Oh, what a year

This time last year I'd just had my cast off, and I was worried what people would make of my altered appearance. A year on, I can't quite believe what I've experienced. It sounds like a cliche, but 2016 has been a real humdinger. 

Dolce by Ferrero Rocher

December is my weakness. It's cold, but not too cold. There are fairylights everywhere. It's acceptable to stay in, with a big mug of tea and mountains of blankets. Everyone is in good spirits. People are ready to see off the year and begin afresh. I love it.

An Italian feast at BungaTINI

BungaTINI, the "teeny" version of Battersea big dog Bunga Bunga, opened quietly a few months ago. The - seemingly - more civilised branch of the Inception Group (behind the likes Mr Fogg's, Barts and Cahoots), it sits unassuming, underneath the bright lights of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Panzo, Exmouth Market

If you go down to Exmouth Market today, you're in for a big (pizza) surprise. New kid on the block, Panzo, is set to shake up the foodie haven, offering a rival pizza destination to Pizza Pilgrims only a few doors down.

Locked and loaded (buns) at Brother Marcus

If you feel like you've heard me talk about Brother Marcus before, you'd be right. I visited for a mean brunch in the summer. Recently, BM has launched an evening menu comprising of loaded buns, cocktails, wines and beers. I was more than happy to return.

I would happily live in the House of MinaLima

I heard about the House of MinaLima when it first opened a few months ago. An exhibition and shop of graphic art featured in the Harry Potter films, it's a dream come true for any Potterhead (i.e. me). A few Sundays ago I finally got myself down to Greek Street to see it for myself.

My attempt at baking an anti-gravity cake

I'm not a baker. Bakers ain't gon' bake, at least not in my world. But when I heard I could create an anti-gravity cake and make it really cool, I accepted the challenge without thinking too much into it. But then when the day came, I hesitated. What had I signed up for?

Pizza Express, Balham, has had a snazzy makeover

Is there anyone who doesn't enjoy Pizza Express? It's a British institution, loved for its reasonably priced, varied and - obviously - delicious food. The Balham branch has recently had a makeover, just in time for the launch of the Autumn Winter menu. 

The Social Pantry, Battersea

It's no secret that I love brunch. It's my favourite meal. As Leslie Knope says, Why would anyone want to eat anything other than breakfast food? And I echo that sentiment.

Savurè, an Italian restaurant in Shoreditch

How many artisan pasta labs have you come across? Not many, I'm sure. But that's what Savurè offers - a taste of Turin in the heart of Shoreditch, with pasta made fresh on site. 

Baking & Faking for Macmillan Coffee Morning

It's Autumn, which can only mean one thing. No, I'm not referring to the return of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, nor am I referring to Halloween. I'm referring to the Macmillan Coffee Morning, which makes a sugar-fuelled, spectacular return on Friday 30th September. But what if you can't, y'know, bake?

Unlimited Boozy Brunch at Big Easy, Covent Garden

Big Easy, the Bar-B-Q and Lobstershack, is larger than life. The site in Covent Garden is large, the music is large, and the portions are... you got it - large. They've recently launched an unlimited boozy brunch, where you can opt for Lobster or a hella meat, with with prosecco, wine or their signature "Big Easy brew". 

Cuisson's POPdown @Borough Market

After visiting Cuisson's last venture, POPdown at the Vaults, I was delighted when managing director Paul Hannagen got in touch to inform me that they were holding a residency in foodie haven, Borough Market. After having an absolute blast at the last one, there was no way I was missing out.

How to pretend you're on holiday (when you're stuck in Blighty)

This year, the most exotic place I've been (and will be), is Lake Windermere. It was a lovely week spent with my family. But it rained. Nearly every day. And it was cold. And it's meant that everyone's far-flung holiday snaps of Mykonos, Bali, Italy and the like have gotten me down...

Heist Bank's offerings are criminally good

Picture this: you're planning your night out. You want something chilled - preferably a few bars, potentially a club, but you don't want to commit. But then when you're in the first place, you're loathe to move, but you don't want to feel like you missed out, etc etc. Nightmare, no?

Why you need to brunch at Brother Marcus, Balham

Living in London, there isn't a shortage of places you can go for brunch. In fact, there are so many options that it feels silly to go to the same place twice... unless there's a valid reason to return. I'm a commitment-phobe bruncher, but Brother Marcus might have converted me.

Spectrum Collections presents... The Bomb Shell

Spectrum Collections is a prime example of a brand who has got it bang on. There are lots of make-up brush brands out there. Lots are pretty. Lots are good quality. But are any quite as covetable as these? I don't think so...

The Latina Cook Supperclub, Bunga Bunga

You know when you have a list of places you want to go, but you never seem to be able to tick anything off the list (or is that just me?)? Visiting Bunga Bunga has been on my list since I first moved to London just shy of three years ago.

Trade Union, Thomas More Square

Ever ventured to Tower Hill? Apart from the obvious Tower of London, there isn't much going on there, apart from a fair amount of office blocks. Or rather, there *wasn't* much going on until Trade Union came on the scene. 

"Genuine Pizza" at Zia Lucia, Holloway Road

There are so many pizza joints in London. SO MANY. For me, it's great, as I could probably eat pizza multiple times a week and not get bored. So what does new kid on the block, Zia Lucia, bring to the table?

Love Surgery at Urban Coterie

There are a handful of journalists I really love. To win me over, their writing has to be witty, funny, clever and ever so slightly self-depreciating to compensate for the fact they're terrifically eloquent. Two of these journalists are Dolly Alderton and Cosmo Landesman.

Not your typical London Galleries

Okay, so I didn't know what to title this post. Actually, that's a lie - I wanted to call it "Art that isn't at the Tate Modern or the V&A which is still pretty cool", but that was too long. So now we're all stuck with the smaller, more awkward version. But it's not about the title, it's about the art, right?

Hello Kitty Afternoon Tea, Cutter & Squidge

As an out-there-and-proud crazy cat lady, I was beyond excited when I heard on the grapevine that Europe's first Hello Kitty Afternoon Tea would be setting up camp in the basement at Soho bakery, Cutter and Squidge.

La Terrazza, Number 90 Bar & Kitchen

How many Terrazzas is too many terrazzas? Answer: none. I love them. I say, bring them on, but, UK, you need to get your act together and let it be warm enough for us to enjoy them.

Spritz Suppers with Forza Win, AKA I love Aperol

It's only since I've moved to London that I've discovered the Aperol Spritz. But when I discovered it, I fell truly, madly, deeply. Loud and delicious, it's a drink close to my heart, and one that I associate with my favourite season - summer.

Joss says something: Dating will always be a thing

Following on from my experience of DATE LAB a few weeks ago, I was delighted when founder Joss Wyatt agreed to answer some questions about the nature of love and dating. 

Who needs a beach when you have the Myki Sand Bar?

When I first heard about an underground beach bar, I was a bit baffled. Isn't the whole point of a beach that it's y'know, in the open air?

DATE LAB at Coin Laundry, Exmouth Market

Three things happened to me on the day of DATE LAB. First, I realised that signing up to it on behalf of my blog still meant I had to actively participate. Second, I realised that I'd have to make small-talk with strangers.

Macrame Masterclass with Wool and the Gang

You always hear about cool classes in London, don't you? Recently I've been struggling with my anxiety, so I jumped at the opportunity to do some arts and crafts, and take my mind off, well, my mind.

Venturing Beyond, finding Watt's Up & Illuminated Ink

I love weekends. I love not having to set an alarm. I love the need for my dressing gown, longer showers, the luxury of having more time to apply my make up. But the main reason I love weekends is because I get to make the most of what London has to offer.

Spirited Sermons at Reverend J.W. Simpson with Glendalough Gin

After discovering that I would being attending Spirited Sermons, part of a series of talks with gin tasting, alone, I decided to treat the evening as little date with myself. I changed my top. I put a pop of coral lipstick on. It was going to be great, company or no company.

My rhinoplasty: Q&A

Oh hey! It's my (fake-tanned) face. Lil disclaimer: these answers are all personal, and not at all from a medical point of view. In terms of the more technical ins and outs of the procedure, or any cosmetic procedure, please seek a consultation with a medical professional. That aside, let's crack on.

Why dating apps are just not my jam

This post has been a long time coming because there is much hilarity/dismay over dating apps and a divide of opinion as to whether they are steadily killing romance with cheesy/sleazy openers, or a legitimate way to meet your future Mr or Mrs... But, I'm not a fan, and here's why.

A new place in Brixton with glittery pineapples

I do love myself a launch party. I love a launch party even more when said launch is full and buzzing by 7pm and there is a faux bus with tables and chairs, with glittery fruit on top.

Shaka Zulu, Camden Stables

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. I HAVE WRITTEN A BLOG POST. And it's a good'un, I can assure you. Even if I am a lil bit biased. Here's the low down on Shaka Zulu, a South-African themed restaurant in Camden.