Sometimes I do wonder if people get sick of hearing me rave about London. I apologise in advance if it is a bore for you. Maybe don’t read any more of this post it might be too OTT for you!!!
My first real big O/S trip was just after I turned 21…..quite a few years ago now and I recall so many details, like it was last week. Before I departed I remember a friend who was lamenting his travels had said to me “London is magic”. Those words have always remained with me and every time I have the good fortune to visit London – I still think it is indeed magic.
Those of you, who have been there, probably get it. Those who have not, may wonder what the hype is about. I never quite know what to say when I am asked what it is I love so much. For me, it is simply the vibe that is there.
Really, it all commences as you disembark the plane at Heathrow Airport…the kaleidoscope of humanity in the place is HUGE! Yes, every single time – I can’t help but think of the opening and closing scenes of “Love Actually” - it really is that! I am so in life, every time I arrive here.
There is always someone in London to meet up with; relatives, friends, friends of relatives, relatives of friends. It is that kinda city, where someone is always hanging out and there is always someone to say hello to. Of course, a recent post shared with you that my nephew, Kane, is now living there with his partner Carly and their new baby.
Our visit this time was particularly quick only three nights, so some serious ‘getting about’ was necessary.
Time to wander the usual places we like to visit. Old & New Bond Street, Piccadilly and of course, Selfridges. Two noteworthy visits must be mentioned.
Firstly, the Vivienne Westwood men’s wear store. Tez has discovered quite a fancy for some of VW designs. So a quick look satisfied him with one new purchase.
My first real big O/S trip was just after I turned 21…..quite a few years ago now and I recall so many details, like it was last week. Before I departed I remember a friend who was lamenting his travels had said to me “London is magic”. Those words have always remained with me and every time I have the good fortune to visit London – I still think it is indeed magic.
Those of you, who have been there, probably get it. Those who have not, may wonder what the hype is about. I never quite know what to say when I am asked what it is I love so much. For me, it is simply the vibe that is there.
Really, it all commences as you disembark the plane at Heathrow Airport…the kaleidoscope of humanity in the place is HUGE! Yes, every single time – I can’t help but think of the opening and closing scenes of “Love Actually” - it really is that! I am so in life, every time I arrive here.
There is always someone in London to meet up with; relatives, friends, friends of relatives, relatives of friends. It is that kinda city, where someone is always hanging out and there is always someone to say hello to. Of course, a recent post shared with you that my nephew, Kane, is now living there with his partner Carly and their new baby.
Our visit this time was particularly quick only three nights, so some serious ‘getting about’ was necessary.
Time to wander the usual places we like to visit. Old & New Bond Street, Piccadilly and of course, Selfridges. Two noteworthy visits must be mentioned.
Firstly, the Vivienne Westwood men’s wear store. Tez has discovered quite a fancy for some of VW designs. So a quick look satisfied him with one new purchase.
She is simply amazing!
Secondly, while heading back to the tube station we came across the new flagship store of Paul Smith. Great location and space and of course, the new summer collection on show. Ian was attentive and helpful and several hours later after chatting, trying on clothes and hanging out in the very pleasant “space” some new pieces were chosen for Tez’s wardrobe. Yep, Mr PS always
seems to work for Tez. Lovely little surprise was the gorgeous Paul Smith outfit I located for Imogen!
seems to work for Tez. Lovely little surprise was the gorgeous Paul Smith outfit I located for Imogen!
We think he is great!
Liz has been here in London for awhile now, so we arranged to meet her for dinner. Yotam Ottolenghi restaurant, Nopi, was our reservation. It did not disappoint. If you know him you will understand why it was exciting to be able to dine at his place. If you do not know him, you need to know about this amazing chef…..go Google him and find out more! We ordered three shared nibble plates. Five shared starter plates and two shared main course plates. Major feast and every morsel so tasty.
Ottolenghi has a new recipe book soon…anticipation!
Next day we visited the new family….Kane prepared and cooked a great lamb BBQ for us. Carly and Imogen were just gorgeous and ooh, so delightful to be with.
That evening the venue was Andrew Edmunds in Soho. I think I chose the dish of the evening – beetroot stuffed ravioli. Sorry folks I was having so much fun with the company, food and wine I forgot to take photos. You will just have to imagine……. and, I must mention the company; our wonderful friend Lloyd. Many of you know Lloyd Morse as one of our very first guest Chefs at PCCS. Food always tastes just a tad better when dining with Lloyd, as he is always so enthusiastic about food, life and living. Kirsty and he had not long returned from a quick trip to Australia, so it was a lively discussion amongst the four of us. It had been Kirsty’s first visit down under so it was delightful to hear of her impressions.
That evening the venue was Andrew Edmunds in Soho. I think I chose the dish of the evening – beetroot stuffed ravioli. Sorry folks I was having so much fun with the company, food and wine I forgot to take photos. You will just have to imagine……. and, I must mention the company; our wonderful friend Lloyd. Many of you know Lloyd Morse as one of our very first guest Chefs at PCCS. Food always tastes just a tad better when dining with Lloyd, as he is always so enthusiastic about food, life and living. Kirsty and he had not long returned from a quick trip to Australia, so it was a lively discussion amongst the four of us. It had been Kirsty’s first visit down under so it was delightful to hear of her impressions.
Another fabulous evening in London town.
I often lament how busy we all are and how difficult it can be to catch up with friends at home, but it was easy to have breakfast the next morning with Janine. We both just happened to be in London town at the same time!!!
Next day we managed a few more stores and then a delicious dinner with Carly and Kane, again. Such a joy to be able to hang out with them.
While we were there the backdrop was World Cup, Tour de France heading down from Yorkshire to London and Wimbledon.
All in all, plenty to see, plenty of places to eat and plenty to talk about.
Oh London town, you are STILL magic!
DC
Next day we managed a few more stores and then a delicious dinner with Carly and Kane, again. Such a joy to be able to hang out with them.
While we were there the backdrop was World Cup, Tour de France heading down from Yorkshire to London and Wimbledon.
All in all, plenty to see, plenty of places to eat and plenty to talk about.
Oh London town, you are STILL magic!
DC
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