The Riding House Cafe - ask for The Rachel

Tash and David told me about their local cafe. David and I sat in the red lounge booths sampling the divine tapas (purse friendly £3, £4, £5 options). 10 days later we went in again. We were not around around the corner and just popping by. This was a real destination, let's head to Warren Street supper option. I asked for a non-alcoholic and no cane sugar cocktail. The mixologist proudly created a Spring mint concoction and named it The Rachel. He made a note of the ingredients in case I come back. That my friends, is service!
** update: David said "you know he names one for everyone who asks, right?" Killjoy.

High Street Main Street

Have a read of my sister-in-law Sara's new blog, High Street Main Street. As an American living in north London and town planning expert, she has a transatlantic perspective on what makes our local streets work. What makes a livable place? For answers..

Phewf! Hello again

So it's just about June and the last time I was here it was April. It's been so long we might need to invent a word. Phewf it is. Let me update you a little. In the last few weeks I've been working on:
Southbank Centre's Festival of Britain 60th Anniversary for the Black Country Atelier
Writing articles for Phaidon and Urban Junkies

I've been enjoying:
Cycling in Copenhagen and going to an art gallery by the sea
Listening to a John Cage concert at the Southbank Centre
Eating artichokes at St John
Reading John Berger's new book
Introducing David's whole family to my whole family. Thank you Hendon bagels for the rugelach. Rugelach brings families together.

And I turned 30! The day brought a big surprise. More about this in a short while.

Hope you have been well. Tell me all..

(image via The Ceder Room)