It's Been A While.....

After a quick spell out of the Capital, I'm happy to return with a restaurant posts of a positive nature!

I mentioned on an earlier post the good and the bad thinks about an American themed chain called The Diner. I commented on the lack of customer service and overall slow delivery of food in most of their outlets. A week or so ago around 9pm ish, I returned to the Islington Restaurant after a few Friday night drinks and I have to say the quality of service and overall attitude of the staff had improved 100%.

After requesting a table for three we were told the wait would be approximately 20-30mins. Not unreasonable for a Friday night so we ordered at the bar, by the time we'd taken up our stools, the seater arrived to tell us our table was ready. Seeing we had drinks, bags and coats to carry, the seater asked if she could help carry anything and assisted with a friend's drink who was otherwise disposed. On his return she pointed him to where she had seated us. On any previous visits to this franchise I would have been grateful for eye contact when I entered so I was mightily impressed with this improved front of house presentation. The waitress herself was quick and efficient without being pushy and the food arrived within 15 minutes. There was no pressure to vacate the table once we'd finished our actual food, which was good as always and we were left to our own devices to finish our drinks in peace.

For the first time at any The Diner restaurant, I was happy to leave a tip and my tummy was full!

Well done The Diner, fingers crossed for future visits!

Sunday Selection

Today Sunday 20th March may I suggest you visit the Cheese and Wine Festival on London's South Bank.

I strolled down to the event situated behind the Royal Festival Hall on Saturday and was greeted by the excitable buzz that surrounded the small but perfectly formed collection of stalls.

Cheese and wine from around the globe are available to sample and buy in all manner of volumes. Alongside breads, pastries and specialist olive oils, the biggest queue was for the Raclette, a dish based on this type of cheese that is melted and accompanied by potatoes and chorizo among other things. I opted for a chocolate twist pastry as I'd already eaten lunch but believe me Raclette is the next thing on my food must try list!

It was very busy, so a sharpening of elbows is recommended but it's worth being patient to get to the front of the stalls to sample everything. There is a tent holding food and drink demonstrations throughout the day.

The Merry Widows Wine stall ( http://www.merrywidowswine.com ) served the most smooth and delicious red named Zweigelt and if the bottle had been a little less pricey, it was around £16, I definitely would have made a purchase but I'll have to wait for a special occasion to treat myself. Instead I came away with the biggest muffins I have ever seen, some divine Red Leicester cheese and a huge ciabatta loaf.

Tomorrow is the final day of the event happening between 11am - 6pm.

Please find link below

http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/cheese-and-wine-festival-london-article-8522.html

Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

Spring In Your Step!

OK so it's still freezing but at least it's bright and sunny!

Tips for Today


Tip 1)

Take A visit to Holland Park.

Enjoy the relaxing Japanese Garden and the beautiful Peacocks that roam freely. There are a huge amount of grey squirrels running about that provide endless bench watching fun and an excellent children's adventure playground for the kids!

Tip 2)

Fashion flip for a mo.

If you are shopping for your summer wardrobe keep your head above the fashion pack with woven and rope details in bags and shoes, think espadrilles and beach bags.
Gypsy and peasant styles along with suede and tassels will be massive once again this year so embrace your inner bohemian ........... Peace Dudes.......

Tip 3)

Movie review.

Winters Bone staring Jennifer Lawrence has just been released on DVD. Watch it.
It's dark and gritty and Lawrence is spellbinding as a young girl desperate to find out the truth about her father's death to save her mentally ill mother and younger siblings.
Let me know what you think!

Food For Thought.......

Today's post concerns tips for eating out in town.

Keeping it simple - I'm suggesting a place for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

This is something I hope to do every month in order to keep you informed of what's new and different as well as some under the radar gems worth checking out.

Breakfast

S&M Cafe on Essex Road in Islington is my suggestion for a traditional English breakfast.
This cafe is also popular for lunch and dinner but personally I have always found it is the breakfast that I return for.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and the clientele is a complete mix of suits, media types and students as well as locals.  Take away is an option but I have always preferred to sit in, enjoying the 70's for mica vibe that accompanies my mug of tea and toast. Friends swear by the full monty breakfast and staff have always been obliging when asking for extra bread or bacon instead of the black pudding. Turns out some food outlets in the UK actually do replacements hurrah!

Over the years the food quality has remained fresh and tasty and the prices consistent. There is now a sister cafe in the newly refurbished Spitafield's market and although I enjoyed my visit there, because the decor is definitely more modern I find it lacks the personal, traditional touch, to that of Essex Road.

Link below for more in

http://www.sandmcafe.co.uk/islington.php:



Lunch

Staying on Essex Road but opposite S&M we have The Diner. A traditional 50's American food experience in London.
This is a brand that has grown rapidly over the past few years. I have visited the Soho and Shoreditch branches as well Islington although have yet to experience  the Camden or Kensal Rise establishments.

Again breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here and the menu is extensive. My favourite is the cornbeef hash with fried eggs accompanied with cheesy fries and a milkshake to die for. The burgers and hot dogs are also extremely good. The beauty of a place such as this is the choice.

You can enjoy the kind of fries YOU want. Ranging from fat fries (chunkier) to wet fries (with onion gravy) to chilli fries to cajun seasoned and obviously cheesy! You can add peanut butter to your milkshake and even mix in a some Nutella too if you so wish. Something my nephew describes as wonderful!

If not visiting for lunch, its a great place to grab a late night snack too, as the portions are adequate but not Supersized American. The decor is all red booths, black tables and white tiles and the space is ample. Good for couples, families or dining alone.

There are two reservations I have with The Diner.

First is the price. It may not be extortionate, especially as we're in London, but I feel it just creeps over the edge of what you feel comfortable about spending on a "normal" lunch out.
The second is, that over the three restaurants I have visited although the staff are polite they have been consistently too relaxed and laid back which can result in a longer than normal wait for your meal which kind of makes the price you are paying for your meal that much harder to swallow.

That said I wouldn't be posting about The Diner if I didn't feel it offers a different eating experience to any other American food place I've visited in London and if you have ever had the real diner experience in the USA I'd say, food wise at least this is about as close as you get at present in dear old Blighty.

Details below:

http://www.goodlifediner.com/


Dinner

My favourite meal of the day!

Bodean's BBQ Restaurant

We're off to Soho in the centre of town now.  This is another brand that is slowly expanding but again I prefer the original restaurant located here in West End.


Bodean's BBQ Restaurant

"Smoke it Slow, Cook it Low" is their slogan and the aim seems to be to provide the juiciest tasting meat one can eat and of the many offerings I've enjoyed off this menu it excels where no other place I've eaten can. I was taken by a friend a few years back and haven't stopped recommending the food since!

The quality is just so good.

In a time when many restaurants offering a similar style seem to just add BBQ sauce and dried out sides, this place stands head and shoulders above the rest. There really seems to be a care in the food they are serving you. It's obvious from the taste that leaves you mmmming and drooling from the first bite that they have studied their style and perfected it.

Be it the BBQ Chicken, Pulled Pork or Beef Brisket, the meat is so tender you almost want to order seconds despite your bulging belly. The fries are tasty and seasoned with a the little pot of sauce that accompanies them along with the coleslaw which is always fresh and creamy. These  extra touches to the sides lighten the whole BBQ taste, providing you with a delicious taste experience.

Staff are friendly, efficient and always accommodating in the Soho and Tower Hill restaurants that I frequent.

Upstairs in both there is a deli style atmosphere and a take away service. Downstairs hosts a more intimate (more so in Soho if I'm honest) dining experience. There are screens showing sport but nothing loud to overcrowd your meal. The  atmosphere downstairs is created with dark green or red booths and a wood decor, heightened by the the hum of conversations of fellow diners that creates an almost lodge style experience. Not, may I add in a bad way but in a "we know this place exists!" kind of excitement which only adds to the eating out experience.

Prices are west end prices and totally worth it in my opinion. I've said before that I'm happy to pay for consistent quality and Bodean's delivers just that.

Please check out the link below and let me know what you think because this is little piece of meat heaven as far as I'm concerned and anyone I've taken along has agreed. It would be good to hear others opinions!

http://www.bodeansbbq.com/


So there you have it today's tips for tantalising your taste buds! 
More to follow next month......

Not To Be Missed Theatre In The Least Expected Places

Stratford in East London may not be at the forefront of your mind when considering a night out and the theatre, nor for that matter Bromley in South London. In the last week I have been lucky enough to experience the delight of both venues and they do not disappoint.

First off, the Theatre Royal Stratford East was the setting for an evening out on Wednesday to experience "The Graft" a play adapted from the Martina Cole novel of the same name. I first experienced this particular theatre last year after I saw a segment on BBC London about a debut play being performed there adapted from the same author called "Two Women". A family member is a massive fan of her books and being from Essex originaly we all thought it would be an experience worth a try. We were not disappointed!

So this year when I was made aware a second production was to be held there, this time based on"The Graft" I was eager to see if it could maintain it's initial success. It did and more some!

The journey from Liverpool Street Station is a mere 10-15 minutes by tube or overground and the walk from the station to the theatre no more than 5.  Obviously we all know Stratford is undergoing a massive regeneration due to the Olympics and I feel that in these times particularly it becomes even more special to have a reason to visit the area to note the manner in which the area has been and will change before, during and post 2012.

The magic of this old building is that it lies directly opposite a modern block of flats and adjacent to a  small pedestrianised area just outside the local shopping centre housing,  a Chinese and West Indian restaurant. A part of old world charm inside a modern urban town. The theatre is quaint not small. The staff are helpful and polite but most of all friendly.

All that said the jewel in the crown of this place is the bar/restaurant that is attached. The Jamaican fare on offer is divine. Proving such a hit that it's locals not just theatre goers that vie for a table to eat there. Some diners still soaking up the atmosphere when you surface for the interval despite having arrived before you. There is basic food also for those who don't enjoy the spicy fare and the price is totally justified in my opinion, anything from £4-£8 for a meal. Drinks are reasonable £3 for a small red wine etc. My only detraction from this area this time was a solo pianist singing covers which frankly was too load for a busy pre-theatre area but hey you can't love everything about a place!

Despite not being a reader of Martina Cole books myself, on the two occasions I have experienced the adaptations of her works, I have been blown away by the great acting, superb stage direction, honesty and sheer bravery of the work. If the productions you witness are anything like the books, then we should all be running to get a copies. I am assured that the plays do indeed stand up to the novels by those that have accompanied me. Companions have also been thrilled that I should garner such enjoyment from the plays without any prior knowledge of the stories.  Of "The Graft" I can commend not only the plot/script but the scoreline and directing of the physical scenes which were a joy to watch.

Last but not least on "The Graft" at Theatre Royal Stratford East.  It was announced at the interval that Martina Cole was doing a book signing upstairs. May I just say what a wonderful warm lady she was,  who signed anything from programmes to ticket stubs and posed for numerous photos. Totally made the night for my superfan friend!

Please see link below if this has sparked any interest:

http://www.stratfordeast.com/whats_on/The_Graft.shtml

The Churchill Theatre Bromley is the second location for my theatre report.

I must admit I have been lucky enough to visit this location on a number of occasions to see various productions of west end productions on tour, as well as new concepts be tried and tested.

I will be honest I cannot quite put my finger on what the Churchill has, but it has it in bucket loads!

Firstly there's the brilliantly, friendly and  helpful staff. I know this may sound gushing but although I am not the first to complain, I will be the one complaining to the highest and loudest level when things are just wrong. This is blog is to promote the good stuff in London but the bad will not be ignored.

I was running late on a previous visit due to traffic and being the person holding the tickets in their hands, this did not qualm the fears of an elderly wheelchair user who was a member of my party. They were understandably concerned about being seated in time as not to disturb others. Even without me being present the staff ensured that they were comfortably in their seat 15 minutes before curtain up just by being told the seat numbers over the phone. Now I don't know about you guys but to me that's customer care!

Last Saturday's matinee was a trip to see Avenue Q. I'd been told to visit it many a time when it was in residence in St Martin's Lane but as you do, I thought it would run forever and never got around to booking tickets. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to see it and even more please to be able to enjoy it in the Churchill. For one thing the leg room is amazing, a massive deal for me in the theatre. No getting up and down all the time but just being able to swing your legs is a dream.

As for the play, I guess the Tony Award should speak for itself. It does!
The play is funny and it's bright, modern and engaging. Socially questioning, mocks PC blah blah and overall it is creative. Not in a razzle dazzle blow your mind way, in a we can talk about and challenge stuff that we're all going through in a whimsical, poke fun at ourselves kind of way.

I love seeing plays at regional theatres as I get a totally different vibe to the west end (have loads of stuff on the west end buy the way but don't wanna off load all at once)!
The beauty of seeing a play such as Avenue Q in Bromley, was to watch the way the audience came out of their shell as the play progressed. That I think is exactly it's message and not wanting to give too much away the point of the whole experience.

I don't want to wax too lyrical so I shall leave it there but I have to say after 5 years The Churchill has not dissappointed and long I hope it reigns.....

See link below for more details

http://www.ambassadortickets.com/2243/651/Bromley/The-Churchill/Avenue-Q-Tickets

 Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Things To Do In The Gloomy Weather.....

So its cold again, it's getting towards the end of the month and money is tight!

Here are my tips to enjoy some time out that will tickle the senses but not necessarily break the bank, window shopping with a difference with a little added!

The places may sound pricey but the experience doesn't have to be ........

Stop 1

Selfridges Food Hall

Starting in Oxford Street, smack bang in the centre of town.

Take a trip to Selfridges Food Hall. Selfridges I hear you cry hardly easy on the pocket but the beauty of the Food Hall is that it's like a tour of the world in edible delicacies.

Meat and fish are laid out the way they are meant to be observed.  Heads and feet left on in all their glory, which although at first appears a little scary, enables you to really appreciate the things you eat and where they come from.

There is a kitch American section filled with all the usual delights like Goobers peanut butter jelly, Hershey products and fruit loops galore.  Parents be warned the colours are bright and the E Numbers high! There's sushi, Italian meats and I could go on but you need to see for yourselves.

A favourite of mine is the bread section seriously who knew there was actually that many different ways to eat such a basic delight.  Tucked beautifully behind the bread is the most exciting of all parts CAKES!
To buy, to try and to decorate if you're into cupcakes the trend du jour!

For those with some spare cash in their pockets there is the Oyster and Champagne Bar ( I saw Patsy Kensit enjoying a mid-week splurge on a day off once)!  Also, the delicious smell of Salt beef from one of the many concessions along with the unenviable taste of the Square Pie company and so on which are all at your disposal.

I must admit despite all my time in this great city, Selfridges Food Hall is a recent discovery. I would be ashamed but am also thrilled to pass on the delight I have seen it give to every generation with whom I have visited, enjoy!

Stop 2

Liberty  Of London

Now I don't know about you but whenever I hear the name Liberty London, a short walk from Oxford Street and just off of Regent Street, I think Tudor, chintz, plaid, the past....

I now thoroughly happily admit after seeking refuse one rainy Sunday afternoon that I could not have been more wrong!

This place is an architectural master piece.The wood beams stripped bare with white walls is so Shoreditch new money you'd could cry. And the clothes, the clothes!!!!

Now I won't lie to you I'm thrifty, always have been and always will be. I want the most for my money but I love the designer gear that I love. I may not buy it very often but I sure as hell will admire it/save for it when necessary and there is no better place to freely explore your fashion treasures than at  Liberty.

The decadence of the pret a porter designers on offer against the sparseness of the space is inspiring and the whole place offers an indulgence that I believe only an invite to London Fashion Week can afford.
Even the shoe section has you stroking the products and that to me is heavenly-Shoes glorious shoes!

The fact that the staff are on hand to help but not intimidating was a huge plus. I was carrying a rain soaked Primark bag at the time (for my boyfriend of course) and no one batted an eyelid, what a refreshing change!

Lastly, at a hefty price I admit but if you did fancy a treat the cream teas they offer are almost, almost irresistible.

This is the point of  A Londoners London blog. I have lived here for many years yet have still managed to miss so many of the obvious highlights it's scary.

I think the moral is (if there ever is one) is it isn't the devil you know but maybe actually talking to the devil that's in front of you that's important!

Stop 3


A short walk to Covent Garden/Seven Dials for the small but exquisite experience of Neals Yard.
Now in these cash strapped times many of us have taken to home crafts in order to fill time/make gifts/create income.

As a homemade jewellery maker for nearly 3 years now, I have found it hard to find stores in London that actually sell beads, findings, and original materials at a high quality, high diversity of product  and at a decent price level. 

My prize find is Bead Aura in Neals Yard http://www.beadaura.co.uk/

So efficiently organised, offering a hugely different choice of materials in a low pressure atmosphere,  is almost unheard of in London and leaves the shopper to explore to their pleasure.

The staff stay seated behind the till, helping only when asked, which I find vital in such a small space. Everything is clearly labeled so you know what the deal is buying wise. The precious stones are kept separately downstairs and I find this invaluable so as not to get carried away from your original wish list. Come on crafter's we all do it!


Bead Aura, I doff my cap to you! I keep coming back for butterflies to make my drop earrings!

The bonus is you can take the Husband/Boyfriend/Kids/Uninterested Friends without fear of boredom because of the amazing cafes that neighbour this brilliant shop so everyone can be sustained..

Stop 4 Last and as always not the least....

Royal Festival Hall South Bank

I have to admit this is my favourite place in London Town.



I have been visiting this amazing place since the age of fourteen and I'm now 33 years old and the solace that such a modern building offers is as warm as it is unique.

Photography exhibitions, free Jazz concerts at lunch times, coupled along with the paying events this place has to offer makes this place in my humble opinion the most peaceful, communal and diverse landmark you can inhabit.

It's free, its real, it's true.

In winter it's a stop off for the loo and coffee and now there's the food market  positioned at the back which adds a bit extra. In the summer it is the ONLY place to enjoy a drink on the front terrace during a lazy afternoon.

I know many feel due to it's modernisation it's become yet another capitalistic privately owned part of London and I more than most dislike the heavy hand of security presence that is now in existence.

That said despite of all this it still holds its original charm for me. A place to meet friends or strangers, a place to go alone, a place to learn, a place to view. Here you are free.

Breathtaking views, every facility nearby, nothing holding you back.

Have Fun!

Fashion Baby!

London hold on to you Fabulousness as London Fashion Week rolls into town tomorrow!
Somerset House is the main base for all those Fashionistas in the know, with other shows taking place all around the Capital.

Highlights will come as always from Vivienne Westwood's Red Label Show taking place on Sunday and the Burberry Show which happens on Monday.
Alongside the big hitters there will also be a cream of British talent being featured so there really will some bits to get your taffeta teeth into!
Expect parties into the night and a few weary heads requiring the obligatory Vitamin water in the morning for the early shows!

Bafta Buzz!

It's BAFTA Awards time in London and the festivities kick off at around 4.30pm at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden on Sunday, so if you're out and about in the west end today or tonight, keep you eyes peeled for a few A-listers in town for the star studded event!

There is a public view area which opens for wristband collection at 8am on Sunday find more details at
http://www.bafta.org/awards/film/film-awards-public-information,663,BA.html

Don't forget your autograph book and camera!!

It's A Beautiful Day

The sun is shining in London Town today and nothing could be better in this clear crisp weather than a walk in Highgate Wood and Hampstead Heath. The expansive area is a walkers delight!
It can be muddy so proper shoe attire is worth remembering and dogs run free.
People roam at their leisure and experience a real sense of 'green' in this part of North London an escape  from the hustle and bustle of city living. There are facilities dotted around and maps to follow so you can enjoy all that is to offer, such as sitting by the lake, cafes and of course Kenwood House. Opening times are normally from 7.30am and closing times vary season to season, usually at sunset. Check on the entrance gates for times when you enter. After you walk why not wander into Highgate Village and enjoy a drink at The Flask Pub which is cosy inside with a great outdoor space at the front!

And so it begins .......

So it goes like this, I have lived in London for over 6 years and been a regular visitor for nearly 25 years and worked in this town for 15.
This is why I feel I am a bona fide Londoner and tough if you don't agree!

Whilst living in this amazing city it can become much much too easy to forget and overlook the true wonders it has to offer, hence this blog!

My aim is to document the little finds and amazing sights that are present in each nook and cranny of town and as well as informing visitors to London of what hot and what's not, what is a waste and what to do in haste and  remind it's residence of what a unique place we live in and encourage Londoners to see what's under their nose and realise that not all of it's attractions are just for tourists!

Hold tight and enjoy the ride!!