London - What I did!

This blog is so late but this is what I got up to in London a few weeks ago!

THE TATE MODERN

Staying so close to the Tate Modern I thought it would be a crime not to pop in even though I've never been a huge fan of modern art. I decided to go and visit the Georgia O'Keefe exhibition because I'd heard a lot of good things about it and I didn't have a clue where else to start. Georgia O'Keffe was an American artist originally from Wisconsin and the exhibition celebrates the centenary of her work. I was taken aback by the vastness of the collection and the variety of themes that she explored, from her earlier  abstract charcoal drawings to the use of watercolours depicting the plains of Texas, oilpaintincgs of New York city and finally her most renowned paintings of cow skulls in the landscapes of the South West. If like me you have no pervious knowledge of art I’d definitely recommend buying an audio guide which made the visit even more enjoyable as I was able to get a better understanding of the inspiration behind the paintings.

I enjoyed my afternoon so much I went back to the Tate later in the week but without prior knowledge of which exhibits to go and see I was slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of works at the Tate. Luckily there is a great display to get you started call the Start Display which features some of the “best loved artworks in the Tate collection” including works by Matisse and Kandinsky. I’m definitely planning to spend another afternoon in the Tate next time I’m in London even if that’s just to justify spending all my money the the Tate Modern shops! 

BENEFIT BOAT

Seeing the big pink boat on the bank of a the Thames honestly made me giggle, partly because of it's pinkness and partly out of nerves. I let myself be intimidated.  Was I cool enough to walk on this boat? Would everyone stare because I obviously didn't belong? There was no need for me to worry! The staff were smiley and helpful and within ten minutes I was sat at the bar in with exotic looking cocktail in my hand. 

 The main reason I was on the boat was to see Desiree Birch perform stand up comedy as part of the Funny Women Festival 2016 - Edinburgh Fringe Previews. I’d never seen any stand up comedy before (except for on television) and I wasn’t really sure what to expect but I have to say, I was laughing out loud for the whole hour! Between the small intimate room and Desiree’ s chatty friendly style I felt like I was just listening to an older hilarious friend impart her knowledge on everything from body image to sex in your thirties. I even had a chance to chat with Desiree later in the night and she was just as bubbly and animated then as she was on stage an hour earlier. I had a great night and I really hope to get the opportunity to see Desiree Birch in action again soon!

MORNING RUN

I’ve only ever really gone running in Cardiff, so I made an extra effort to pack my trainers and running gear and vowed to go running at least one morning in London. I wasn’t looking at my time or distance but just wanted the experience of running in such a crowded city! I actually managed to go out twice which I’m quite proud of. The first time I ran from the Tate over London Bridge and back around which was certainly an experience as I dodged businessmen and women hurrying to work - a world away from the Taff’s trail in Cardiff! The second time I decided just to run in the other direction towards Westminster Bridge which was a much nicer run as it was basically straight and the wide pedestrianised banks made zipping in and out of commuters a little easier! Next time I think I’ll try running in a park such as Hyde Park to avoid being trampled! 

What do you like to get up to in London? 

London - Where I Ate !

I’m finally posting my blog about London! I’ve decided to split it into two blog. This is the first and it’s all about where I ate! It’s not very often that I go anywhere and have such amazing food every time I eat out. All the places on my list except for one are on the Southbank simply because this was where I spent most of my time. Hopefully next time I go to London I’ll be able to explore a different area! 

THE FIND

Over The Road

This little cafe was such a great find! Tucked away on Union Street, a minute walk for Southwark tube Station, we nearly walked straight past it but I’m so glad we stopped here for some lunch. With plenty of outside seating and a busy bustling vibe it was a great way to start my trip. Not only  was my salt beef bagel delicious but we paid £10 for two bagels, two coffees and a packet of pipers crisps! A bargain you don’t often find in London.

Top Tip : Bring a book to swap on the Book swap trolly - a great way to discover new reads!

THE ONE WITH ALL THE CAKES

GAIL’s Artisan Bakery 

Walking in here was like walking into one of my dreams - gorgeous cakes EVERYWHERE!  I finally settled on a Pecan Salted Caramel and Banana cake (which was heavenly) and some fruity homemade ice tea. It was so nice in fact that we went back the next day and had some more cake (don’t know which one it was but it had pink icing so I instantly fell in love) and coffee. 

THE SPANISH ONE

Camino

 They had a great selection on small tapas dishes and we found it hard to narrow it down. We ended up getting a plate from each section on the menu, so we order the Manchego Cheese, the Jambón Ibérico Cebo (ham), the Octopus, the Chorizo de Rioja and the Baby Aubergine. All the dishes were tasty but my favourite was definitely the octopus because it was so different to what I normally eat and it was served with a delicious beetroot purée. We found that five plates were definitely enough between the two of us and left space for some cheeky chocolate churros for dessert. 

Top Tip : Even if you not that hungry it’s worth stopping here for a cocktail (or two) as spanish party atmosphere  will certainly get you in the mood for a fun night out

THE HEALTHY ONES

Crussh Fit Food

A healthy breakfast is one of my favourite ways to start the day hence I was so happy when I saw Crussh across the road from my hotel. Again there were so many things I could have bought (cacao & coconut bircher musli sounded sooooooo good!) but knowing I had a long day in front of me I wanted something I knew would keep me full for hours so I went for the Scrambled Egg pot with Hot Smoked Salmon and flax seed and as you might have guessed it was so *yummy and it did keep me full without being to heavy.  

(*I’m really running out of good adjectives to describe how nice the food was!)

I also had a latte with a ginger shot, something I’ve never heard of before let alone tried and it was surprisingly refreshing!

Leon

Another day, another healthy breakfast, this time at Leon’s a place I’ve heard a lot about but never been to before.  I don’t know if eggs in a pot is a London thing or just not a Cardiff thing but for the second day in a row I had eggs but this time poached and with smoked salmon and avocado.  I actually found this portion a bit small so I’d recommend either getting a large smoothie of which they have an abundance or requesting an extra egg.

THE ONE WITH THE VIEW

The Tate Modern

The last place we ate was the Kitchen and Bar on the sixth level of the Tate Modern. There are two  menus available the Bar Menu and the Restaurant Menu. Not being that hungry I just went for a roast beetroot, rosary goat’s cheese, orange, broad bean and quinoa salad and the crispy salt and pepper squid both of which were lovely but the main reason I’d recommend a visit? The view What’s better that relaxing in the calm oasis and chilled atmosphere of the Tate Bar while watching the hustle and bustle of Londoners on the other side of the river!

THE QUAINT ONE

Cafe Bella Maria

I don’t feel like I can give this cafe a full review considering I literally spent about fifteen minutes in here just to grab a coffee to go but I had to mention it. Even though it was insanely busy the service was impeccable and the cosy interior design and the delicious look of the cupcakes definitely mean I’ll make an effort to go back next time I’m in London!

THE PINK ONE

SNOG

Last but not least I had to mention Snog for their insane pink double decker bus ! On the southbank it’s the perfect place to grab a light dessert after your evening meal. At only 140 for a little original snog how could I say no! You can choose from original , chocolate, salted caramel  or pomegranate flavoured frozen yoghurt with healthy toppings like fruit, nuts or granola or maybe some not not so healthy toppings like chocolate fudge brownies, gummy bears or oreos, Whatever your in the mood for you’ll find the perfect frozen yoghurt for you! Personally I went for he chocolate flavoured frozen yoghurt with popcorn and mango (to be healthy…..not).

I hope you enjoyed my list. Please leave a comment so I know people are actually reading my blogs hahaha! 

B x