curvy clifton

P L A C E S || Clifton, Bristol

When most people think of Bristol, Clifton suspension bridge is usually one of the top attractions that come to mind. Yet just around the corner [if you do a little exploring] is the beautiful area called Royal York Crescent - a curved row of pastel coloured majestic buildings covered in romantic balconies. From here you get a great view of Bristol and it is a super photogenic spot. Do a little bit more exploring and you will find lots of hidden architectural gems. One of my favourites being a hidden dead-end curved road called The Pentagon where all of the doors are literally curved [read on to view pictures]. I managed to catch some snaps at sunset which just made the whole experience even more gorgeous. Really stunning architecture which if you're ever in the area make sure you explore so you can see it for yourself! 

it's a piada

F O O D & P L A C E || Piada Bar

If you are a non-Italian, then this is a warm welcome to the world of piade. When most people think of Italian food, we usually come up with the classics: pizza, pasta, prosciutto, panettone… [the list goes on but they don't all begin with a 'p']. Well there's a new P in London town that you should get to know. If you're Italian you'll know how popular this snack is and I'm surprised you've not brought these up in conversation as much as their 'p' brothers and sisters. Piada is a thin Italian flatbread traditionally from Romagna. Apparently each Romagna family has a secret recipe for making piada which is passed on from generation to generation of piada makers - and if you want to try one of these tried and tested traditional recipes, then Piadabar in Soho is the place to visit. This week, I was lucky enough to get the chance to try out some of their classic recipes with a little glass of vino...

where. || Piada Bar, 3-5 Bateman street, W1D 4AG

the perfect blend

M A S T E R C L A S S || coffee by Bar Termini

When +Chris asked me if I'd be interested in going to a coffee masterclass my immediate reaction was E-R-R-Y-E-S please. I was actually sitting in one of my favourite coffee places in North London sipping on a delicious latte when I got the invite so it was pretty perfectly timed. I didn't know much about Bar Termini - I'd heard of the name but not really known much about it - but trusted that if Chris loved the place then it must be good. After a busy weekend of travelling and running around, I was looking forward to getting my brain and taste buds in gear over some delicious java. All I can say is my expectations were met and beyond exceeded - it was a perfect sunday morning sipping on some of the tastiest coffees in the company of coffee king Marco Arrigo and fellow friendly foodies.

where || Bar Termini, 7 Old Compton St, London W1D 5JE

platters of goodness

F O O D & P L A C E S ||

Why do I look so happy? Because my belly had just been filled with Ottolenghi goodness when Ellie took this photo. Ottolenghi is one of those places I've had on my list for a very long time, but never had the patience to wait to dine in. To me, Yotam Ottolenghi is one of the best London-based chefs - his cooking genuinely celebrates fruit and vegetables, serving them in the most creative and majestic ways. I challenge any hardcore meat-enthusiast to taste one of his dishes and not come out thinking: wow, what was that vegetable delight that was actually tasty and filling?! You may not come out wanting to become a vegetarian, but you will come out starting to appreciate how [when cooked well and with real thought] vegetables can become the star of any dish. Really glad the long easter weekend meant that Ellie and I could have a lazy and delicious lunch at such a special little spot.

a pedler afternoon

F O O D & P L A C E S ||

I have been so excited to write this post. I love good food but rarely am I genuinely no-words blown away - either by sheer surprise and/or awe at how clever chefs and mixologists in this fine city are. Last weekend, I was spoilt for good food and also discovered my kryptonite thanks to a lovely little place in Peckham Rye called Pedler. A few years ago, I spent a year trying out as many different cocktails as I could [that's not what university's for kids so don't learn from me; sorry mum and dad]. There were highs and there were some definite deep-down-on-the-floor-toxic lows, but you live and you learn. I definitely learnt what I liked and didn't like, and as a result have acquired a pretty picky taste in cocktails. When I was recommended the Early Bird on the Pedler cocktail menu, I knew I had to try it - all of my favourite things [gin, marmalade & pink grapefruit] smooshed together couldn't go wrong right? And boy was it good with a capital G. So delicious, and the deliciousness just carried on into the meal from there. Keep reading if you want to hear me gush some more about this gem [you've been warned].

where. // Pedler Peckham Rye, 58 Peckham Rye, London, SE15 4JR