Neon signage at The Palomar, LondonThis Soho hotspot it is a must-do right this second. Seriously, you are missing out if you have yet to visit the hopping Israeli eatery. Bustling with trendy patrons and a helpful, well-dressed staff, The Palomar is the place to be any night of the week. It is pretty impossible to get a last-minute table, but that’s not where you want to be anyway. The Kitchen Bar is where it’s at.
Cocktail menu at The Palomar, LondonThe Palomar’s open kitchen
The Kitchen Bar is a first-come, first-serve space, comprised of 16 stools that overlook the entire open kitchen. What’s usually referred to as “the back of the house” is right there in front of you, giving you a front row seat to a flawless performance of tossing, mixing, plating, and sautéing. It is amazing to watch the kitchen ongoings and the friendly and interactive chefs at work. They have a flavorful sharing menu, very similar to the cuisine at Nopi. It was such an experience to order a mix of salads, vegetables, meats, and desserts, have them prepared right before our eyes, and then placed in front of us by their own creators.
And it wasn’t all smoke and mirrors. Those dishes were delicious. Our favorites were absolutely the Polenta Jerusalem Style and the Josperised Aubergine. I am still dreaming of those plates and am actively moving my schedule around to find a free evening to return to that beautiful bar!
Dessert at The Palomar, London
Be aware, The Palomar experience is definitely a time commitment. The bar fills up so fast that a visit requires putting a name in early, and drinking and snacking for a couple hours down the street. It’s very doubtful that you will get to sneak in and grab a quick bite just before a show. But it makes for a long, fun, leisurely evening, that’s completely worth it.
I highly recommend The Palomar to anyone and everyone. This Middle Eastern gem in the heart of Soho is beautiful, fun, trendy, classic, delicious, and every other positive adjective I can think of. Enjoy!
The Palomar
34 Rupert Street
London W1D 6DN
Selfridges is my favorite one-stop shop for all of my clothing, accessory, beauty, gifting, and houseware needs. The large, iconic department store, located on Oxford Street, in London, can be seen from a distance with its proud yellow flags waving in the wind.
I might have a slight addiction. I find myself there on most Sundays, but usually with a specific goal in mind. Two weeks ago it was to pick out suits for my husband, last week I needed new bath mats, and yesterday I needed to find a dress for a summer wedding. But I love it there because, whatever I set out to find, I am usually triumphant.
Yesterday, I went in for a dress. Within four hours, I had found, purchased, and fitted that dress, dined with my girlfriends at Hemsley Hemsley, picked up a birthday gift for my brother, got new makeup from the Clinique counter, and purchased snacks for later in the Foodhall. Impressive, right?
There are so many diverse areas within Selfridges that makes an accomplished day like that possible. I recommend checking them all out, but let me just highlight some of my favorites. If you start at the lower ground level, you can visit Muji–simple (and sometimes ingenious) products for everyday living, The Conran Shop–a gorgeous, modern mix of housewares, and the amazing liquor and wine shop.
The ground floor is where you will find high-end jewelry and handbags, makeup, and the Foodhall. The Foodhall is a must-see area. While not as impressive as Harrod’s, there you can purchase amazing prepared foods or high-quality meats and produce, alongside many other grocery items. It’s also a great spot for some specialty gifts. You will also find a few more places to sit and eat when taking a break from shopping.
Lovely lemons at SelfridgesA rainbow of veggies at Selfridges
The first floor has the menswear, the second has designer womenswear and a variety of shoes, and the third has contemporary womenswear and the new Body Studio. This new area focuses on loungewear and exercise tools and attire. There is also a Hemsley Hemsley cafe within the Body Studio. This is where we had lunch during our latest shopping excursion. Hemsley Hemsley, an organic eatery, compliments the department’s healthy message, and was full of ladies lunching on vegetarian burgers and sipping cold-pressed juices. My girlfriends and I enjoyed a healthy, yet filling meal, that helped balance out our guilt for skipping Pilates and the horrible hangovers we were experiencing. Selfridges newest cafe, Hemsley Hemsley Feta and bean burger at Hemsley Hemsley, Selfridges
Lastly, the fourth floor (home to the Christmas decorations in the winter) has some more houseware goodies, kids clothing and toys, and some more places to snack. There’s even a Starbucks up there! As you can see, Selfridges really is a one-stop shop. And I didn’t even get into their new PSYCLE bike studio, the book shop, the technology department, sunglasses, additional cafes and restaurants. I would be typing for far too long and there would be nothing left to surprise you. So head to Selfridges and see for yourself why it is my favorite store in London. I might see you there this weekend since I know have a dress to pick up from their tailor. (See always another excuse to pull me back in.) Happy shopping!
Spring is in full swing, and although we get are getting some chilly, cloudy days, there’s still plenty of sunshine to enjoy all of the open-air activities that London has to offer. I decided to take advantage of the spring weather this past Saturday and headed to Borough Market. Just a short tube ride to Southwark’s London Bridge station can offer you a brilliant view of or visit to the shard and then one of the oldest food markets in London!
Borough Market entrance, London
It’s hard to imagine a market that could be older to rival their claim. At over 1000 years in Southwark, Borough Market brings together traders of fine and fresh wines, cheeses, produce, meats, fish and prepared foods. The full market is open Wednesday through Saturday. You could pop in for their lunch market only, open Mondays and Tuesdays, but you really need to experience the market in full swing. Saturdays are very crowded, but the energy is great. I like to hop into one of the pubs, like the The Market Porter, that spill out onto the street with happy drinkers. After I’m nice and warm, relaxed, and have worked up an appetite, I wander the market.
I usually set out to get something for lunch, which typically ends with me filling up on endless samples of cheese. The cheese there is my favorite. Each stall is happy to give you tastes and education on the varieties. My favorite stall is The French Comte. A reasonably priced cheese and charcuterie booth that has a helpful staff and sells my favorite Mont d’Or Vacherin in its cute little box for only £10.00.
If you’re hungry for more than just cheese, Borough Market has every prepared food imaginable. Paella, cheeseburgers, pulled pork, empanadas, donuts, cannolis. I could go on and on. But, trust me, whatever your cravings are, Borough Market will fulfill them.
Once I’m reasonably full, I then shop for gourmet items to add to my pantry. Borough Market has many fine grocery traders, offering more samples to showcase their different olive oils, vinegars and spices. These items also make really nice gifts. Not everyone will buy themselves a £15.00 truffle-infused olive oil, but what a nice treat to have! Then, right before I head out, I pick up the fresh ingredients I need for dinner that night or the next. Nice produce, steaks, a baguette, and my Mont d’Or, and my day is complete! And what a great day, filled with fresh food, pints, snacks, samples, cheese, and fresh air! Enjoy all that Borough Market has to offer this spring in South London!
Neal’s Yard Dairy selection, Borough Market
Borough Market
8 Southwark Street
London SE1 1TL
Okay, the name may be difficult to recall (or even say for that matter), but the little Italian wine bar on the corner of Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road, in Notting Hill, is definitely worth remembering.
Negozio Classica stands out with its inviting red exterior. From the road, you can see the warm wine bar full of young couples and groups, caught up in romantic and intense conversations around tables full of wine and small plates. They are relaxed and cozy, as if they’re in their own homes, solving the world’s problems over nice bottles of red and plates of cheese. The place actually feels like a living room. There’s even a floor lamp for lighting, which I cannot recall ever seeing in any restaurant before. That lamp illuminates a framed map and some bookshelves, making the line between a public restaurant and a friend’s house very fuzzy.
The wine menu had a nice variety of types and prices. My husband enjoyed £17.00 glasses of Brunello and I got very drunk on £7.oo dry whites. That sentence basically sums us right up. But, anyway, the food menu was a little confusing at first. We were not sure if everything was to be considered small, sharing plates, or if there were in fact proper entrees. We chose to go the starter and separate entrees route, which worked just fine, but you could definitely go either way. The gorgonzola bruschetta was absolutely delicious. Whipped into a mousse with truffles and then swirled onto fresh bread, the dish was divine. We were worried that we didn’t order enough food, but ended up not finishing our steak salad and pasta dish. Which was unfortunate because they were both really fresh with outstanding flavors.
Amazing gorgonzola bruschetta at Negozio Classica, Notting Hill
Overall, we had a great night at Negozio Classica. We will definitely head back for more wine, an impromptu lunch, or another weeknight dinner. I don’t know if it is where we would head for a full Saturday night dinner, since the menu is pretty limited and the atmosphere is casual, but by all means try it. The friendly staff will be ready to welcome you.
Negozio Classica
Steak dinner at Negozio Classica, London
283 Westbourne Grove
London W11 2QA
A hair salon with a cocktail menu, how can that be anything but a Do?! My experience at Taylor Taylor was too much fun. And I needed that after all of the horrible Aveda experiences that I have previously shared with you.
An amazing mural outside Taylor Taylor, West London
Taylor Taylor is located on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. Since I was so over Aveda, and had friends recommend this place, I decided to check it out for myself. I went to their website and booked a £64 (cheaper than Aveda) cut/blow dry appointment online. I love 2016 and online bookings. I never want to use the telephone for anything but non-telephone related activities ever again. Their website is easy and I got a time slot right away. And that’s not for a lack of clients. They always seem to have a regular, healthy flow of customers when I walk by and peek in their large windows.
Inside Taylor Taylor, West London
The decor at Taylor Taylor is not exactly my taste, but I did really like the gold basement shampoo room. The sink and chairs were comfortable and allowed for me to lay back with my feet up and stare at the gold gilded ceiling and a pretty cool peacock painting. In the gold room, I received a nice little scalp massage with my wash. Then, I headed back upstairs walking by some pretty cool wallpaper.
Upstairs, I had one of their signature bellinis waiting for me. It was delicious and made the whole experience extra decadent and fun. Everyone seemed friendly and I enjoyed chatting with the stylist as I got more and more drunk. At the end, the cut looked great! I was afraid I had Bellini goggles, but even the next day I was still in awe of my new ‘do. It even passed my test of looking great after my unprofessional hands tried to style it! That’s what I call a success. Therefore, I’m definitely going to head back to Taylor Taylor. A do for my do!
The Westbourne is where the cool kids like to go. The “sceney” pub is a summer hotspot right in the heart of Notting Hill. Instead of your typical corner pub that circles around a bar, The Westbourne is just a big open space filled with a hodgepodge of minimalist and antique tables. These tables are rammed together and full of drinkers and diners. The tables are first come first serve and make for a great place to just chill.
The real draw to The Westbourne, though, is their equally open and spacious outside seating. There are not too many places with outside, sun-facing tables. At The Westbourne, a 100 people can squeeze into the squared off front and enjoy the sun right up until it sets. The outside gets packed with a mix of young money, dressed up in designer streetwear, and hip Notting Hill parents that down pints as their kids wander around. It’s such a cool mix of people and the vibe on a sunny day is like you’re on a beach holiday. No cares, just relaxed, drinking in the sunshine.
The food at The Westbourne is pretty good, too. I sat with friends and had pints and then wine while we shared the hummus and cheese plate. I also had their baked goat cheese salad with sweet potato. Both dishes were amazing, and I left full and drunk for under £30.00. Can’t beat that!
The Westbourne is just a fun place to have a low-key weeknight dinner or to stop in to get your Saturday night rolling. Pregame in the sunshine outside, or get cozy inside during the winter months. Regardless, of when you go, there will be a nice little crowd and it will be worth the trip.
The Westbourne
101 Westbourne Park Villas
London w2 5ED
A girl and her hairdresser have a very sacred bond. It’s a relationship that can take a long time to acquire and develop. Finding the right hairdresser is a bit like finding a husband. You have to go through a lot of frogs and sit in a lot of chairs before finding The One. When you find The One, you don’t let him go. You make time for him in your schedule, listen to his advice, and treat him very well at Christmas.
But, unfortunately, sometimes even the greatest relationships are torn apart. There are a number of reasons why, but for me, it was a move. I had been with Jesse for a number of years. There were many others before him but no one stuck. I had even been called a “chair tramp” at one point in my life. Could you imagine! I didn’t mean to hop around from salon chair to salon chair, I just needed someone who could fulfill my simple request. I wanted a cut that looked great at the salon and when I did my hair the next day. I always looked great leaving the salon. The same affect those skinny mirrors have on your body when you try on clothing at a store. But, when you get home, you may be looking at something completely different.
After my first cut with Jesse, I came out of the salon looking like a bombshell (as usual), but the shape of the cut finally stayed awesome. Even a month later with an air-dry! I had found my person! With him I was comfortable and willing to experiment with maybe a few lowlights, some bangs, and even a subtle ombré. It was a very exciting time in my life. Then, having to leave Jesse for London was almost as hard as leaving my family and friends. It was a huge loss and I knew I would be taking backwards steps to the “chair tramp” days of my life to find someone new all over again! This long, painful journey is what has led me to this giant DON’T!
Gina Conway Aveda is a rip-off. Plain and simple. It is not a true Aveda salon, but instead a “partner”, which takes existing salons and allows them to flash the recognizable Aveda name by their commitment solely to Aveda’s product range and their branding. This name could work wonders for the salon attached to it. Aveda has had a great reputation. At one time I used to love Aveda. I used to think their hand cream was magical. Now I don’t want any of it. Anywhere. Ever again.
With my Ayurvedic medicine fascination, you would think the inspired Aveda brand would be right up my alley. That’s partially why I did love it in the beginning of my beauty regimen life. Now, I view Aveda as a sellout with nothing holistic going on–especially at Gina Conway Aveda on Westbourne Grove.
Gina Conway Aveda is an uncomfortable experience from beginning to end. You walk into a busy salon that does not have proper air conditioning. It is so hot that you immediately shed your jacket and watch them shove it into a messy closet. If you’re getting a facial, you are brought downstairs to a dark, humid basement. There, an unfriendly and aggressive aesthetician attacks your face in an impersonal manner. There’s no friendly banter. There’s nothing. Just a one-hour time slot to get her job done, and then on to the next victim.
If you’re getting a haircut, you are brought down to another area of the basement for a wash. In this area, they try to be original by having you sit first in a chair for a massage. You get to select the scent of the oil they use and then the massage lasts about 30 seconds. The theatrics of it all is laughable and a waste of time. I would prefer a longer massage at the sink like a normal place. But then again…that’s only if their sink works properly. For over a month (!) the salon did not have any hot water! Their boiler was broken and the unprofessional staff told me that Gina was taking forever to fix it and that I should complain because it would increase the chances of getting it fixed! She then, at the end of the wash, offered to boil water. It was a little too late. What I would have really liked was a heads up or perhaps a discount for the inconvenience.
But nope, no discounts at Gina Conway Aveda. And all the services come with higher price tags. Cuts average £75 between all of their stylist levels. Facials average about £87/hour. These prices would not seem so harsh to me if the salon was a comfortable temperature, with a friendly staff, and you know, HOT WATER.
Another gripe I have with the salon, is the constant upselling. I could never trust anyone there. Behind every hair or skincare tip was always another product to buy. The facialists never even gave consistent suggestions–constantly offering different products and trying to switch my skincare regimen monthly. They made me feel like just another number that they could squeeze dry.
Seriously, don’t waste your time at this salon. At Gina Conway Aveda, you won’t feel special or relaxed at all. You’ll feel taken advantage of. London is a huge city with a ton of other hair and skincare options. Stay tuned while I explore them for you!
Bullied into buying at Gina Conway Aveda Lifestyles Salon
Gina Conway
Aveda Lifestyles Salon
62 Westbourne Grove
London W2 5SH
With the slogan “The most authentic diner this side of the Brooklyn Bridge,” I knew Lucky 7 in Notting Hill was going to fill a huge void for me. The void being the empty part of my stomach that has longed for an amazing cheeseburger since I moved to London.
Cheeseburgers and fries are as American as it can get. They’re what turned McDonald’s into a multi-BILLION dollar brand and the United States into the most obese country in the world. If you google what is the most American food, you get pictures of cheeseburgers and then some pretty incredible variations that include cheesy patties sandwiched between donuts or breasts of fried chicken. #Merica!
Ahh, the cheeseburger. The perfect late-night snack, hangover cure, picnic must-have, crowd-pleaser. Cheeseburgers for everyone all the time! And then I moved to England. Where the meat is not fatty and full of flavor and the patties are too thick and dry. Where there is a mild cheddar barely melted on top instead of a salty, gooey slice of American cheese. Where the bun is just blah and the only thing you can say to comfort yourself is “it’s much healthier here.” Now, English people may not get this obsession, and love their own burgers, which is fine. To each their own. But for me, being brought up in America, I need each bite to be an explosion of flavor in my mouth.
So with every hangover in London, I found myself depressed that I hadn’t yet found my cheeseburger cure. That was until I found Lucky 7! An American-themed diner that would join my list of places to combat homesickness, located on Westbourne Park Road in West London. The place is set up like a true diner with large booths, soda pop decor, and peg letter menu boards. They have everything you could want at a diner! Chili cheese fries, milkshakes, burgers, even pancakes! And everything tastes AMAZING! My only complaint is the pickle. I still have yet to find a good, salty pickle in London. Every time I get a pickle alongside my meal, it’s always sweet. But I’m asking for too much, I know. Its just that there’s always something that reminds you you’re not in America with these themed places. But that’s okay! I had found my cheeseburger!!!
I’m a little too excited right now, I know, but it’s almost lunchtime and this burger picture is making me giddy. Please, if you are an expat missing America, or from another country and want to understand what Americans make a fuss over, go check out Lucky 7. You won’t regret it. (Until you have to run twice as long at the gym the next day.) Enjoy!
The double-cheeseburger at Lucky 7, LondonMenu boards at Lucky 7, West London
This is a lifestyle blog. Yes, it would be easy to review restaurant after restaurant, but my goal is to bring you something that reviews all aspects of London life. Whether planning an itinerary for guests, or figuring out what to do with your weekend, I want to tick all of the boxes that create a well-rounded existence. Physical fitness is a big part of that for me. It’s what makes all of my eating and drinking possible, after all! So today, I bring to you one of my favorite places, the Westway Sports Centre. More specifically, their climbing gym.
Rock climbing is fun. It’s physical and mental, appropriate for all ages, genders, and body types, and is extremely social. I’ve climbed indoors and gone on outdoor climbing excursions and have always had a great time. Climbing with large groups is great for laughs and friendly competition, and having little climbing dates with my husband is good for our relationship and even brings us closer together. Climbing is a true trust building exercise and one of the few where you are actually putting your life into someone else’s hands. Couples who climb together, stay together. I have no idea if that’s true, but I definitely see the positive affects of climbing on my relationship. And not to mention my body! It’s a workout. You build muscle and break a sweat. You also give your mind a workout, too. Some routes can be very challenging, and you really need to use your brain to solve the puzzle of how to get to the top of the wall. It’s really quite cool.
So, now that I’ve sold you on climbing, you need a place to go. And that’s where the Westway Sports Centre comes in. Located in West London, the Westway is a giant fitness center that offers tennis, climbing, and has some outdoor sports fields. For £10.00 a day, non-members can utilize the climbing gym under the supervision of someone with a Westway membership or a trainer that is on staff. Personal climbing trainers or coaches are a great way to start, so you learn how to climb the right way and know the basics in climbing safety. Once you feel comfortable to go on your own, you can take the membership test. The 10 minute test on the fundamentals of rock climbing proves your competency on the wall and helps insure you are not a safety risk to yourself or others. Then it’s happy climbing to you for only £10.00 per visit or £53.00 per month for an unlimited climbing membership.
The colorful walls of the Westway Sports Centre, London
The climbing gym has around 350 routes for all levels. There are 4 auto-belay machines to assist you in climbing solo. There are enough bouldering walls and top-rope and lead climbing routes to ensure that there is never a wait and there’s always something to climb. Sure, there are definitely hours that can be a little congested (especially with cute but very loud and annoying children’s lessons), but overall, it’s a roomy gym. The energy in the gym is great. It’s a colorful place with relaxed, happy people.
And if you’re all climbed out, or just need to take a break, the Westway has a Crussh Cafe to grab a coffee or food, and have a proper visit with friends. You could also check out Urban Rock, the equipment and clothing store within the facility. There, you can actually rent the harness and shoes needed for climbing. This is a great option if you’re just starting out and not yet sure if climbing is for you. I’m sure you’ll decide it is and have your own kit in no time! So, next time you’re looking for a social and healthy activity, be sure to head to the Westway Sports Centre.
A climbing wall at the Westway Sports Centre, London
Westway Sports Centre
1 Crowthorne Road
London W10 6RP
Just don’t. I wish I could end the review here, but that would not be fair to you or to Mike’s. While I can appreciate a long-term establishment that is able to stay afloat in such an expensive, touristy area with high turnover, like Portobello Road, I just cannot put Mike’s Cafe on any sort of “must-do” or even “so-so” list.
I had to try it out of curiosity and for the sake of the blog, but had a feeling it would be on my Don’t list before I even stepped inside. Located on one of the intersecting streets to Portobello Road, you can’t miss it. Mike’s Cafe is the little diner with the bizarre oversized black awning that you actually have to duck under to get inside of the restaurant. Why anywhere in London wants to completely block out the sun is beyond me. Once inside, you are faced with the strangest hodge-podge of bad designs. There is horrible toile-like wallpaper, a few disco balls, some shabby chic mirrors, Union Jack-covered chairs and wall hangings, retro tiles and refrigerators, and really bad caricatures of the Royal Family. All of this craziness surrounds plain, cheap wooden tables that barely fit into the place.
Strange design choices at Mike’s Cafe, Notting Hill
We walked into the diner and asked for the only table they had available. It had yet to be wiped down, so the waitress walked over with a rag and quickly swiped the crumbs onto the floor, before showing us to our sticky seats. We were also given a giant bucket that barely fit onto the table that held grimy bottles of ketchup and other condiments. So far I was not impressed, but the place was packed, so I hoped that meant that the food was going to be amazing.
The menu at Mike’s Cafe, Notting HillNo such luck there. In the U.S., we are blessed with some of the most amazing diners in the world. Hell, we invented the diner. So, maybe my standards were a little higher than Mike’s could handle. But then again, how hard is it to make some decent eggs? We ordered basic omelettes that came with a side of chips (which I don’t understand here…the whole eggs and chips things) and some salad. The salad was also really strange. Undressed, mixed greens and then a scoop of coleslaw. Exactly what you want first thing in the morning with your eggs, right? And the portions were so unnecessarily enormous that I wondered if that was their way of apologizing for everything else? The large portions and the cheap prices. Who knows? But all I know, is that I will not be going back and I will never understand why so many people were in there in the first place. Please take my advice on this one, and spare yourself a really pointless meal.
Bigger isn’t always better at Mike’s CafeBecause you’re never too old for a Silly Straw?
The London Checklist 