The London Review of Shopping

Taylor st baristas - london v brighton

2011-07-15T10:32:00.001+01:00

oddly this past week I've spent time in two coffee houses with the same name. Both the original in the City and the version in brighton (aka london on sea) were fantastic. although, whisper it, the Brighton home of finely crafted coffee just edged it. A bit more relaxed and a little more service. Or maybe its just me? coffee always tastes better on holiday!

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Water Taxi - Soufriere, St Lucia

2011-05-26T01:16:00.001+01:00

Water Taxis are only way (if you ignore cars, buses, coaches) to get around St Lucia and if you come across George he sells the freshest just picked pineapples too.

He travels really really slowly, which he suggests is to save petrol....

It normally takes five minutes to speed across the Souffriere Bay - with George its at least half hour.

This works out rather well if your not in a hurry and want to take everything in...

Both of us were Happy and Dazed, both of us for different reasons.

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Bread + Cheese Plant - St Lucia

2011-05-23T16:38:00.001+01:00

Its always rather boring in English Gardens hearing mothers-in-law drone on and on about the beauty of the Begonias they cherish.

In St Lucia they call it the bread and cheese plant and at Boucan Restaurant they add the dainty little flowers to the most divine salads.

Bread and Cheese - so much more fun than Begonias.

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Chateau Mygo / Marigot Bay - St Lucia

2011-05-23T00:43:00.001+01:00

Watching the sun go down, drinking Piton beer, a fantastically economic lunch of shrimp roti and getting roundly beaten at dominoes by a beautiful woman. Nothing could be finer.

I may be some time.

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Cacao Adventure - Hotel Chocolat / St Lucia

2011-05-22T14:32:00.001+01:00

Wow what a day.

Visiting a cacao plantation is one thing spending it with some of the worlds experts and getting every little question answered is another.

Alphonsus and Cuthbert are engaging and excited hosts, passionate about doing things the right way however long it takes. I spent quite some time learning to graft one sapling to another, time discussing the differences between ICS 95 and ICS 1 strains of trinitario beans and a lot of time with my mouth wide open in amazement at what a wonderful thing it is to work in the field of chocolate.

To top that in the afternoon we made bars from beans direct from the Rabot Estate with ace chef Jon and then dined on fine cacao cuisine at the Boucan Restaurant.

More fun than you can shake a chocolate covered stick at!

And my bean to bar bar was waiting for me as lunch finished- I popped it out of the mould straight into my mouth! perfect... well for a first timer!

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Mrs Theresa's Bakery - Soufriere / St Lucia

2011-05-22T13:38:00.001+01:00

Still thinking about these little lovelies days after the cookie jar ran empty.

Go find them - its worth the effort.

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Container Cafe - Hackney Wick / Olympic Park Borders.

2011-05-22T13:35:00.001+01:00

A very good coffee and the worlds most exciting view.

Just thinking about those glory days of next summer gives me goose bumps already.

If you need me I'll be here.

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Farmers Market - Soufriere / St Lucia

2011-05-22T13:29:00.001+01:00

Although some stalls are open most days of the week on saturday morning from 6am till about 10am the farmers market in Souffiere really comes alive.

Open back trucks full to falling with bananas compete with grizzled fishermen with wheelbarrows full of fish, ladies frying breakfast and an enterprising youth with barrels of petrol. Every Lucian crop is here; love apples & wax apples papaya & pineapple, mango, melon & many spring onions!

What I couldn't find however was cacao or cacao pulp. The search continues!

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Chewing Gum Art - Wobbly Bridge

2011-05-01T12:23:00.001+01:00

I've often heard tales of the nutty chewing gum artist who lays prostrate across the streets of Crouch End, causing chaos on a busy high-street whilst he paints the flattened gum of others. Looks like he's moved up in the world. Cross the wobbly bridge form tate to st Paul's and little works of wonder flood the bridge. Charming and oddball.. like all the finer things in life.

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Foodie Graffiti

2011-05-01T12:17:00.001+01:00

As you amble along the canal after brunch at the container cafe keep your head down .. not because this is a dangerous part of town (it isn't any more!) but because someone has taken the time and love to highlight all the wild garlic, brambles, herbs and fruits that dot the pathway. Take a basket with you ... today lunch is on London.

If only id thought of it myself.

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Charles Lamb - Royal Wedding Street Party

2011-05-01T12:11:00.001+01:00

Hobby and Cammi you did us proud. Such a wonderful day, the food was perfect the cocktails were strong and milly won first prize in the dog competition. Britain should be proud. London shone.

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The Broca - Brockley

2011-04-06T18:29:00.001+01:00

Since the closure of the Brockley mess I've been wondering where the denizens of this fine locale go for a little fix of the blackstuff. Today I found the answer - they go to the train station - oi stop giggling its not a gag about the best part of brockley is the train out - its where you'll find Broca. Home made cakes, decent coffee and loads of community art. You know the type of place, old school beaten up sofas and miss matching crockery.

South London's answer to Central Perk.

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Metcalfes Skinny Popcorn - Available everywhere, soon, probably.

2011-04-06T16:23:00.001+01:00

Another product to add to that ever growing list entitled 'things I didn't know I needed until a food marketeer dreamt it up'.

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Rose Bakery - Dover Street

2011-04-06T16:17:00.001+01:00

We all know how great it is here ... but may I simply add that its so much finer than the trio of Parisian versions.

Although I'll always love that in the Marais you can idle away hours watching bakers bake - the carrot cake in London is just enough, the crumble is better than ever and the little sun trap of a terrace a hidden smokers gem.

Perfect for a little respite while someone else carries on shopping.

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Rochelle Canteen - Arnolds Circus

2011-04-06T16:02:00.001+01:00

With sunshine on my shoulders and a perfect b'day pressie in my bag for my wife, and as its taken all day to find, I thought I deserved a treat. You know that feeling - one pressie for her, one pressie for me!

And here they are. Macaroons with the adult extra ingredient of loads of sharp sharp lemon .. quite perfect. Welcome back sunshine its been too long.

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Berry Bros - Mayfair

2011-04-06T15:55:00.001+01:00

This window display of fine wine and great bread really drew me in. Spent a fortune that i don't have and enjoyed every minute of it. Very english and truly wonderful.

Bread, dripping and a Burgundy 09 for dinner then!

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Cadburys Chocolate Cafe - Bluewater

2011-04-06T15:50:00.001+01:00

Not my first choice for a lunch but little Nelly enjoyed every moment. This kids lunch included little crust less sandwiches, a big slice of cake and a gingerbread man. oh and just in case that wasn't enough it comes with a tiny likkle hot chocolate too. A lot of sugar indeed, Nelly has hardly slept since!

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Mrs Marengo's - Soho

2011-04-06T15:33:00.001+01:00

Particularly good cake - especially the modern version of victoria sponge.

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Cafe + tapas - saville row

2011-04-06T15:29:00.001+01:00

Nice to see this addition to the same-old-same-old -lunch-time-grab-something quick market. A few pinxcos and a coffee - such a great way to while away your twenty four minute lunch hour. feels a bit like a chain though. Maybe somewhere in the world it is!

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The Food Secret - Soho

2011-04-06T15:21:00.001+01:00

The tills don't work and the staff are grumpy but if you're searching for the next big thing in food retail start here. The next level in food labelling and freshness. perfect for assuageing guilt / picking the healthy option. So what is the food secret? simply that there are no secrets - they tell you everything you need to know. No hidden nasties and no staff training either!

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Merce and the Muse

2011-02-16T12:29:00.001Z

Taking a lead from the UKs third wave of coffee Paris is slowly catching up. American born and bred Merce (an ironic name for a Parisian resident!) has got it spot on . With record decks behind the counter playing tunes that would be perfect should Tarantino pop in, Merce is the perfect host and not a bad Barista either. Her dinky chocolate and peanut butter cupcakes cheered my day and the flat white was the only one i found in three days.

If i ever move to Paris i want to work here!

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Bar des Artisans - Rue de Vinaigriers - 10th Paris

2011-02-16T12:22:00.001Z

An amazing place indeed. At the back of this funky little whole food deli is as foodie treasure trove. They sell, amongst many many other treats, roasted cacao nibs and even blocks of cacao butter - of course i bought some even though i've no idea what to do with yet.

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Baking for all.

2011-02-16T12:13:00.001Z

Found the most amazing cake decorating store up in the 10th. Every concievable taste and occasion catered for. Plenty more to come on the 10th - it's like the new Dalston or maybe Nakamegura in Toyko.

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Gontran Cherrier - Paris / Montmartre

2011-02-13T20:34:00.001Z

The bad boy of French baking certainly knows his baking. He may be a French Jamie Oliver but I've never seen Mr Oliver on the floor and he's certainly never made me an esspresso while I chatted in bad french. He takes a simple thing and makes it better. A simple poolish roll with squid ink - looks great tastes amazing. However using curry to flavour bread upsets the beating patriotic heart of the parisian man on the street. Good. France never had a monopoly on great bread (foccacia / Bloomer / Chapati anyone?)

Gontran is here to remind them.

Come to England Bad Boy we understand you.

Maz - Paris / 15th.

2011-02-13T20:23:00.002Z

Perhaps the most beautifully designed deli in Paris. Just trust me.

The Best Highstreet in London - Hackney Wick

2010-12-10T22:03:00.000Z

It's not exactly a highstreet but it is a rather wonderful circular walk so why not include it..... Hackney Wick is full of surprises, not least that I live so close and had no idea where it was. I always thought it was just off Mare Street. It isn't - it faces the Olympic Park in Stratford and is well worth a little Brunch time ramble.

All the money being spent on the Olympics is not just going on sport but classrooms, walkways and lovely little places to potter.

So start your day at the View Tube, a social enterprise, funded by Olympic Dreamers and built out of reclaimed shipping containers. On the Ground floor is a sexy little brunch place called the Container Cafe and seeing as it's hosted by Aussies it's the perfect place for pre games gloating. Maybe just have coffee though as the cafe is owned and run by the same people that have the Counter Cafe a little further around the corner. So memorise the menu (it's the same) and ponder your tummy as you wander on.

Next up could be a rather fine dine over the lock at Forman and Sons. A London Institution since 1905 and recently moved to a spanking new smokehouse and restaurant opposite the Stadium. With views as good as the this it's the perfect place in the world to try the London Cured Smoked Salmon.

Or possibly amble around the corner to The Counter Cafe who hold the record for the bestest damn egg and bacon sandwich in the east. Super Cool and on Fridays all the guys wear Jackets. Dress Up Fridays an idea that should be nationalised for the casual amongst us. Allowing for the fact they you've already eaten three times and it's only just lunch time perhaps the Schwartz Gallery the very essecnce of an urbane art gallery or the Elevator Gallery which is better.

With a head full of ideas and art the canal is the next stop. Full of extra-ordinary graffiti that have long been ignored. This leads perfectly to the Hackney Pearl . And a pearl it is. Stuck in the middle of a grime ridden estate the pearl shines out. I loved a lot the home pickled Onions that added something east to the cheese plate, which incidently uses local turkish bread to compliment the monty's cheddar. The cocktails and coffees too are better than ever.

Drink the night away here - but remember to order you cab now.

In three hours time you'll have no idea how to get home.

Hackney Wicked.

Chocodeli - Pimlico

2010-11-16T19:15:00.001Z

This little gem is a new must see for trips to town with my nieces and nephews. Not only is the selection of sweets a liitle'uns dream but up above is a tin train that puffs and chuffs around the architraves. Joyous for adults too, toot!

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Tricot Studio - Shopkeepers Gloves

2010-11-16T18:00:00.001Z

A special Commision from a talented studio have brought joy to me and my customers alike.

These Tricot Studio Gauntlet Glove leaves my fingers free to dress and perfect the shop, the heart in my palm a perfect little surprise when handing over change. I love them!

Caravan - Exmouth Market

2010-11-16T10:37:00.002Z

This weekend we decided to turn our phones off completely and have a secret holiday in London - living here it's easy to let things pass you by and in the end we could neither name another city we'd rather travel too 48 hours of leisurely rambling. The highlight said holiday was a long walk in the rain to Exmouth Market, as we arrived the traders packed up for the day, yet Caravan's lights shone brightly (particularly so as very few restaurants seem to be open for an early dinner or very late lunch these days) The food was far better than expected for such a hyped site and the service was perhaps even better than that.. The Thai Mussels lasted seconds they were so good and the pork bun not much longer. I've no idea if the meal between lunch and dinner has an official name (dunch?) regardless I'll be eating mine here in future, if you need me don't call.

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Morito - Exmouth Market

2010-11-16T10:25:00.002Z

After a fantastic early meal at Caravan we excitedly waltzed over to the spanking new Morito where the queue was no where near as bad as the urban grapevine suggests. Baclava and sherry, a beer and some biscotti made for a perfect after dinner treat. Morito looks amazing, the service is impeccable and it makes you feel like your on holiday. Promised to visit again soon but next time for a whole night. Can't wait.

Federation Coffee - Brixton Arcade

2010-11-16T00:08:00.002Z

Two words : wonderful, wonderful.

Nude Coffee Tips Jars - Spitalfields

2010-11-11T00:49:00.002Z

The coffee at Nude may be great every single time but I look forward to seeing which of the two tips jars is fullest. Last visit 'Boys' was almost empty and 'Girls' full to the brim. Today 'Paris' confirmed it's status as a city on down, the jar being nearly half empty with shrapnel and fluff while 'New York' was half full of gold and silver (coins) plus at least one note.

Breads etcetera - Brixton Arcade

2010-11-09T10:18:00.001Z

One man bands are not known for creating beauty - normally simple rackets. Yet the intimacy of this tiny haven demands low staffing. One man bakes all the breads both sweet and sour, the cakes and the treats etc then opens the doors and smiles safe in the knowledge that his hands alone have provided for a busy days custom. This man even roasts his own coffee too; maybe he's found an extra hour in the wee small hours or maybe he's just bloody great at his job. Either way breakfast was memorable. A perfect start to a damn fine day.

The Bramble Cafe - The Brompton Quarter

2010-10-05T23:10:00.001+01:00

The word enchanting may be overused by others but here I'm going to use it repeatedly and mean it.
This little pop - up had everything going for it, great space, stunning light, great food care of Sarah Bilney & La Fromagerie plus an enchanting foyer featuring a 30 foot long creation of living mushrooms, bicycle wheels and magnifying glasses (no i can't describe how beautiful it was - can we just stick with enchanting? ... oh and never to be forgotten)
Yes this pop-up it's popped off and closed.
Thank you for the memories. Next time get here sooner and stay a little longer!

Yasar Halim - Green Lanes

2010-09-22T23:42:00.002+01:00

If these looks are deceiving you, don't be fooled - I'm just a dreadful photographer. Yasar Halim has long been a family favourite for fresh baked treats and Cypriot street food. With three premises side by side selling the full range of Cypriot wonders from oils and olives to breads, baklava and meat.Who could resist the temptation of the Gozleme, the Borek or the Tahini Bread? I couldn't, I bought all three and got seven pounds change from a tenner. Yasar is the best, the busiest and maybe even the oldest.

Green Lanes never lets you down.

Yasar Halim, 386-390 Green Lanes, N13 5PD (020 8340 8090) Palmers Green rail. Open daily 8am-10pm.

Antepliler Patisserie - Green Lanes

2010-09-22T23:30:00.002+01:00

This unassuming little patisserie in Green Lanes holds a secret. A secret revealed to me by the wonderful Leila whilst I was interviewing her for another soon to be revealed project. The secret is in the ingredients and all you need to know is that they bake and create simply the best Baklava in London. Especially the Burma. Moist to the touch, oozing sugar, flavour and aroma these are worth the trip no matter the weather.

Antepliler Patisserie - Green Lanes, London N4 1AG - 020 8809 1004

Newspeak Exhibition - The Saatchi Gallery

2010-09-16T14:14:00.002+01:00

I've little idea why this haunting painting by Hurvin Anderson has taken hold of me and even less of a clue as to why such darkness should make me happy - but it has.

Go figure.
Go see for yourself.

Mount Street Deli - Mayfair

2010-09-16T13:06:00.002+01:00

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Mount Street Deli does exactly what it says on it's overpriced darling little biscuit tins. It's a chi chi little deli on Mount Street and it's quite nice. Nothing more to say really and I can't imagine I'll ever go again. Although it could of course be handy for demonstrations at the nearby American Embassy; you really shouldn't protest without a good coffee first. Not really my cup of twee.

Union Street Urban Orchard part two - Bankside Southwark

2010-09-16T12:57:00.002+01:00

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The Urban Orchard also has this delicious reclaimed ping pong skip by Oliver Bishop Young. Maybe we should all club together and send it over to the table tennis loving Boris Johnson household. The more time he spends out of the office the better.

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The Union Street Urban Orchard - Bankside Southwark

2010-09-08T07:13:00.002+01:00

Disturbingly simple and utterly charming this pretty little thing yesterday made my day. With wooden pallets stacked waist high to support the saplings and some of the many trees already baring fruit the Urban Orchard has the touch of a green fingered hobo fantasy, and that's a compliment. I was tempted to make myself a cuppa and sit down for the afternoon life drawing class but as it was raining i nipped around the corner to the always welcoming White Horse and had a pint of cider.

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Lordship Lane - The Best Highstreet in London? No.3

2010-08-17T13:42:00.003+01:00

Lordship Lane has changed so much in the last decade and will hopefully continue to flourish in the same way. A few chains (although none would be best) and dozens of independents is the smart way to grow. The high-street is becoming what Clapham's Nappy Valley failed to achieve. Affordable luxury with a family heart.

Roullier White is quite simply a home-wares shop for men (and women too if you insist) a type of shop that's not only very hard to find but rarely worth visiting. Roullier is different - every inch is merchandised with care and wit, every inch another joy to buy. Worldwide Monocle magazine recently wrote the their ant spray the best on earth!

It may be an old school Italian deli with macho staff and dusty shelves but these same shelves hold treasures to dine for, East Dulwich Deli also bakes locally simply the best sourdough breads in London.

SMBS Organic Grocers is the type of grocers one grows to rely on. If you can't find it here you probably don't need it. Also they are only two doors down from one of London's finest affineurs - The Cheese Block.

Whilst both the Palmerston Pub and the modern chip shop The Sea Cow are owed by a local foodie entrepreneur (well he is since he moved down south) and do what they do well.

Also not to be missed are the coffees at The Blue Mountain Cafe, take aways are best though, as the walk back down through the farmers market to the lane, is a joy with caffeine in hand. Taking you to perhaps my favourite haunt of all Green and Blue, these guys have the right ideas in life. A great Off Licence with an abundance of tempting wines with the brucie bonus of a bistro next door, the perfect palce to sit down for a little light loveliness and where bottles are sold at retail prices. A perfect place to sip wines you normally couldn't afford to order. Good enough to treat.

Lordship lane is a high street best epitomised by local resident and DJ Rob Da Bank. Rob used to a legendary hedonist but now enjoys family feasts at home and organising music festivals for interested adults. The true spirit of East Dulwich.

Grown Up Fun.

Dalston - The Best Highstreet in London? No.2

2010-08-17T12:28:00.002+01:00

Dalston seems to be turning into some sort of uber urban green nirvana and no I'm not overstating the case.

Firstly we had Marnie Rose and her inspiring Kings Walk Garden where as part of the Garden Classroom boys and girls gather to learn under the branches . Next came the Dalston Mill for just one summer, quickly replaced by the Easter Curve Garden. High above which we find The Dalston Roof Park Bar where ethically engaged members drink into the sunset and reminisce about dancing till the sun came up at rave haven The Labyrinth. Dalston also has the proposed covering of Mildmay Grove with a garden to look forward too (the perfect way to blot out noise from new high speed trains) And now we have a little green retail to add to the mix. Opening very soon at 20 Dalston is The Farm Shop with chickens on the roof, indoor allotments and aquaponic fish farming. Oh and a cafe.

The September opening can't come soon enough.

With renowned theatre Arcola up the road, pound shops a plenty, the original and, cliche coming up, still the best Mangal Ocakbasi nearby, Ridley Road Market for untold tat and amazing haberdashery, plus the always fantastic Dalston Jazz Bar a stoned walk away, Dalston may be the perfect highstreet for the young at heart.

Obviously a fixed gear bike and an odd haircut may help.

The Eastern Curve Pop up Garden - Dalston Junction

2010-08-12T07:07:00.005+01:00

Ignore the sirens and bustle of Dalston and head straight for a picnic in this charmed urban park. The cafe is yet to be built, the benches are often full of primary kids on learning experiences and the sun rarely shines but hey today was a good day. I found serenity.
Open to the public from 11am – 8pm and right opposite the rather dull yet spanking new Dalston Junction Station from where I'd recommend a trip on a fancy new train to see the dinosaur's in Crystal Palace.

Kennedy's Fish & Chips - The Goswell Road

2010-08-12T07:02:00.001+01:00

Kennedy's has nothing to do with the eponymous south london pie makers that went out of business a few years back so don't go here in search of one of the famously good Scotch pies, do however stop by for one of the best fish and chips around. I used to think there was a black cab rank outside, no not true, it's just that cabbies from all over London congregate here nightly for a perfect fish supper. I always have the same thing and it never disappoints... "plaice and chips twice please and a loy for the walk home".

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Jean Nouvel Pavilion - Serpentine Gallery

2010-08-11T21:38:00.001+01:00

The Jean Nouvel Pavilion at the Serpentine Gallery this Summer has finally got it right.

It's not in the same league architecturally as the whimsical Olaofur Eliasson & Kjeti Thorsen of 2007 nor the Oscar Niemeyer study in beauty (2003) the Toyo Ito masterpiece (2002) or last years enchanting SANAA. However it has at last realised the potential of a public space for a summer in London.

For years the public have been seemingly ignored by the starchitects need for flamboyance. Eliasson & Thorson for example gave us a stunning place to visit, one of my favourite ever interiors and nowhere to sit and cosy up.

Nouvel has given us what we wanted all along, a great place to ponder, meet friends, laugh flirt or read. The cafe actually has a rather large buzz about it, amazing considering the coffee is awful. I sat and watched as people played chess, rocked on hammocks and struggled with the not so simple game of ping pong. Maybe we just needed a Frenchmen to show London what parks are for.

Anna Lappe - Food Hero

2010-08-10T19:11:00.001+01:00

Today I've spent far too long procrastinating and flicking from blog to blog.
My favourite without doubt and one I return to more often than not is the inspiring Take a Bite
Written by Anna Lappe, author, activist and inspiration.
You don't need to read the book to understand the that this is a woman to follow.
My favourite quote:

"Every time you spend money you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want"

MacFarlane's - Abbevillle Road Clapham

2010-08-08T18:48:00.000+01:00

A truly charming deli that offers everything a denizen could need. Perfect for the yummy mummies and day dreaming day off dads of Abbeville Road, a hidden gem of a high-street just far enough away from far too youthful Clapham. I especially loved the homemade Gruyere and Marmite biscuits on the counter. Irresistible and a statement to consumers that this is not a chain store. This is a place for individuals. Even if they do all wear rugby shirts, distressed Gap shorts and oddly office like shoes.

2 & 4 - De Beuvoir

2010-07-27T17:52:00.002+01:00

This little delight is just what I've been looking for. A cold war modern furniture shop (fairly well priced too - I was tempted more than once but its tricky to carry an angular sofa and walk a dog at the same time) with a rather special little cafe on the side; cakes treats and quite good coffee made even better by charming service and a thoughtful bowl of water for the milly pup.

Just off the regents canal 2&4 makes a perfect pit stop when the towpath cafe is too busy for solitude.

Maybe bring your friendly man with a van along too!

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Trinity Stores - Balham

2010-07-21T17:14:00.003+01:00

For such a long standing part of London's food establishment I'm ashamed to say today was my first visit to Trinity Stores in Balham. I needn't worry, Wednesday afternoon and the place was alive with happy customers, floral clad kids and passers by. A wonderfully original selection of dry, fresh, chilled and alcoholic goodies. I bought teas and tisanes, biscuits and pies. None of which I needed and all of which were irresistible. The true heart of Balham.

The Old Post Office Bakery - Clapham

2010-07-21T16:47:00.003+01:00

At last we can call off the hounds, to my ambassadors routing the suburbs you can go home now, the search is over.

We have succeeded. Today the crown has passed over.

Ginger Pig you longer hold the title of 'best sausage roll in the world'. The title is moving on.

It's a long way to go but if man can conquer mountains I can brave the South Circular.

The humble sausage roll is a thing of beauty, easy to make but next to impossible to perfect. Yet down on Land or Road in Clapham it has been done.

Welcome to the throne ..... The Old Post Office Bakery

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Franks - Peckham Multi Storey Carpark

2010-07-20T11:25:00.001+01:00

Not knowing that Franks was above us it came as such a refreshing surprise. An urban beach-like bar but without the sand and Europop. Perfect.

After climbing the ramps of the Peckham Multi Storey Car Park, with ever increasingly impressive works of sculpture building to a crescendo on on the rooftop, a Campari and some nibbles felt like a dream come true.

Of all the Galleries in London this space is not only the most intriguing (can a Car Park in Peckham really live up to expectations?) and the most inspiring (proof that Cities are more interesting in economic down-times) but also the most rewarding (this art coupled with that view creates uplifted souls)

We treated ourselves to a light brunch of Heritage Tomatoes on Toast, a classic south London greasy spoon dish, made delicious by ingredients alone, a few glasses of sunshine filled Rose and a Campari. We giggled like young lovers with our find and the Milly Pup ran from ankle to ankle dining on under table scraps of loveliness. She ran free after the large arty crowd of both rich and fashionably poor heckled me to 'let the puppy run free man!'

The best afternoon I've had in many many Sundays.

Already a treasured memory and already booked for next Saturday night. Lets pray for lots of sunshine followed by an epic thunder and lightening storm. Franks is the perfect place to watch the weather and smugly enjoy the fact that South London has all the best views.

Website: http://www.hannahbarry.com/ and http://www.frankscafe.org.uk/

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The Black Lab - Clapham

2010-07-19T16:54:00.005+01:00

It's not open yet and it's a famously difficult street to retail from but good luck to the guys at 'The Black Lab' in Clapham. I popped down to taste the mana this afternoon and it was closed for staff training. A good sign in itself!

Next time for sure.

Ellen Dunham-Jones - Retrofitting suburbia

2010-07-18T13:54:00.003+01:00

Ellen Dunham-Jones: Retrofitting suburbia Video on TED.com

Watch this Video.

The big idea? Retrofitting empty suburban big boxes for the benefit of you and me. Would not an empty IKEA make the greatest farmers market? Could we not turn the hundreds of vacant woolworths into libraries? Should we not retro-fit deserted estates into huge playgrounds? Can't fault the idea really.

Also see the Detroit Urban Farming Movement!

Gelupo - Soho

2010-07-12T23:55:00.001+01:00

Following on from romance at Polpo and memories of many a weekend spent splashing around in Venice, nothing could be finer or more fitting than a short stroll over to artisan ice cream maker Gelupo.

A Blood Orange Granita with Chocolate Sorbet piled on top. Almost Heaven! - although the Rice Ice came pretty close too, as did the many, and avaialble to all, free samples.

Oddly the owners also feel the need to add a small grocery and kitchenwares section to the back of the almost finished Gelato. Whilst I often find these attempts at retail misplaced I can't deny that a freezer full of suasages handmade for the diners of Bocca de Lupo got me very excited.

So go eat an ice cream, enjoy it, and then take a sausage or two for a cut price Bocca experience at home.

Polpo - Soho

2010-07-12T23:45:00.000+01:00

Birthdays in London can be wonderful nights especially if surprises booked by others. This year my delicious wife didn't book anything, Polpo don't take bookings. Just rock up, drink while you queue and prepare yourself for something quite magical - a bacaro in the middle of town and in a building previously occupied by Venetain God Canaletto (and what a blessing finding this must have been for the estate agent sourced to find a perfect location!) This is now my favourite restaurant in London. Not only is the food prepared perfectly and priced simply but aussie Kevin is an incredibly loving waiter. Although he is far prettier in real life than my hasty photo!

You'll notice I blog more about experience and service than food itself but isn't that the point of eating? Great food and bad service is a route to a bad night out, yet average food and great service can create a customer for life and unforgettable evenings. Is that not after all the secret what we hanker after? Memories.
Polpo has hit the holy grail however; great food and great service.

I'll never forget. Happy birthday to me!

Wilton Way Cafe - De Beauvoir Town (aka London Fields!)

2010-06-18T19:22:00.001+01:00

When community fails and highstreets die London becomes a fractured place; still the greatest but a little harder to live in. With this in mind I suggest everybody in London visits Wilton Way Cafe today; if you can't visit just send a cheque - because what they are doing is to be applauded.

Not only is the Wilton way cafe a cafe with intimacy at it's core and great coffee it's mandate it's also got a community radio station built into the servery. Yes the 'Wiltons' believe so much in re-invigorating the local community they've set up a station to get the community talking, listening, communicating. Such a wonderful thing. I'm once again in love.

With the already lovely Violet Cupcakes and the perfectly formed Wilton Way Cafe this could be a street to watch. What comes next? A grocery store, a haberdashers or a butcher might be nice. Go spend some money. Invest in London's collective future. Or just chill out a little in a truely lovely cafe. Either way you'll leave feeling better.

The Anthropologist - The City

2010-06-15T22:12:00.002+01:00

What may seem a good idea on an architects mood board can be let down in reality by lack of staff. The restaurant and bar had a great vibe about them yet the attached grocery store was utterly devoid of staff and silent. Fairly nice selection of lines that should be warmly received by the local suits if the bosses give the grocery the rotas it merits.

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Villandry - Fitzrovia

2010-06-14T14:26:00.002+01:00

Villandry seems to having an identity crisis.

As Villandry continues it's expansion plans they should perhaps have a little break and think about how things are going. At the moment it seems they need to concentrate again on what they once did so so well - being a great food shop. The restaurant was as good today as it's even been but I walked through the shop without stopping and a little confused as to where I was!

Its always tempting to up the offer of gift items, they take up lots of space, generate great GP and never go out of date, but if I want a book or a cuddly toy, a candle or a cheap barbecue I'll go elsewhere. At the moment a visit to Villandry is like a visit to a suburban market gardeners, stuff everywhere and nothing to buy. If i want gifts I'll go to Liberty's, if I want food I'll go to La Fromagerie.

Maybe next time Villandry, maybe ...

Bompas & Parr - The Complete History of Food

2010-06-14T10:47:00.005+01:00

I don't often get involved in the left field of the food world. I love simple food cooked simply and bought locally. But the 'The Complete History of Food' evening hosted by the spectacular Bompas and Parr looks quite incredible and relatively cheap too.

It's set to be a journey on foot through the history of revolutionary food. Taste a little Victorian anarchy then some sixties revolution and maybe a soupcon of Tudor blood lustre. Sounds very intriguing. And only £25 per head. Considering they worked with Heston on his 'Feasts..' series and gained so much press for there Jelly Sculptures it should be worth going.

If this sounds a bit too much then why not try a little of the Bompass and Par 'Occult Jam' first. Its a free event at the Barbican (Jams later available in the shop too) Flavours range from 'Absinthe and pineapple with sand from the Great Pyramids' to 'Plum and Oak with wood from Nelson's ship The Victory'. Royalists should maybe avoid the 'Milk Jam infused with a speck of Princess Diana's hair' flavour at all costs though!

Sea Shell - Lisson Grove

2010-06-11T17:19:00.002+01:00

It's a long time since I've had fish & chips for lunch but food this good can't be missed out on. It's reputation as the number one chip shop in london precedes it and the queue out the door of thirty people, on a hot summers day too, suggests excellence. Yet being a hit with tourists normally suggests a place past it's best. Sea Shell is not. Sea Shell is at the top of it's game, with batter so crisp and light I now understand the throng of excited Japanese tourists - they're not on a crappy guided tour but a pilgrimage.

Mary, Queen of Shops - BBC2

2010-06-06T20:17:00.002+01:00

A while ago I was asked to help out on the next series of Mary, Queen of Shops. In this new series Mary was to visit independent food shops and help them recover, rebuild, reboot. The episode I worked on, in a consulting role to help with sourcing and merchandising, is on tomorrow night - June 7th, BBC2, 9pm.

And my good God it's great TV.

In all the years of Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares and other extreme makeover shows I've never seen a finale as good as this. You think I'm exaggerating? ........Trust me I'm a shopkeeper.

Mrs Paisleys Lashings - Richmond

2010-06-06T15:38:00.002+01:00

For a home to be both magical and infamous took some doing, but with one half of the feted marriage a Rolling Stone and the other the ethereal and still delicious Miss Jo Wood, Holmwood house is both and more. For this home to have a garden restaurant in it's midst for a few weeks with Arthur Potts Dawson in the kitchen to boot is quite simply exciting.

Every part of an evenings dining at Mrs Paisley's Lashings is joyful. From the 'Lads of Richmond' cocktail (served in suitably eco / retro jam jars) offered on arrival into the conservatory, the stunning sourced with love meal (the lobster risotto the highlight) all the way through to dancing with truly global movie stars in the subterranean in-house disco!

The highlight amongst many many highlights however was Mr John Davey. Simply one of the worlds best maitre d's. A man with such grace and genuine hospitality he'd give Elena a run for her money. He made every guest feel like an invitee at a house party; and in a room of no more than fifty diners, most of whom were nervous of camera phones, this was remarkable and appreciated.

If you manage to get a table at this so much more than just a pop-up pop-up get there on time ... a moment missed would be a moment regretted.

The Honey Bank - Festival Gardens

2010-06-02T14:07:00.005+01:00

On a recent day trip to Paris I bought a pot of Honey from a bookshop at the always worth a visit Parc de Villettes; mainly to support the growing French 'Concrete Honey' movement and secondly to see how the French fair when compared to London's Urban Beekeepers.

Well it stands up very well indeed and when coupled with the fact that the phrase 'Concrete Honey' is just so dam sexy I wanted to see if a could get some more closer to home.

Amazingly the French artistic co-operative 'Parti Poetique is bringing 'The Honey bank' project to London. Mixing Art Architecture and Beekeeping to stunning effect, this could turn out to bee the most fascinating part of the City of London Festival.

On June 22 I'd suggest a day out to the bottom of the Festival Gardens for a little further investigation. Here you'll find a Honey Feast. Maybe wear long trousers and bring a queen.

For those of you who are already tuned in to the idea of doing your own beekeeping I'd suggest signing up for the one-day 'bee keeping taster' course held in Battersea, by Brian, founder of UrbanBees.co.uk . I went a few months back now and have been searching demonically ever since in my local nooks and crannies for a place to start.

The Wapping Project Bookshop - Wapping

2010-05-31T20:21:00.006+01:00

'The Wapping Project' has always been a special place in my heart. Who could not feel inspired by a decadent three hour lunch, followed by a walk to the specially flooded rooftop to see an art installation of rowing boats! Or a best friends birthday and an exhibition of Belgian Fashion. This week a brunch to remember was followed by a show celebrating 30 years of Ally Capellino. My manbag spend may now boil over.

But what made it so memorable and urged me to write is a retail space of such enormous charm. The Wapping Project Bookshop is home to Lydia Fulton and is a true reflection of her talent for curation. The Bookshop is seemingly one of the few places you can find a copy of the latest 'its nice that' plus a hundred other literary wonders for children, for cooks or for paper fetishists. I could have spent a fortune, and I probably will - hopefully next Thursday I'll be lucky enough to get a ticket for a reading/showing by photographer Tim Walker. Can you imagine how special it would be to hear Tim talk while sitting on the floor of a tiny greenhouse?

In the past this experimental treasure has hosted evenings with Edna O’Brien, Iain Sinclair, Jeanette Winterson, Michael Rosen, Richard Milward, Linda Grant, Billy Childish, even film maker Mike Figgis. I also love the opening hours. Thursday (by appointment) plus friday, saturday and sunday. It's an oft cited moan of the shop keeper, how hard we work. Why not make it easier on yourself and leave the rest of the week to be creative? Why open on a monday when nobody shops anyway? Let's all follow Lydia and close a bit more often!

Whilst The Wapping Project Bookshop may all sound a bit too cool for school don't be put off. Lydia and I had a long conversation about the new East London line extension. Great Food, one-off Exhibitions, a bookshop of love and chats about the architecture of train lines. What's not to love!

The Espresso Room - Bloomsbury

2010-05-26T18:15:00.001+01:00

As a born and bred Londoner who loves to wander, sip and shop the English owned Espresso Rooms makes me proud. Whilst many houses lay claim to the finest brewed coffee in town (and make no mistake this is one of them) few offer such great service. My visit today was an episode of complete care and attention.

Maybe it's the intimacy of the room (more of an exquisite cupboard really) or the knowledge that what they do is special; whatever it is it's working, service this good is rare and remembered.

Tapped and Packed - Fitzrovia

2010-05-26T16:11:00.006+01:00

Wander up and down Rathbone Place looking for Tapped and Packed and confusion and maps will reign. On realising that No.26 is actually the place you're searching for you'll fall in love instantly.

In a world of overbranded and underwhelming experience not putting your name on the door is a sign of intimacy, of subtlety, of charm.

As yet another newcomer to the burgeoning third wave of coffee tapped and packed needed a point of difference - they went for sexed up equipment. Perfect for the machismo air of Adland. What man can resist coffee disguised as a chemistry experiment and what woman could resist the best looking barristas in town! Either will relish such crafted drinking. Many will become regulars.

Kevin Cyr - Camper Bike

2010-05-22T22:47:00.002+01:00

Imagine this like a mini 'moby' from a vintage episode of Brookside; full of fine provisions and pulling up in your street unannounced. With an exquisilty curated selection of cheese and humble wine, a pot of homemade hummous or two, a dozen sunday newspapers and magazines; a four wheeled corner shop in the middle of your street, maybe with a remixed ice cream van serenade too!

At the moment it's a piece of conceptual artwork by Kevin Cyr. I think it should be retail space for the modern streetscape.
Please somebody do it!

Preferably in Islington near me.

Lambs Conduit Street - The Best Highstreet in London? No.1

2010-05-22T18:16:00.003+01:00

If I had to imagine the perfect high street, my own nirvana, it would have to have everything I'd need for a perfect lazy weekend plus I few things I don't.

A florist, a bookshop and a newsagent adjacent to a greasy spoon for brunch time browsing. A pair of outstanding menswear shops, a tailor and somewhere great for lunch. A hairdresser or two and no estate agents.

A wine bar, somewhere to drink with friends and one for drinking to love. An established funeral parlour, a dentist, a charity shop and a deli of note.

This imaginary utopia is alive and well. Welcome to Lambs Conduit Street. A secret London gem.

Kennards is a beauty of a deli and Bin Ends a real wine merchant.

All it needs is more food! Whilst Cigala serves up the finest tapas treats and Ciao Bella is the kind of old school Italian that every high street used to have (namely reliable, fun and fantastic for the money) what Lambs Conduit misses is a Butchers, a Cheese Room, or Greengrocers.

Maybe this will change when The People's Supermarket finally opens. It's been talked about for years now. First it was to be in Brixton then Islington's Upper Street then ... then ... then....

Now it looks like this concept of the future is to be realised.

What is a People's Supermarket? It's a supermarket where the staff work for free in return for cheap food. The cheap food being the finest organic, ethical and sustainable goods available.

With staffing costs being by far the highest cost in retail having no staff costs should ensure amazing prices for the local community - they in return just volunteer for a couple of hours on a very happy checkout.

It's an interesting Idea. Good Luck.

Until they open though - Lambs Conduit Street will remain the best High street in London for the man about town who reads Monocle Magazine and has no kitchen.

Towpath Cafe - Regents Canal

2010-05-18T19:30:00.004+01:00

Since I first spoke of the Towpath only a few months back it's gone from being a local favourite to a national treasure - even featuring in last weekends financial times. Not bad going for somewhere reachable only on foot.

Does it deserve such aclaim? Of course. The food is always exactly what you fancy; on sunday last as the rain clouds gathered they served up a wonderous Paella. Just the most perfect treat for an almost summers day. Every weekend sees something different - something better than last. The only constant being the bigger crowds.

Should do well in the Observer food awards; go now before the winners plaque and hordes arrive.

The Camden Coffee Shop - Delancey Street Conservation Area

2010-05-13T17:09:00.001+01:00

The Camden Coffee Shop is the kind of shop that makes me feel guilty for never having visited before. Driven past - yes. Told others to visit - yes. Walked past when drunk and thought about popping in but halfway through a cigarette so didn't - yes. Known that this is exactly the sort of business specialist that will one day disappear from our high street and we will regret - yes. Visited - Sorry No.

Today was the day and it was worth the wait. On the left of the shop is a 75 year old roasting wheel, on the right worldwide bags of green coffee beans. In the heart of this tiny wonder is George. George offers words of comic wisdom, great proprietorial service and a wealth of knowledge. Camden Coffee may not have the panache of Monmouth or the swagger of Square Mile but I'd doubt any of the upstarts know as much as George, or are quit as hospitable to stupid questions.
My tote now smells of freshly ground Santos Light and my heart is a little purer for this real store experience.

The Camden Coffee Shop, 11 Delancey Street, NW1. Call 020 7387 4080. (not to be confused with 'The Camden Coffee House' only yards away; which looks very nice and should appeal to Phoebe, Joey, Chandler et al)

Ferreira Delicatesan & Portuguese Shop - Camden

2010-05-13T17:02:00.001+01:00

Don't be put of by the off putting exterior - the charm of Ferreira is it's aged looks. Inside it's even more of a retro gem. The deli counter has a seventies supermarket style red and white canopy and if your lucky you'll find a bottle of Blue Nun. With newspapers, sausages rolls, fresh bread and tinned food by the yard this is an old school Sunday morning heaven.

They also sell the cheapest pastel de nata in London at 70p each. Which is rather good seeing as just about every deli in London buys them from the same bakery on the south side of the Thames.

On the subject of Pastel I would love to see someone somewhere in London give them the love they receive at home. Where are the sexy boxes and the cinnamon dust? The Chocolate Icing? The warm just from the Oven smell?

Nonna's - Camden Parkway

2010-05-13T16:52:00.002+01:00

Nonna's on Camden's Parkway has changed and changed for the better.

Sharing a kitchen with The superb York & Albany and as part of the Angela Hartnett Empire I was very excited to hear of it's opening and very disappointed on visiting .

It used to be a quite strange experience, with HP sauce bottles sharing shelves with £50 bottles of Olive Oil, above a pot of Jam. Maybe it was meant to be wacky or maybe an intuitive shopping experience - I just got confused.
A year or so later and it's as it I'd have hoped it should be.

Nonna's has now ditched much of the old stock and ramped up production of it's own produce, so the daft array of English Icon condiments (see Heinz and HP sauces) have gone and been replaced by a simple solution - Nonna's Homemade and Spicy Sauce. Gone are the huge raft of different oils and vinaigrette's displayed in any nock and cranny they could find to be replaced by a more curated and cared for selection.
It's a joy to be here. Not forgetting that the the bits that were always great still are - great cheese, great wine, far better than average pizza and my top recommendation - fantastic fantastic homemade ice cream.

Maybe Angela is as good a shopkeeper as chef after all. Her Nonna would be proud.

The Last Tuesday Society - Cambridge Heath

2010-05-09T15:49:00.002+01:00

In an area of London famed for free parties and exceptional galleries (see first thursday for both - and yes I do see the witty irony in saying this) it felt odd to have to pay to visit a 'gallery of oddities' where everything was actually for sale. Don't hesitate the pound entry is worth its hundred pennies.

'The Last Tuesday Society' has a charm and dirty laugh that sets it up as it as somewhere to marvel. Two dark rooms are full to the brim of exhibits from raccoon penis bones, Lesbian S & M Safety Manuals and enough stuffed animals to quieten the loudest child it's a must see for the insane, curious and curiouser.

Easily the second best museum in Cambridge Heath.

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Lock 7 - Broadway Market

2010-05-09T15:35:00.001+01:00

Sitting sipping coffee in a bike shop by a canal feels like an Amsterdam moment - except it's happening in London Fields. Lock 7 is the kind of small business that is obvious only to a local. Who else could spot the potential of a forgotten site on the wrong side of the bridge. A local would know it's actually part of the cycle route from Broadway Market to Columbia Road, a route that's become an East London weekend pilgrimage. Although if you ask my advice turn left before you get to Columbia Rd and head for the fun and artistic games of Vyner Street instead.

Founded by two local bike lovers following a trip to Copenhagen it's a business built on love. Love of wheels and wheely good coffee (the cafes own pun - not mine)

The guilt of being a car owner has been quickly put to bed by the esoteric service and I'm in the mood for a long stay and perhaps a little too much homemade cake. Cake that's really rather special.

I could be sometime.

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Hurwundeki - Cambridge Heath Road

2010-05-08T13:12:00.001+01:00

My favourite Johnny Cash ditty 'Sunday morning coming down' was written for this antique shop / cafe / grocery store. Sitting opposite my fine long black and cheap eat treat is the nutty one from trainspotting, on the wall bowler hats and bad Victorian art, above me the rumble of passing trains and outside a collection of vintage fairground oddities for kids to scramble on whilst daddy gets his head together.

Whoever says Hackney is uber-urban has yet to visit - I feel like I'm in a rural crazy aunts secret parlour (although opposite there is a strip club to bring my thoughts back to the gutter where they feel at home)
Hurwundeki - The perfect start to my day. Any day.

The last and most charming point of magical little oasis - no music, so refreshing.

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The Food Programme Interviews Ben @ E5 Food

2010-05-04T11:35:00.000+01:00

Ben Mckinnon who featured a while ago on The

London Review of Shopping is going from strength to strength. Pour a glass of something lovely, break bread and listen to his interview with Sheila Dillon on BBC Radio 4s 'The Food Programme'. The School of Artisan Food looks like an amazing place; maybe we'll meet in the kitchen someday!

Alternatively ignore the radio and simply order some! He delivers every Saturday morning to households in and around E5.

A love letter for you - Philadelphia vs Violet Cupcakes - Hackney

2010-05-03T01:11:00.001+01:00

It's a long way from London and seems a little far fetched that Boris would ever sanction it but Steve Powers has taken street art and used it to rejuvenate an unloved shopping street into my next, potential,Valentines Day destination. He has taken art and given a community a sense of pride again, a sense of love.

With the title 'a love letter to you' this project called for a big canvas. The biggest canvas available - the view from the window of a downtown train. As the train passes above the city a series of 50 murals roll before the eye unveiling a love story and brightening days.

As one of the stars of 'Beatiful Losers' - (a film I loved a few years back at the LFF about street art ) Steve Powers first helped to put into perspective for me London's colloquial love of Banksy. Sometimes London is not the centre of the story. The film also highlighted the true diversity of street art. Steve Powers / Mike Mills / Margaret Kilgallen / Ed Templeton have little in common but friendship.

The connection to food shops in London?

This project reminded me of Violet in Hackney - a stunning little cupcake shop with great food, inspired signage and service that will hopefully improve. I've now 50 happier loved ones who adored the skill involved and sugar rush that the wonderful little cupcakes bring. I'd recommend them to all.

Chegworth Farm Shop - Kensington Church Street

2010-05-01T22:39:00.002+01:00

Chegworth Valley Juices are a familiar sight at Londons Farmers Markets, in fact family man & farmer David insists they were present on the opening day of every farmers market they frequent. It is no surprise then to find them at the forefront of a new move in the business of farming – urban farm shops.

The Chegworth shop is at the nicer end of Kensington Church Street and with Clarke’s as a near neighbour it’s a foodie haven. In a charming nod to chegworth’s roots, on Market days the back doors of the shop are flung open and the shop becomes a gateway to the Farmers and their wares.

Manager & Farmers’ Daughter Charlotte clearly has a talent for shop keeping, after needing to top-up her shopping at local convenience stores, Charlotte realised that Chegworth should stock a range of non market goods; think pulses, condiments & flour and you’ll get the idea of her broad range. An ethical one-stop shop!

The 17 different organic juices are the hero products of the store but customers are delighted to find farm made cakes, crumbles & soups, locally baked ‘flourish’ bread and dozens of wonderful and largely Kentish products. Taywell Ice Cream, Ripple Farm Salad, Hurdlebrook cream, plus eggs and chickens from Mayfield Farm are just a few of the goodies on offer. I bought honey from Chart Sutton and it’s nearly all gone already – It’s that good!

The shop also delivers daily to local postcodes and supplies many local business and offices. After your shopping (they are often open till 8pm – call the shop for details 020 7229 3016) why not visit the Notting hill arts club? All the cocktails are created with Chegworth Fruit and Veg. Green & Local & Tipsy – A perfect combination.

Harvey nichols - crazy land

2010-04-29T16:53:00.001+01:00

Knowing your customer is one thing, knowing them this well is a little frightening. Marshmellows with added collegen! The perfect present for the vanity affluent.

West beach cafe - littlehampton

2010-04-29T16:40:00.002+01:00

When london starts to get you down head south. Keep going till your feet get wet - this is littlehampton, home to a pair of modern marvels. While cities and resorts the world over clamoured for a slice of the Bilboa effect with starchitect eye candy Littlehampton went its own way. It hired two ambitious young architects and built two fish and chip cafes. Whilst the thomas heatherwick east beach cafe charms with its laid back air and happiness giving design the west beach is the one for me. Order fried fish of the day and chips twice, choose a crisp bottle of white, request some dainty recycled flutes then step outside onto the beach for romance sanctuary or sunsets.

(It might be best to check a compass first if you fancy the sunset bit - I've no idea where the sun sets, we left the beach by three thirty!)

Embassy electrical supplies - clerkenwell

2010-04-17T15:14:00.001+01:00

Without the internet I would never have believed this male nirvana existed . Thanks to Mr Berners Lee I can confirm it does . I've been and seen the future. Embassy electrical supplies sells shelves of plugs, wires, cable ties and sparky stuff . Embassy electrical supplies also sells the best olive oil in england ( those anglo experts at the new york magazine say so! ) Who knows if its that good . All I can say is its the best I've ever tasted.

If I was boris Johnson I'd make embassy a must visit for every tourist - it so sums up the diversity and mashed up logic of the city we love . It makes me proud to find such eclectic stores, electric stores.

Jellied Eel - My first published piece!

2010-03-31T00:52:00.000+01:00

Today is the first day of publication of Issue 27 of The Jellied Eel. A favourite magazine of mine for many a while and not just bacause they have published 3 articles of mine. All in one issue!
A proud day - celebrated with a large glass of something special in the Duke of Cambridge. Apt.

Click here to download a copy.

Even better join up as a member of Sustain; worth every penny if only to get an invite to one of the Seasonal Networking & Drinks Events. The last one in november had plenty of great food and far too many interesting people to mention or indeed remember.

Foxcroft and ginger

2010-03-19T17:09:00.001Z

Next time you go to the third wave coffee institution that is flat white keep walking . Why suggest such foodie heresy ? Because a few dilapidated doors down is foxcroft and ginger and its just as special but without the anzac and adman crowds. Open for just three months this place could become the next fernandez and wells. Visit Foxcroft & Ginger now, then sit back and relax safe in the knowledge that you beat the sheep. Maybe have the lamb sandwich with a rye smile!

Yalla yalla - Soho

2010-03-18T17:13:00.001Z

Couldn't get into this street food purveyors - it was too busy and indoors. Loved my photo though. Yalla Yalla Tbc . . . .

Photographers gallery - Soho

2010-03-16T14:58:00.001Z

I know its got nothing to do with food retail but my good god was I happy to find the photographers gallery again. From childhood
I've loved shopping in the west end. At age twelve I'd take the train alone to london to browse and daydream; As a chubby kid with glasses Id spend hours plucking up courage to even step across the boundary of certain trendy boutiques, but I would always end my day by spending a pound of my pocket money on coffee and cake in my own personal refuge - the old photographers gallery ( near the bottom end of floral street) Recently I passed and it was gone. I put a few memories to bed and walked on a little saddened. Today, by chance, I found the new one. Its bigger better and still the same. The coffee tasted just as warming. Welcome back. Please let's not loose each other again.

Window Shopping - Columbia Road

2010-03-14T21:33:00.000Z

Santa Monica maying be building a reputation for the innovation of it's street food scene but where else in the world but London could you window shop for lunch. Columbia road has a small sprinkling of open windows where chefs sell wares straight from the kitchen, others trade coffee from a hallway. It's a small trend but I'm in love already. A window full of smiling & flirting customers may be the traditional way of letting passers by know what wonderful food a cafe serves but a queue on the pavement outside is surely a way forward. Columbia Road - not just for the flowers.

ben the baker @ e5food - Shoreditch

2010-03-14T17:54:00.001Z

Leila's shop is shoreditch is always worth a visit and todays was better than ever. Outside on the pavement avoiding the rain and shuffling his feet under the awning stood ben; at first I though he was a crazy and walked straight on. Ben is not a crazy but a man mad for bread. The sourdough he proffered was as good as it gets, soft and light inside and a little crisp on the outside. Having worked with some of the best bakers in the business I was surprised to find such a talent in such young hands. Next time he's outside I'll buy everything.

Dennis of Bexley - Kent

2010-03-07T22:50:00.000Z

Growing up nearby I ignored this very local butchers; surely the train to London was a surefire way for a kid from the suburbs to find quality meat. Evidently not.

Dennis is suburban and it's suburban location shields it from comparison with the urban big boys. But it shouldn't.

Now I live in Islington I often find myself driving all the way back to Kent just to visit Dennis.

They sell thousnads of stunning pies every week - they even let customers bring in a favourite ceramic dish and bake with it, perfect for a faking it at home! - but what they really do well are the simple things that should be standard but now seem simply memories. They give great service, offer advice and know the job. They care about meat and love talking about it. Most of all they enjoy the art of butchery.... and pie making!

Towpath cafe - Hackney

2010-02-25T15:11:00.002Z

Puppy-walking along the canal on the Islington / Hackney borders has often been a solitary and thankless task. Fortunately I'm often inspired by desolation, floating bicycles and windy afternoons.

Why else live in London!

Now I have somewhere to head for as a little less than ten minutes walk from my front door the wonderful and American Laurie has opened a Cafe on the Towpath, somewhere to cherish and walk to with gusto. With homemade cakes, soups and revitalising coffee it's the perfect definition of a hidden London treasure.

Facing the canal and open to the elements (but with heaters) it's a haven for dog-walkers, trendy hackney folk and (judging from my eves-dropping!) members of the anarchist publishing fraternity.

This afternoons rain never felt so good - Thank you Laurie.

The Rosslyn - Hampstead

2010-02-09T12:06:00.001Z

Its instantly clear why this Hampstead fixture regularly places in the top five delis in London. The admittedly old fashioned window displays of The Rosslyn are cared for and fun and the 'a board' outside promises home made salt beef (highlighting an understanding of local custom) Inside the shelves are at times a little bare but this is understandable on a Tuesday morning in February, plus time has also been spent dressing out the gaps with point of sale and thought. I love the care that was taken in wrapping my really very good & possibly home made sausage roll with logoed waxed paper. Lastly they have adorable fliers promoting Valentine's breakfast : Champagne, smoked salmon bagels, mini croissants, orange juice, fresh strawberries and heart shared truffles all delivered to your door. Heartwarming.

Kandana - kilburn

2010-02-08T15:21:00.001Z

It looks like Minkies Deli has some competition on its hands and tough competition too! Only a few hundred yards down the hill is Kandana.

When I daydream about the perfect Deli I imagine a place where beautiful women come to sit and relax, spend lots of money and feel comfortable enough to do some knitting. Don't ask!. Kandana is evidently that place. A real deli that feels at the heart of it's community without looking like a community centre. The girls serving even noticed that I looked a bit glum and suggested a peppermint teas to cheer me up. Now suggesting someone looks unhappy is a high risk thing to do, but when served up with such charm it worked. A dozen customers at 10am on a rainy Tuesday speaks volumes. These guys know who to create an atmosphere, they know how to keep shop.

Minkies Deli - Kensal Rise

2010-02-08T14:35:00.002Z

Customers want to experience new things, try new flavours and feel inspired thus the toughest part of retail is playing the curator. Fashion retailers are past masters at this new products are constantly introduced and old favourites updated in new and exciting ways. The food arena sometimes stick to the tried and tested.

Minkies has for a long time been one of my favourite places to shop or ponder. It's housed in a simply delicious glass structure with a balanced mix of new and old fittings inside and out. It's adorable. Homemade brownies, excellent coffee and a small selection well chosen grocery / produce. I particularly love the 1/4 bottles of cellier de boal organic cider and prosecco - both perfect for a picnic basket. They've also one of my favourite oriental snacks - Kasugai Green Peas. . I love them, I love there catering and I love the way they have taken responsibility for the community they serve with petitions and farmers markets and an active hand.

Yet what strikes me is that Minkies needs some newness. It's going to be a tough decision to make but selling Byron Bay Cookies seems a little tired. I'm sure they are a top selling line and I'm sure they garner no complaints, Byron Bay make great cookies and when I first discovered them in Harvey Nichols a few years ago I was very impressed not only with the taste but the ethicality and branding too, yet there comes a point in the life of any product when it's ubiquity becomes a drawback.

I've seen these cookies recently in motorway service stations and coffee franchise trolleys at Excel Exhibition Centre. So think to yourself Minkies: are they still a product for the independent retailer? Do they shout to the customer 'shop with us... we are exciting!' After this take a look at the rest of the shelves and see if any could be replaced or dropped. There may be one or two more.

Wholefoods - Kensington

2010-02-02T11:03:00.001Z

Much of the negative press and industry analysis for Wholefoods apparent failure to light the public imagination centre on price or the lack of car-parking- I sense the issues go far deeper.

Are you really trying to seduce me with your big blackboards and some empty paper bags? Caress, amuse, tickle my fancy, tempt me with offers or amaze me. Please don't preach - You're ethical We get it! You might get away with this dire window in suburban Texas; We expect more. Harvey Nichols and Harrods are your closest competitors - take a walk.

It may seem unfair to compare you with Harvey Nic's but we consumers do compare, we compare local heroes and chain stores, department stores and supermarkets. We choose where to shop.

Whilst I will admit that many of your in-store displays are truly great, I'd argue that management are sleeping on the job. Who allowed the huge display of Charcoal? 60 thousand lines in one store and you can't find something else to promote? FYI It's February and it's raining

Are your floor managers paying attention? Do they care? Valentines Days is moments away and not a single bar of chocolate in this 6 foot high space has a shelf edge label. Salisbury's, Tescos et al would never make this mistake. Walk the Floor 4 x 4, twice a day!

I did however learn from the POS that 'Annie loves Choxi bars because they are full of antioxidants... Yummy'

Lastly where exactly are your hero products? I spent an hour in your presence and walked out with nothing. Sell me something I can't get elsewhere. Give me a reason to visit.

Jan Vormann - Lego Art

2010-02-01T22:51:00.000Z

Artist Jan Vormann travels the world finding holes in buildings. When he finds a hole he fills the hole with Lego. This is the most wonderful thing. I'm in love. So in love I'm off food shopping!

The 2010 City Food Lecture - Guildhall

2010-02-01T14:49:00.000Z

The Annual City Food Lecture is fast becoming the must have ticket for the Food Industry. This Year 600 heads of Industry, Editors, Critics and me sat rapt while Sir David King gave it to us straight.

In the 1400's the Chinese damaged the yellow river so extensively that the Loess Plateau became barren and unfarmable. With so much space they built the Forbidden City thousands of miles away in Beijing then moved the entire population. For nearly 600 years this land (the size area as France!) was forgotten. The adjacent before and after photos show the uplifting transformation.

Sir David was illustrating that with central government help, money and local co-operation eco disasters can be reversed. In Rwanda education of improved farming techniques and better water management have led to self sufficiency; a state many western governments can only dream of. As always the good news led to bad news. Sir David sees the only way forward for the earth is an increase reliance on GM foods.

As you can imagine the panel debate was a little hot-tempered but the buffet that followed and the drinks that flowed doused the flames of anger. Next year get yourself a ticket. You might even sit next to Sheila Dilon!

Princi - Soho

2010-02-01T12:29:00.001Z

Taking one of the worlds finest architects, London's most reputed restaurateur and Milan's finest baker is a path to my kind of retail experience. Princi took this triumvirate and forgot about the customer journey. Result - the most incredibly slick shop, lip smacking food, bread to die for and an awful experience.

I've been to Princi three times now, I'm willing it to work. I want it to succeed. John Pawson is one of my favourite architects, his true minimalist style and use of sexed up materials is a joy. But maybe he was the wrong man. Signage seems to be a criminal act in a minimal world - Princi lays the signs down flat so as not to break the line of a surface; the flies are the only ones who know where to go. The tills are hidden under a wealth of marble beauty. Customers just stand around wondering where to pay.

And the customer journey?

It felt like I was stranded eternally on a P&O ferry, eating for necessity from an 1970's canteen. You pick up your Tepid Cannellini from one place, then queue for a side salad from another, a coffee ? over there, a breaded treat? over there. Then you try and pay and maybe sit down.

If you visit Princi and eat your food while it's still hot and before your headache starts buy a lottery ticket. Today is your lucky day.

I nearly forgot - the Armani clad staff ignore you, chat amognst themselves in Italian, never smile and look fantastic. Reminds me of a trip to Milan I once endured.

Postcard Teas - Mayfair

2010-01-30T17:09:00.002Z

"I've got a big idea - Let's put tea in a sealed envelope"
"then people can scribble a message & post it to people"
"love your thinking big man"
"Cool, lets phone the bank"
"we'll be open by Christmas"
"........ know anything bout tea?"
"sod it - we'll hire well"

Luckily Postcard Teas is not the result of a hedge managers drunken daydream.

In reality it's a store with charm, stunning design and more than a little finesse. The store feels a little like a modern museum, simply desinged and well thoughtout, downstairs they have an 'exhibition space' of hand made tea paraphanalia and of course everything is for sale. A real browsing nirvana.
Tim is a shopkeeper that clearly thrives on love. Tim loves his girlfriend, he loves Japan and more than anything he loves Tea. We talked at length about Naoshima (the worlds best art gallery slash hotel slash art Island) and we talked at length about which teas go best with chocolate. Not an easy question to answer but Tim was refreshingly honest about his own chosen products. I settled on a 2nd Flush Darjeeling from Junpanga and asked to pay. Tim wandered off and came back with a free sample of an amber Oolong from Taiwan, suggesting I try this one, for free, and then call him with the results. I honestly believed him to be interested in my opinion. Or maybe he is a master salesman
Truly caring and thoughtful service is often thought to be a thing of the past. Postcard Teas is a hopeful signpost for the future. Small, independent & perfectly formed.

As I left I felt strangely calm, maybe it was the thought of a great cup of Tea. Maybe it was Tim.

The BrIdge - Shoreditch

2010-01-30T16:34:00.001Z

Settling down for a coffee and a tart on a Sunday morning, newspapers under one arm and my wife hugging the other, should be the easiest thing to arrange. The simply gorgeous Bridge in shoreditch however gets the basics wrong.

Taking over one of London's prettiest and narrowest pubs, full of gilt mirrors and aged wooden paneling then adding kitsch curtains, modern-retro chandeliers and a coffee machine has resulted in a wonderful place to sit, smile and ponder. It's a cross between a Dutch Brown bar and Les Trios Garcons.

So what went wrong? The service.

It all looked so promising; as we walked in, hoping for a seat at the busy bar, we were grumpily greeted by the barista (owner?) He suggested we sit upstairs on one of his comfy sofas. We took a look upstairs, so cosy & so shoreditch, but fancied the bar. As we walked downstairs a pair of hipsters left and we grabbed two seats right in the middle of the bar. Sunday morning heaven awaited. And waited and waited. For 15 minutes we were completley ignored, as over a dozen other customers were greeted and served we sat and watched. Inexperince was overflowing. I've seen so many shops and restaurants failed by managers who never look up. On a busy day they constantly run from one thing to another without thinking that It may be better to take a deep breath and compose themselves. Serving half the customers well then upsetting the other is a recipe to failure. If he stood and composed for a while he'd realise that working hard is not enough and he needs more than 2 staff to cater for thirty covers. Creating the admittedly limited dishes on offer (panini / toast & Jam etc) behind the bar is too much to do.

A man two down from me ordered six paninis and six coffees, the manager-less manager turned and started to make them all at once and straight away.

We walked out and idled over to Conran's always good Albion. The young guns may be ambitious but the old bucks seem to have the skills.

Comptior Libanais - Marylebone

2010-01-30T11:34:00.001Z

Quite why they choose to serve fabulous drinks in plastic or paper cups, when the bar is fully stocked with glass and china, is a disappointing mystery. None the less the refreshing offering tempted and then pleased. As always I went for one of the five lemonades - Toufaha - apple mint and sugar. Oddly for a Saturday morning I was not hungover but next time I am Ill be back. These simple treats are a perfectly balanced cure I'm sure.

I also took a pretty good (24 seconds / delicate crema) double espresso and a bag of sugared papaya for less than a fiver; the price being a lot more agreeable than the rather stodgy and cloying papaya.

I'd usually say that bad service, and yes it was bad, coupled with paper cups would put me off; but this place is too good to quibble over. Maybe its just a London thing, after all it took me thirty years of living here to find a publican who greeted me by name. Maybe it's the heavily nationalistic array of grocery on offer. Maybe I was just in a good mood.

Sourced Market - St Pancras

2010-01-29T17:17:00.000Z

Oliver Williamson didn't get a lot of press for wining his Nobel Prize (for Economics) in 2009, I can't imagine why Obama! Yet here is a man whose 'Transaction Cost Economics: The Governance of Contractual Relations' sums up how I've always felt about shopping. It's a long and impenetrable read but fundamentally Oliver believes that trust is everything in business - more so that trust actually lowers transaction costs. Simply put 'If I trust you it will cost me less money to do business with you, therefore I am more likely to do business with you'.

Very simple but retailers often forget.

Which brings me to Sourced Market. I'm not sure why I trust them, but I do. Yes, they have the appearance of another city boys first foray into food retailing, yes, the first shop is overtly and heavily branded, yes, the website already boasts of intentions of expansion and yes, somehow, I still trusted them. The product selection is second to none and far far better than my instincts suggested. Every product has integrity and many surpirses were discovered.

It even made me feel a little jingoistic - how wonderful that all those Eurostar tourists will see this store as they descend the escalators. How wonderful that Kings Cross, the biggest city centre rejuvenation development in the whole of Europe, now has something else to be proud of.
Proud of for as long as we continue to trust them.