8 questions

Last week the lovely Jo tagged a handful of bloggers (myself included) in her blog award post and posed us a set of questions. Nine days later and I finally got around to answering them - ta da!

1. What is your favourite thing to do on a weekend?
Ideally, although this hardly ever ever happens - getting up early and vacating the city, preferably we'd head to the coast. A much more realistic but still fabulous scenario is, after a substantial lie-in, we get up, have breakfast (practically brunch, pancakes maybe) and then check out a new exhibition in central/wander around a museum for the afternoon. Have dinner out before meeting up with friends for drinks in the pub.

2. What would your last meal be?
Pulled pork burger from The Joint with some of their BBQ chicken wings (quite possibly because that is what I'm craving right now).

3. If you could try one job out for the day, what would you do?
Something science-y. Building satellites or better yet, building probes to send into outer space. I really sucked at physics (and chemistry) at school (and now to be honest) but I find that sort of stuff really interesting. Or, paleontology. Dinosaurs and fossils - damn I love them.

4. If you could learn one skill and be super amazing at it, what would it be?
There's, obviously, quite a lot of things I'd like to be good at but I think pool is probably at the top of the list. To look at me, no one would ever imagine I could kick everyone's arse at pool so that'd be fun if I could. Perhaps I'd become a pool hustler...

5. What would your super power be?
The ability to fly.

6. If you could live in any city where would you live?
According to buzzfeed I should live in Portland Oregon and although I'd like to visit there someday I can't say that's where I'd like to live. I've not really been to that many cities so my choice is purely based on those I've been to... New York, Barecelona or, believe it or not, London. I know I constantly want to escape this capital of ours but I do think it's a pretty great city.

7. What is your happiest moment?
This is a toughie...quite possibly Jan 1st 2013. It was pretty much the perfect day - waking up in NYC, having a massive breakfast and talking about the wedding, marriage & our life together (mitch had proposed the night before). Sorry if I made you vomit :)

8. What is your guilty food - the one where you're too embarrassed to admit to anyone that that is really what you ate last night?
Crisp sandwiches. Carbs in-between more carbs. Lovely!

Well, that was fun :) Thanks for the nomination Jo!

image source

Annie's Best of Brixton

Best of Brixton screen print by Lucy Loves This

There's only two weeks left until we pack up the remains of our stuff and lock the door of our little flat for the last time, so, I wanted to compose a little list of my favourite Brixton haunts. I know I know, there are tonnes of Brixton top 10 lists and every single issue of Timeout says something about the place but this here is my list of my favourites and all the things I'll miss.

(apologies, this does go on a bit)

FOOD

Negril - The first place I ever ate in Brixton and I love it now as much as I did then. Their sharing platters, once a struggle for Mitch and I to finish but now quite easily demolishable, are always my go-to choice. I've never quite been able to manage their eye-wateringly spicy jerk sauce, but when they kindly bring out an extra portion of their special gravy why would I need to? It is unbelievably good as is their coleslaw, plantain, rice & peas and, of course, their BYOB policy. Ah sigh, I'm going to miss this place a lot.

The Joint - Quite probably the best pulled pork I've ever eaten PLUS it's served, along with BBQ sauce and coleslaw, in a vanilla and fig bun which is quite frankly the dog's b*llocks. And don't even get me started on their sides! Hush puppies, ribs, wings - all so so good.

Franco Manca - It doesn't surprise me to see people getting on the tube with takeaway pizzas from here because I get it, their sourdough pizzas are the bomb. (I'd probably opt for just eating in rather than taking a pizza on public transport but yeah, I get it.) Also, with this place it's not just the food that I'll miss, it's the restaurant itself. Yes, there's quite a few other Franco Mancas around London but I like the little, kinda squished, one in Market Row. Also, I have it on good authority that the Brixton branch makes the best pizzas :)

Mama Lan - Yup, it's got one small menu but everything on there is a winner. This winter it's been all about their spicy tofu (or beef) noodle soup and, of course, their dumplings which you can even watch them make if you get a table inside. They've opened up a bigger restaurant in Clapham Common but the teeny tiny one in the village is the one I'll miss.

Honest Burgers - Obviously. I've not sampled any of the other 'Honests' around London, and why would I need to when the original was but a short walk away? I guess the move means I could sample some of the others but now that Brixton's got a queuing system up and running, I'm more than happy to return to the village.

The Duck Egg cafe - Another tiny establishment that's usually packed but if you do get a seat, I recommend their breakfasts. Whether it's just poached eggs your after or the full english, it's grand in there.

Rosie's - My favourite spot for a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake. Perfect on a sunday (before 12 or after 2 you're more likely to get a seat) and the cakes are different every time I go in so there's always something new to try. They also do very good brunch-y type things, oh and the goats cheese and onion marmalade sandwich is amazing.

The Cafe Provencal - technically Herne Hill but it's an old haunt so I couldn't not mention it. They pretty much serve breakfasts, brunch, lunch and dinner type foods - and I've tried all of them. Sadly, they got hit really badly with the floods that happened last year and they won't be opening until the end of March, after we've left (boo). I'm hoping they won't have changed (or rather, had to get rid of) their quirky furniture. Plus their toilets were cool - blackboards on the backs of the doors so you could draw away/scrawl notes for the next occupant.

DRINK

Seven - Their cocktails are the bees knees - the ginger beer and basil mojito is a firm fave. And, at only a fiver I cannot complain price-wise. As with a lot of the places I've mentioned on here, the best place to sit is at one of the tables out the front and then you can people watch and, at Seven specifically, scrutinise the religious memorabilia shop opposite to your hearts content.

The Craft Beer Co. - a small but mighty establishment with a multitude of beers, ales and cider to choose from. More a weekend destination as a lot of the booze is of a rather high percentage. A pint or two is usually enough for me but it's a hard rule to stick to because there's usually a least 4 new ones I want to try.

The Crown & Anchor - A decent sized pub that has lots of seating, great beers, mulled wine and cider in the winter AND a rather good food menu. It's a bit of a trek from the tube station (20 mins walk) but definitely worth it.

The Hootananny - v.much our local, well it is about 30 secs away. I think the hoot is definitely a summer pub, it's very easy to while away 4 or 5 hours sitting in their huge beer garden at the front when the weather is good. The choice of beer isn't amazing but it certainly has a cracking atmosphere. Nearly every time I go there I always end up chatting to a complete stranger and I quite like that about the hootanny. It's clientele are a very mixed bunch but everyone's always friendly - especially the attendant in the women's loos ("happy, happy happy - everybody's happy!"). Also, the burrito guy that has a stall in the beer garden makes unbelievably fine burritos and if you don't fancy mexican, there's usually a pizza stall in the garden too!

ENTERTAINMENT

The Ritzy - good lord, I'm going to miss this cinema. Fun fact: before we moved to Brixton and were living in Surbiton, Mitch and I sometimes used to come to Brixton, just to got to the ritzy. Yup, that's how much we loved it. So, you can imagine that leaving it is going to suck massively (especially screens 1 and 5 - they're the best ones). Of course, we can always come back and visit it which I imagine we will. Plus, moving to SW london does force us to seek out other cinemas in order to avoid our soon-to-be local odeons and cineworlds - euurgh.

The Effra Social - Ah the social, our other local (also a mere 30 secs walk away). I have a lot of love for this establishment and, seeing as it hasn't even been open a year yet, we've spent a lot of time there, including, it playing host to our engagement drinks knees up. Friday and Saturday nights are great for music whether it's a live band playing ska or a DJ spinning 50s & 60s tunes - my absolute favourite music to dance to. Yup, this is where I go to get my dancing fix in Brixton. It's also nice for a quiet drink in the week both inside when the weathers crap and outside the front in the summer. They've also recently opened up a nice sized (and prettily lit) restaurant in the back. Special mention to the knitting pattern decor in the loos - good stuff.

Brixton Acadamy - I am ashamed to say that despite living walking distance from this excellent venue I only went twice in the last two and a half years. They were great gigs (Orbital and The Postal Service) but I really wish I'd made more effort with looking to see who was playing (to be fair, I need to up my game on going to live music events in general). However, on the two occasions we went to the acadamy, never have I felt so smug about leisurely exiting the venue, not worrying about the crowded tubes or finding a taxi, because 15 minutes later (or 5 if we'd got the bus) we were home. The best thing was not having to faff about with the cloakroom as we didn't need coats or bags (even at the december gig). So good. Sigh.

Brockwell Park - in the words of Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz: "I think I'll miss you most of all". When Mitch and I first decided we wanted the flat (and to be in Brixton to an extent) it was the park that swayed us (discovering the village and all its delights after we'd signed the contract was a v.nice surprise and an added bonus). It's a great park - for walks, running, picnics, events, car boot sales, sports (not that I partook in any, for shame), swings(!), feeding the ducks, summer evening boozing...And then there's the lido. And the cute little lido cafe. I think some of my favourite days living in Brixton are park related - lambeth county fair, our day lazing by/in the pool at the lido, geocaching, that time we snuck into the kid's playground before it was finished and played on the swings. Our close proximity to the park and gym has most definitely contributed to my enthusiasm for regular exercise. The inviting lido forced me to get over myself and wear a swimming costume in public(!) outside (!). And perhaps, most importantly, it provided me with the perfect place to clear my head (and pet some dogs).

Honourable mentions: Station road market, Herne Hill market, Jeff the Chef (best goat curry I've ever eaten), The Florence (in-house brewery - always a bonus - and the battered halloumi sticks are guuud), Oregano on Tulse Hill for takeaway pizza (hangover favourite), the crafty fox market (and the dogstar where it's held), Khan's of Brixton (fantastic Indian takeaway on Brixton Water Lane), the gym (I love that place, never thought I'd say that about a gym), the Brixton Bugle (never before have I taken such an interest in where I live - the blog and monthly paper will be missed), Morleys (they have everything in there), the bookmongers on coldharbour lane (and the v.chilled dog that sits in the window), Bleu in Herne Hill (always good for a mooch about in), the transport (or rather the convenience of the location - bus, train and the usually reliable victoria line) and last but not least, the windmill.

Now, was there anything I missed...?

picture sources - Food: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8

Drink: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Entertainment: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5     
Mentions: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 

right now

★ Reading: Life After Life by Kate Atkinson. So far so good, I'm liking the concept a lot.

★ Watching: Community season 1 - I wasn't so sure about this initially but after the first 2 or 3 episodes it's just got better and better. I'm a big fan of all the movie references/homages throughout the series, some have been hilarious. It's sort of been filling the huge gaping hole which was left by parks and rec (obvs it's not as good but it sure makes me laugh). Also, we've been watching the new House of Cards (omg, that first episode!!!) and the great British sewing bee :)

★ Making: I've been fannying around on InDesign a lot lately (pic above) with the view to make our wedding invitations. The crochet blanket is coming along nicely and I'm in the midst of making a dress - it's too early to tell how well it'll turn out but I'm feeling positive.

★ Eating: The most amazing homemade pizza courtesy of my v.talented friend Alex who also made us a seriously lush coconut and blueberry jam cake (yeah, I know, amazing) on Saturday. My sister also gave us a batch of her white chocolate rocky road at the weekend so I've been completely spoilt! 

★ Wearing: My more spring-like coat! There's been some really lovely days recently when not only has it not rained, it's also been sunny and relatively warm. I actually went out to get everyone's lunch yesterday without wearing my coat! C'mon Spring, don't be shy.

★ Feeling: Quite reflective. Packing up the flat has meant I've been thinking a lot about our time in Brixton and how bloody great it's been. Also, v.tired - between packing, socialising and going out a fair bit, I've run myself rather ragged and it doesn't look like I'll get much of a chill out until we make the move to my parents'. Ah well, no rest for the wicked I suppose. 

★ Loving: The unexpected gift of a bunch of daffodils which are currently in full bloom.

thoughts on: the Kindle

Mitch had been threatening wanting to buy me a kindle for about 3 years and every Christmas I responded with, "no, thank you". And then, this summer, whilst in Italy, I ran out of books to read (I also ruined one thanks to the glue holding the spine together melting in the scorching Italian heat - oops). So, this Christmas, Mitch ignored my "no, thank you" and bought me a kindle. I've just finished reading my first ever book on it, here are my thoughts.

Before: Every time I see those ridiculous posters with people holding a kindle and happily exclaiming (in a speech bubble): "it's just like reading a book!" I always respond (in my head of course) with "well why don't you read a blooming book then?" I love the feel of a book, the smell of a new book, thumbing the pages, folding down the corner of the page to mark my place (yup, I'm one of those, much to the annoyance of my sister), lending books, borrowing books, occasionally underlining stuff, perhaps doing that cheeky thing where you read a paragraph a few chapters ahead of where you are (I can't be the only one who does that). All these things that I love about a physical book would be completely lost on a kindle, why would I ever want to use one?

During: Wow, turning the page on crowded tube train no longer requires you to use two hands and perform a balancing act! I could get used to this. 'WARNING LOW BATTERY PLEASE CHARGE YOUR KINDLE'. Well, real books don't need to be charged. [Annoyingly, I had no idea that my kindle was on low battery because I never return to the home screen (why would I need to?). It'd be better if the battery sign was visible whilst you're in read mode.] I've been reading this book for ages and I'm still only 46% (*shudder* percentages) in, how long is this book? (I was reading The Goldfinch by Donna Tart and having not seen the actual book until a friend showed me her copy, I had no idea that it was a beast at nearly 800 pages.)

After: Clicking to the final page, rather than shutting the book, was pretty anti-climactic especially as I clicked again incase there was something more and instead found myself on the acknowledgement page. I clicked again and then found Amazon recommending other books I should buy. Paper books obviously list the author's other works but the kindle just felt much more like: "now buy this! Consume some more!"

But let's be more general: there are definite up-sides to the kindle, size being the main one. It hardly took up any room in my bag (particularly great in terms of the brick that was The Goldfinch) and hardly weighs a thing. The page turning button was also a bit of a revelation and massively useful when clinging on to a hand rail on a crowded tube. Also, once it is charged fully, the battery lasts for ages. However, all those things I mentioned above - the feel of a book, page thumbing etc etc - are, obviously, completely lost and, as I expected, it bothered me. I'll also add to that list of loss: cover art, back cover blurb and having any physical sense of how far into a book you are (a percentage is just not cool). I'm not going to be completely damning of the kindle though because I can see how it could be very useful if you were going on a long holiday and didn't have room to pack several actual books. Plus, it has a number of free book including a lot of classics which I really want to read (Treasure Island!). Unexpectedly, it's turned out to be v.handy for me of late. As we're in the process of moving, all my books have been packed away, and, were it not for the kindle, I'd be forced to read the metro so I'm cutting it some slack.

Conclusion: Useful for: holidays, large books, busy commutes. It will get used but really it's just another screen (and god knows I look at enough of those everyday) so there's no way I'm giving up the good old paper and print book any time soon.

Are you an e-reader-er or are you all about the printed word?

image source

he could've been rhino

A year ago today Mitch went to Streatham and brought back a v.tiny (and probably quite terrified) little hamster. It was on the bus on the way back to the flat, with the hamster in a box on his lap, that Mitch apparently thought about what to call him. It came down to two names: Moriarty and Rhino (after the hamster in Bolt). By the time he'd got off the bus, he'd made up his mind.

Last night, Moriarty scared the crap out of us. I'm still not entirely sure if he was half-hibernating or what but for about a minute I really did think the worst. I'd never seen him so still! Of course this lead to panic and much frantic internet searching in a desperate attempt to diagnose his lethargic state. Of course, reading about all the terrible illnesses hamsters can contract did nothing for my peace of mind. But, thankfully, the little one was back to his usual energetic-self this morning and his appetite has definitely returned to normal. Don't go anywhere yet buddy, there's lots of good times ahead :)

Saff me! (a 90th birthday in Norwich)

On Sunday, the closest members on my dad's side of the family converged in Norfolk to celebrate my granddad's 90th birthday. It's a good two & a half - three hour drive but what with all the sunshine (and no traffic whatsoever) it turned out to be a rather nice journey. We even arrived early and had enough time to stop of at Elveden for a coffee and a short stroll in the forest as well as a quick wander around Norwich city before meeting everyone for lunch.

Lunch turned into a 3 hour chatting, eating, drinking sesh before we all headed back to my uncle's to have pink champers and cake. And here's the man himself, glass of bubbly in hand :) He gave us quite a scare 3 years ago when he went into hospital but you'd never have guessed it had you seen him at the weekend - surrounded by his sons, grand-children and his three great grand-children! 'Saff' is one of his words - a substitute for an expletive - which always used to amuse my sister and me when we were little, and still does today really. So, here's to the next 10 saffing years granddad :)

oscar worthy

I confess: Oscar/bafta season does get me excited. I try to watch a lot of films anyway but I'm always interested to see what's been nominated for the big film awards. In the run up to the Oscars, there's normally lots of good stuff out so here's a little round-up of what I've been watching along with some poster art. I do love alternative posters. Also, if you're thinking of heading to the cinema for valentines movie night perhaps this might help...

Her

Spike Jonze ('Where the wild things are', 'Being John Malkovich') has written and directed this, very beautiful, love story of a different kind. Set in the near future, writer, Theodor (Joaquin Phoenix) is recently divorced and rather lonely. He purchases a new type of operating system for his computer - intelligent, personable and capable of evolving. After answering a couple of initial questions and opting to make her female, Theodore's OS takes on a personality of her own. She (Samantha) and Theodore become closer and closer. Their relationship begins to change, evolving just as Samantha gradually expands and explores her humanity (of sorts). But is there a future for two 'people' with very different states of being - using being in the very loosest sense? Well I'm not going to say because I think you should watch it. I loved everything about this film - the story, the cinematography (really dream-like, the colours are beautiful), the characters, the little details (Theodore's job as a letter writer is v.clever, and the costume styling is ace) and the music. The music is particularly amazing - Arcade Fire and Karen O doing their thing can never be wrong. I also liked how it seemed believable. Yes it's set in the future where OS's have artificial intelligence but, we are already incredibly dependent on technology and it's evolving at an insane rate. Who's to say people wouldn't become attracted to their computers if they built up a rapport with them? It would be hard not to if they sounded like Samantha (Scarlett Johansson). Although she never appears on screen (Samantha doesn't have a body of course) her voice essentially carries the film forward. I read that someone else had originally been cast as Samantha and that Johansson had been a last minute change, recorded over the top of the original actress. A little harsh perhaps but Johnasson's voice is so full of life and has such an impact on everything throughout the story. I'm really rooting for this to scoop the 5 oscars that it's up for. Kinda romantic but not in a gooey-way.

The Wolf of Wall Street
The tale of stock broker, and massive jerk, Jordan Belfort (Leo DiCaprio) - it's one hell of a ride, an incredibly debauched, drug filled ride with a little bit of Jennifer Lumley thrown in for good measure. As all the trailers have suggested, it may have the words 'Wall Street' in the title but you don't really need to know a thing about stock markets, brokering etc to be able to follow this film (thank god, as I don't understand any of that stuff). Instead, what you get to witness are the fruits of the Belfort's corruption: namely having more money than he knows what to do with. You'd have thought there were only so many drugs to snort, cruise boats to crash, women to *ahem* bone, dwarves to throw, cars to crash, people to screw over, but not for Belfort. It's 3 hours long but you won't be bored for a second. The pace is fast, the script is sharp, it's superbly acted (Leo is awesome) and it's funny. It's been described as a black comedy - much of what happens is shocking (those work parties are essentially orgies) - but I laughed a lot, much of the time with open-mouthed horror. It deserves the hype and is definitely worth a watch, especially if you're after something rather
anti-valentines-y this evening.

12 Years A Slave

I put off watching this for a good while mostly because I knew it was going to be harrowing. But, all the reviews, comments from friends and Mitch persistently suggesting we should see it, were working against me so I caved. It is beautifully shot and incredibly well acted (terrifyingly well acted in terms of Fassbender) but it is absolutely devastating. Based on the memoirs of Solomon Northup, a free man leaving in New York with his wife and children, is was kidnapped in Washington DC and sold into the slave trade. It is heart-aching stuff, I cried almost the entire way through. And not silent crying, oh no, I was ugly crying. The brutality, the injustice, the shear lack of humanity that it is displayed in that film still haunts me. But, it is an amazing movie and thoroughly deserves all the praise it's getting. I'm glad I've seen it but I shall never ever watch it again. My advice? Make sure you've got something up-beat and light-hearted to watch afterwards if this is your choice tonight.

In spite of my fairly 'meh' feelings towards it - happy valentine's day! Hope you have a good one if you're a celebrator (tonight, we're staying in, making burgers and watching Wall-E). But more importantly, happy friday to all!

picture sources 1 // 2 // 3

27

This year I most certainly milked my brithday for all it was worth and had myself four very lovely days which went something like this:

opening cards, receiving v.kind texts from people, being treated to lunch at Bill's by my boss, enduring the tube strike and disgusting weather, dinner and drinks with Mitch at Bodeans, half day at work on friday, cocktails and pizzas at earlham street clubhouse, bit of shopping, a friend throwing me an afternoon tea on saturday, chilli-dogs and beer at the florence in the evening, a trip to Essex on sunday to see Mitch's parents who took us out for lunch at the quaintest little pub in the village of Much Hadam, watching the Wolf of Wall Street last night when we got back to Brixton.

As you can probably see, I basically just drank and ate A LOT. And it was bloody marvellous.

Sunday at the Barbican

I've been wanting to see the barbican conservatory for aaaages and last sunday I finally went and brought Mitch along for the ride.

We got the tube to Moorgate - it felt really eerie around there, completely deserted - and walked through the Barbican estate, which is also pretty strange. It kind of reminds me of something from a science fiction story - a little futuristic (blade runner-ish?) with it's weird canals and walkways (which is odd because it was actually built in the 60s). If you're curious or nosey (like I am) about the estate, I found this site which is most informative.

After we'd finished ogling the estate we headed to the Barbican Centre and up to the conservatory. It's a funny little place. Although someone is obviously looking after it, the conservatory has that feel of being overgrown - plants and vines climbing the central bricked tower, succulents overspilling their pots, giant leaves pushing outwards into the paths.

My favourite bit was the cacti and succulent room.

After the conservatory we went for something to eat in the Barbican food hall. I wish we'd got there sooner as they'd stop serving hot food. However, they did have a table of cake - yes a whole table (!) with such an impressive selection to choose from - and the decor was lovely!

We half thought about going to the Pop Art exhibition but we only had 30 mins or so before the Barbican shut, so gave it a miss. I'd highly recommend a visit to the conservatory. It's only open on sundays but we got there about 3:30 and it was pretty empty - most of the people there seemed to be sketching the plants.

I'm writing this having returned home from a very knackering day which mostly consisted of getting on buses, realising that the traffic in central london was at deadlock and that the bus had moved less than 10 metres in as many minutes, getting off and walking. I've basically been walking everywhere today which would've been fine if not for all the rain this afternoon. Ah well, a good cup of tea sorts everything out. Tomorrow not only brings day 2 of the tube strikes, it's also my birthday. Surviving my hideous commute shall be rewarded with dinner and lots of wine :)

something for spring

cute flats: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

rucksacks: 1 // 2

bomber jackets: 1 // 2 // 3

fabrics: village haberdashery

It's my birthday very soon, and, like at christmas, I'm finding it rather difficult to answer the question: "is there anything you want?" What with moving out in a few weeks I'm reluctant to buy/ask for anything that'll take up space or, inevitability, be boxed up and stored until Mitch and I find our own home. And, thanks to christmas and my kindle, my usual go-to request for books is moot. So, I'm leaning towards some nice things for spring. No, not dresses, I've got too many of those. I'm thinking, some nice things for spring that I don't own such as: a light-weight jacket (perhaps a bomber as I'm sensing I couldn't pull off a biker jacket...), a rucksack (going to need something of the sort for Budapest) and shoes - I don't own any pairs suitable for spring other than my converse. Also, I have quite a few dress patterns that I want to try out but I only seem to have large quantities of floral fabrics, and heaven knows I've got enough floral print dresses. So, I think I'll splash out on one or three geometric prints.

pictures from the last week or so

So there I was, inwardly wondering whether January would ever end and then the last week of it flew by. Thanks to the long-awaited arrival of pay-day my evenings were full of fun things...

The photographer's t-shirt at a studio - love it.

Aw, these two :)

Shopping for my wedding dress fabrics - v.fun but rather daunting.

A little visit to Beyond Retro - might have bought something...well, yes, a v.summery dress.

Science Museum Lates: 3-D printing, ancient timers (hour glass in shape only - lots of them were random timers like 19 seconds) and astronomy monopoly (where you could purchase jupiter for $150 dollars!)

Comptoir Libanais in 

South Ken. Seriously delicious food (I had the fattet lamb kofta) and jazzy decor - how amazing are these tiles?!

Mugs and the wall of plates at my Nan's house.