London: There's No Place Like Home
As staying home is the order of the day I’ve selected my favourite pieces to cocoon with as well as a few to Sparkle in when we are able to venture out again.
Similarly, I’ve included my favourite walks for now and favourite haunts for later.
My London is the leafy part of The Royal Borough between Holland Park and Kensington Gardens and the hidden back roads referred to as Kensington village.
I’ve lived and worked in this area for the past 22 years and love showing friends around when they come to London.
Find morning substance or a morish treat at Gail’s conveniently next door for fresh from the oven baked goods from flaky croissants to Rose infused bites to rustic avocado toast. Get a coffee to go and walk over to Holland Park through the large wrought iron gate and walk up to the ruins of Holland House, now home to the sublime Opera Holland Park ( Summer only) and sip your coffee on a park bench facing the Kyoto Gardens in one of the most beautiful parks in the city.
Exit the Park through the Duchess of Bedford Gate and walk across the quiet Kensington backwater till your reach Kensington Palace.
In Spring take afternoon tea at the Orangery, or walk over to the perfectly formed Princess Diana memorial garden.
Opposite Kensington Gardens is Kensington Court, the first square in London to have electricity. If interested in period architecture, the red brick facades are stunning.
Just off the Square the very charming Thackeray street is tucked away and a beautiful part of the heart of a Kensington village.
Riders and squires riding shop, the delicious Ottomezzo Italian restaurant and cafe, Montparnasse bakery, are all worth a stop.
Parallel to Thackeray street is St Albans Grove our London home for Water Jewels where all of our jewellery is made by hand.
We have been on this pretty corner for over 14 years and I love being tucked away yet very much part of the community.
Find me here most days when I’m in London.
Across the street is the much loved Builders Arms pub. A great place to meet the locals and end your day.
To enjoy your day with style, these are our favourite London classics.
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Celebrating Mother's Day with Barbara Harris
With Mother's day upon us in the UK I wanted to share an old photograph I found recently of my Mother and I.
Water Jewels owes a lot to her early input and we worked together for twenty years until she retired three years ago.
Happy Mother’s day to all Women, we all Mother in some way all the time and this day celebrates you and all you do for those you love.