There is always something new to see and read on my blog, especially Instagram. As a multi-award-winning personal stylist in London and Surrey, I cover a wide range of things that interest me, focused mainly around the following: exploring interiors + art + architecture + style + fashion + travel + food + things that touch my imagination daily.
The Beach Huts are located in Felpham, just outside Bogner Regis on the Sussex coast, and we drove to Worthing first to meet a friend I hadn’t seen for 40 years. If we had gone to Felpham directly from South West London, the drive would have taken 90 minutes. By train from London, Victoria, it’s also approximately 90 minutes.
We recently went on a beautiful eight-night and three-Greek island hop without our children. We are midlifers just enjoying time together, so this blog isn’t centred around family-friendly holidays or holidays with teenagers. All the Hellenes and other travellers we met were friendly, helpful and hospitable. Food plays a big part in our decision-making when we choose holiday destinations. We both love to eat and are up for trying most things, especially fish; we love to swim (in the sea) and walk; and have downtime to read and for Tom to sketch. I’m conscious that our holiday priorities may not be everyone else’s cup of tea.
My best friend Clare was up for it. We re-jigged our diaries, and then on Friday, 26 May 2023, we flew from London Gatwick to Palma. My friend Clare and I were still determining what to expect, although we follow The Body Camp on Instagram and had a good old nosy on their website and read the reviews. It’s safe to say that it was an utterly incredible experience on many levels and surpassed our expectations. So here’s my blog on my no-nonsense thoughts on my seven days away.
Serves 12-14. Takes approx. 2 ½ – 3 hours, prep and cooking. But totally worth it! Make loads so you can refrigerate and batch freeze. This is a tried and tested recipe I’ve been making for years and sharing with friends all over the world. It’s delicious, and my family and friends love it. I learnt to cook at the aged of 13; my Mummyji would say to me, “Unless you learn to cook, you’ll never find a husband!”
After reading ‘A Theatre for Dreamers’ by Polly Samson for book club, I knew I had to visit the island of Hydra as the book depicted the island most beautifully. Besides, I love some of Leonard Cohen’s songs. The island didn’t disappoint, and Hydra has my heart.
Embrace the vibrant atmosphere of Athens in April! From 9 to 19 degrees, our weather journey was unpredictable. But with a stroke of luck, sunshine blessed our days occasionally sprinkled with gentle rain.
I first tasted this delicious pate in France at my friend May Simpkin’s yoga retreat last year. May is a talented nutritionist, and please take a look at her website and recipes: https://maysimpkin.com/easy-tasty-french-sardine-pate/
Where classic meets boutique.
We were lucky enough to stay at the Great Northern Hotel @gnhotel for Tom’s birthday. The rooms evoke the magic, charm and sophistication of the heyday of the railways, brought right up-to-date to delight today’s guests. Beautifully designed to emphasise space, comfort and the character of the building. It’s the original railway hotel site since 1854; this hotel in the heart of the vibrant King’s Cross area didn’t disappoint.
Last week I was invited to the beautiful Middle Eight Hotel in the heart of London’s Covent Garden. In the basement is a fabulous live music venue, @qt_coventgarden, with a bar and restaurant. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, there are two shows by Leo Green @theleogreen and his talented band. Leo is an incredible Saxophone player. The atmosphere was electric; we all got up, danced, and enjoyed a drink and the delicious small plates.
I was invited to @ginzastjames in the heart of London’s Mayfair for a complimentary dinner for two from the 3Gatsu menu (see below). Ginza is a modern Japanese restaurant and bar. The delicious seasonal menu took you through a food lover’s journey to Japan and a complimentary cheeky cocktail. Ginza has been awarded the 2AA Rosette award for culinary excellence.