Panzers Deli Circus Road St John’s Wood Is An International Haven For Jerrys Deli Lovers

Stop by For Panzers Royale £15.00 Worth every penny

Stylemum

2026-03-11T14:59:02.1030000 2026-03-12T09:36:52.2800000

Panzers Deli In St John’s Wood Gives Jerry’s Deli Los Angeles and Morts Deli Pacific Palisades Vibes

Don’t you just love places where the walls talk. Places so loved they’ve been around for decades, 8 decades in the case of Panzers Deli.

I love the neighbourhood of St John’s Wood which offers everything locally anyone could need from great restaurants, shops, florists, grocery stores, delicious bread, a wonderful European style beauty supply haven and chemist in Courtney’s chemist and my amazing hairstylist at Studio 66 on the High St someone I’d be lost without. The only thing we don’t have now is a cashpoint since Barclays and the old post office closed down but hey no one takes cash anyway. The one downside of the neighbourhood for me. I find it somehow lacking in community spirit and queerly divisive.

But one of my absolute favourite places to sit down for lunch or an early dinner, or meet friends for coffee is on the covered patio of Panzers Deli. It’s probably the most international feeling place in the neighbourhood and attracts a really cosmopolitan crowd of stylish people, the same loyal customers who I recognise from frequent visits but don’t know so I like quiet nods of acknowledgment of being a regular and the people watching too.

When I was a kid my father loved to visit a less fancy version of Panzers called Continental where smoked salmon was called lox and latkes, challah bread, kugel and bagels were delicacies readily available Shiksas like me weren’t ordinarily exposed to. My best high school friend was Jewish too, not something she broadcast particularly but a food culture I was exposed to by proximity and frequent visits to her home.

Whenever I have visited the US the delis are an immediate draw, I was very partial to salt beef on rye and I was sad to read the world famous Jerry’s Deli closed it’s doors in it’s original location in Studio City California in 2021 a casualty of the pandemic, somewhere I have eaten a few times too over the years remembered for it’s over 700 item menu.

I lived in the Pacific Palisades for a couple of years when I was married and remember fondly spending a lot of time in Morts Deli too. Sadly that deli didn’t survive either.

For Seinfeld fans the world over Panzers is London’s equivalent of the Jewish Deli. If I was blind folded and led in I would immediately recognise the place. It’s like the library across the street, it offers the comfort of a familiar aroma, unique to the food on offer.

Whenever I visit it takes me back to my visits to Continental with my father, outings unlike those every day outings with my mother, when you could choose anything so certainly the appeal is partly nostalgic. I remember the lady behind the counter with her thick accent, thicker painted eyebrows and very curvy figure (in hindsight I am sure she was a big part of the appeal for my father too) offering me things to try, her sales tactic I am sure feed the kids something they love with a wiggle and the sale would follow. Panzers is not dissimilar with food being handed over in taster sized morsels before decision are made. The old ways are often the best. You don’t get to try before you buy in many places these days.

I love the speed and the spread at Panzers, the menu is extensive and there are loads of things I like. My favourite dish is the Panzers Royale, poached crackle bean eggs, smoked salmon, hollandaise on a bagel. Which I order 50% of the time.

The service is efficient. They don’t tolerate indecision though and for guests that are slow you might find the staff ordering for you or certainly suggesting something to get the order in and move the table. I think the regulars find this very amusing. The brusk service is definitely part of the charm at Panzers.

Opening hours Monday through Sunday 7.00am - 8.00pm

https://panzers.co.uk/

The Girlfriend TV series from Prime and House Of Cards from Netflix Bingeing At It’s Best

Two Epic Series One Set In London One Set in Washington Where Robin Wright Reigns Supreme

Stylemum

2026-02-18T13:21:50.6130000 2026-02-18T13:54:09.0270000

Who doesn’t love Jenny from Forest Gump and Buttercup from the classic comedy the Princess Bride. We’ve all got an actress we relate to, look up to, connect with. Robin Wright is blonde and stylish, tall and willowy and I can see myself in her, not that we look alike, I just like her work and her style.

Both these shows star Robin Wright, and I recommend both as binge watch worthy not because I have a girl crush on Robin, which I don’t, well maybe a little.

In house of cards co stars include Kevin Spacey as the US president and his chief of staff Michael Kelly, who plays my absolute favourite character in the series Doug Stamper.

In the girlfriend Robin Wright plays mother, Laura Sanderson with Olivia Cooke as her son’s Girlfirend Cherry Laine, Karen Henthorn (who plays Julie in Eastenders) as Tracey Laine, Cherry’s Mum (a butcher which is integral to the story) and Laurie Davidson as Daniel Sanderson, Laura’s son.

Fancy a binge watch, these are both gripping thrillers from prime and Netflix respectively to get your teeth into. I love Robin Wright, she was also absolutely knockout in the Netflix 6 seasons of House of Cards, a political thriller, where she plays the US president’s wife opposite the brilliant Kevin Spacey, much longer than the Girlfriend by equally meaty and gripping.

Side Note:

Whilst I appreciate many may not wish to support the work of Kevin Spacey by watching House of Cards, for me he does remain a great Hollywood talent, LA Confidential, The Usual Suspects, Glen Garry Glenross, Swimming with Sharks, the Magnificent American Beauty, (in my top 20 movies ever made) in spite of accusations against him and the way he has conducted his personal life, behaviour which has not yet been proved I don’t condone.

Spacey has denied all accusations and was found not liable in a 2022 lawsuit in New York. In a separate case in London, where he was charged with 4 counts of sexual assault against 3 complainants he was acquitted by a jury of the charges in 2023. Spacey is set to face civil claims of sexual assault from three men at the High Court in London in October, 2026.

Whatever the outcome he has lost a great deal financially and his professional standing and career as an actor already simply by being accused. I also appreciate it takes great courage from victims of sexual assault to bring cases against prominent and well loved celebrities and getting convictions is not always straightforward. It’s a fact juries rarely convict people held in high public esteem, not that this means in this case Kevin Spacey is guilty.

Kevin Spacey aside, House of Cards is brilliant although he does not appear in the 6th season as the filming coincided with his legal issues and House of Cards producers (Media Rights Capital or MRC) were initially awarded roughly $31 million (specifically around $29.5 million in damages and $1.5 million in costs) in arbitration in 2021. This sum was meant to cover losses associated with rewriting the show's final season following the sexual misconduct allegations against Kevin Spacey and resulted in bankrupting him. I have to say I thought the 6th season would flop without Spacey but after the rewrite Robin Wright carried the conclusion to it’s edge of your seat totally unexpected end.

It a dramatic back story to the production which Robin Wright beautifully stars as the First Lady with a devious twist.

The common denominator of both series, The Girlfriend and House of Cards is you never really know who the baddies are until the last few frames. Robin Wright plays the perfect wife and wife and mother in both series except she’s got a chilly side to her character which keeps us all guessing until the very end.

The characters around her are in the most part bad, except her son in The Girlfriend trapped between an overly protective mother who will stop at nothing for her son and an overly ambitious girlfriend who equally is hell bent on over riding her fellas Mum and destroying their relationship at every opportunity.

I think the reason The Girlfriend is such a powerful drama is because it tackles a relationship potential daughter in law and mother (mother in law) that is historically fractious and tenuous. We can all relate, men and women to some degree although the lengths this pair of individuals go to stretch the boundaries so far from reasonable to questionable to yep completely insane and psychotic you won’t be able to stop watching.

The cast of characters are rich, well dressed, enjoying luxury lifestyles but the barriers between them are as real as the aspiration that drives the plot.

Well written, extremely well acted, gorgeous central london film locations you’ll recognise if you live in London or know the city well which made watching all the more interesting for me, spotting neighbourhoods I know in and around north london, mainly Saint Johns Wood and Charing Cross.

You need a Prime membership to watch all six episodes which costs £8.99 per month.

To watch House of Cards, I bought the DVD’s secondhand but a Netflix membership (which I don’t have) costs £12.99 per month. You can get Netflix with ads for £5.99 but House of Cards may not be included.

Callad and Browser 222 Years trading and A Royal Warrant, Leaves History Gap and Hole In the Liquorice Toffee Market

Walkers and Buchanans Fight It Out For Liquorice Toffee Lovers

Stylemum

2026-01-13T09:58:39.4200000 2026-01-13T10:34:17.6570000

When I think about getting through January I think about confectionary, especially Scottish confectionery, I have relatives in Glasgow and fond memories of the comfort it can bring on a cold morning. Sweets in the car, sweets in the pocket, not advocating over indulgence, let’s not forget they are terrible for your teeth but there are few pleasures on a freezing morning whilst de icing and scraping the windscreen than sucking on a toffee.

When I read every day in the newspaper about businesses struggling, the government bailing out hospitality after the worst quarter ever, William and Kate, the first Prince and Princess of Wales in 106 years to be allowed to bestow (on British business) the Royal Warrant as the most popular Royals in polls, the idea to help boost struggling business with a royal marketing seal of approval, the previso they have to have been customers in 5 of the last seven years and yet a traditional confectionary business like Callad and Bowser was allowed to disappear after 222 years with only the Altoid brand surviving, who eats Altoids anyway, I cannot believe I cannot buy a bag of decent liquorice toffee.

And having a Royal Warrent didn’t stop the demise of Callad and Bowser, the famous toffee a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother. The brand was eventually sold to Suchard (1982), then to William Wrigley Jr. Company (2004). Because it was sold off to the Americans, the Royal Warrants were revoked and by 2005 all the factories were empty. Yep very sad and frankly crazy no one stepped in.

The jury’s still out on the hunt for liquorice and treacle toffee like the stuff you used to be able to buy in a breakable block from Callad and Bowser, a brand name that stopped making it’s delicious toffees in the early 2000s. A sale to Suchard and subsequently to Wrigleys the chewing gum people, and then to food giant Kraft in the early 2000s the Bridgend factory, opened with a massive fanfare in 1984 by Princess Diana, closed its doors for good in 2005.

Walkers, which does not hold the Royal warrant, although there is often confusion as Walkers Shortbread and Oat Cakes does, appears to be the only main stream liquorice toffee product in the UK and it’s delicious, I buy it but much softer in texture than the hard toffee produced by Callad and Bowser, liquorice, treacle and butterscotch flavours. That said it seems to be in pretty short supply as the two shops that normally stock it locally have been out for several months, I was forced to venture to online sweet suppliers where I also found quite a few places completely sold out.

After reading a few reviews and recommendations I decided to explore the Buchanans range of sweets produced in Scotland people were raving about.

I’ve tried the liquorice toffees, better texture if you like harder toffee but the taste isn’t as good as Walkers, they taste more aniseed than liquorice. The sticky treacle toffees are fine but not sumptuous and moorish, the way you want a toffee to be. And the chocolate coated caramels and chocolate coated fudge are OK at £1.89 per bag, for me I probably won’t be rushing back to reorder. Also tried the whack and unwrap solid liquorice toffee block from Walkers. You get the solid texture so I’d say this is probably the closest to Callad and Bowser in flavour and texture. And all you have to do is get a knife and smack it with a rolling pin to break it into pieces, 8 per bar.

If you are looking for melt in your mouth toffee, the offering at Thornton’s whilst more expensive is definitely better than either Walkers or Buchanan, however Thorntons liquorice toffee is again hard to find. I can tell you the Buchanans dark chocolate coated fudge and dark chocolate caramels get better when you’ve had a few, definitely better than their toffee and

I ‘ve changed my mind in 24 hours of writing this, I will be investing in more of these sweet treats.

If anyone knows of a liquorice toffee alternative to Walkers whilst stocks are low pop a comment. Happy to pay a bit more for that irresistible homemade toffee experience. Someone needs to get their hands on the Callad and Bowser recipes and revive those sweet treats. The company began in 1779 and stopped making the beloved sweets in 2001, 222 years later. They are definitely, from all the talk online, one of those things people don’t realise how much they miss them until they are gone.

A Neighbourhood Treasure; the Blend of Luxury and Comfort at Drunch in St John's Wood

Stylemum

2025-10-07T16:16:13.9370000 2025-10-12T13:54:17.5630000

I am single divorced with kids so when I get a night or day off, maybe a day date, I love to eat out and Drunch is the perfect relaxed casual spot. And when friends come to stay, I love to take them out to Drunch too. When I reread my snoop about where we like to go to eat in St John's Wood and Primrose Hill, I cannot believe I didn't tell you about Drunch. It's probably the restaurant cafe I go to most in the neighbourhood. You know that place where even if you are alone, you are welcomed like an old friend and the staff know what you like without even asking. And it is a neighbourhood place because it's tucked away off the main High Street and from the outside you probably wouldn't notice it especially unless you already had the scoop.

So it's nestled in our charming neighbourhood of St John's Wood, this Drunch (there are three in total) is far from your average eatery. It manages to transcend the traditional categorizations, blending the comfort of a luxurious living room with the allure of a high-end cafe. This unique spot isn’t just about serving food and drinks; it’s about creating an experience, making it a must-visit location for both locals and tourists alike. Although you don't usually find it full of tourists, more locals bringing their friends.

The interior of Drunch is akin to a warm, posh sitting room, featuring plush, stylish furnishings and soft, dim lighting that enhances the cozy atmosphere. The heated patio, a standout feature, is perfect for those cooler London days, adorned with voluptuous cushions and cosy blankets that make every seating nook feel like a private retreat. During the holidays, the ambiance is elevated with the delightful aromas of Middle Eastern coffee and rich, piping hot chocolate, complemented by the crackle of a roaring fire, making it an irresistible escape from the winter chill.

Drunch isn’t just about coffee and comfort, though. The menu offers an eclectic mix of culinary delights that cater to both light and indulgent preferences. Guests can indulge in a variety of beautifully crafted dishes, from sumptuous brunch options like creamy avocado toast adorned with perfectly poached eggs and topped with the most delectable feta to hearty, gourmet sandwiches and vibrant, fresh salads. The dessert offerings are equally enticing, featuring a selection of decadent cakes and pastries that pair wonderfully with their bespoke coffee or a selection from their full bar, which offers everything from bespoke cocktails to fine wines and premium spirits.

Moreover, Drunch is dedicated to more than just culinary excellence and aesthetic decor. The establishment is deeply embedded in the community, participating in and initiating various charity events that help support local causes. Throughout the year, Drunch hosts fundraisers and awareness events in collaboration with local charities, not only raising substantial funds but also bringing the community together for great causes.

The holiday season at Drunch is particularly special, as the decorations, always tasteful and understated, create a festive yet elegant atmosphere. Each year, the locals eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the new holiday decor, as the management at Drunch has a knack for outdoing themselves, providing fresh inspiration and a feast for the senses.

For those seeking a spot that offers more than just dining, Drunch in St John's Wood is an exemplary choice. Whether it’s for a luxury coffee date, a light lunch, or an evening drink, this establishment promises not just a meal, but a memorable experience, making every visit super worthwhile and memorable. My friends come back to visit Drunch now and see the staff more than me. With its commitment to quality, community, and comfort, Drunch is truly a gem in the heart of our neighbourhood.

Top 11 Must-Visit Restaurants in Primrose Hill and St John's Wood for Every Budget

My Top Dining Spots in Primrose Hill & St John’s Wood for All Budgets

Stylemum

2025-09-03T16:20:00.0000000 2025-10-07T17:02:34.6330000

The Twelve Best Restaurants Around Primrose Hill and St John's Wood

From charming cafes to luxurious fine dining, the areas of Primrose Hill and St John's Wood offer a variety of restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets. As a local food enthusiast, I've explored numerous dining spots and have compiled a list of my top twelve favourites, (11 became twelve when i realised I'd missed off Drunch) starting from the most affordable to those that might require a special occasion. Except with the previso number 11 and 12 are not in the correct order, 11. is on a budget and 12 won't break the bank either. Easy to stay under £40 for two people without alcohol.

1. Greenberry Café

Located in the heart of Primrose Hill, Greenberry Café is a vibrant spot for a casual brunch or a delightful dinner. Their menu features a mix of modern British and European dishes, with excellent vegan and vegetarian options. Don’t miss their famous pancakes and the refreshing smoothies.

2. The Queen's

Nestled on Regent's Park Road, The Queen's is a cozy pub with a warm, inviting atmosphere. It offers a superb selection of British classics like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie, all made with locally sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect place for a laid-back meal in a traditional setting.

3. Melrose and Morgan

This upscale grocer and kitchen in Primrose Hill is ideal for grabbing a gourmet sandwich or salad on the go. Their freshly made meals are perfect for a picnic in the park, and their baked goods are a must-try.

4. Lemonia

An institution in Primrose Hill, Lemonia is a family-run Greek restaurant known for its hearty portions and friendly service. The vibrant atmosphere and authentic dishes, such as moussaka and grilled lamb, make it a beloved spot among locals.

5. The Landsdowne

Another gem in Primrose Hill, The Landsdowne is a pub with a twist. It offers a more refined menu featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes alongside traditional British pub fare. The relaxed ambiance and stylish decor make it a great choice for a casual dinner or a Sunday roast.

6. The Ivy St John's Wood

A branch of the famous Ivy chain, this restaurant brings luxury dining to St John’s Wood. Known for its contemporary British cuisine, impeccable service, and chic interior, The Ivy is perfect for a special night out. The seafood and grill options are particularly impressive.

7. Soutine

Soutine in St John’s Wood provides an elegant Parisian café and dining experience. It is excellently located for a meal after a walk in the nearby parks. Their French-inspired menu features classics like coq au vin and steak frites. The interior, reminiscent of early 20th-century Paris, adds to the charm.

8. Roka

For those who love Japanese cuisine, Roka offers an exquisite dining experience. The restaurant’s contemporary design and open kitchen concept provide a modern, vibrant setting. The sushi and sashimi dishes are standout offerings, crafted from the freshest ingredients.

9. Oslo Court

For a throwback to classic dining, Oslo Court remains a top choice. Located in a charming residential area, this restaurant offers old-school charm with plush pink seating and impeccable table service. The French cuisine, with a focus on seafood, is consistently praised.

10. Odettes

Chef Bryn Williams at Odette’s brings sophistication and innovation to the table, offering a menu that showcases the best of British with a modern twist. Located in Primrose Hill, this fine dining restaurant provides an intimate setting ideal for celebrating special occasions. The tasting menu, paired with their selection of fine wines, makes for an unforgettable dining experience.

11. The Good Life

No St Johns Wood restaurant list could be complete without including this little gem for the healthy and health conscious alike. More of a cafe than a restaurant you'll find yoga mums and a younger crowd enjoying Poke bowls and veggies galorie in unusual combinations to tantalise your palette. Probably the most affordable on the list too. They also have a great selection of smoothies and chilled juices, One downside no ice.

12. Drunch, Regents Park. I had to change this snoop from best 11 in the neighbourhood to best 12 in the neighbourhood. I cannot believe about this gem of a place, my home from home. The only place I go more on the list is the Greenberry Cafe in primrose Hill and simple because for lunch the menu is more extensive and they have their famous Greenberry Salad which changes everyday. But for coffee, cakes, cocktails and brunch, Drunch is my absolute favourite. A home away from home where the welcome is as warm as the old library like surroundings and the food tastes like your best friend who cooks so well made it for you.

Whether you're looking for a casual bite or a lavish meal, Primrose Hill and St John's Wood have something to offer every palate. These twelve restaurants not only highlight the culinary diversity of the area but also its warm and welcoming community spirit. I hope you enjoy your culinary journey through one of London's most charming neighbourhoods! There's a reason the locals never leave.

The Chapel Taxi Shelter on Wellington Place

The green hut is the final example in our capital of the historic wooden huts and it's...

Stylemum

2025-08-24T08:32:00.0000000 2025-09-06T19:50:26.8330000

As you all know i love my neighbourhood of St Johns Wood and when I found out about the Chapel Shelter, it's history and the fact it is run by a charity The Cabman's Shelter Fund it made me want to support more.

If you have a passion for red telephone boxes and enjoy seeing them as part of UK heritage then you will be even more enamoured by the historic green huts dotted around London as there are only 13 of these and we are lucky enough to have one on Wellington Place next to the park and of course adjacent to the taxi rank where I often pick up a cab into the west end or wherever.

Grabbing an Uber has become part of our kids narrative and whilst I can say I never actually taken an Uber preferring a traditional black cab I know the cabbie's around London business is suffering. On a side note if you like the idea of hailing down a black cab wherever you are in the City, someone always around to pick you up and drop you off we have to support their business.

The Chapel Shelter or green hut as it's affectionately known to the locals and cabbies it serves isn't fancy. You won't find a fresh mint tea here but what you will find is the friendliest welcome in the area. Hot drinks, coffee and builders tea made with love and and served with a smile and probably the most affordable prices on the whole of the high street.

It's not fancy but there are plastic tables and chairs off to the side you can share with a hard worker taking a well earned break before going about their day or you can take your drink and bacon sarnie off to enjoy in the expansive London park next door, The St Johns Wood Church Gardens.

The food is simple grub, a baked potato and salad or cheese and pickle sandwich might be on the menu. They do lots of hearty baguettes, the menu changes daily but you can get a delicious fish finger and tartar baguette for £6 or Chicken skewers, rice and salad for £8.

I cannot think of anywhere on the High Street where you can enjoy this kind of food for these kind of prices.

So the next time you are in the neighbourhood, maybe heading to the Cricket at Lords across the way spare a thought for the black cab drivers and enjoy this weird and wonderful historic piece of our history which I think we are lucky to have.

The Chapel Shelter is open every day from 7am to 3pm and whilst they do take card payments it's also one of the few places that won't turn their noses up if you try and pay by cash.

I absolutely love it.

Sahara Healthy Lebanese Restaurant St John’s Wood

Open from 11am every day for fresh mint tea

Stylemum

2025-08-11T07:18:00.0000000 2025-08-11T09:43:58.8770000

There aren’t many places you can get real mint tea made with fresh mint. One of the main reasons I love the outdoor patio of Sahara in St John’s Wood. You don’t have to eat lunch, you can just sit down for a pot of tea, although it is a full service restaurant with a fully stocked bar available too.

It’s a friendly neighbourhood place on the High St in Saint Johns wood, 7 St John's Wood High St, London NW8 7NG tucked in between Courtney’s Chemist at number 3 and The St John’s Wood General store at number 17 where the same people have worked for years.

They open at 11.00am every day including Sunday and don’t close until 11pm so if I am on the high st and fancy a cup of fresh mint tea it’s the only place that serves it.

The focus at Sahara is on healthy food so you’ll find the menu brimming with fresh sharing platters and more vegetable based dishes than most.

For vegans and vegetarians it a great place to go.

The mezze plate is absolutely delicious. Hummus flatbreads tabbouleh, fattoush, meant for one person but big enough to share.

Crosta Mollica Piadina Flatbreads Restaurant quality the most delicious flatbreads ever tasted

I thought the pizza was good and then we tried the Piadina flatbread

Stylemum

2025-08-01T08:00:00.0000000 2025-08-08T17:53:27.1970000

I made a quick cold tea last night and who would have thought a Piadina flatbread could make shop bought guacamole something I don’t really like and usually make my own homemade, taste like I was sitting in a Mediterranean beach side restaurant.

OMG the flatbreads from Crosta Mollica are possibly the best flatbreads I have ever tasted. Forget supermarket pitta breads that leave them in the toaster too long and they emerge like cardboard.

After a few minutes in the toaster, the only cooking in our meal, These were tasty, light, crispy yet soft in the centre. I honestly could not believe how good they were. I go as far as to say the best shop bought bread I’ve ever had.

I served the flatbreads with nothing fancy, like I said shop bought guacamole, hummus, some olives, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots also good for dipping and grapes and watermelon on the side.

It doesn’t sound very exciting I know but the Piadina flatbreads made the plate absolutely sing.

So good we are having the same tea again not just to save time but by popular request.

Try them for yourself. Amazing shop bought product.

The Crosta & Mollica Organic Wholeblend Piadina (300g)

bread cost £1.72 for 4 in Waitrose and I served half a bread per person so we’ve got two left to have the same meal again.

Try them and then share what you think. They do a white Piadina bread too but we loved the whole blend version. It’s a really special tasty product.

Absolutely delicious. And for anyone who is plant based completely vegan too.

Bens Of St John’s Wood gorgeous new grocery store in the neighbourhood

Bens grocers and deli reviving daily food shopping Mediterranean style

Stylemum

2025-07-24T09:33:00.0000000 2025-12-17T14:45:22.7130000

I wanted to give a big shout out to this stunning new independent grocery store in our neighbourhood of St John’s Wood located on the High St between the Ivy Restaurant and Boots the chemist. it’s where the old Chestertons estate agents used to be and although I don’t like to see any business close we do have a vibrant property market in the neighbourhood with a lot of different estate agents to choose from so I am delighted to see an old fashioned green grocer come to town.

This green grocery business began 10 years ago in Westbourne Grove Notting Hill and based on hard work and buyers visiting local markets and growers 6 days a week have built up a chain of shops across london serving a growing loyal customer base who appreciate great service and lovely fresh food hand selected daily in the way you still find in Markets across Europe.

I have stopped driving to Waitrose on the Finchley Road because the produce available has gone right down hill over the last 2 to 3 years we’ve seen since covid, the selection become very limited, often unable to source simple things like fresh coriander and fresh green and red chillis. The shelves often empty, the tomatoes taste of nothing, I’ve had green bananas over ripe on the inside, how that’s possible I don’t know and I’ve purchased so many pineapples (not the ones cut in the plastic containers which are also delicious and sweet but expensive and create unnecessary waste) but the whole pineapples that when I’ve cut into them are hard and sour.

You are not going to experience these issues at Bens. The watermelon I bought this week was so lip smacking and tasty it was devoured in less than a second and we had to return to buy more.

Fortunately the shop is now like the 24 hour general store Whissons I love too for different reasons, just around the corner.

Ben’s green grocers is a wonderful shop and the staff have been nothing but delightful everytime I have gone in to purchase something, usually tempted by the carefully crafted display outside.

I hope everyone in the neighbourhood supports this independent chain and helps them grow and open in other perhaps less expensive areas so people who are not lucky enough to live in areas like St John’s Wood, Primrose Hill, Hampstead, Kensington and Notting Hill Gate can experience beautiful food chosen for them every day.

If the shop isn’t accessible for you they go have green delivery utilising zero carbon transportation to bring fruit and vegetable to your door in a way our grand parents will tell us that’s the way it was always done in the past.

Some might say they have to shop at the supermarket because the prices are too high from a smaller shop like Bens Grocers.

I have moved to shopping if not daily to every other or third day. I buy what we want to eat, I buy a lot less and doing it this way means we throw virtually nothing away, our meals are planned and the kids have got used to eating at meal times respecting the delicious food we have and not going to the fridge all the time when they want something because it’s not full of food going off.

The new way of doing this, supporting small and independent, means we eat less, we eat well. Better food and we don’t waste anything. Like the watermelon, it gets devoured and if we want more someone has to get off their backside and go and get it.

It’s been great from training lazy and not always grateful young adults.

Thanks Ben the Grocer and welcome to St John’s Wood.

L’ Occitane Creme Mains Peaux Seches 20% Shea Butter Dry Skin Hand Cream

Number 1 of my 10 beauty must haves. You know when you find something you love, I wouldn’t be...

Stylemum

2025-07-22T15:25:00.0000000 2026-02-24T14:17:42.2530000

You know that beauty challenge that glossy magazine beauty editors and celebrities always do if you had to cut your beauty products down to just 10 items what would you pick? The things life literally wouldn’t be worth living without, well this hand cream would be one of mine.

I’ve used it for years. I put it on dry cracked feet too and it is literally a miracle cure all for your hardworking hands and feet. And a travel size, 30ml you can pick up for £10 from L’occitane and even less if you shop on secondhand sites or shop around on beauty sites. You’ll even find it sitting in duty free at the airport. In the miniatures section where you can find all sorts of different things to try before investing, even tiny perfumes. I love that section. You get to try things you haven’t heard about in small quantities for a much lower price whilst on vacation and if you love it get the bigger family sized version when you return.

Except you don’t need the 150ml version of this hand cream unless you have a tribe because a small amount really does go a long way. I find using the 30ml every day on my hands and once a week on my feet it will last about 6 to 8 months.

It’s super rich and creamy in texture, no odour to speak of which I like although L’Occitane do a whole range of different scented hand creams like this so there are loads to pick from if you are partial to a particular fragrance.

And it has even doubled up as a “calendula cream” on a baby’s bum in an emergency, not that it’s recommended for this but hey when needs must.

The cream is all natural vegan, absolutely no harmful chemicals or parabens.

It’s won so many beauty awards and editors choice awards it should come with a medal.

Hands and feet do show our age so I like to help mine from the outside. Some might say I am addicted to the feeling L’ Occitane Creme Mains Peaux Seches 20% Shea Butter Dry Skin Hand Cream gives me. Dry hands don’t feel great and I don’t like to feel greasy or slippery when I moisturise my hands so I just wouldn’t want to be without my L’Occitane hand creams. Simple as.

I really like the ethos of L’Occtitane and I buy it for gifts, you can find the brand it Marks and Spencer now which makes it convenient to pick something up. I’ve purchased the refirming oil before and the soap, again no parabens which I like but nothing else has me hooked like the hand cream if I could only have 10 beauty products.

Other things on my list would have to be the special emery boards I pinch from a particular London hotel, can’t tell you which one as I would probably get barred and my Laura Mercier eyebrow pencil available at Liberty. And my eco deodorant, cannot live without that. Body Oil from Tata Harper or Diptyque I really love both, nano whitening strips for my teeth. A Phool scented candle from Illuminum. I take one every where I go when I travel. Lip balm, probably not fancy, I use Carmex watermelon every day or simple old cherry chapstick just like Katy Perry. And lip tint would be Nars pencil. Do Me Baby, don’t know what I like more the name or the colour but it doubles at a liner and a lipstick so extremely versatile. And if not that then Mac lip liner in Plum. It’s my go to.

Chanel face cleanser by Sublimage expensive but no mess, worth every penny.

And probably a concealer would be number 10 don’t have a particular favourite but I dab on concealer every day.

With the hand cream I think that’s 11 but maybe the candle doesn’t qualify as beauty.

Let’s all share the 10 beauty products you couldn’t live without in the Poopsnoop community. I’d love to read everyone’s beauty must have challenge.

Crosta & Mollica sourdough wood fired pizzette

Not to be Confused with Crosta Pizzeria in Brooklyn NY

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I’ve been buying the big ready made pizza from Crosta Mollica in the supermarket for a couple of years now and the base even on the larger size makes this ready made pizza superior to any other I have tried. They come out more like a wood fired pizza from a proper Italian restaurant than any other I know about and we love pizza as a family and eat it at least a couple of times a week.

The large one approx 400g costs £6.00 for margarita, more expensive than most others but what can I say, Crosta Mollica just tastes better. No soggy or worse, cardboard crust. We like to add our own toppings, although they do a base with tomato sauce too if you want to completely customise for a very affordable £2.60

We thought they couldn’t taste any better until we spotted the pack of two Pizzetta, love the adaptation on the name too, in the frozen cabinet with the same distinctive stripes on the packaging.

The cost for two miniature versions, one serving perfect for one person costing £5.50

Crosta Mollica 2 Frozen Margherita Sourdough pizzas are the tastiest frozen pizza you’ll ever eat and the name the hardest to remember, I still cannot pronounce it when I try to tell

People to try them, it’s the only thing that could possibly stop the brand going from strength to strength.

Don’t waste a minute picking up this product. No one could be disappointed. These babies are so so delicious, the leopardised crust, I had to

Look that up, it means speckled spotted like a leopard is the best thing you’ve ever tasted in the supermarket pizza space.

Safe to say everyone in our family is completely addicted. The only problem now is even though the big ones are good we are never buying them again.

And for anyone who doesn’t cook they are impossible to mess up. Even kids can throw one of these in the oven for 10

minutes.

We haven’t tried them yet but they make a whole range of Italian desserts and if they are as good as the pizza they are going to be spectacular.

Bella Freud and Martha Freud Two Creatives whose work I love and admire

Bella is fashion and ceramics, Martha is ceramics, pottery and interiors

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For longest time I thought Bella and Martha Freud were sisters. Not true.

Martha Freud is a great-great-granddaughter of Sigmund Freud and part of a famous clan that includes Lucian, Clement (Martha’s grandfather), Bella (fashion designer), Esther and Emma Freud.

Bella Freud is also the great great granddaughter of psycho analyst Sigmund Freud.

She is the daughter of Bernardine Coverley and artist Lucian Freud who was Sigmund Freud’s grandson. There are a lot of talented accomplished people in their own right in this sprawling family tree.

My exploration of how these two women are related came about simply from my love of their work.

And I guess the wit and humour of their work connects them perhaps why I am drawn to both. The iconic 1970 jumper from Bella Freud has seen its way into the main stream. I don’t actually own one, at £355 retail for the original merino slim fit made famous by supermodel Kate Moss and it girl Alexa Chung, the price is a bit steep for me but I do have my eye out for one secondhand when it comes along. It’s a piece of Bella Freud collectibility I would like to buy. They come in black and white, but I have also seen one in a rich tomato red I fancy and also perhaps less wearable but still cute pale pink.

Originals are merino wool but she’s done a fresh take on the classic in oversize, the mohair 1970’s jumper is £395 on the Bella Freud website and the merino oversize is a bit cheaper, not much at £385.

The regular original closer fitting version you can find in Selfridges or Flannels for as low at £230 on sale. Still a lot I know.

You can also get a different slogan around the £230 mark, £227.50 actually for “Cult of Angels” less iconic and easily recognisable as Bella Freud but the upside not everyone has got it, it’s a cashmere merino blend with 30% cashmere and no one is going to confuse it with the Marks and Spencer’s knock off that came out a couple of years ago or even worse version SHEIN retailing for £15.99 plus shipping.

If you like the 1970 oversize in blue I found limited sizes available XS and L available at Flannels at for £269 as opposed to £385 with (10% off on the Bella Freud website) Small, medium and extra large sold out sadly.

Fun slogan T shirts, sweatshirts and jumpers have been all the rage for the last decade so the witty slogans blazenwd across your chest my have had their day as American East Coast brands I like like Khaite and Proenza Schueler and on the west coast Co Collection out of Los Angeles, carve out a new more secretive niche wear less is more and luxury is completely understated. This new wave in fashion is called Quiet Luxury and I really like it.

The rise of quiet luxury, keeps focus on simple Minimalist design.

In the US quality and craftsmanship is bucking the fast fashion and over branded trend as consumers move away from lots and often, and look at who I’m wearing over branded fashion to a much more sustainable approach of buying one thing you love, not recognisable to everyone then wearing it and keeping it forever. And American luxury fashion retailers from NY brands you’ve probably never heard of like Proenza Schuller, Khaite and Los Angeles based Co collection are commanding eye watering prices for staple garments shoes and accessories. It’s funny I am happy to pay more for something staple and understated than a look who I am wearing statement like the Bella Freud 1970’s jumper. Which is probably why I haven’t bought one yet. Bella also offers a range of modern ceramics on her website which for me have a Lichtenstein cartoon like feel to them. I especially like the Ginsberg is God slogan.

For me I already have the wit and humour on the dinner table from the other great great grand daughter, ceramics and interior designer Martha Freud. Her plates I have collected and I absolutely love love love to get them out on special occasions, although you have to take care as these babies don’t come cheap and never go in the dishwasher. All mine are carefully hand washed and stacked away. Her handmade plates retail for £250 if you can get your hands on one.

The brilliance of her designs slogans and clever clever thought provoking phrases are as note worthy as Noel Coward or Oscar Wilde, challenging societal norms with psychology and common sense in equal measure I absolutely adore.

To finish here are just a few that make me chuckle every time I get them out. I am not a collector of anything really except Martha Freud plates. I think I’ll stop when I get to 12. They are possibly my favourite objects d’art ever. Hilarious and completely practical. What could be better. Get the plates out and it’s like food, food for thought, thought and therapy all rolled into one.

“Well well well if it isn’t the consequences of my own actions”

“Make Peace with your broken pieces”

“Less is more except for when less is less”

“protect me from what I want”

I don’t think Martha Freud’s coronation plate ever went on sale but for me this was one of her best,

“For the sake of his majesty let’s hope this is not a case of pathetic fallacy”

I’ll leave that one with you.

I love it Martha has done a few commissions where all the money, yep 100% has gone to charity. Like her choose love plates where all the money went to Choose Love charity supporting displaced people around the world.

She’s illusive but does pop up now and again. If you get the chance, Go and see one of her gorgeous pop up shops, there was one on Carnaby Street, not sure if it’s still open and see if you can leave without buying something. Impossible for me.

You can also find details of her collaborations and up

Coming exhibitions on her website.

Mac Soar Lip Pencil and Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Pillow Talk

It used to be In control by Mac but now discontinued

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A Mac lip liner will set you back £16.00 a Charlotte Tilbury lip liner costs a bit more at £22. I had to swap over to soar lip pencil by Mac when in control was discontinued but these days they are literally the only lip pencils I ever use.

It’s seriously a jungle out there with so many options to pick from and it’s difficult to work out what suits your skin tone, what stays on and lasts and what you need for your every day look and if you want to glam up or wear something a bit more dramatic at night time or on vacation.

The first thing I worked out is your liner colour if you get the right one will work with a whole myriad of shades of lipstick, lip pencil, gloss whatever is your favourite or even if you try something completely new. So you don’t have to keep buying a new liner to go with.

I have figured out two that work perfectly for me. The best nude liner I have found out there is pillow talk lip cheat from Charlotte Tilbury which is leaping bunny peta certified if vegan and cruelty free is your thing. This literally works with every shade of nude lipstick and Charlotte Tilbury is the nude lip expert offering every type of nude lipstick in both Matt and gloss.

My second essential lip pencil is Mac Soar, now this used to be in control but that got discontinued. Don’t worry Soar comes a close second and this works with every deeper lipstick I have right through the deep berry shades. I have a few Bobby Brown chubby lip pencils I love in darker browns and a Nars lip pencil Shade Do Me baby the soar pencil works perfectly with,

Even my rouge coco shine lipsticks I take on holiday soar is the perfect deeper line base, and when I want a dramatic pout in even deeper red, Rouge Allure Laque in shade 80 is my pick and Mac soar lines this perfectly too.

Whissons a shout out to corner shop keepers everywhere

Whissons Open 24 hours in St John’s Wood

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In the US there used to be a delivery service called pink dot, before the invention of deliveroo for a price they’d bring you anything food, but mainly cigarettes and alcohol at all hours when everywhere except 7/11 was closed. A way to access what you want when no one could or would drive.

In the UK and our neighbourhood of St John’s Wood particularly we have Whissons a gem of a shop where you can find the interesting to the obscure and everything in between, groceries, confectionary and toiletries and a team of friendly shopkeepers keeping the light on and the service with a smile going 24 hours a day. I cannot think of another neighbourhood place we can get anything and everything at anytime of the day or night.

It’s a really valuable service and has made Whissons like Hoover or Kleenex, Band aid or a business where the name of the business as become the noun that describes it.

It’s called genericization or genericide and in our house as I am sure in many others we Whisson it when we need a solution to a problem quickly, we even found a washing line when we needed a skipping rope on a whim. And I don’t even know who would even buy a washing line these days or where else to get one from if it wasn’t at Whissons, not a hardware shop I might add.

You can pretty much rely on Whissons to find anything you might need last minute and unlike a lot of shops that offer this level of convenience you are not going to have pay through the nose either.

Whissons have got the balance just right between service and price. Not too expensive, and not cheap low quality products, they have a pretty decent selection of wine and prices somewhere in the middle for good quality goods keeps the customers loyal and happy.

As retail shops all over London are struggling to survive Whissons have carved a niche in the neighbourhood, an old fashioned corner shop, “Open all hours” with a business model that I cannot imagine will ever go out of style.

And funnily enough if you cannot be bothered to get off the sofa just like in the days of pink dot, deliveroo will go and get you what you need from Whissons.

Want to check if they have what you need give Whissons a call on 0207 586 4050. In our house we know this number by heart.

RAK Studios St John’s Wood Celebrity Spotting

Do you know who is in your neighbourhood?

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The likelihood of the PS community needing a professional recording studio is probably slim however I am sharing this business in my neighbourhood for another reason because it’s an unexpected unassuming celebrity hotspot London. RAK studio attracts all kinds of famous faces from around the globe in the world of music. And not just popular music, this famous historic studio has seen Paul McCartney to Michael Jackson to Andrew Lloyd Webber to The London Symphony orchestra record here.

Notable favourites, British pop classics like Vienna by Ultravox and Down in the Tube station at midnight by the Jam were recorded here and when ever I walk past the big blue door; with no big “here we are” signage, the only distinguishing mark a blue Musical Heritage plague for Mickey Most the music producer from the 1970s famous for his role as a Simon Cowell like “Mr. Nasty” talent judge on the TV show New Faces.

I always wonder who might be inside whenever I walk by, which is whenever I walk to St John’s Wood High St which is two or three times a week.

I saw someone post a photo of a chance meeting with a celebrity on a flight to the USA and the joy and surprise the very unexpected encounter brought. Life is like that sometimes, you never know who might be coming around the corner, especially outside RAK studios.

I’ve seen, (not met) both Taylor Swift and Harry Styles out and about outside, probably going to or heading from the RAK townhouse, private accommodation for talent situated right next door and we are always bumping into musicians famous and not in the charity shops on the High St.

If you are on or around Charlbert St, in St John’s Wood where incidently there are a few unknown 4 hour parking spaces 2-3 minutes walk from the main shopping area, make sure you keep your eyes open.

This studio houses the vintage deck The Neve Console from the famed Abbey Road studios which attracts so much talent to this iconic recording studio we are so fortunate to have right in our doorstep.

Proving sometimes when you are talking global business appeal with the best talent in the world old, quiet and understated is better, irreplaceable and more priceless than shiny, flashy and new.

I haven’t been inside. I’ve never seen the blue door open, but if it happens to when I am passing I’ll definitely seize the opportunity to have a peak inside.

RAK a word not an acronym came from the practice of rackjobbing, effectively selling records in unusual places like supermarkets or petrol stations. Mickie Most British record producer and the founder of RAK Studios, named his record label and later the studio after this practice observed in America in the 1960.

Passion Hair People St John’s Wood

Your home for home hair salon

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A little gem tucked away. You’d never find it where the friendly team Olga, Edmond and friends are ready to welcome you. It’s not a big fancy space but I wanted to give a shout out to Passion hair because you never know when you need a back up stylist.

My stylist is freelance and in high demand and not always available when I need her especially if it’s last minute so it’s really great to have a back up, lovely people you know you can rely on to deliver in an emergency or not, always happy to see you, always grateful, understanding and never awkward.

Your hair will be lovingly tended with expertise and experience but it’s the warmth and happy vibes in this salon that set Passion Hair apart from perhaps the more flash bigger hair salons in the neighbourhood.

There are quite a few different hair salons in St John’s Wood, many cater to long hair, curling and bayalage. Precision cutting, customised cutting, curly hair, difficult hair, bald patches, anything that needs a bit of sensitivity and care Passion hair is a great choice. If you don’t like the hairdresser and need extra care you’ll find it at Passion Hair.

The prices in the neighbourhood are all pretty much the same £40 for a blow dry, £90 for a cut, £125 for colour and then highlights, extensions and balayage depending on what you need is usually quoted ahead of time.

If the people and the experience is more important to you than the decor and being bossed around and then presented with a massive unexpected bill (welcome to some hair salons in London) isn’t you thing give Passion Hair a go.

Someone told me about Olga in another local salon and when I checked online I don’t think I’ve seen a salon with more LOVE expressed by their clients.

The lesson at Passion Hair, never judge a book by its cover. At passion hair everyone gets a free scalp treatment with your first colour appointment and it was luxury and a good 10 minute massage not the sometimes mind elsewhere couple of scraps and then that’ll do you might experience from a junior on a walk in appointment.

The packaging might not be super impressive but just wait until you see what’s inside.

Katia Beauty Clinic

State of the art beauty St John’s Wood

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I have had my colour sorted at Studio 66 and have just met Katia Breich, a professional make up artist and owner practitioner of Katia Beauty Clinic and I was really impressed by her passion and caring approach to her clients.

I haven’t booked in yet but wanted to share she offers state of the art anti aging and advanced skin treatments including micro needling, Mesotherapy and B12 injections.

For anyone like me looking for a more natural approach she also offers Pure Hydro facials and Katia’s signature deep cleanse facial which I have to say did sound very nice indeed. She is very warm and personable with over 20 years experience in skincare, beauty and facial aesthetics.

The beauty rooms in the salon are quiet and modern and smell of soothing aromatherapy.

Katia also offers LED light therapy, customised bridal packages and she also works with men. Prices start at £90.

Hambletons Bakery market town Artisan bread

Love the brown sourdough loaf

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You cannot spend anytime in Leicestershire (where family is based) without coming across Hambletons bakery, purveyors of fine locally made breads and cakes and suppliers to many local restaurants and hostilieries.

I can take or leave the bread in the most part, preferring the Turkish flat bread from the smaller and less established competition around the corner the Garage Bakehouse but one loaf I really do enjoy from Hambletons is the large brown sourdough.

If you like soft bread, I do, Hambletons bread is mainly crusty, like an American rye loaf. I cannot tell you about the white bread, I don’t eat it. The other thing is the loaves are quite big so unless you are feeding a few people your loaf might be rock solid before you get a chance to finish it.

There’s one other notable thing I’ve bought from Hambleton’s bakery and it’s their mince pies. I found these at another local restaurant in Cosby village, Leicestershire, The Tithe Barn and for one month a year we indulge. They are not traditional, looking more like a mini Christmas pudding with a delicious short crust pastry crust.

These are also something we’d travel for too.

The Hambleton’s Bakery shop is located in Market Harborough on a cobbled back lane just behind the high st. You can actually cut through from the High St where you’ll usually see the queue extending down the street.

Don’t expect wonderful service. It kinda reminds me of the best bagel shop in NYC where people actually go to be insulted. The ladies here do it with a gentle tut or roll of the eye. And make sure you know what you want when you get up to the counter or you might find you miss your turn.

Timpsons Shoe repairer and key cutting service

I like the company ethos

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“Great Service by great people” is the company strap line.

If I were ever to start my own brand I’d want it to be a brand like Timpsons founded by good people with strong principles which have endured throughout its 150 year history.

I already have a great opinion of the company which appears to be reinforced everytime I pop in. I am not especially loyal to a specific location, I just know if I need keys cutting, that’s where I go. I split my shoe repairs between Timpsons and my local cobbler, he gets all the tricky jobs as his equipment is more technical but if I think back to my last 5 visits to Timpsons I have always received the same friendly family business service, something that keeps me returning more than low prices.

The staff manning the kiosks dotted around the country work alone, so not the easiest job, no camaraderie and having to deal with the public which is not easy.

In a world of zero hours contracts and staff complaining all the time about big businesses they work for just not caring I do admire how the staff really make this business what it is. There really is nothing nicer than genuinely happy staff, grateful for the job and empowered to be part of something good. I don’t know how staff are rewarded (if they get a fabulous sales commission but whatever Timpsons are doing to keep their staff engaged and positive I think other businesses could definitely learn from them. Most shops I go into these days I am lucky to even get eye contact from the assistant.

Timpsons has been a family owned and operated business for 150 years. At the helm sir John Timpson born in Manchester in 1943 joined the family footwear businesses in 1970 to head up the buying department.

Until 2024 James Timpson was CEO before being appointed as the Minister for Prisons. He is seen as a compassionate leader with revolutionary ideas, he came up with the pod idea for Timpsons installing one in his local Tesco in Warrington, now they can be found at over 500 sites.

For me Timpsons are a shinning example, built from the ground up business founded on unwavering principles and truth that has resonated with customers and kept them returning through the good times and the bad.

Wish there were more British high street brands like Timpsons

Quarteria Gypsy Market Portugal 🇵🇹

Didn’t buy anything

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I love the markets in the south of France where I holidayed with my family as child. My father wouldn’t fly so we went everywhere by car and ship which meant exploring European markets whilst on holiday became a bit of pastime.

I have been to Portugal a few times for golf, I don’t play but friends do so this time instead of going with them I decided to do some exploring of my own.

After a few people told me the market was walking distance from the Marina I set off in the direction I had been told. I had google maps but that wasn’t helping.

After walking for about 15 minutes I found myself in a town, I think was Quarteria adjacent to the Marina but still no sign of the market.

I ended up jumping in a taxi and after about an additional 15 minute drive I was dropped off at my destination.

It’s called the Gypsy market and it looked to me like the main things for sale were very cheap clothes and tourist souvenirs. I didn’t see any quality leather goods, a few poor quality copy designer hand bags and designer sunglasses but non of the local artisan pottery, baskets, embroidered linens or lace we have come to expect from European markets.

It didn’t have the energy and excitement of markets I have visited before. I arrived about 9.15am usually everyone arrives early to get the best deals and avoid the heat of the day but I was pretty much the first customer of the day and only half the stalls were actually set up and ready to trade.

I walked the whole market in 10 - 15 minutes, I was pounced on by eager (desperate for a sale) traders pitching goods I hadn’t even looked at. I felt bad for them in a struggling economy trying to sell goods to a few random tourists.

The best thing about the market was the seat in the shade where I waited 45 minutes for a taxi to take me back to the Marina.

I am not sure who would shop here. I didn’t see any locals, there is no food, plants, flowers, antiques, junk the kind of things you find at markets in France.

They had stalls with boxed shoes, jewelled and brightly coloured and football jerseys; lots of jewellery; from glamour to hand home made. Quite a few tablecloths hanging up but I don’t remember much else.

I didn’t buy anything. Not even an ice cream.

When you check Google and trip advisor, check how long ago the pictures were posted. I think this was my mistake. It was clearly once bustling and busy but as the offering and stall holders has gotten smaller so too have the customers.