Harrods. I don't usually like going in but probably only because I've made the fatal mistake of entering the building at Christmas time when it is heaving and horrible. The lack of windows and the fact that it's so easy to get lost always makes me a little claustrophobic as it is. Add in the crush of angry shoppers and I'm done. Nevertheless, we figured Harrods toilets would be worth the visit.

It was only once we were walking through the food-hall that I realised I have never been in there! Fortnum & Mason is probably still my favourite simply for pretty packaging and all the tea but I have to admit that this one did give the others a run for their money if only because of its absolutely stunning beauty. It is so extravagant it is unreal. Before we knew it, we were buying lunch; I had a hot dog croissant (yep, that's a thing), some ricotta and spinach pastry that made me look anything but elegant (all the spinach in all the teeth) and a stick of olive bread. Lunch heaven. Extravagance continued when the server at the checkout kept calling me madam and we were then escorted out of the building by the friendliest doorman who, having shown us the way to benches where we could eat, then came along to see what we were actually having for our lunch. There we sat, surrounded by pigeons and Spanish tourists with Burger King, watching various fancy looking cars roll up to drop off fancy looking people. A great place for a spot of people watching!

Now this next item is going to sound a bit sad but basically, I am an old man transport geek stuck inside a young woman's body and when I recently discovered that you can now use your Oyster on the River Bus, I had to try it! With a willing friend, we were on our way. We embarked at Embankment and weren't really sure where we'd get off but ended up disembarking at Greenwich after a seriously hair-raising journey. It was really fascinating to see so many sights that can really only be seen from the river and to imagine that some people genuinely use the clippers for their commute as there were some slightly abstract request stops at points! 

Once on dry land again in Greenwich, we made what turned out to be a rather bold move and headed for the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College. Turns out that a slightly turbulent journey on water followed by looking up to dizzying heights to admire a painted ceiling is not the best combination. It was beautiful but it wasn't too comfortable to look up for too long. 

Retreating from the Painted Hall then, we found ourselves wandering along again in search of tea. This time, we discovered a lovely cosy pub where we were lured in by cans of Cawston Press behind the bar. We sat ourselves in the conservatory where we felt very cosy while it began to rain outside. Time was pressing on and we suddenly realised how far we'd actually strayed so we headed back into the city via the DLR which was incredibly novel even without claiming the 'driving' seat. Dinner was had at The Diner in Carnaby Street and it was here that we had a mad panic when we realised we were only placing an order at 8 and a train needed to be caught at 9. Somehow, we managed to eat in about 15 minutes before basically running to the station and sharing a fleeting farewell. Miracles do happen.

Thursday and I was all alone. After lots of cat cuddles, I decided to be totally productive and headed to the bank (oh the joys of half term) and then, seeing as I was out, I happened to have a splurge at Beyond Retro. While in the area, I decided to venture on to Brick Lane; not actually for more vintage but instead to admire the buildings would you believe? I was heading specifically for Fournier Street which, as usual, has recently come to my attention via Instagram. Once there, I felt transported back in time and it was only after wandering a little further that I realised I'd actually admired similar buildings in neighbouring streets before. It's a pretty unique little part of London that's for sure.

Another day to myself on Friday, I decided to find another unusual street and also to make a visit to the Fashion and Textile Museum where I remembered the 'Liberty in Fashion' exhibition was still on. Sadly, the sunshine had disappeared by the time I headed outdoors so I decided to boycott Roupell Street but it's still on my radar for a sunny day. Instead, I did a little more vintage browsing along Lower Marsh before making my way to the museum. Once inside, the first thing that struck me was how it almost felt like a completely different building from the one I visited back in the summer for the Riviera Style exhibition. Elegant cloths were draped all around, acting as a partition between the decades. Full of beautiful fabrics and shapes, I lost myself in colour and the peace and quiet which was a huge contrast to most places across the course of the week. Again, time passed all too quickly and I realised I needed to head home and out again to Oslo Hackney (not Norway unfortunately) where LNZNDRF (a fusion of members from The National and Beirut) gave a very ambient performance. Definitely a venue I'm returning to, it was so small and friendly!

Last night, we ate at 100 Hoxton for a Norwich friend's birthday. Tasty tapas and tasty mocktails more than distracted me from the fact that I was expecting a child's face pressed up against the window at any moment or the simple fact that I was literally within view of school. In some ways I suppose it eased me back to reality. Perhaps.

Today I have mainly been binge watching Harry Potter and pretending that either a) tomorrow isn't really happening or b) if it is then it's just like Hogwarts and it's the dream. Only 5 weeks til the next holiday though, I'm sure this half term will fly by as quickly as the holiday has done (I hope). 

Riviera Style & Hidden gems in the City

Today has been a busy day! BBC Weather informed me that it would be rainy so I figured it was the right time for a museum trip. So far this summer, I've been avoiding them like the plague, secure in the knowledge that they will be heaving with tourists and - heaven forbid - children! I figured the Fashion & Textile Museum would be less popular with those categories though, so I braved it.

So keen to beat the crowds, I arrived before the museum even opened. I waited in Southerden (still not entirely sure how it should be pronounced), a quirky patisserie & café opposite. My Earl Grey tea was served in the most unusual pot, more akin to a cafetiere than a teapot and although this amused me, I must say I wasn't impressed by the taste of 'Joe's Tea Co.'; I think coffee must be their thing (it was Bermondsey Street after all).

By the time I'd drunk my tea, it was almost 10 past 11 so at least I didn't look like an eager puppy at the door ready for opening! There were already a few people milling about but not so many that I was put off going in. I paid my £8.80 (I think. The lady made a mistake with the card machine, thought it went through twice so gave me a refund. It's quite possible that I made an inadvertently free visit to the museum today) and received the sweetest ticket (it's the little things) for my entry. 

The exhibition was of Riviera style, right through from the 1920's to the modern day. I'm rubbish at voicing an educated opinion on these things, but there was plenty for the eye to behold. I particularly admired the way the ground floor had been laid out to look like a Lido and I always really love old rail posters which in this instance were of course advertising various seaside resorts both at home and abroad. 

A well curated, incredibly aesthetic exhibition, I really enjoyed my morning's pootle. I was, I admit, a little disappointed at the size of the collection but the gift shop at the end kept me plenty entertained for another quarter of an hour. And hey, if I got free entry then who am I to complain? 

Having expected my museum visit to fill a little more of my day, I wasn't quite sure what to do next. So I took to my To Do list and Google Maps to ascertain how far away I was from various locations. I discovered that the Red Cross Gardens were only a 13 minute walk away (oh yes, I love to be precise) so that's where I went next seeing as BBC Weather seemed to have been mistaken thus far... 

En route to the Red Cross Gardens, I passed another garden which I initially thought was the one I was looking for but was then grateful that it was not. Crossbones Garden looked a little creepy to me. When I eventually reached the gardens I was in search of, I was much happier to find beautiful beds full of colour, a pond teeming with lily pads and plenty of benches to rest on, one near a fountain which is where I decided I'd park myself. 

Major proud moment - I finished my book! Wahooey! Turns out a little rain (ok, BBC Weather was right) doesn't put my British self off sitting in a quiet outdoor space and reading, even when raindrops start to appear on the pages. I'm not scared. I was slightly scared though of the 'community gardener' who was having some issues with a water source for his hose. By some form of a miracle he sprayed it literally either side of me but I came out unscathed. Unlike him, who had clearly used his entire body to block the path of the uncontrollable water as when he emerged from the bushes, he was drenched. One debacle over, he then proceeded to prune low growing plants and when I looked up again I was faced with an entire bottom. I think maybe my finishing my book might have had something to do with my want to look anywhere but up!

When an over-friendly homeless man started inviting unsuspecting office workers to share a drink with him while they ate their lunch, I decided it was probably time to move on. An eventful half an hour to say the least!

Another destination on the To Do list that I knew wasn't far was St Dunstan in the East, a Wren church tower and its ruins by Monument. I can't remember where I first read about the church but it's been on my radar for a while. I walked via a Pret a Manger for my favourite chicken & avocado sandwich and an iced peach green tea as I figured this was going to be the kind of spot one lunches at.

I was right. It was like I'd walked into an outdoor office cafeteria. I was met with the surreal but beautiful sight of suited and booted types sharing benches to enjoy their lunch, the newspaper, a 'book' on their Kindle (or a real one to be fair to some) or just some space away from work. It was busy but quiet as most people were there without a companion. Again, it tried to rain, but in true British form we all continued to sit there regardless. I loved it and I decided I shall return on a Sunday, or better still, a cold, rainy day. It was incredibly photogenic!

With the tube strike this evening looming over me, I knew I wanted to be home before TfL had advised the trains would be getting busy, but it was still only around 2 o'clock when I left St Dunstan in the East so I wasn't done with the day.  

Where do I go when I'm 'in the area'? Well, Barbican of course. I'm not even entirely sure why. I'm just drawn to it. It's definitely one of my favourite places in London, if not my actual favourite! So I walked the distance to Barbican for another cup of tea (loose peppermint this time), a nosey in the gift shop and to pay a visit to the music shop nearby which is almost always closed whenever I go past.

My tea was still hot while I was in there and I felt awfully guilty carrying it in one hand, my other occupied by my handbag and purchases from the Fashion & Textile Museum, so I asked a shop assistant if there was somewhere I could put it (noticing on the side their own cafetiere and coffee cups) while I browsed. He willingly took it from me... then just held it!? I tried to take it back from him, feeling rather too important, but he refused and said he wasn't doing much else. I then continued to feel guilty (probably worse at this point), especially when I didn't end up buying anything. 

Tea retrieved, I wandered on until I came to Lamb's Passage. I couldn't remember what was down there, but I knew it was somewhere I'd read about in my Quiet London book so I thought I'd investigate on my way to the station and home. I was slightly unnerved when the road suddenly started to feel like a dead end but then I rounded a corner and realised that it did go on. A little way ahead I spotted greenery protruding through a fence and knew I must have happened upon a place of interest. 

It was a tiny garden in memory of Basil Hume (a monk who became the Archbishop of Wesminster in the 70's. I had no idea until I got home and looked him up). So I sat with my tea on a bench sheltered by vines, admiring the mix of what can only be described as very 'Zen' plants and feeling a bit sneaky in the knowledge that there were plenty of people dashing past who had no idea of my existence but who I could see and hear all too clearly. Another incredibly surreal spot.

So turns out I managed to cover a lot of ground today and the list is being gradually worked through. Still holding out for actual sunshine so my poor legs can stop looking so out of place but I'm grateful for now to be finding so much to do whatever the weather!