Leisure

  • Life adds to itself over time

    The value of a city is relative to its people at any given moment. The past isn’t as pleasurable or intense as the present. This is what we know because of the current times and what it can offer and what it can take away. Our own fecklessness or dodging of reality can lead to a diminished return for everyone else.

    A workman renewing a public sign on the side of a building in central London.

    The lifestyle – or lived experience – in any walk of life is the sum total of what happens around us. This is what makes us feel optimistic or pessimistic about our lives. The potential or the decline of opportunity defines us. The increase or decrease of our own portion of it enables or disables us.

  • Onsite: The Museum of English Rural Life

    The lazy days of the present are a far cry from hard days in the past. The majority of the work was back-breaking. It’s true that people built the country by the sweat of their brow. However, there’s charm to it still. The old ways often bring out the humour of life, too.

    If you take a look, there’s a lot to see about life back then. There’s interesting machinery and still further politics that made sense of the day. It’s not easy to take in all at once because there’s so much to find out. Yet it’s worth a try because life is enriched by it.

  • The Queen & her people: Living in London

    London is an historic capital as well as being a Royal seat. It’s not always had this accolade. However in her late Majesty’s reign she made it her principal residence. She preferred to stay in Buckingham Palace over any of her other residences.

    In fact the city drew much more of her attention than many people knew. Her two key interests were the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. She confided these were her favourite “pre-reign” landmarks by far. She said she also liked a number of more recent additions.

    Her observation of construction often took in an obsessive level of detail. She is said to have liked to look over planning documents to imagine the final image. Her impression of the city mattered to her, but also the projection of the UK that it gave to others.

    Her belief in architectural values didn’t dim. She liked to read and hear about design aspects. It made sense to her to put more into things we see over a longer period of time than things we let go of too quickly, she once said.

    Her like for home comforts in London only grew stronger. She frequently drank tea, ate biscuits, and enjoyed cakes in residence because it made her feel positive about life. The tastes were plain enough to have again over the years.

    It’s renowned to do this in London because of its shops – including the newer ones. She particularly appreciated the supplies she got by herself. Her enjoyment of shopping is alleged to have led to many rounds on her own.

  • Review: Scoff, The Savoy

    Scoff, at The Savoy, is a good option to look into if you like to slip away from the hustle and bustle. It’s a cosy corner, just beyond the lobby, and offers scones – and cakes – for any walk-in customer. The tastes and looks on offer are delightful.

    Cafe Interior
    Menu Item

    I chose the Salted Caramel Popcorn cake with a latte, as usual. There’s a few seats, but boxes are on offer for takeout orders. A mother and daughter ahead of me took theirs away. It’s a case of if the shoe fits, but it’s a fine choice.

  • London’s “viewings” business

    London’s skyline is bringing in a new perspective. The platforms available from which to see its sprawling landscape are impressive.

    Horizon 22 offers a similarly unparalleled experience. If you haven’t seen it before, now is the time to look at our capital.

    The moments a free ticket gives you are difficult to match. Most of the cities iconic structures are visible on a totally different scale.

    The River Thames is a gem that pulls in our giants. Look along its course to also spot The Shard, a similarly great option during a day out.

    Albeit some charge, there are perks on offer. In a city prone to its special sights, a selfie up one of these towers is bound to be included.

  • Cardinal Place, London

  • Review: Topping & Company Booksellers, Edinburgh

    The bookseller Topping & Company run a small number shops in the UK and one of them is in Edinburgh, Scotland. Its shop looks as if it’s a private collection but it’s more open and inviting and a great place to pick out a new release or a blast from the past.

    I walked around and found myself climbing, cornering, and lingering in cubbyhole corners as I looked around. It’s an intriguing example of a complex interior to an old building. They’ve stuffed bookshelves everywhere, with a few spaces left to hang out.

  • Seven Dials Market, London

  • Review: The Dickens Inn, Tower Hamlets

    A nice little country pub is most people’s favourite spot for a drink, but why not try The Dickens Inn, regulars might say.

    There is truth to that statement.

    The quaint – almost polite – Inn sits in a lovely cloistered part of Wapping adjacent to the River Thames. In fact I took a walk over Tower Bridge to get here, and it’s a lovely view on a clear day.

    An approach to the bar is the first port of call, and the rest of the stay is yours to curate.

    I sat outside to enjoy the fresh air and a pint.

    It’s not a bad place to sit but it can get busy as it’s popular and inside may be quieter, more up your street if a meal is what you wanted.

  • Summer in Covent Garden

  • Review: Wolfox, Strand

    The Wolfox on Strand in London is a delightful place to drop into. There’s a little cafe area to the side as you walk in. The interior is light and airy. It’s an inviting place to sit alone or with a few friends.

    It offers a restaurant menu as well as a quick takeaway latte if you need one. It’s right next door to The Savoy hotel as well so it’s an option instead of room service too.

    Menu Outside
    Seating Inside
    My Selection

    I ordered a raspberry croissant and a straightforward latte. It’s a little pricey but the experience is as much as you’d expect and it’s near to a few theatres and amenities.

    In my view casual dining in London has been a positive experience of late. There are recognisable names and a few new ones have slotted in too.

  • A coffee cup culture

    It’s great to see how we have the infrastructure to supply all the necessary wares for our cultural experience.

    This isn’t easy, or cheap, however.

    It takes dedication and talent to source and supply all the sorts of wares necessary for our enjoyment of a simple cup of coffee, for instance.

    It takes a global operation involving thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people.

    These are coffee growers, shipping agents, logistics advisors, and suppliers, to name but a few.

    It’s a remarkable feat in its totality.

    It ensures we have coffee to drink, and more to follow. It’s our way of life, and it’s lived out by millions of people around the world.