A Doll’s House – Ibsen’s protofeminist classic As a resident West Londoner, the Lyric Hammersmith has long been on my radar, I even worked there as a barmaid whilst studying at drama school! New artistic director Rachel O’Riordan has given the theatre a new lease of life, opening her first season with an assured and […]
The Hayden Pub with rooms, Notting Hill
A newly refurbished landmark pub in Notting Hill. The Hayden sits in pride of place on Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill’s vibrant neighbourhood; this handsome pub is surrounded by chic shops and just as stone’s throw from Portobello Road. The Hayden recently has undergone an extensive makeover and which has successfully created an elegant and […]
Hansard at the National’s Lyttelton Theatre – Review
When politics becomes personal Just over 30 years ago Margaret Thatcher’s government introduced the homophobic law Section 28, which stipulated that local authorities must not ‘promote homosexuality’ or promote ‘the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship’. In the 1980s schools were not often places of comfort in which to explore and understand who […]
The Ivy Kensington Brasserie
Summer dining in Kensington at The Ivy Set in a prime location on London’s Kensington High Street, The Ivy Kensington Brasserie’s exterior is looking glorious on a warm and sunny evening with a verdant floral display around the front door in celebration of the Proms. The Art Deco interior is in classic brasserie style with […]
Latitude Festival 2019 – Review
Theatre, music and festival fun. What with this being my third consecutive year at Latitude festival, I feel I’m becoming a bit of a seasoned festival-goer! And I always look forward to this fantastic July weekender. With so much happening over three fun-packed days and nights at Latitude I know I’ll have a great time […]
Kew Gardens – The Royal Botanical Gardens London
Discover Kew’s Historic Botanical Gardens and Royal Palaces Growing up in West London, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew has long been one of my favourite haunts. Would it be indiscreet to recall the old turnstiles into which visitors deposited tuppence for entry?! Perhaps… In any case, the beautiful gardens and a plethora of rare […]
The Perfect Holiday Retreat – Wild Oak Barn, East Devon
The Devon Spotted Pig and Wild Oak Barn. The Story of The Devon Spotted Pig. Once upon a time in Devon, a holiday home nestled among the rolling hills… Carolyn and Paul Bellinger planted some seeds and took off for a well-earned summer break in Corfu. They returned a few weeks later, to a […]
The National Theatre’s Peter Pan opens at Troubadour White City Theatre
Peter Pan at Troubadour White City. The face of White City has changed over the past few years. The latest addition to this exciting new development is Troubadour White City Theatre, which opens in White City Place, in the former BBC Media Village in West London this summer. Troubadour Theatres specialises in the creation of […]
Chucs Kensington – Review
A box-fresh café concept in South Kensington There’s a new kid on the block – Chucs Kensington – gorgeous and chic, down at the corner in South Kensington… Run by celebrated restaurant & café collection Chucs, under the direction of Graziano Arricale and new Executive Chef Simon Henbery, Chucs Café Kensington is the group’s box-fresh […]
The Talbot Ripley
An Historic Coaching Inn in Surrey Would you brave the ghost for a stay at The Talbot, an historic coaching inn situated in the pretty village of Ripley, Surrey? I couldn’t resist an invitation to find out more. With 500 years of history, lovely period features and a smart refurbishment, the Talbot combines traditional hostelry […]