Hello beauties
Happy New Year! Just to let you know, there are
some New Year's inspired motivational posts on the way. However today's post is
a write up of my recent adventure. I'll admit it is long overdue; what with a
hectic December, I haven't found time to sit down and put pen to paper. But I
figure better late than never, right? So here it is.
You may recall a few months ago, my sister
Alice took me on a whistle-stop tour around Chelsea in which we scouted out the
local hotspots and uncovered a whole lot of juicy gossip. Filled with stunning
food, cocktails and fun, it truly was the ultimate Made In Chelsea experience,
and one that I shall never forget.
On account of the fact Alice knocked it out the
park for my Birthday, I had a lot to live up to when her 21st rolled around.
Now you may have guessed but I love London with
a fiery passion. Along with my other favourite New York, London town is as far
as I'm concerned, the most awesome city on the planet. I often hear people
disparage our capital, remarking that the air is polluted, the commuters are
unfriendly and the drinks are extortionate. And I sometimes wonder, if they would
just open their eyes, then perhaps they would see our city for the most
beautiful place it is. Brimming with an ocean of exciting things to do and see,
London is your proverbial oyster.
In my spare time, I enjoy researching trendy
new places to eat and drink, unearthing hidden gems and stumbling upon unique
experiences. So I got to work and put together a crazy adventure, incorporating
all my sister's favourite things. All I'll say is expect the unexpected...
This time we find ourselves wandering not down
the exclusive King's Road but instead the vibrant streets of Soho. With its
intriguing heritage and no end of secrets hidden within its cobbles, Soho
exudes a quirky and distinctive identity. Back in the Victorian era, this
neighbourhood may have been notorious for its seedy goings-on and risqué vibes.
However, years of renovation has transformed Soho into a diamond in the rough.
And no time does it shine brighter than during the festive season. Also
attracting fresh talent and cutting-edge cuisine, Soho has become something of
a foodie pilgrimage.
On a crisp December morning, we begin our
magical mystery tour at 20 Brewer Street: London's award-winning bakery Cutter
& Squidge. Brightly lit with high ceilings and modern decor, a passer-by
may mistake this place for another trendy tearoom. Yet, one step over the
threshold confirms that it is anything but the ordinary. Using all-natural
ingredients, Cutter & Squidge creates an array of scrumptious delights. And
let's not forget: they've even gained a piece of Insta-fame, thanks to their
signature 'biskies' which are a mouth-watering hybrid of a cake and cookie.
We are served by a lovely girl who explains all
the different treats and how they are made. It is an impossible task choosing.
However after much deliberation, I settle for a decadent brownie and a matcha
latte. Meanwhile my sister opts for a slice of apple cake and my mum goes for a
Bakewell tart.
When our food arrives, we cannot help but gape.
It's like being back in America, that's how massive the portions are. But being
a girl who loves a challenge, I pick up my fork and tuck into the brownie which
is about the size of a brick. And oh my God: does it taste every bit as good as
it looks.
There is an air of alchemy about the bakery,
rendered by perhaps the broomstick propped up in the corner, the glass jars
lining the walls or perhaps the row upon row of tantalising cakes. It reminds
me somewhat of The Leaky Cauldron from Harry Potter. And by that, I don't mean
it resembles a pub full of drunken wizards and witches. Conversely, the tearoom
gives the impression of some kind of portal, the gateway between the muggle and
wizarding worlds.
Towards the back of the bakery, a set of stairs
are just discernible. We are informed that these mysterious stairs lead down to
The Potion Room where the real magic transpires. This innovative afternoon tea
experience welcomes wizards and witches to an immersive potion class. Guided by
your stern and Snape-like potion master, you will mix up bewitching potions and
all manner of concoctions. To gain access to this exclusive experience, you
will need to purchase tickets online. We do not venture down to The Potion Room
however I am left more than a little intrigued to return to Cutter &
Squidge.
With an hour to kill before our next
appointment, we make our way to the hullabaloo of Oxford Street and inevitably
end up in Topshop. Boasting four floors of fashion as well as an in-house DJ,
braiding bar and piercing studio, it's not difficult to get lost in this
monumental flagship. After a quick browse, we decide to head to Carnaby Street.
This is by far one of my favourite streets in
London. It's so bright and colourful and buzzing with activity. Home to a
parade of cool shops and boutiques, it's also the destination for serious
retail therapy.
Just a stone throw away, our second stop
awaits: Cowshed Carnaby spa. I've always been a fan of Cowshed as all their
products smell exquisite and feel like such a treat on the skin. Therefore,
when I discovered the natural bath and body brand had a number of spas dispersed
across London, it didn't take much persuasion to book my sister in for a manicure.
According to the website, the Carnaby spa is 'a
little piece of country Heaven in the centre of London'. And that, it most
certainly is. Leaving behind the busy streets, we are hit by a symphony of
gorgeous aromas, causing all stresses to melt away. It's the perfect escape on
a cold winter afternoon. With scrubbed down wooden floors and rustic
furnishings, the shop feels like the room of a little cottage, all cosy and
inviting. We are welcomed by a friendly receptionist who offers us hot drinks while
we wait.
Upstairs, the atmosphere is warm and sociable,
charged with peals of laughter and chatter. The room is dominated by six
incredibly luxurious and comfortable looking chairs which my mum and I cannot
help but eye with envy. However these chairs are exclusively for clients to
recline in during their manicures and pedicures. If you fancy something even
more therapeutic such as the signature Cowshed facial or a body massage, you
can take a hiatus from the hustle and bustle, descending the stairs to one of
their tranquil treatment rooms.
Once Alice has been seated, my mum and I head
back outdoors for a quick shopping session. First up on my list is The Too Faced
store where I test out a deliciously-scented chocolate bronzer. Next, we wander
round Liberty's, spraying perfumes and getting samples of Kiehl's Midnight
Recovery oil.
We're just about to return to Cowshed when we
are stopped by a jovial lady who informs us of a new charity pop-up that has
just opened round the corner. Intrigued, I follow her directions and end up at
the most heart-warming store called Choose Love. Set up by the charity Help
Refugees, this pop-up store invites shoppers to give back and show their
support. How it works: shoppers can choose from a range of items such as sleeping
bags, life jackets and emergency blankets, which are donated to help refugees.
You can also buy gifts to take home such as slogan tees, sweatshirts and
artwork, with 100% of profits going to supporting organisations. After
purchasing a super cool poster to put on my bedroom wall, I leave the shop,
filled with a happy glow.
Back at Cowshed, I find my chilled out sister,
waiting for her painted nails to dry. She has chosen a beautiful, scarlet shade
which will perfectly compliment her outfit for the party at Ministry of Sound
later that week. Although I did not try the Cowshed manicure myself, Alice
would definitely recommend. Using a blend of indulgent products to buff, polish
and moisturise the cuticles, she said it was the most relaxing and thorough mani
she had ever experienced. Plus her therapist Danielle was amazing.
It's raining when we finally leave Cowshed
behind. With the aid of our saviour Google Maps, we power walk the short
journey to our third stop located on Dean Street: Wagamama Noodle Lab.
I am a serious Wagamamas addict. The other day
I met somebody who had never crossed the doors of a Wagamamas, and my first
thought was 'oh my God you have not lived'. Quite possibly the king of Katsu,
this Pan-Asian restaurant chain has revolutionised the way Britons eat and the
spaces we dine in. I mean what is not to love about lightning speed service,
rows of long, communal tables and bowls of yummy ramen?
The Dean Street Wagamamas is something else
however. Known as Noodle Lab, it invites customers to a truly unique test
kitchen experience. In return for your honest feedback, you get to channel your
inner food critic and try a banquet of ever-changing dishes before they appear
on the public menu. And while most London test kitchens may cost you a bomb,
you'll be pleased to know that Noodle Lab is amazingly inexpensive.
For starters, we order two types of bao buns to
share. Filled with crispy chicken, crunchy slaw and a Katsu mayo, the first
moreish bun packs a punch of chilli. The second bao contains sticky duck,
cucumber and Hoisin sauce, a genius creation which mirrors the flavours of a Chinese-style
duck pancake.
For mains, we opt to share two noodle dishes.
The first consists of lightly battered chicken in a miso sauce, served with
noodles and vibrant vegetables. It tastes fresh, healthy and clean on the
pallet. Our second dish is crispy shredded duck in a citrus, ponzu sauce,
served on a bed of charcoal noodles and stir-fry bok choi. Probably the most
unusual of the two, we are all in agreement that this is the star dish of the
feast.
The dessert menu also looks to die for,
featuring a miso matcha cake and a soufflé cheesecake. Alas, having had
sufficient, we regretfully decline, ask for the bill and proceed to fill in our
glowing review on the screen.
The night is still young when we brave the cold
once more and make it back onto Dean Street. Full of anticipation, we head to
our fourth and final destination. Leaving behind the bustling Soho, our detour
takes us into the heart of Mayfair.
Situated just off of Regent Street, we are
stood outside an 18th century townhouse. Granted, this building may seem a
little understated from the pavement side. But don't be fooled by the quaint,
Georgian facade.
Pushing your way through a heavy, velvet curtain,
it's like taking a tumble down the rabbit hole and finding yourself in the
craziest wonderland you've ever set eyes upon: one that makes Lewis Carol's
nostalgic masterpiece appear somewhat tame in comparison. Everything about
Sketch screams loud, fun and the definition of cool. Serving up quirky
breakfast, lunch and dinner in jaw-dropping surroundings, it's the perfect
place to snap no end of selfies for the Insta story. Restaurant by day,
cocktail bar by night, each room is themed around its own crazy concept. One is
a pale pink ballroom; another is a green forest, resembling the set of A
Midsummer Night's Dream; and a third is like a futuristic space pod. An amalgam
of eccentric artwork, luridly upholstered chairs, mirrored table-tops and
imaginative architecture, it is the weirdest and most fantastical fairy-tale
ever.
We end up seated in The Parlour which is a
stunningly elegant room. With dramatic, orchestral music playing over the
speakers, it feels like being in the midst of a Victorian tea party. The decor
is ultimately classical. However, certain touches give a whimsical, Mad Hatter
edge to what is a very refined setting. Everywhere you look there are splashes
of neon. And let's not forget, the plush chairs are sporting legs with ballet shoes
en pointe.
As we sip our delicious drinks and enjoy the
music, there is also some entertainment. Out of nowhere, a ballerina begins pirouetting
her way around the room. Definitely not what you would expect to see on a night
out in a Mayfair bar: that's for sure.
After finishing our drinks and delightful petit
fours, we decide to explore a little further and use the bathroom. Now, when I
told people I was coming to Sketch, those who had heard of it were adamant that
I should use the facilities there, which I must say seemed a little strange at
the time. However, it all becomes a bit clearer as we find ourselves passing
handbags to be checked by a security lady and then subsequently joining a queue
that feels like being back at Disney. I'm just contemplating why it is
necessary to have such high security when at last we are ushered through to the
famous ladies'. Nothing could have prepared us for the spectacle which lay
ahead.
Each toilet cubicle is shaped like a circular
pod and are designed to resemble dinosaur eggs. Yes, you heard me. After
queuing again, I finally take my turn in the crazy loo. And while I understand
you do not require an in-depth description of what ensues, I will just say it
was the coolest toilet experience and one that I would happily spend a penny
for.
Sketch was the most awesome finale to our
adventure, but it's time to return back to mundane reality. So weary and
contented, we call it a day and catch the train home.
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