Waitrose Colombian Coffee Ice Cream The Best Coffee Ice cream I have Ever Tasted

What is happening to the Food and Hospitality Scene In London Richard Caring Sells Out for 1.4...

Poppy

2026-04-17T08:50:00.0000000 2026-04-17T09:54:35.8330000

When the King of Mayfair is leaving town you know there’s something up.

I worry. I worry about London. How it has changed. How expensive it is. Streets that were once safe to meander alone, Berkeley Square, Mount St, Knightsbridge, my neighbourhood are now scary and not just at night. People are getting mugged, assaulted, during the day too, you might as well be in Magaluf, not the most wonderful city in the world.

How anyone cannot notice the difference, I don’t know. Even Richard Caring owner of long established spots like Scott’s on Mount st, I’ve snooped about it, Annabels, the famous night time retreat in Berkeley Square has got out for a staggering 1.4 billion. When I told my friend about it, she just said, he knows what’s coming. It was quite depressing.

He had already dumped the Ivy restaurant chain, sold to an Abu Dhabi firm a couple of years ago and somewhere we used to go to literally all the time we’ve already stopped frequenting so regularly. It’s just not the same, the staff are miserable, it’s dead, and when it’s not, the treatment we used to get from the maitre D’ who’d always find us a table just isn’t happening anymore. It’s just no longer special.

Which brings me onto this ice cream. We are eating at home more. Having friends over. Going to friends. It’s cheaper and safer. Which is a shame but I am sure many other people are doing the same whilst the economy is so bad.

Two puddings in a restaurant in London will set you back £20. Two ice creams in a gelato shop, double scoops, £15. My favourite coffee shop Marchesa on Mount St, an icecream in there is £8.00 to go so this gem from Waitrose, discovered when a friend told us she had something amazing for us to try, 500ml of Colombian Coffee magic for £4.60. It is an absolute bargain and blooming delicious.

Not only does it taste better than any other ice cream I’ve tried in a long time, for £2.30 each, we get to indulge in the largest triple scoop serving when you eat one pot between two.

If you are not greedy this pot will easily generously serve four people. It says on the pot it’s supposed to serve six but I think that would be too small a portion.

Food memories evoke strong feelings and when I eat this ice cream I am transported to pondering flavours in a traditional Italian gelato shop searching out the words caffe or mocha not to be confused with equally delicious Affogato meaning drowned, vanilla ice cream with a shot of expresso poured over it.

In a changing world for young people who love to go out to eat, a landscape that is becoming, too expensive, too dangerous or just not so much fun anymore, there’s always Colombian Coffee Ice Cream from Waitrose.

Just for reference there’s 153 calories in 1/6 of the pot. If you share between two like us you are looking at closer to 500 calories. And if you eat the whole pot to yourself you need to get yourself to he gym or out for a brisk walk.

Writing this and thinking about the ice cream, I am going to get a biscuit. We already finished the ice cream.

Dishoom Jazz, wonderful food and transportation into another world

We all want to be transported, to escape the grind for a few hours

Poppy

2026-04-11T09:30:00.0000000 2026-04-11T11:47:11.5430000

Reggie likes to surprise me and it’s been quite a while since we’ve been out to dinner. We’ve had some friends staying from the US we met in Africa a few years ago on holiday. Not those passing holiday acquaintances that when the holiday is over and you’ve reunited a couple of times, exhausted the holiday reminiscing you never see again. These are friends we’ve actually stayed friends with. They are “Indian Americans” who grew up in Africa, they made our Africa visit epic and off the beaten track so he wanted to give them a fantastic experience in London.

I’ve seen this restaurant down Derry St, when I go to the gym, it’s not a place you’d pass by as Derry St is a dead end. It looks like an old fashioned cinema from the outside. I’ve always thought it looks exciting,inviting and wondered what was beyond the deco doors.

I didn’t know it was an Indian restaurant and the truth is, it’s so much more than that. I’ll apologise in advance we were having such a good time, I didn’t think about photographs, the evening flew by in a haze of tequila and chatter and I forgot to take pictures. Wanting to use about the evening shared and give a boost to the team by way of thanks I returned a few days later to take these few pics from the outside.

It’s a walk in place. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and everyone is welcome. We felt so welcome by the staff from the moment we arrived. You feel like you are walking into another world. I can’t explain it any better. It’s one of those blow you away places you have to experience for yourself.

We had the house Margaritas and they were bloody delicious. A creation by the Dishoom founder Cyrus Irani. A reason to return on its own.

The art deco interiors and beautiful light installations are an absolute treat for anyone interested in architecture or design. A combination American dinner our friend pointed out and Vegas jazz late night supper club from the 1940s and 50s. I thought about a scene from the film An Education written by Nicky Hornby when Jenny an impressionable 16 year old played beautifully by Carey Mulligan in her first big film role goes to a jazz club for supper, (supper, I’ve heard of it but I’ve never eaten it) stating on her return home to suburban Twickenham in the 1960s she’d had the best night of her life.

I have to say reuniting with friends not seen for a long time, listening to the resident band The Martine Liners (Friday and Saturday nights) in these dreamy surroundings downing heady cocktails, eating spectacular food and being waited on by servers who play their roles like actors in a movie was possibly one of the best nights of my life too.

It’s not cheap. The bill for four with drinks was around £500 but we did leave a hefty tip and we also over ordered, everything sounded so good and as you see the food coming out to the tables around you you want to try everything. The smell of the place is the icing on the cake. The scent of star anise lingers in the air. The coriander is apparent before you even bite into the most delicious Naan you’ve ever tried.

A night at the Roxy was a rich immersive one off Indian Noir production inspired by the glamour and excitement of the art deco world of 1940s Bombay and the story of your host, the wayward and charismatic Cyrus Irani.

This place is an absolute international triumph I cannot wait to return to.

Pure Magic. Our visitors were absolutely blown away. Thank You

Hideaway Cafe on Mount St is My Favourite Home From Home In London

It’s my go to place whenever I have anyone visiting from out of town, a place I rely on that...

Poppy

2026-02-27T12:49:00.0000000 2026-02-27T15:21:16.9930000

When I heard Poopsnoop creator say she wanted to build something in Poopsnoop that would make a global impact and wanted passionate snoopers to share and elevate the things, products, services businesses, they absolutely love, I got it. The places I go I am super loyal, usually order the same thing, know the staff so Hideaway fits the profile for somewhere I’d tell the world to visit. I am writing this snoop about Hideaway with the intention when they (The staff) see it, it makes their day. It’s good to tell people in person and I do by returning over and over, however there’s something more permanent about taking the time to write and deliver a fantastic snoop. To know what they deliver every day is creating raving fans for real.

Hideaway Mount St - a beautiful cafe coffee shop with gourmet 5 star food, it’s not technically a restaurant as they don’t have menu and you order at the counter but the food is 100 times better than most restaurants in London. I am biased. I absolutely love love love this joint run by general manager and hospitality queen Franca Taris.

Incidentally as well as fantastic coffee, Hideaway also has a full bar

Situated with the famous Scotts restaurant directly across the road, a hangout for the famous and wealthy in equal measure with the paparazzi never far away, on Mount St in the heart of Mayfair you’ll find hideaway. it’s quite an apt name for this gorgeous eatery, possibly one of my favourite in London.

It reminds me a little of a place I used to go, Coco Maya which sadly closed its doors for good back in 2017 in Connaught Village, off Porchester place except that was more bakery, cakes and artisan chocolate, Hideaway is artisan gourmet food in a casual no reservation required setting with beautiful interiors, gorgeous lighting and on sunny days on street dining where you get the same people watching as Scott’s for a fraction of the price. For drivers there is also on street parking right outside. Not cheap at about a £1.45 for 12 minutes high tariff Westminster E1 zone so you pay about £7.25 per hour but very convenient as the walk from Green Park or Bond St tube stations will take you about 10–15 minutes.

Hideaway is where Mount St Deli used to be the sister restaurant to Scott’s owned by Caring. The newer Hideway described as an intimate dining experience in Mayfair and an upmarket coffee shop for breakfast and lunch is owned by restauranteur Ollie Babbous hidden gem offering unique flavours and a cosy airy atmosphere with fabulous eclectic interiors like the birdcages hanging above the counter I always find amusing, engaging and calming in equal measure.

The food is fancy for sure, except with a homemade feel. The kind of thing you’d expect if you went to Nigella Lawson’s house for a bite. And everything is so beautifully presented. The amazing thing you get to shop with your eyes because the days specials are out on the counter so you can see what you are ordering before your plate is made to order for you. So it’s an order at the counter experience, a beautiful and I mean beautiful presentation or food which is then served at your table. Casual but very chic from the smoked salmon and caviar bagels to the watermelon salad or home made flans and quiches, sweet and savoury.

The food is truly picture perfect and tastes as good as it looks. The crowd is usually a mix of international visitors, business people quietly working and locals like me just enjoying a cup of piping hot express or lunch and a catch up with friends.

From the mirrored ceiling to the almost east coast USA interior vibes, the stylish clientele and the not exorbitant prices, I love Hideaway for fantastic food and chilled service you don’t need to take out a mortgage to pay for if you don’t go over the top £15 - £20 per head will cover lunch. If you put alcohol on top it’s going to be more. Or you can do what I sometimes do on a sunny day, get lunch to go and eat it in the park around the corner.

15 - 25 Davies St - where Modern art and architecture Meet in Revolutionary Contemplation

A Standout Work Of Art You could walk past every day and never even notice

Poppy

2026-02-16T09:55:00.0000000 2026-02-16T10:30:07.2030000

Whenever I walk past this amazing building designed by PLP Architecture I always stop.

The building is a modern interpretation of a traditional mansion block, featuring terracotta cladding, cast steel, and glass bays and houses the famous restaurant Cipriani, worth a visit if you have not been.

The building itself is a high end mixed use development, luxury apartments, office space and retail/restaurant space.

But it is the untitled art work (2003-5) by Ian Hamilton Finlay, Scottish poet, writer, artist and gardener often associated with his text-based, Neoclassical style I always take time to ponder, regard and take in. It’s a quote that takes a little getting your head around to actually understand.

When man obeys without being presumed good, there is neither liberty nor a native land," attributed to the French Revolutionary leader Louis-Antoine Saint-Just (1767–1794).

I think what it means is meant to highlight the dangers of blind obedience and authoritarianism. It implies that if everyone just follows or obeys out of fear or coercion rather than inherent virtue or shared values, a society lacks true freedom and national identity. Supporting the idea of democracy when governments and people in power don’t lead with integrity people must challenge and stand up for what is right.

The quote made me do a little research into the author of it.

Louis Antoine se Saint Just was a Jacobian leader during the French Revolution, and a close friend of Maximilien Robespierre. He served as his most trusted friend during the period of Jacobian rule(1793–94) in the French First Republic as military commisar and legislator responsible for the political education, morale, and ideological loyalty of military units. But he achieved a lasting reputation as the face of reign of terror, defended use of violence against opponents of the government, supervised the arrest of many prominent figures of the revolution and had many guillotined. He denounced King Louis XVI and too had him executed. He was, therefore called an 'Angel of Death'. He is credited with the constitution of 1793. Finally, when his violent activities became unbearable, he was arrested along side Robespierre on July 27 1794 and they were both executed the next day along with 20 of their supporters.

Whilst Louis Antoine is not considered a hero as figures like Napoleon are he is revered by some as an uncompromising revolutionary idealist, a deeply divisive and complex historical figure whose legacy fluctuates between an incorruptible patriot and a complete monster.

I always think when I stand and stare at the artwork that happiness and pain always sit side by side and without one you don’t get the other.

Louis Antoine shows When you love something so vehemently the lengths you will go to to protect it.

The next time you are passing take a look. It’s worth taking a moment to absorb this work of art, free for everyone to experience.

7 Favourite Places on High Street Kensington and Bens Grocer is Number 1 Reason to Go

From the flowers to the night life to best restaurant in London to healthy food shopping and...

Poppy

2026-02-10T10:09:00.0000000 2026-02-16T10:43:25.3430000

High St Kensington has got it all along with a beautiful new Bens Grocer store and newly reopened Kensington Roof Gardens private club on Derry street. With fantastic access via High St Kensington tube station and everything within a minutes walk. It’s a Saturday afternoon shopping destination for me for sure, better than the west end and more fun than Knightsbridge.

It’s got a real neighbourhood feel like Mount st only more casual and younger, that’s why I like it.

Bens of Kensington High St

I love High St Kensington, we’re members at Kensington Roof Garden on Derry street and Yes, the Kensington Roof Garden has reopened as an exclusive private members' club, following its acquisition by OVO Energy founder Stephen Fitzpatrick from Virgin who had the lease for a long time, over 30 years. The club has had a significant refurbishment, the restored gardens, new dining options at Komorebi which you’ve got to try and operates with a 3 AM license.

So I am in High Street Kensington all the time. I also have a friend who lives on Gloucester walk up Kensington Church st so I am a regular at the flower shop there on the corner Flower Corner and Ffiona’s restaurant which I can highly recommend for a completely unique and fun experience.

Where else can you go just to buy beautiful fresh fruit and veg in South Kensington.

We’ve got whole foods market a shop I go to and love, they stock delicious vegan ice cream from Booja Booja and few other unique small food brands you cannot get anywhere else unless you shop online but the fruit and veg selection although good can be hit and miss.

I have started going to Bens Grocer a bit further from the tube the other way, just before you get to Oxfam on the other side of the road, for exotic things like Figs and star fruit, fresh asparagus and fresh berries out of season when the ones in the supermarket are bitter and hard Bens always seem to come up with the very best produce whatever the time of year.

I’ve noticed the fruit and vegetables selection in Waitrose deteriorate over the last few years. But I bought some bananas at Bens the other day and although they weren’t like the giant green things you see in the supermarket they were firm, sweet, not under ripe and absolutely delicious so whomever is doing the buying knows what they are doing for sure.

I smelled the tomatoes and it was like the sweet aroma was a long lost friend. Decent tomatoes which have been impossible to find, everything so tasteless and bland are at Bens Grocers like they’ve just been picked from your neighbours garden not mass produced over refrigerated balls if you were wearing a blind fold would be impossible to distinguish exactly what you were eating.

I love to eat a tomato on its own with a little salt as a snack, something I’ve stopped doing with supermarket tomatoes, they just don’t taste great.

The selection of dried fruits, vinegars and olive oils is as good as anywhere. I love browsing and trying something new everytime I go. The prices are not cheap, but reasonable three bananas cost me £0.99 about the same as Waitrose.

And if you don’t just love the vibes of a Mediterranean market where everything just tastes better and encourages you to home cook then the Hackney Gelato (a whole other snoop) you have to try. As good as any Italian gelato I’ve eaten wandering the streets of Rome or Naples.

If I am in my own neighbourhood I go to the Farm Shop on South Audley St which is also fab for food or to sit down outside with a cuppa and watch the world go by but I love the flowers at the junction of Kensington Church St and High Street Kensington aptly named Flower Corner. We don’t have a lovely flower stand near home. It’s one thing I really miss.

Flower corner is a must visit, also a really lovely shop.

A Teenagers (and anyone who is still behaving like one) Life Guide for Managing Anxiety

Have you ever asked yourself what’s the difference between the Mind and the Brain

Poppy

2026-01-29T14:11:00.0000000 2026-01-30T09:13:21.0870000

I wanted to update this snoop as my review did get published on Amazon today. It took about a week. Worth noting I wrote my review after reading about 75% of the book. When I reached the last couple of pages on Kindle I got a message pop up regarding my review and a couple of hours after completing the book Amazon published it. I actually think it’s a good thing Amazon waits until you have actually completed the read before publishing. Certainly gives me a lot more faith in the review system. No longer enough to just be a verified purchaser you have to complete the read too.

I’ve read all the books by Shirley Yanez, I am a fan of the author and now a friend. So when her new book came out this month I immediately downloaded it for Kindle from Amazon. I have included a screenshot of my verified purchase earlier this month. For anyone who doesn’t read that much or worries about finding the time, this is a very easy read. Took me about two weeks spending 30-45 minutes in the morning with my morning cuppa before work.

I don’t shop that much on Amazon, I download a few films on Prime and have a couple of TV subscriptions but I get emails every day asking for my reviews of things I have watched mainly. When I bought this book and read it, it was really good so wanted to give the author my genuine feedback, except after waiting 4 days for my review to be moderated it hasn’t been published so I am posting it below for everyone to read.

Here’s my Amazon review:

FOR PARENTS AT THEIR WITS END WITH KIDS SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY

This book is written for teens struggling with their mental health and for parents who don’t know what to do in a language anyone can understand with “Boss Baby” style and humour. And yet it is tackling Psychology at an advanced level whilst touching upon the core of CBT training (cognitive behavioural training) and breaking it down so an eight year old can get it. It’s a task I don’t think many people could undertake and the writing shows the author has worked with many young people, understands their processing and provides visual metaphors to breakdown such a complex and mind boggling subject matter for the youngest minds.

It reads like a really engaging funny high school text book with exercises, charts and suggestions in parts to manage and understand the whys of non verbal communication, outbursts, anger, non compliance from young people suffering anxiety, the point of the book and clearly the motivation of the author who declares herself not a psychologist in the traditional sense but a coach with dyslexia who experienced her own struggle and travelled an exploration journey of the mind that led to helping others. She briefly describes this throughout the “journey” of “Your Mind Made That UP” as she calls it.

I found it fascinating to think about separating the mind from the brain and start to explore where and how the negative feelings and emotions we all experience every day, not just kids, adults too are activated and how, with some focused brain training, it is possible to get a grip on the sometimes volcanic emotional eruptions that happen to us involuntarily. This book provides an understanding of our physical make up and how we work. Sort of an operator manual.

Many many books have been written around inner peace, happiness, success, emotional balance, knowing even enlightenment (I’ve read a lot of them) and human psychology is a vast subject few ever really explore but I’ve never seen a book like this, it’s actually a tool for educators.

The unique quality of this book is it’s written for kids but it’s really for everyone. It’s like a science manual 101 except it’s talking about how to assemble, (put together) an IKEA wardrobe when the IKEA Wardrobe is YOU. Like I said it’s brimming with relatable metaphors.

And fundamentally poses the question could anyone build an IKEA Wardrobe without instructions? Like exploring the human condition, most would never even try, expecting to fail (the author would tell you, Your Mind Made that up too) however if you fancy having a go, this simple guide on an extremely complicated subject is a fascinating and enlightening place to start.

Buy it for your kid then make sure you read it yourself. The conversations around our dinner table changed pretty dramatically after reading it.

And now “your mind made that up” has become a catch phrase we use to one another when negativity or self doubt creeps in.

Fortnum and Mason Salted Caramel Biscuits Refills What every girl needs to get through January

Valentines Day is the time for expensive Fortum and Mason Biscuits

Poppy

2026-01-20T11:01:00.0000000 2026-01-20T12:49:47.0230000

I never watch my weight in January when the birds are still asleep and the trees are resting. I indulge in expensive biscuits instead. Relatively speaking they are cheaper than buying clothes I don’t need for hibernation. And it’s too cold and miserable for the Sunday morning flea market shopping I usually enjoy at Greenwich, Kings Cross and Camden when the weather warms up.

Eight biscuits maybe nine, for £14 is a luxury I know and I don’t buy them very often but if you need something, a pick me up in January I can highly recommend them.

They are not overly sweet or especially massive, smaller than a mini twix, or two chocolate digestives but way more satisfying. You know how you’ll have two chocolate digestives and then go back for another two, well you don’t do that with these, two is definitely enough, probably because you only get 8 in the box.

They combine crunch, really good quality chocolate, leaving a chocolatey flavour that lingers after the last bite and a salty sugary kick too, that’s enjoyable and memorable but not compulsively moreish. Two of these is definitely satisfying and enough.

I’ve tried the Hazelnut Pralines and the Milk Chocolate Pearls, both great biscuits but the Salted Caramels come out on top for me. Absolutely love the royal blue ballon design too, Reminds me of some hot air ballon wallpaper I bought years ago from Colefax and Fowler Manuel Canovas, L'envol “The Flight” Wallpaper I absolutely fell for. I can see why Fortums chose this imagery conjuring up that up up and away feeling these biscuits deliver.

I am lucky I can walk there the Fortums and pick up what I need. For online shopping the minimum delivery from Fortum and Mason is £6.00 so it’s better to buy two or three things at once. They use DPD which I am assured is very reliable if you want to send the biscuits as a gift. I’ve just seen the fantastic range in store for Valentine’s Day, the pandas and rabbits are super but these biscuits would make an amazing valentine gift too.

Top 10 Urban Parks Worldwide: Best City Green Spaces from Central Park to Mayfair’s Mount Street Gardens and London’s Plane Trees

Discover the world’s best urban parks and green spaces, from Central Park to Mayfair’s Mount...

Poppy

2026-01-03T09:19:00.0000000 2026-01-07T15:31:13.1570000

London is well known for its parks and open spaces. Possibly offering some of the most beautiful in the world. For me Green Park and Regents Park compete against the most well known and widely visited parks in the world like Central Park New York City to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens in London. I read a snoop over the holidays that mentioned a park I spend quite a bit of time in as I buy my lunch at a cafe, Hideaway on Mount St and meander around the back to a somewhat secret spot few people unless local actually know is there, Mount St Gardens. I had a load a pictured I discovered I thought would be interesting to share so I started thinking about my top 10 Urban Parks and Green Spaces Worldwide: From Central Park to Mayfair’s Mount Street Gardens and London’s Plane Trees.

I could while away the hours, conversing with the flowers, in my case consulting with the pigeons and watching the grand London plane trees sway in the wind and whisper back to me. In London the park is definitely more affable and inviting in the summer months but I go in the winter too for quiet time usually after exercise with a hot drink when the cold doesn’t bite so cruelly, until it does.

Cities feel more liveable when there’s a patch of green within easy reach and the best urban parks don’t just decorate a map; they cool neighbourhoods, invite wildlife back into the city, give us space to move and breathe, and often hold the stories of the places around them. From grand landscapes to pocket-sized sanctuaries, here are ten outstanding parks and green spaces around the world — including Mayfair’s quietly enchanting Mount Street Gardens and the unsung urban heroes of London’s plane trees.

Central Park, New York City, USA

I’ve visited Central Park a few times, actually three. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux designed Central Park to be a democratic escape for a fast‑industrialising city, and it remains exactly that. Winding paths reveal lakes, meadows and woodlands, while landmarks such as Bethesda Terrace, the Ramble and the Great Lawn give each visit a sense of discovery. In every season, the park absorbs the city’s noise and returns birdsong, boat‑paddles and skaters’ arcs.

Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City, Mexico

One of the largest city parks in the Americas, Chapultepec is truly the capital’s green lungs. Ancient trees and spring‑fed lakes are woven together with cultural heavyweights: the hilltop castle, the Museum of Anthropology and a constellation of galleries and gardens. Go for the shade, stay for rowing on the lakes and long walks beneath vast canopies that predate the modern city.

Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, France

If Central Park is democratic drama, the Luxembourg Gardens are Parisian poise. A personal favourite of mine in my favourite city to live after London. I spent a summer there a few years back and enjoyed many walks in the park. Created for Marie de’ Medici in the 17th century, they are a masterclass in the formal French garden—gravel walks, clipped trees, statues and an elegant octagonal basin—but softened by orchards, lawns and the romantic Medici Fountain. Locals play chess, students read on green chairs and bees forage in the apiary: it is civic space refined to a fine art.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, London, UK

A green sweep through the heart of London, this pair of adjoining landscapes blends formal avenues with moments of gentle wildness. The Serpentine, Speakers’ Corner and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain offer space for reflection, debate and play. In summer the long grass meadows hum with life; in winter the bare plane branches etch filigree patterns against pale skies. I love to watch the riders on horse back traversing the park and it’s a great walk and cut through to a favourite coffee and chocolate shop, Cocomaya in Connaught Village W2 before it sadly closed back in 2017, I miss it. I now go to the Markus Coffee Company when I am in the neighbourhood for their extensive selection of roasts. But if you love cheesecake baked daily and the most indulgent tiramisu I can definitely recommend Le Marit Xu which has taken over the CocoMaya shop.You’ll be grateful for the walk home across the park.

Mount Street Gardens, Mayfair, London, UK

Tucked behind red‑brick mansion blocks and the spire of the Jesuit church on Farm Street, Mount Street Gardens is a masterclass in urban calm. This is the park I consider my back garden. I live in a flat with a tiny terrace our only outdoor space but still a luxury in central London. Once part of a churchyard, today it’s a serene patchwork of benches, lawns and beds edged with palms, ferns and mature London planes. Office workers and neighbours drift in for a sandwich or a deep breath between meetings; blackbirds rummage in the borders; the city recedes. It’s tiny by global standards, but that’s the point: a model of how to make everyday city life gentler.

London’s Plane Trees, London, UK

Not a park, but an ever‑present green architecture that frames the city’s streets and squares. The London plane (Platanus × acerifolia), a resilient hybrid, has been planted for centuries across the capital — and there ever presence in Mount Street Gardens along with the distinctive Canary Palm Trees make this space. Look out for them along the Embankment, through Bloomsbury’s garden squares, in Berkeley Square and lining the great processional routes. Its flaking bark sheds pollution, its broad leaves cast generous shade, and careful pollarding keeps crowns safe above pavements and buses. In a warming climate, these trees are vital infrastructure: cooling streets, filtering air and creating wildlife corridors that stitch parks together.

Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada

A seawall route pulses around a peninsula of temperate rainforest, where cedars and hemlocks rise above ferns and salal. Stanley Park is a rare thing: a substantial remnant of coastal ecosystem embedded in a city. Views pivot from mountains to harbour to skyline; great blue herons nest in the trees; artworks and totem poles at Brockton Point honour enduring Indigenous cultures. Cyclists, runners and strollers share the same salt‑tinged loop.

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

A leap into the future, rooted in botany. Supertrees harvest solar energy and channel cooling shade; the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome reimagine conservatories as immersive landscapes; boardwalks float above wetlands stitched into the Marina Bay shoreline. Beneath the spectacle lies a sophisticated lesson in climate adaptation and how design can make sustainability feel irresistible.

Parque do Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brazil

Part urban retreat, part cultural engine, Ibirapuera syncs lakes and lawns with modernist pavilions by Oscar Niemeyer and landscape ideas by Roberto Burle Marx. Cyclists lap the perimeter; skaters and dancers co‑opt the covered canopies; families gather for picnics under sweeping fig trees. On weekends the park becomes a festival of everyday life, an antidote to the city’s intensity.

Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany

A former royal hunting ground reimagined as a public park, Tiergarten is now a soft green labyrinth threaded with canals and glades. War damage led to replanting and restoration; today nightingales sing in spring, and joggers arc past memorials and embassies between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column. It’s central Berlin’s quiet conscience, expansive yet intimate.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Australia

Few parks can rival these harbour‑edge lawns for drama. Eucalypts and palms set a sculptural frame; beds reveal the breadth of Australia’s flora alongside global collections; lorikeets flash through the canopy. From Mrs Macquarie’s Chair the view opens across the water to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, a reminder of how powerfully plants can elevate a city’s most iconic vistas.

Why these spaces matter to me and why where ever I go I always research where the local park is.

They are everyday health infrastructure. Trees and water moderate heat, improve air quality and reduce stress. Access to nature within a 15‑minute walk is increasingly treated as a public health goal, not a luxury.

- They are biodiversity bridges. Urban parks, street trees and pocket gardens allow birds, bats and pollinators to move through the city; fallen leaves feed soils; deadwood supports invertebrates.

They are cultural commons. From Speakers’ Corner to open‑air concerts, museums in the park to impromptu football on a patch of grass, green spaces host the rituals that knit cities together.

They are models of resilience. From Singapore’s climate‑smart Supertrees to the London plane’s pollution‑shedding bark, design and species choice can future‑proof urban life.

The small print of great green places.

A list like this could easily have included Madrid’s Retiro, Barcelona’s Park Güell, Dublin’s Phoenix Park, Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen, Amsterdam’s Vondelpark or Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch. The point isn’t to crown a single “best”, but to highlight how different scales — the majesty of Central Park, the civic sweep of Ibirapuera, the neighbourhood hush of Mount Street Gardens — all contribute to a healthier urban fabric. And remember the lesson of London’s plane trees: sometimes the most transformative green spaces aren’t parks at all, but the living avenues and squares between them.

Wherever you are, seek out the nearest patch of shade, listen for the first birdsong beneath the traffic, and feel how the city changes when you’re surrounded by leaves. That is the quiet power of urban nature.

Wainwrights Dental Sticks Mint and Parsley Dog Teeth Cleaning Chew

Pets at Home own plant based dog food and dog care products across the river in London

Poppy

2025-12-17T15:00:00.0000000 2025-12-17T16:04:45.3130000

A seven pack of these honeycomb chews cost £4.99, a 28 pack cost £12.99. I discovered these dental sticks with Mint and Parsley on here and they have been a complete hit in our house. I have two cross breed rescue dogs, both with not the best breath but one of these chews each in the morning has really done a number on them both making the kisses and face licks, I won’t say a complete joy however a lots less offensive.

They are very light, honeycomb texture, so no problem for puppies to handle from 4 months old up to large size dogs. My two now pick these out from all the other chew and treat selections offered so a definite favourite and because they are completely plant based, no problems with the digestion or going to the toilet.

Thanks to the dog lovers on here who recommended Wainwrights at Pets at Home to me and especially the Mint and Parsley Dental sticks. It’s a bit of a schlep over the bridge to Putney, our local Pets at Home superstore but you can find these online too if you don’t have a pets at home nearby. Unfortunately they are exclusive to the store so you can;y find them in other independent pet shops.

I do love pets Pavillion in Chelsea and the one in Kensington, where I’ve found some amazing treats and toys, but the dental sticks are literally amazing and doing a great job for pups with stinky breath.

Ottolenghi the best reason to leave Mayfair and Go To Hampstead or Chelsea Brunch

If you love creative colourful delicious tasty well made food go to Ottolenghi

Poppy

2025-12-05T10:40:00.0000000 2025-12-07T10:05:01.0500000

I love Mayfair, I feel very lucky to live within walking distance of everything I like to eat, museums and arts to look at and soak in, theatre and music venues nearby and the best nightlife I think in the world but we don’t have an Ottolenghi.

If you haven’t been you have to go. The brand feels so new and fresh. You’d never imagined Ottolenghi started as a deli in Notting Hill Gate in 2002.

The master chef behind it Yotam Ottelenghi has created a place completely unique and individual, except there’s few different ones, Spitalfields, Islington, Hampstead, Richmond and Pavillion Road in Chelsea. When ever you go to one you immediately know it’s Ottolenghi, it’s difficult to explain but they have managed to create a stylish branded restaurant or bakery deli in some cases where the food and offering is seasonal and ever changing but the brand remains completely consistent. It’s a brand you can rely on if you see one you’ve not been to you are immediately drawn in. And for vegetarians and vegans it’s absolute paradise because everything starts with veg, the meat and fish although beautiful are secondary.It reminds me of the gorgeous Mount Street deli before it closed down.

And the food at Ottolenghi is out of this world. I’ve never had a bad meal here. It’s one of the only reasons to leave Mayfair, I love it so much my friends and I say let’s go to Ottolenghi at least a couple of times.

It’s a relaxed lunch or dinner place, more cafe vibes than full on restaurant although they do serve alcohol. The cakes and baked goods are delectable so also a great option if you just want a piping hot coffee or hot chocolate and a sticky bun.

And you don’t need a reservation, it does get busy and you might encounter a few kids but I’ve never had to wait longer than a few minutes for a table. If it’s a big group or birthday party it would be probably wise to let them know ahead. I’ve seen a few of these happening but the children have been very well behaved.

It’s the kind of casual place dogs and kids are very welcome. I could imagine spotting Nigella Lawson tucking into something tasty with her brood after school.

It’s like a big Mediterranean buffet where the plates start with inventive ready made salads all plant based perfectly filling and tasty on their own but then chicken, salmon, sea bass, and other meat and fish options, steak, prawn are offered seasonally to accompany.

The fact is it’s always the same but always different at Ottolenghi. Something they group has mastered with ease.

The one negative, I have experienced the staff can be a bit abrupt if you catch them on a bad day. I go a lot and it’s happened more than once. The foods so good though I haven’t let that put me off.

Oh and fantastic cookbooks, food to go, gifts and hampers if you have a foodie in your family and don’t know what to surprise them with. Ottelenghi is a very exciting and unique place. Magical especially at this time of year, December time when they do go overboard on the decorations. Yes every sense will be stimulated.

The cost for lunch per person is about £25 without alcohol. So not cheap but not super expensive. I’d say somewhere in the middle for London.

Hakkasan Mayfair is a Cantonese delight but hold onto your wallet

For most people Hakkasan would be without doubt a true celebration or a special occasion

Poppy

2025-11-19T12:35:00.0000000 2026-01-21T16:38:35.8130000

Snooping works. I went to a restaurant off Berkeley Square this weekend I never even knew existed until I read a review on here by Poopsnoop founder, self help guru, a7th or and super snooper Shirley Yanez.

Hakkasan is a beautiful dark and sultry Asian paradise where the servers are exquisite and the service even better.

Hakkasan Mayfair's exquisite menu, offers a blend of authentic Cantonese flavours with modern flair. A beautiful combination of signature dishes, explained with passion and experience and crafted cocktails, delivered with aplomb.

It’s off the beaten track, with a disguised entrance on Upper Brook St, correction Bruton St, (Upper Brook St is one over but parrallel) it doesn’t attract attention but I suppose a restaurant this good doesn’t need to.

For anyone who wants to find it, it’s the black door next to the Bugatti showroom, it does have a subtle black roped area outside but nothing else to tell you what’s beyond the heavy door.

We went for the £75 set menu, which was opulent and delicious in equal measure, gorgeous individual dumplings, mouth watering rice dishes, beautifully spiced and seasoned, sweet and sour morsels, the food kept coming and we kept eating.

We made a reservation, we got a table at 6pm (it opens for lunch everyday at noon) closing at 11.30pm Sunday through Thursday and 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and when we arrived surprisingly for me it was already pretty much full and the crowd was a mix of ages, when I went to the bathroom the ladies, there were some pretty fabulous handbags on display.

And when the desserts arrived, we were blown away by how beautiful they were, alsolute works of art, we opted for the Hakka platter which offers five smaller versions of popular desserts, all with creative and fantastic names, like spiked lemons and Green Apple pavlova, sweet caviar and Lycee dumplings, my favourite was the hazelnut parfait which I will be ordering all to myself when I get to return next time.

We order one bottle of wine at the cheaper end on the list and it was £120 so for two the bill was pricey, with tip around £400.

It was a magnificent evening, we stayed around 3 hours, weren’t rushed in anyway and loved every minute of the experience.

It's a smart place so not the kind of place you sit like a blogger taking pictures. Also we were so excited and engaged by the food, we'd eaten it before we thought, shoot should've got more pictures. I'll snap a few more of the food next time.

If you haven’t been to Hakkasan yet, put it on your list for the holidays, I am told the decorations in December are extra. And if you cannot find it, look out for Bugatti and you are there.

Love Miles Aldridge's Vivid Photographic World: Art, Influence, and Charitable Endeavours

The Wonderful and Colourful World of Miles Aldridge: Art, Cinema, and Surrealism in Photography

Poppy

2025-09-24T07:01:00.0000000 2025-09-24T07:37:40.0600000

Miles Aldridge: A Vivid Tapestry of Art and Influence

Miles Aldridge, born in 1964 in London, is a celebrated artist known for his distinctive approach to photography, characterized by vivid, cinematic images that weave complex narratives through a rich palette and meticulous staging. His work, often described as a blend of glamour and surrealism, has made him one of the most innovative figures in contemporary art and photography.

Early Life and Education

Miles Aldridge grew up in a creatively charged family. His father, Alan Aldridge, was a famous illustrator known for his work with The Beatles, which undoubtedly influenced Miles from a young age. Surrounded by art and music, his upbringing was steeped in the vibrant cultural milieu of London, which shaped his artistic sensibilities.

Aldridge studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, focusing initially on illustration before shifting to photography. This background in illustration is evident in his approach to photography, where each frame is meticulously crafted, often resembling a scene from a high-fashion storybook.

Career and Artistic Influences

Early in his career, Aldridge was influenced by film directors like David Lynch and Federico Fellini, whose impact is palpable in his surreal, elaborately staged photographs. His work also echoes the pop art of Andy Warhol and the melodrama of Douglas Sirk's Hollywood films, blending commercial photography with high art in ways that challenge the viewer's perceptions of beauty and fashion.

Aldridge’s work often features women in vibrant, dream-like scenarios, reflecting themes of domestic ennui and luxury. His unique style has attracted a wide range of celebrity friends and muses, including actors, musicians, and fashion icons who are often subjects of his portraits. This circle has included names like Kylie Minogue and Sophie Dahl, adding a layer of star-studded appeal to his body of work.

ToiletPaper Magazine and Chromotopia

In partnership with Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, Aldridge co-founded the magazine ToiletPaper in 2010. Known for its avant-garde humor and surreal imagery, ToiletPaper is both a photographic magazine and a conceptual art project, merging Aldridge’s dramatic visual style with Cattelan’s provocative aesthetics. The magazine has become a cult favorite, known for its bold, often irreverent imagery that challenges societal norms and consumer culture.

Furthering his venture into the world of art publications, Aldridge released "Chromotopia" in 2024, a vibrant exploration of color through photography. The book was a visual feast that appealed not only to art lovers but also collectors and enthusiasts of fine printing. A portion of the proceeds from "Chromotopia" was donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation, showcasing Aldridge’s commitment to philanthropy alongside his artistic endeavors.

The Sotheby's Exhibition and Story Cafe Takeover

In 2025, Miles Aldridge took over the Story Cafe at Sotheby's London, from March to May, as part of a wider exhibition showcasing his works. This event was more than just an exhibition; it was an immersive experience that allowed visitors to step into the vivid world of Aldridge’s imagination. The cafe was transformed into a living art installation, echoing the themes and styles of his photographs.

This takeover not only highlighted Aldridge’s influence in the art world but also his ability to cross the boundaries between different artistic mediums. The exhibition was a critical success, drawing attention to both Aldridge's new works and his classic pieces, and it raised significant funds for charity, contributing to the ongoing success of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Legacy and Influence

Miles Aldridge continues to be a formidable force in the world of art and photography. His work, characterized by a unique synthesis of fashion, art, and cinema, challenges and captivates audiences around the globe. Through his vivid imagery, charitable endeavors, and innovative exhibitions, Aldridge not only captures the beauty of the moment but also the complexities beneath the surface, making him one of the most intriguing artists of his time.

I went to his exhibition and pop up at Sotherbys, not only was it FREE but it was absolutely awe inspiring and totally amazing.

I did buy an issue of Toilet Paper which I will cherish, a magazine which is presented in a limited edition book form and comes out twice a year. It’s a photography based publication with no articles or adverts and each issues centres around a common these. Mine is Love and cost me £30. Great value for something so limited and highly collectible.

My Amazon account no one would believe what just happened

Why I had to share the experience of one of the largest corporations with 82% of the UK...

Poppy

2025-07-30T12:00:00.0000000 2025-08-08T17:59:52.0670000

I have to write and share about the most crazy experience I’ve just had with my Amazon account and Amazon customer service.

I have an Amazon prime account I use to subscribe to movies. And have had for years, probably over a decade.

I don’t shop very often on Amazon, I bought a book about about 18 months ago and before that some random hair product I couldn’t source anywhere else however when I recently tried to login to my account to shop I was unable to complete the two step verification because the credit card on file is old and a new one has since been added to the account.

So I called customer service on 808 145 3768

to try and gain access to my Amazon account.

The customer service representative told me my only options were to

1. sign up to Amazon with a different email address which I don’t have and didn’t want to open a new email just for that

2. Close down my account completely which would mean my Amazon prime account for TV would be deleted and I would have to reconnect my TV to a new account, something I didn’t want to do either

So the outcome of the 30 minute phone conversation with Amazon was there was absolutely nothing they could do to allow me access to my account through their two step verification of an outdated credit card number, which actually is no longer the credit card they have on file.

When I realised I did of course have an active Amazon prime account. TV subscription, I checked my bank to see the last billing from Amazon was only a few days ago so I made the leap that even though the credit card number they were asking me to verify was completely incorrect and long gone I took a chance and inputted the expiry date of the current credit card on file online and hey presto the account was activated once again, even though the numbers didn’t match and I was signed in quite by chance. A complete fluke.

The interesting part of the customer service call was the agent couldn’t do anything to help me that didn’t involve either signing up for a new account completely with a different email, or closing the active account and resigning up with the same email that would mean closing down the active Prime account.

I ended up telling him not to worry I’d just have to find somewhere else to shop and the call ended with him asking me if there was anything else he could help me with.

And that’s technology and the biggest e-commerce company on the planet.

I’ve got my account back but I am not sure I could shop with Amazon after this crazy experience.

I had to close this snoop by sharing the first paragraph on the about us page for Amazon

“Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. We strive to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, Earth’s best employer, and Earth’s safest place to work.”

The Mind Detective by Shirley Yanez cured my depression

A simple education into the workings of your mind

Poppy

2025-06-30T07:12:00.0000000 2026-03-26T16:21:04.1470000

I just got back after the wedding. That is mine and Reggie’s not Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos. If we’d known we have picked a different weekend and wouldn’t have honeymooned in Venice. So back to work and back to reality. Where we went and stayed I’ll be snooping about later.

I did download the free book available on here as a FREE download Take Care of Yourself for a change” by writer Shirley Yanez (I know strange reading for your honeymoon but hey what can I say, I am into self development these days) and it was a great follow up to her book published in August 2019 The Mind Detective which changed a lot for me and cured my depression. A big claim I know but absolutely true. Don’t get me wrong it was no quick fix but with absolute dedication and perseverance, a bit like anyone who successfully loses weight and keeps it off, anything is possible when it comes to the power of your own mind. I am living proof.

I spent more time than usual on social media this last week after all the build up to the big day and in doing so discovered writer and columnist Hannah J Betts, she was openly sharing her journey with anti depressants on social media and it shocked me. Had mental health medication become so normalised taking a snap of your blister pack of Escitalopram for Instagram become a thing. I am not judging, the point of the post; she was not ashamed or embarrassed. They were helping her but I thought how great for the pharmaceutical industry to have this kind of marketing from a respected journalist. I’d never heard of a serotonin inhancer or “happy pill”. I used the power of AI to tell me what they were and I went on to read a little bit more about her. I read an article in the Daily Mail about her “quitting alcohol journey”. I could relate. I gave up drinking too a few years ago. But then it got me thinking was giving up drinking the reason she now felt the need for her serotonin enhancer, Escitolopram, a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

I suffered and endured a life changing experience which caused me to address my drinking. Sure I was depressed, low, I now explain this as deep rooted unhappiness not a clinical illness because I have managed to lift myself up, it took a lot of daily action “the work” described in Shirley Yanez’s book “the mind detective” which like the bestselling book “The secret” I recommend everyone should read because it all made sense to me.

Despite of the hole left by my kamachazi life choices I now have the genuine ability to feel joy and happiness most days. I am able to smile inside. I am able to acknowledge when I con myself, I am able to laugh at my mistakes, I am way more humble, no longer as shallow as I once was. But the most important part I don’t feel like a fake anymore, putting on a show or a front. Some people call it wearing a mask. I am not scared and shaking all the time, symptoms people attribute to drinking but when you stop drinking those symptoms don’t go away on there own you have to do some work.

Reading Shirley Yanez’s book the Mind Detective, gave me so many light bulb moments, about why I was the way I was, living in my ego, believing my outer shell, my book read smarts my knowledge to be stronger and better than it was. I discovered I was fake, a complete fraud I didn’t know myself because the reality of who I was really wasn’t really worth knowing. I now don’t beat myself up for this. I was no different from most other people bumbling through, painting a smile on pretending to be happy, a glass of wine always there to help me get through.

Reading The Mind Detective changed everything. It’s a book you have to go back to because this kind of self development doesn’t happen over night but take my advice, if you want to discover the real secret to personal inner fulfilment and find out why the path you are on just isn’t working out for you, pick yourself up a copy. It’ll be the best £10.00 you’ve ever spent.

I am not suggesting anyone taking prescribed medication that is helping them should stop; I am not a doctor but changing the way I thought and actively changing the language I used when speaking to myself in my head, my thoughts had a profound effect on how I felt about my life in the longer term. “What you resist will persist” Carl Jung I have found to be true in real life when it comes to my own mental health and my sobriety. It’s my grandmother’s hand in the picture in case you think I’ve suddenly aged over night.

James Perse Made in the USA (and sometimes Guatemala)

My favourite go to brand for T shirt staples

Poppy

2025-06-04T07:38:00.0000000 2026-02-16T11:20:18.2130000

I have probably got over twenty pieces of James Perse in my wardrobe and half I’ve bought secondhand.

It’s probably my favourite go to brand for cotton staples.

Everything they make is fantastic so it’s very unlikely you’ll ever make a mistake shopping at James Perse. When I go in store my biggest problem is I like and want everything.

It’s all simple, plain colours, basics but luxury because of the divine textiles they choose whether it’s the finest stretch elastane cottons or slug cottons for a comfy relaxed fit.

There are a couple of shops in London one on Dover st, the address 30A Dover St, London W1S 4NB in the west end off piccadilly and this one on Walton st in Brompton Cross Village.

It’s a California brand, born in Los Angeles and the beach and the ocean are definitely inspiration for the collections, light comfortable relaxed and sustainability is at the heart of everything they do.

James perse have fought hard to combat a garment district in Los Angeles paying the workers making clothes by the piece instead of by the hour and exploiting them with poor conditions and low wages. This is a change I am happy to support and why you might have to pay a bit more for the James Perse label.

James Perse drew inspiration from his Dad’s store Maxfield growing up and in 2003 he opened the first James Perse store in LA. In 20 years the brand has becomes a global success, more of a testament to positivity, and an understanded bohemian yet totally modern chic I love.

If you are in search of the perfect body con dress, vest t shirt long enough to cover, a cool go everywhere, wear with everything jacket or pullovers and sweatshirts you’ll never want to take off James Perse has got you covered.

For Londoners as well as two lovely west end stores there’s an amazing concession in Harrods department store where you find a well curated offering for men and women a representation of the whole brand.

I cannot think of another brand that can touch James Perse for quality and ethics in equal measure.

It’s a store I cannot go into without coming out with something absolutely divine so try to limit myself to once a month so I don’t go broke.

The kind of every day clothes everyone needs, a style that transcends age or gender.

Pure magic for me.

The Patisserie by Nicolas Rouzard Afternoon Tea For Two

Taste of the Goodwoof for a limited time until May 31 2025

Poppy

2025-05-13T16:37:00.0000000 2025-05-13T17:58:37.9470000

I sent him to buy cakes for tea. We could have sat down for afternoon tea and soaked up the gentile atmosphere and sweet aroma of Nicholas Rouzard’s decadent imagination. The budget option, although not so budget, cakes to go.

We were on a mission to try the Goodwoof, created by world renowned French pastry chef at the Connaught Hotel.

For people that like the Connaught, people tend to love it or cringe, (my godfather thinks it’s a knocking shop although not sure how he knows that) the greyhound that appears on the hotel emblem, has been turned into chocolate hazelnut cake. And the tiny works of art, a patisserie signature are available to feast on in house or to take away.

The Goodwoof cakes we bought, are bigger.

For dog lovers, hounds especially the Connaughty Hound has been transformed into a dachshund or sausage dog. Gianduja mousse and orange pain de Gene are set in Hukambi cocoa, topped with a vanilla glaze, a celebration for the annual Goodwoof Festival.

We had to try them as the limited-edition creation with 10% of proceeds going to the Wild at Heart Foundation - Goodwoof’s charity partner for 2025 is only available until 31st May.

As a massive dog lover I am inspired by the work Wild at heart charity has done since 2015 helping stray dogs around the world.

Go and treat yourself to a dachshund or two at £17 a piece. Everyone gets to savour the exquisite taste sensation of a master chocolatier and patissier at home with a cup of tea and feel good vibes too helping abandoned pouches.

Zipcar super convenient if you are flush

Have you tried renting a car in London

Poppy

2025-05-02T07:54:00.0000000 2025-05-02T08:18:10.6600000

I like the convenience of having my car anywhere in the world except in London, there is nowhere to park, drivers in London have to have a mission impossible matrix like map in their head where the spots are or driving becomes impossible, a constant battle that must be done in twos to get anything achieved of dropping off, circling, and picking up. Why eventually I gave up my car.

So then the challenge of renting a car in the City for a day out or friends coming to town, or just when you feel like escaping. Car rental places are always in inconvenient places, Enterprise will pick you up and then you’ve got the hassle of waiting for them to turn up and get you on your way.

Which is why I love, love, love zipcar. If you’re into the Lime And Fossel bike system when you either do a one way or round trip, dropping back where you picked up or dropping in a different location, zipcar is exactly the same principle.

It’s a membership site where your credit card and license details are stored and with no hassle you unlock the car in the parked space, get in drive off and return to the same spot when you are done.

It’s so simple and convenient. So what’s the down side. It costs and you wouldn’t use it for a week vacation, (unless money was no object) it would cost in the hundreds of pounds.

The idea of zipcar is for very short rentals, by the hour really, less than a day because if you can deal with the hassle getting a rental car for a day in London it’s going to be cheaper than zipcar.

The last time I used zipcar, for a short term car rental two friends were visiting, we were in Central London and decided we wanted to go to Hampton Court in Richmond.

It was way easier to jump in a zipcar round trip for a few hours. It cost about £60 £20 each which was cheaper and faster than taking the train.

It works the opposite way as a rental car, no need to leave the same fuel in the tank as when you pick up, the fuel is included just make sure you are within your allocated mileage before deciding where to go.

Renting a car in the traditional way is always going to be cheaper. This service is great for young people who need a car at the weekend or for short hops.

Mister Nice Restaurant and Back Room Club

Oh La La

Poppy

2025-04-12T12:31:00.0000000 2025-04-12T14:02:52.2670000

I absolutely loved our visit to this restaurant where you could be anywhere in the world New York City, Los Angeles Milan Paris you are actually in London and if you spend enough and the maître D likes the look of you, you can gain access through a private door to a swanky next door nightclub labelled the “wine room” Not on the scale of Annabel‘s in Berkeley Square it’s a lot smaller but it’s the kind of place when you’ve got no hope of getting into Tramp on on Jermyn Street it’s good to know about.

The food is rich like the customers and on the menu you’ll find French classics like fois gras brioche and chutney and beef tartare. We had a dozen gillardeau oysters which were nice, not sure the price £90 was justified but hey it was a special occasion. JP Kley has a major sense of humour. He says he wants his guests to feel like they are staring in their own movie. He believes if not why go to a restaurant, believing himself you might as well stay and eat at home.

Its unconvential, the very best thing about this place. It's a surprise. You'll also find his gourmet take on the Big Mac, "the wagyu big mac" It’s not the kind of place to ask for a vegan menu unless you want to get thrown out. There are quite a few choices to build a tapas style plate if you are looking for plant based. pretty much all the sides on the menu except the potato puree which is dripping in butter were vegan.

A relative new comer, to the Mayfair dining scene Mister. Nice opened it doors in January 20 23 offering an all day service and if you like rubbing shoulders with the young movers and shakers, you’ll definitely find them at Mister Nice.

Ask to be seated in the salon “le salon” downstairs, more edgy and late night. The ground floor with it's open plan designed by Victoria Vogel in neutral tones would definitely be fabulous for breakfast or lunch too.

When we were in there so was comedian Ricky Gervais and long term girlfriend Jane Fallon. We were hoping his Marlow in Buckinghamshire neighbours George and Amal Clooney might be joining them for dinner, sadly it wasn't to be.

Marchesi Italian Haute Patisserie Coffee House since 1824

Gents this one is for the ladies

Poppy

2025-04-12T07:42:00.0000000 2025-12-20T11:19:19.1230000

Who doesn’t love a bit of haute patisserie? And who doesn’t love Italian ice cream in the winter? This is my friend Valerie’s favourite coffee shop in London and there are lots of reasons why she loves to go to Marchesi. We absolutely love the people watching first off. It’s a place for couples. You see lots of people couples have a quiet tete a tete. In the back it’s the kind of place you’d never be noticed. I always imagine it as a secret rendezvous Brief Encounter style which always adds a little intrigue to the experience every time I go.

The shop is probably the most exquisite of its kind in London. Not like the Prada pop up at Harrods this is old world tradition and charm. It’s slow and the waitresses in their green pinnys are eficious yet polite ensuring everything runs with the upmost precision, the kind of precision you expect at the Ritz for afternoon tea.

The most noticeable and overwhelming sensory experience the moment you step over the threshold is the lingering aroma of freshly roasted coffee that dances in the air. It’s a thing. You actually notice other customers breathing in the whole experience. It’s a bit like when you see one person yawn, you yawn too. So it creates this kind of wave of everyone soaking up the atmosphere which is pretty amazing.

It’s an absolutely exquisite shop and cafe. There’s another one Fait Maison salon de the at the bottom of Berkeley Square trying to do the same thing but it’s just not a patch on Marchesi around the corner on Mount St. I’ve been to both and for the same money one is bone china and fresh flowers the other looks good on the surface but more I’d say for tourists than local residents.

I am always saying to Valerie let’s get ice cream or do you know where to get ice cream around here?

If you are looking for ice cream in London they serve delicious Italian gelato in a cup or a cone all year round.

I love an ice cream even in the winter and surprisingly not many places you can get one without a good 10 minute walk towards Oxford St and Bond St tube.

And FYI if you are looking for a blow your socks off Easter egg for someone the display of handmade Easter eggs is out of this world. I wanted to buy one but was afraid to ask in case the price was too high and I’d have to say yikes that’s over budget which in reality it probably was.

Human Resources at The Grosvenor House Hotel

Interview suites available

Poppy

2025-04-03T14:02:00.0000000 2025-04-04T14:20:03.9430000

My boss got me to hire some meeting rooms at a Central london hotel, was the brief, not cheesy yet not crazy expensive I was told.

Not to be confused with the Dorchester also on Park Lane, The Grosvenor House hotel was selected to conduct a day of senior level executive interviews.

She didn’t want to do them in the office for issues of confidentiality and I couldn’t review the experience until the 3 months gardening leave non disclosure agreements were no longer in place.

The first thing to say about our day at the Grosvenor Hotel was the flowers. OMG from the moment we arrived every area of the hotel was full of dramatic floral displays. The scent of spectacular blooms filled the grand lobby and reception.

When we arrived we were escorted to the 2nd floor meeting rooms where we had our own small reception and then two interview rooms and a boardroom and there was a private loo powder room where candidates could take a moment of privacy or deal with last minute nerves.

Again the flowers were the first thing I noticed this time monochrome and in smaller glass displays to work with the simple pale grey and black lacquer deco style interior. We had everything provided from teas and coffees, iced water with lemon and small packets of gourmet biscuits.

It did cost the firm about a thousand pounds for the day. The staff at the Grosvenor could not have been more accommodating ringing my mobile every time someone new turned up so I could go down and greet them but also be available for candidates coming out and to ensure no one crossed over.

Everything went very smoothly we arrived at the Grosvenor House hotel at 9.00am and ended the day with a cocktail in the lobby bar at 7pm which was filling up nicely by the time we sat down.

In between our scheduled meetings we had a tray of gourmet sandwiches brought to the suite when the directors interviewing took a break. The executive board managed to see 7 candidates in total.

You don’t think about using a hotel for something like this but it couldn’t have gone any better, any smoother and our one issue about privacy and the appointment remaining confidential was not an issue in the silence and VIP privacy of the Grosvenor House Hotel.

There is no parking at this property and no valet service. The closest parking lot is a five minute walk away at the NCP on Park Lane. Speak to the concierge as we were able to get discounted rates for our visitors.