The British Pullman, A Belmond Train

March 2023

For a postponed 30th birthday present, we stepped back in time to a golden age of travel aboard beautifully restored art deco carriages with polished marquetry and plush textiles and brass luggage racks and silken lampshades. As we departed from London Victoria we settled into our deep arm chairs, glass of chilled champagne in hand, excited for our round-trip journey ahead.

Portobello Road

February 2023
Bedknobs and broomsticks was one of my most watched films as a child. In my favourite scene David Tomlinson’s character Mr Browne takes Miss Price, played by Angela Lansbury, and the Rawlins children (evacuated from London during the Battle of Britain) to Portobello road. They search the stalls for a book with the spell “Substitutiary Locomotion”, and sing the Portobello road song thats been captured in my memory ever since. Since first watching Bedknobs and Broomosticks I’ve wanted to visit the famous Portobello Road. Now an adult living in London I could fulfil my childhood wish!

Barrafina

January 2023
The original Barrafina Spanish tapas restaurant and bar is Michelin starred and located in the heart of Londons west end. Often recommended as one of the best restaurants in London, we were very generously given a gift voucher from friends as an engagement present to dine at this popular place.

Wildlife photographer of the year

January 2023
Every year the museum hosts the wildlife photographer of the year exhibit, showcasing incredible photographs celebrating the likes of animals in their environment, urban wildlife, animal portraits, photojournalism and rising stars. Having never been before we were keen to visit this highly recommended exhibit, and we were certainly not disappointed. The photographs on display were amazing, beautiful, thought provoking and emotional.

Christmas in the Cotswolds

December 2022
A one-night stay in a cosy Christmassy pub. Having hosted big celebrations for my 30th birthday, I wanted to celebrate my 31st in a much more low key relaxing way. As my birthday is only days away from Christmas a festive city escape sounded perfect, and the Cotswolds is less than 2 hours from London. We packed our overnight bags and jumped on a train from Paddington to Kingham.