Lovely lunch

These past 2 weeks my dad has had a couple of operations on his back, which means we have a patient in our household for a while.

On Friday dad decided he was going to venture out of the house and go for lunch. He still can't walk very far at all,  and when he is its rather slow, and  he can't really sit down too long in one place. Understandable with what he has gone through.

But anyways me and mum were both around so we took him out to one of our favourite local pubs - The Exchequer.

It's a lovely quaint pub. Great food, amazing service and mordern yet traditional decor.

Check this wallpaper out.

In the summer its great to sit out the front and watch the world go by. Its located on a quite country lane so not much traffic at all and it over looks acres of fields. So a beautiful outlook to look at whilst you bask in the sun with a Pimms. 

Unfortunatly it wasn't warm enough to sit out there this time. But the inside is just as wonderful. 

We had a lovely lunch. I was a bad blogger and totally forgot to take pictures of the food, due to the fact that I couldn't wait to get stuck in.  It was just what dad needed. 

This is why I love the English countryside so much. Having a lovely pub just down the road is a must, then London 40mins away. Best of both worlds. 

Chapter 3 Granger & Co

OK I apologise for how late my final chapter of my busy but exciting weekend. I have been incredibly busy and only have had the time to sit down and write this, but here it is.

After our fun night out on the town, we had agreed we were going to go get brunch Sunday in Nottinghill at Granger & Co which is a wonderful place.

I am a morning person due to my lifestyle of having to sort out the horses in the morning, to previously getting up stupidly early to train when I competed in swimming. So my body clock is good with early mornings. On the other hand C is not such a morning person. This leaves me responsible for getting everyone up in time.  Nat was meeting her parents that day so was unable to join us.

C got up *eventually* and off we went to Nottinghill. I love the walk through Nottinghill down Portobello Rd, looking in all the shops and down all the residential streets thinking how some of these houses are beautiful and maybe one day that will be us living some where like that (I can dream).

We reached Granger & Co which has a bit of a que - they take no reservations walk in only and as we had taken a bit of a stroll and browsed the shops we arrived at peek time 11am. As we waited, eyeing everyone up inside to pressure them to leave so we can come in, whilst from their view we just looked like begging puppies ha ha.

Time flew by, due to great company 20 mins later we were sat in the warmth being waited on hand and foot.

Now comes the tough decision of what to order, looking around at every ones orders they all look delicious.  I already had on my mind all morning their Ricotta Hotcakes, which are Australian version of pancakes ( by the way Granger & Co is Australian owned and cuisine). They come with bananas, maple syrup and honey comb butter, just heaven on a plate. C was undecided but with a little persuasion from me and the waiter C also went for Ricotta Hotcakes. 

Here they are. Aren't they wonderful? 

C was very pleased with her choice too. 

Once we finished, C and I decided we needed to walk of these hotcakes and do a bit of retail therapy. 

If you are planning on going to Granger & Co, don't be put off by the que. They are very quick at seating everyone. I went the busiest time of the week and only had to wait 20 mins. 

Till the next post. Hope you all have a good kick off to the weekend. 

Quote of the Week

All that needs to be said is told by Coco Chanel.....

Part 2 A Fun & Jam Packed Weekend

After our lovely lunch, me and C wanted to do a bit of shopping before heading back to get ready for our night out.

My dad last weekend and this weekend had a back operation, and I know how much he loves macaroons so I wanted to treat him, as he is our patient at the moment, and when you are in a bit of pain and out of sorts all you want is what you really feel like eating. So me and C took a trip to Laduree. Of course couldn't get my dad some and not treat me and C too.

Aren't the colours amazing?

After our busy day we headed back to C to get ready for our night out on the town. C was excited as she is taking me to a cocktail bar she has discovered and loves. C flat mate and also another one of my good friend from Uni Nat, managed to join us which was great as she is always so busy with work its hard to see her.

After listening to music, dancing, a glass of wine and eventually made the decision of what to wear. We were ready to go out.

For dinner we went to Automat in Mayfair which is an American Brasserie. I love it here, as it has great ambiance, decorated lovely, treated to the highest service but you feel at ease and comfortable, not pretentious at all. Not forgetting to say the food is amazing along with the cocktails.

Me and Nat went for the chicken burger with cheese and bacon, might as well go all out, and if you are eating in an American brasserie gotta go for the burger. We were not disappointed and C had the macaroni with truffle, which she said was divine.

C had eaten all hers before I got to take a pic, but I managed to hold off eating mine to take a quick pic. My mouth is watering as I write this ha ha.

After dinner C was excited to take me and Nat to this cocktail bar she has been raving on about. It is located in China Town, called ECC - Experimental Cocktail Club.

The place is unknown to anyone walking by, its a place you need to know it's there. As it is in between two Chinese restaurants with this black rough looking door. The only real give away is a guy outside the door who tests you - Asking yes can I help? (we all know whats behind the door so let us in) 

So after we passed the test of knowing whats behind the ominous looking door, we made our way through which leads to a flight of stairs. Once you get to the top you are greeted by a very friendly person who takes our jackets. Then you enter the buzzing bar. 

The place is made up of 2 small floors. It feels like you are in a hidden place (which I think is the point) and very eclectic. The cocktails are nothing you have ever seen or experienced before. There are so many ingredients that go into all the cocktails, many of which I never heard of. The one thing I would say is if you are not a fan of spice or ginger then these cocktails won't be for you, as I experienced. I don't like either and all of them consist of it. So after experiencing the least spicy, I moved onto champagne.  

Even if that's not your thing either, I still recommend going for the experience and ambiance it's a "cool" place - "You feel hip and chic in there", just have champagne, that's not a bad substitute and its the good stuff! 

Just a heads up too - If you are planning on going, go in small groups no more then 4 as they wont let you in, they don't like big groups. Understandable as it's a small place and they like to keep it understated and niche. 

After many cocktails and glasses of champagne later we headed back home. A great night was had by all. 

Part 1 A Fun & Jam Packed Weekend

This weekend I spent catching up with my best gals - which included being cultural, finding new places, food, cocktails and of course a bit of shopping.

The weekend started with culture....

On Saturday I met up with C (one of my best gals who I went travelling with) at the Natural History Museum where we went to see the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit.  It was the last weekend the exhibit was on, so as you would expect it was sold out and busy. But definitely worth the hustle and bustle for the amazing photographs I got to witness.

Although the exhibit is titled with photographer, it is made up of numerous photographers all of which have been recognised, plus the winners. Amazingly there is a section which has photographs taken by 10 years or younger and another 10 - 14 years old. It is unbelievable what they have managed to capture.

The fact that the whole exhibit is engulfed in black highlights all the photographs and lets you concentrate and see all the colour and details. 

I would say it is a must to go see, unfortunately it has ended now. But they put this exhibit on every year, so put it in your diary for next year. You will not be disappointed. Even if you are not into art or photography, this exhibit will amaze and drag you in. 

After our cultural part of the day we needed lunch.  We had heard about a great cafe nearby that we wanted to explore. It is called Muriel's Kitchen

Its a quaint little place. Walk in only, but usually seated within 10 - 15 mins. Whilst you wait you can salivate over the counter of food on display which is the options for lunch and baked goods. 

The food was delicious, I went for salmon where as C went for the salad plate option which meant she could pick a selection of dishes. A lot of their dishes are rich in spice and flavour, a place for healthy and tastey food. Safe to say this one is noted down for a place to go for lunch.  They have 3 located around London, we went to the Kensington one but there is also Leicester Sq and Soho. Muriel's Kitchen  

Part 2 tomorrow with the rest of my escapades I got up to at the weekend.

A Good Old Catch Up

Last night I caught up with my good friend from Uni. It had been a while since we last saw each other due to our hectic schedules, and as you could imagine we chatted for hours and putting the world to rights.

We met at B - Soho that I highly recommend. I would suggest booking as most nights it is fully booked.

B - Soho is a bar and pizzeria. The pizza's are delicious, I had spicy pepperoni and mozzarella and Clare had pesto, ham and cheese both of which were mouth watering and scrummy.

To start with we had a vast selection of cocktails to chose from which all sounded amazing, but I decided to go for spring break, I was not disappointed. All though it should come with a health and safety warning, as on top of my cocktail was a flame burning away from a passion fruit, tried blowing it out but no chance eventually I managed it, but hey it was a show stopper, and delicious as well.

For desert I treated myself to a berry and chocolate tart with hazelnut ice cream - divine. My mouth is watering as I write this.

The place itself has a great ambiance and full of life, the decor is rather glamorous in some aspects but warm and comfy in others. A great place to meet up with friends, especially a group of you, as they have sofa areas and large tables. Plus great price too.

After dinner we decided to go for a drink, just down the road is The Player on Broadwick Street.  The small entrance which you can easily walk past, is next door to Agent Provocateur. It leads to stairs going down to the basement, at first you are not sure if you are in the right place or if it is open as you can't hear or see anything. Then when you get to the bottom and open the big door, you enter into this electric, buzzing bar.

Its a great place to go for a few drinks and catch up, plus amazing cocktails. I had Player Spring Punch, which was delicious and slips down nice and easy.

You can find both these places here : B-Soho  and The Player

Bailey's Stardust

Today in the glorious sunshine,  after all that needed to be done with meetings etc I took a trip (on my own, which in this case I enjoyed) to the National Portrait Gallery. Ever since I have heard about this exhibit I have been dying to go, I am talking about David Bailey's infamous Stardust exhibit.

I was not disappointed. Some images are just cool, others intriguing and brings you in and a few dark humoured ones. The exhibit is themed into rooms with one purely dedicated to his wife Catherine Bailey.

Though I was one my own for this, in some cases things done on your own can be better some what more enjoyable, with going around this exhibit on my own just made it more personal.

Unfortunately like most other exhibits and galleries cameras are not permitted so there are not many pictures I am afraid and the ones I have in this post aren't mine, all the more reason to go see it.

Go see it before it goes, its on till 1st June.

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Quote of the week

It was International Women's day last Saturday and in celebration and bringing support for us women, my quote this week represents it.

My Loves & Guilty Pleasures

Right now there are quite alot of things I am loving right now, some are a need to know, others are my gulity pleasures and the rest I just Love need no excuse.  So I thought I would share with you all.

First I need to tell you all about this miracle make up remover I have discovered. Unfortunately I can't take the glory for finding this product but I think it is girl code to let eveyone else know. As I have mentioned in previous posts I am a huge fan and follower of make up artist Lisa Eldridge, and it is thanks to her I found this product. It is amazing!!! Go to her website or youtube channel it is very usefull and helpful. You can watch her video on the product here;  Link

Another Love of mine that I can't live without and thought it was a must to share with you all is my Dior Mascara. I swear by it. I have gone through many of brands from each end of the spectrum on price and this is hands down the best.  All their mascaras are just as good but the one I am using at the moment is Backstage Dior Show Black Out. This one is great for voloume. 

This time of year is an annoying one for us fashion lovers. To warm for a coat, not warm enough for just a top and jeans. My wardrobe is crying out for a classic sweater. I have found the perfect one which I am (yes I am using this word again) in LOVE with. J.Crew cashmere jumper - so chic and elegant but simple. 

As I have just mentioned this weather calls for jeans - When it comes to jeans with me I am the pickiest person ever, I never find a pair I like on me.  When I do find a pair, I buy every colour and design I like. Recently I have found the dream jeans and they are not expensive bonus! Ridley High Waisted Ultra skinny jeans from ASOS. LINK

I am living in my new Russel and Bromley Chelsea Boots at the moment, can't live with out. Again great for this time of year. (Though as I am writing this, Britain is basking in glorious sunshine) 

My guilty pleasures right now is reality TV - Yes I Iove some reality TV. Its a bit of escapism and easy watch. I watch The Real Housewives espcailly the Beverly Hills (my favourite) I also watch New York, Orange County and Miami. The others not a fan of.  

I don't know whether I would classify this as a gulity pleasure because I do not feel gulity about it what so ever, but others might so I probably should?!....  . My parents love champagne so our house is never dry of it. I would not want to be there if we ever were. Right now loving the glass or two of Bollinger we have right now in the house - oh no I have a feeling I am going to be sorely dissappointed when I move out, no more for me, so I might as well make the most of it right?. 

And of course I can't have a post about things I am loving at the moment without having these guys in it.

What are you guys loving at the moment? Anything to share? 

Pancake Day

 It is that time of year again that everyone looks forward too. The only day of the year you can have pancakes for dinner.

In our houshold this is a very important day especially for my sister. She LOVES pancakes, even requested pancakes for her birthday so pressure is always on for my mum each year, as we all go on about how great her pancakes are. This year we have my sisters boyfriend round, who has all week heard how great my mums pancakes were so even more pressure.

My sister preference with her filling is traditional being lemon and sugar, the same for Harry (sisters boyfriend) Me and my mum first start off with bannana or strawberry with nutella (I personally think is the best) then I move onto to lemon and sugar. My Dad is he will have whatever.

What do you like in yours?