An evening on the red carpet...

This week I was invited to a rather special event.  The UK premiere of Breaking Dawn part 2, the final film in the Twilight saga.

We were given tickets by the security company that we use at our shows as they also do all the security for all the film premieres.  The whole evening was a little surreal, wandering down the red carpet past all the paparazzi and film stars.

The film itself isn't really my kind of thing but the whole evening was very good fun and rather a treat for a Tuesday evening.

An old favourite...

...and a new one.

This week saw me out on the town for a rare evening out.  We began at one of my most favourite of places, The Wolsey.  A champagne afternoon tea started the proceedings rather well.  We followed this with a visit to the super glamorous Bob Bob Ricard.  I know that the restaurant has been open for a few years now but I haven't yet managed to visit.  Downstairs they have a cocktail bar that I'd been longing to try.

The interior is over the top and decadent but in the best possible taste.  The bar is downstairs and is reminiscent of an ocean liner from the Twenties. Velvet booths and table lamps mix with outrageous wallpaper and waiters in bow ties.  The cocktails were excellent and served in the most beautiful vintage glasses.

Next stop was a bar I have always liked and have always called "The Bar with No Name".  It is a nondescript bar at the end of Kingly Street and I must confess that I have enjoyed many a cocktail there.  I think officially it is called Two Floors as there is a different bar on either floor.  I favour the upstairs bar and it couldn't be more different to Bob Bob Ricard if it tried.  The interior is minimalist with plain painted walls, a stripped wooden floor and mismatched furniture.  However, the cocktails are always excellent and it has a fun, busy feel to it.

Both photographs from the bars' respective websites.

One evening out, two brilliant bars and one to many delicious cocktails. What more could a girl ask for?!

Sunshine and friends and Agatha Christie...

Today's post is more of an update really.  I am smiling once again; thanks to sunshine, friends and Agatha Christie.  Not necessarily in that order.

My best friend who lives in Madrid was visiting for the weekend, and what a weekend she picked.  How amazing was the weather?  I had Friday off so we met for lunch and then headed over to Brick Lane for a rummage through the vintage shops.  I was very restrained and treated myself to just the two tea plates.  After exhausting ourselves with the spoils of the East End vintage scene we headed back to our pied a terre (our friend Russ' flat in Kensington!).  A glass of vino and an olive or two and we were totally refreshed.

Friday evening was spent at the V&A, there was an open evening on with cocktail bars and live music.  It was such a beautiful evening that we sat in the courtyard and chatted until hunger got the better of us and we gorged on burgers at Byron Burger.  Have you been?  If not then go immediately.

Taking advantage of the continued sunshine we spent Saturday in Richmond Park, wandering along the streams and eating ice creams.  Thai food for dinner then home to bed.

On Sunday we jumped in our battered car and ventured into sunny Surrey to celebrate in the christening of friend's baby.  It was very nice to catch up with lots of people who we haven't seen for an age, the lunch afterwards was super and the biggest plus point was that I had an hour each to listen to my Agatha Christie audiobook!  Is that wrong?

So all in all I am of a much cheerier disposition, and am ready to face the week ahead.  How about you?

Wedding number two...

Our next wedding venue was the super impressive and somewhat daunting St Paul's Cathedral.  My sister was marrying her sweetheart in the wedding to end all weddings.


We arrived in true London style in black taxis to be greeted by a raft of tourists, all wanting to take our pictures and wish us well.  This bride wore Ian Stuart, although she would like me to point out that it was a far cry from his usual creations!  I know that I am probably slightly biased but she was simply the most beautiful bride; blushing, radiant and so happy.  


The ceremony was wonderful and as they left the cathedral as man and wife they were greeted by even more tourists, amateur photographers and well wishers.  It was quite surreal and at the same time breathtaking.


We boarded London buses and drank champagne all the way to Canary Wharf.  The reception was at Dockmaster's House and was a brilliant juxtaposition to the ceremony.  The restaurant is a lovely Georgian building with a separate bar, a sweet little garden and excellent curry.


Again we laughed and smiled our way into the wee hours.  I was so proud and privileged to be part of my little sister's big day.

Staycation, Part Two...

So the madrileños have left and we have an empty flat.   It feels very quiet so I am using the time to upload my photos onto my new computer, understand iPhoto and remember the weekend.


On Thursday we watched Arcade Fire in Hyde Park, they were supported by Mumford and Sons and both were superb.  The weather held out in the end and we were treated to a beautiful sunset as well.


Friday was spent in central London, a mixture of culture, shops and bars.  We visited The Cabinet War Rooms which are amazing.  I found them very moving and the Churchill museum that adjoins is excellent - my favourite item has to be the somewhat voluminous romper suit in maroon velvet that Churchill took to wearing.  We lunched in the cafe at The National Gallery and had a lovely and reasonably priced meal.


The afternoon was devoted to a more frivolous pastime - we hit the shops.  Meeting the boys later for a drink we were disappointed to find that The Experimental Cocktail Club was too cool for us and headed instead to Two Floors.  Dinner in Wahaca then home.


Saturday was more local and we took ourselves off to Hampton Court Palace.  It was a lovely day so we walked there through Bushy Park.  The park was filled with deer who posed obligingly for some photos!  The palace and its gardens are beautiful and require much more than one day to explore.  


Sunday was a lazy day with brunch in the garden then a wander to Strawberry Hill House.  It really is bonkers and is definitely worth a visit.  Then a cab to the airport and it was all over.


I am already looking forward to the next visit...

Another day, another nursery...

Photo from here

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be invited to Gardeners' World Magazine's 20th Anniversary Party.  The evening was held at Clifton Nurseries, which seems to be Petersham's North London cousin!  The nursery is hidden between amazingly grand houses, and we walked down an alley lit with fairy lights and candles to find our selves in a real life secret garden.  You would never know that this oasis existed in practically central London.

We were treated to lovely canapés, abundant champagne and a goody bag at the end of the evening.  So glamorous was the evening that we even made the local press!  I left with a magnolia to plant out - fingers crossed that it survives!