London Life - Borough Market

Borough market is one of my favourite haunts in London. Not only is it filled with fabulous food stuff, but it is a great place to people watch, spend some down time and see a real eclectic mix of London life.
Springtime is one of my favoured times to visit. A few weeks ago I popped along as I had compiled a list of treats on my food wish list. The market was bustling with the general mix of foodies, tourists and city workers grabbing a lunchtime treat.

There are so many fab food places with now over a 100 stalls under the railway arches and market eves, here are a few of mine;

• Bread Ahead - amazing artisan bread and home to Justin Gellatly's legendary doughnuts.
• Turnips - the legendary greengrocers, displaying every imaginable fruit & vegetable possible.
• The Ginger Pig - fabulous butchers with produce from their three Yorkshire farms, home to many rare breeds all slowly reared outside.
• Monmouth Coffee Company - coffee sold by the bean & by the cup, queues are legendary and people travel far for a cup of the brown liquid bean.

On my recent trip I fell in love with this gorgeous beagle who had found the only spot of early morning sunshine and was making the most of it whilst waiting patiently for its masters coffee outside Monmouth.

The market was awash with colour and glorious produce.

The market is steeped in history and has been trading along the river by London Bridge since the 13th century, always taking pride in understanding the provenance of its wares. It now proudly supports a blue plaque on one of its walls and being recognised as the oldest fruit & veg market in London.
Southwark Cathedral presides over Borough market, William Shakespeare's brother Edmund is buried in the grounds and a number of William's classics are depicted in the stained glass windows. The Globe is a short walk from the market along Clink street. A favourite for the Elizabethan theatre it still remains a favourite for film producers now. Recently the narrow streets of the market were used in the Harry Potter & the prisoner of Azkaban, where the flower shop is the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, and the bus which sped across London was filmed around here.

 The most famous of recent years has got to be Bridget Jones. Bridget's flat was above the Globe pub in the heart of the market, and the legendary fight scene between Daniel & Mark was outside Bedales restaurant nearby. The dastardly Daniel's apartment was a short walk around the corner in Clink street, with numerous scenes being filmed in and around the market.

Borough is a must for any food fan when visiting London, but also a great place to explore if a film or history fan. The food on offer is amazing .... a short walk from London Bridge... its delicious.

 

Best Department Store in the World

Every 2 years all the heads of the retail industry meet for a week somewhere in the world, which culminates in an event which I would describe as the retail Baftas. The awards are nominated and voted by peers within the industry, the most prestigious being awarded being voted "The Best Department Store in the World".
Selfridges first won the accolade in 2010 when the event was held in New York. They went on to win again in 2012 in Paris, being the first store to win the award twice and consecutively. Earlier this month the event was held in Singapore, where Selfridges yet again took the award again. More details can be found here.

The news was soon sent back to the stores... this is a huge accolade for a brand and I'm very proud to type this knowing I work for the Best Department Store in the World. It may be tough some days, but recognition like this is worth it, because it means we are all doing something right.
As we all left the store on Friday we were handed a small Thank you card and cupcake, these were being handed out by the directors which was a great little touch.

The vision that Mr Selfridge had 105 years ago was to be the best and that everyone is welcome, its great to know we are still living those values all these years later.

Words Wednesday - May reads

This month I have managed to squeeze six books into my daily commute, which gives you an idea of how long some of my travels have been!... A book is a fundamental part of my commuting life, this is what has been keeping me entertained underground and overground across the city of London in May.

An Eligible Bachelor - Veronica Henry ~ VH is one of my favourite authors, her books are always a romp of a read filled with fun, family, friendship, love & laughter, with a leading guy you want to run away with and a location that I'm usually googling for a dream holiday!...this book doesn't disappoint. Guy is the Lord of the Manor in a Cotswold countryside,  Honor is a single mum in the village who runs a small catering /cake business. Guys mother launches a luxury B&B business for weekend retreats at the manor and enlists Honor's help. Throw in an adorable best friend, a soapstar fiancé and an errant ex and you have a fabulous romp of a read. Loved it, luxurious escapism, perfect if curled up on sofa a chilly Sunday afternoon or lounging on a sunbed in the tropics.
A Gift to Remember - Melissa Hill ~ Darcy works in a small independent bookstore in the heart of New York, whilst cycling to work one morning she knocks down a gentleman crossing the road walking his dog. Darcy wracked with guilt ends up looking after the dog whilst the man (Aiden) is taken to hospital. Aiden wakes from his accident with no memory of who he is, other than he has a dog. Darcy embarks on an adventure across New York trying to identify her patient and reunite him with his dog & family in time for Christmas.  I really enjoyed this book, Melissa Hill writes a great novel with New York as one of its characters. It has mystery, fun, romance and a very cute dog, all set to the backdrop of a fabulous city. Even with Christmas as its season, this can be read at anytime, another great read.
The One Plus One - JoJo Moyes ~ Ed's life is in chaos, under investigation from everyone he escapes to his weekend home to hide, here he meets Jess, a single mum to Nicky & Tanzie and Norman the dog.  Jess is holding down 2 jobs and struggling to make ends meet, along with looking after a bullied stepson and a maths prodigy daughter. Tanzie is offered a partial scholarship to a school for gifted children. To win the remains of the school fees, Tanzie is entered into a maths Olympiad in Scotland.
Jess's next challenge is get her there to compete, after some calamities, Ed finds himself offering to chauffeur the family there.... here embarks a journey that will change all of their lives for ever. A fabulous read filled with love, laughter, tears and family...
Revenge - Martina Cole ~ Michael Flynn is at the top of his game as crime lord of the british underworld. Family & Loyalty are his underlying principles in a world filled with crime, violence, power and money. Michael's world comes crashing down when his principles are compromised and his family comes under threat. Martina Cole was always one of my favourite authors, writing hard gritty family crime dramas in the East end of London. Although still not as good as her early novels, this book puts her back in the game of great reads, something which has been lacking in the last few books.
A Place to Call Home - Carole Matthews ~ Ayesha flees her home in the dead of night with her small daughter, escaping a violent husband. Finding herself  in London far away from what she knows, she seeks out a refuge for help. With no room at the refuge, Ayesha finds herself in the care of Crystal, Crystal boards at a reclusive popstar Ayden's house in Hampstead. This novel is about so much, its filled with love, laughter, family,it tackles domestic violence, crossing cultures and generations. It will tug at the heart strings from so many levels... I loved this book. NB if reading on the tube, a handy tissue is advisable! Another fantastic read from Carole Matthews, she knows how to tackle difficult subject matters in an uplifting and real way.
The Cuckoo Calling - Robert Galbraith ~ This book had me gripped from the start (thanks Ali Mc for the recommendation!) I loved it. Robert Galbraith has created a detective that will stand alongside some of the fictional classics and favourites and creep into your heart. Cormoran Strike is a war veteran down on his luck both personally and professionally. He is approached to investigate the death of a high profile model, who's brother refuses to believe that she threw herself off her luxury apartments balcony. Assisted by Robin his temporary assistant  Cormoran embarks on the biggest investigation of his career. From the glamour of Mayfair to the seedy streets of Soho this is a fabulous thriller from start to finish. I loved this book so much I have the next instalment on pre-order already. Robert Galbraith is the pseudonym of JK Rowling, and any editor that passed up this book must be kicking themselves now. Her narrative is as descriptive as any HP novel and she has created a character that will make the adult population rooting and willing him to succeed in the same way that every child did with Harry.... Bravo JK.
As you can see, my reads have been varied and eclectic this month, and I have enjoyed each one in its own right. Thankyou authors for 6 great reads....
What's been grabbing your attention this month and what reads would you recommend.

Afternoon Tea ~ London Style

This weeks London loves follow my New York loves last week. Afternoon Tea is synonymous with London and its hotels. Its one of my favourite ways to escape from the hustle and bustle of London life and the stresses of work. There is nothing as lovely than sitting down for tea, cakes & sandwiches in a relaxing environment, chatting with friends or chilling with a good book.

I have since I worked in London sipped Afternoon tea in many sumptuous locations. Here are 5 of my favourites.

Claridges
Claridges Afternoon tea is utterly divine, from the moment the doorman sweeps you into the grand foyer you are transported into a world where your every whim is catered for. The tea served on Claridges iconic teal stripe china is gorgeous. Here is a post from my visit, when I was taken for a birthday treat and had a fabulous time.
One Aldwych
This very modern & funky hotel was a new venue for me last year and a pleasant surprise. I visited for their Charlie & Chocolate factory inspired tea. The service, ambience and tea were delightful. The tea is clever, inspirational and so much fun, thoroughly recommend for anyone who is either a Roald Dahl fan or a chocolate fan.
The Berkeley
This is an old established hotel in Kensington which serves the perfect tea for any fashionista The Berkeley launched its Pret-a-Portea  a few years ago and its a huge hit with the ladies. Sited in the Caramel rooms in the Berkeley and served on bright funky china. This seasons tea features miu miu, Victoria Beckham & Christian Louboutin. I have visited this hotel twice for tea and loved both times.

Peggy Porschen Parlour
This parlour in a Belgravia side street is a treat and perfect for a spot of tea & cake. Peggy's doesn't serve the full afternoon tea, but it does serve fabulous tea & cake, perfect for a detour when shopping in the city. Here is a post from a previous visit.
The Savoy
One of my favourites, I have been many times and never been disappointed. One of the most iconic and established hotels in London, as you sweep through the revolving doors you are transported into a time and world filled with glamour, decadence and luxury. Had a fabulous time and tea here in November celebrating a 70th birthday.
As with previous posts I have plotted a little map of where these are in London... I hope that you sip, savour and enjoy. x

My tea list is always growing, on my wish list for this year are The Goring, The Connaught Hotel, The Shard, Balthazar and The Wolseley..............What are your favourites or recommendations.

Big Easy Brunch

Over the past couple of years the Americans, predominately New Yorkers have slowly been taking over Covent Garden. ( all in a good way of course) The eateries that have crossed the pond in the past year and settled in the market area have bought a great food feel back to the market area.
A couple of weeks ago I decided to try out the recently opened Big Easy for lunch. The Big Easy's menu is built around the BBq's and  Crabshack's of the south. The restaurant is sited on Maiden Lane just behind the Market towards Charing Cross. It was once an old electrical power station which suits its dark entrance and fabulous funky lighting. The venue is all wood and metal with some fabulous big urban windows. The daily menu offers and lunch menu is fabulous value for money.

I opted for the calamari for appetiser's and the jumbo shrimp for main. I declined the included beer or cocktail options and opted for sparkling water... something I was grateful later.
The servings are big, the calamari came in a huge basket accompanied by a spicy dip. The calamari was gorgeous, really tasty and tender. The jumbo shrimps arrived on a bed of chips, this is where it went a little array. The shrimp again was gorgeous, however the chips were not edible. They looked fantastic but were so heavily salted that they were not edible at all. I am a salt girl and often get told off for too much salting, however these surpassed even my palate, which was a huge disappointment.
Thankfully a large bottle of water was at hand!.

Has this put me off going again.... No, I really enjoyed the venue, the food that I ate was good, however when going again I will ask for my food to be un-seasoned and also to understand what the sauces are which accompany the dishes as the menu isn't very clear.
This is a cool dinery for after work eats, family days out and easy lunches.... hopefully my experience was just an off day in the kitchen!..
Here are some of the American take-overs in the Covent Garden area... more blog posts to come