Love in the Cotswolds
April 17, 2012
into the sea
you & me
all these years
and no-one heard
i’ll show you in spring
it’s a treacherous thing
we missed, you hissed
Road Trip: roaming round Scotland (then home)
April 9, 2012
scones at Inverary
the village at night
doin’ time
‘tat’ at Tarbert
out fishin’
man carries wood
growin’ green
the Easter chick gets it…
she wore flowers on her hand
home is… full of crosses
Road Trip: the story so far
April 8, 2012
Dad in the drivin’ seat
uh-oh: accident
in the middle of the night…
mornin’!
home for the next three days
welcome to Lochgilphead
favours
speeches
how you know you’re at a Scottish wedding: macaroni pie at 11pm
What does it take to be the Brightest and Best?
February 15, 2012
Last July, I found myself sat in a dank, dark subterranean warehouse, with arches overhead, and the smell of damp filling my nostrils.
What could simply have been the venue for a techno party, was in fact the place for theatre; the production of “AVE IT”, a “panoramic view of last orders in a sweaty, underground club in South East London” produced by my director friend Natalie Ibu.
She’s a vivacious lady (not to mention rather stylish, too) and rarely does she not have project after project up her sleeve. So what’s she up to now?
Introducing, ‘Brightest and Best’, Natalie’s next production in conjunction with playwright Matthew Morrison and The Pilotlight Theatre Company.
It’s a tale many of us will resonate with – one where Rob, the average Joe Bloggs (actor William Owen), gives up the rat race to focus on an entirely new venture. We follow the natural trials and tribulations that ensue, eventually bringing us to the climax of the play.
To learn of the tale’s twists further, book your tickets at We Got Tickets and take your seat to see it all unfold. I’ll be there on 23rd to find out what lessons are to be learned when one shirks stability, and ventures out into the big wide world of the unknown.
‘Brightest and Best’ is on at The Half Moon in Herne Hill, London, from 15th February to 10th March 2012.
For the love of coffee
January 17, 2012
It’s no secret that piping-hot, thick-as-tar coffee is the way to my heart (well, it sure isn’t now). So when important people in our lives do something so little, yet so thoughtful - like hunt down one of few remaining books for you – you can’t help but serve them another helping of affection.
Now to try out every flat white, skinny latte and choc-dusted cappuccino listed, and drop some blatant hints about red shoes…
The makings of a wonderful Christmas…
January 5, 2012
a long run on a chilly winter’s day
seeking out great coffee with the boy
finding treasure at Snooper’s Paradise
dressing up, heading out
indulging in room service
…and mum’s mince pies
checking out the aquarium
reacquainting oneself with old friends
reading poetry in unexpected places
watching London from above
The Vintage Event at Balham Bowls Club
August 14, 2011
As the sun shines and Londoners put the riots to the back of their minds, today was a day of celebration for all – at least in Balham, where the Vintage Event came to town.
The event is organised by a mother and daughter duo and plotted itself up in the most perfect of locations; the long established Balham Bowls Club.
On stepping into the fair, the amount of dresses, handbags and all manner of accessories from yesteryear were somewhat overwhelming. It was hard not to feel a surge of excitement at the thought of all the wonderful discoveries ahead. At first glance, the Vintage Event was nothing but paradise – where was I to start?!
After flitting between dress and delicious-looking tea and cake stalls, I had already fallen in love with gowns galore and eyed-up a carrot cake to die for.
Settling on a purchase of a 70s leather coin purse and 30s negligee for an impressive £8, I left feeling thrilled (having stuffed my face with said delicious carrot cake, baked by Mother’s Ruin). Thanks to the Vintage Event, the retro lover can find beautiful, genuine vintage pieces so easily in a time when it’s becoming much harder to find a gem within the rubble.
Of course, it’s even better that they’re delivering all this practically to my doorstep, and at refreshingly affordable prices too. Roll on next month’s event!
With so much unrest in London and “criminality” unfortunately being the buzz word, I got to thinking that it was high time we were reminded about some of the incredible things we have on our doorsteps here in the capital.
What better way to do exactly that, than share some of the pictures I’ve captured while living in the city over the last decade.
So here they are. Enjoy, and stay safe.
What have you done lately?
July 10, 2011
The best of Balham
May 31, 2011
I first started compiling this list as a welcome to Balham for my friend Cat. As I was thinking about places to recommend to her, I realised just how good the area I live in is, that I probably eat too much, and that really, the secrets of this little southwest gem ought be shared with you, too.
Cupcakes from Des Lys bakery
8 Bedford Hill
Time it right, and as you walk into this family-run bakery you’ll be overwhelmed by the smell of rising-in-the-oven home baking – it’s phenomenal. Every single delight on sale, from flaky croissant to crusty baguette, is baked on the premises in the downstairs kitchen. The pièce de résistance? Freshly made vanilla cupcakes that are so good, they could easily put Hummingbird Bakery out of business.
The Paddyfield
4 Bedford Hill
This tiny little Thai restaurant is B.Y.O.B (bring your own bottle). It gets busy, you normally can’t book and they do the best fresh spring rolls I’ve ever had – don’t let the idea of them put you off like it originally did for me – they are simply heavenly.
Mr Happy chip shop
Seascape Fish Bar, 9 Bedford Hill
This fry bar not only has the usual fish and chips, but service with much more than just a smile. The owner is one of the nicest men I have ever met, and his business, at least in my house, is therefore affectionately referred to as ‘Mr Happy Chip Shop’.
Duke of Devonshire
39 Balham High Road
It’s huge, it has a garden, it serves beer. Enough said.
Bertie and Boo
162 Balham High Road
Although often slow on the service front, sometimes sold out of toasties and randomly, detox drinks, I still meet the same friend here every time we catch up – there’s just something so quaint about it.
Eggs Florentine at The Exhibit
12 Balham Station Road
Tried and tested, this is the place that changed my opinion of poached eggs from scary to scrumptious. It’s great for a simple, yet really hearty breakfast (and not so nice coffee). Best of all, most of the brunch menu is priced at a wallet-pleasing £6.50 too.
Sri Lankan Roti at Hop & Spice
53 Bedford Hill
For £8.95 you can eat in or take away a delicious mix-up of Sri Lankan street food (a little like bubble and squeak). Lashings of mango chutney, yoghurt raita and mini popadoms complete this mouth-watering dish.
The Kebab Company
85 Balham High Road
Try the jam-packed halloumi and falafel wraps. Not only are they so good (who doesn’t love halloumi?) one is more than enough to feed two with some chips on the side.
Balham Bowls Club
7-9 Ramsden Road
A cool little original bowls club (now a pub) which has recently been refurbished. On Sunday 26th June, the people behind Judy’s Affordable Vintage take over the club with their retro garms and goodies. Vintage on my doorstep? Who’d have thought Balham could get any better. You can certainly bet I’ll be first in the queue.
