going potty over pottery painting

On a Saturday before Christmas Sophie and I met up at the Pottery Café on the Northcote Road for a morning of painting and gossip. We decided we wanted to do something festive together before we went our separate ways over the Christmas break and we thought a spot of pottery painting was in order. Neither of us had done this before but we both did A-Level art so y’know, what could go wrong?!

Having watched a quick demonstration from one of the lovely café girls we picked our pottery pieces and got started on our masterpieces. The pottery is all Emma Bridgewater so really good quality – I chose a half pint milk jug and Sophie went for a butter dish. I confessed to Sophie that I was very nervous I’d end up getting carried away with the sponges and paints and end up creating something that looked like a child had vomited over but Sophie reassured me she’d rein me in if I even remotely looked like I was getting sponge-happy.

I decided on a simple Christmas pattern complete with Christmas tree and snowflakes whilst Sophie created a farmyard scene for her butter dish – v appropriate. We chatted away the two hours and couldn’t believe how relaxing the whole process was and guess what – we didn’t even get too carried away with our sponges!

We both collected our pieces the Friday before Christmas and are thrilled with the outcome! We both decided we’d like to come back at Easter and I have my sights on painting two egg cups and Sophie is hankering after a flower pot or two.

I can't believe it's New Year's Eve yet again - where has the year gone?! I know I say this every year but I really will try to write more posts in 2018.. 

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

L. 

pergola paddington

Miss. East and I worked together during our boarding school days and became known as Regina George (me, for some unknown reason) and The Compass (Rosie, somewhat more understandable) by the mischievous girls we looked after. Rosie moved to Singapore once we finished our year together and I moved to London however, we kept in touch with each others news (Rosie even got married!) and before we knew it three and a half years had passed and Rosie came back to England for Christmas. Naturally, we had to meet up.

I went to Pergola Paddington in the summer with Mel and Sarah so when Rosie told me she would be in London in December I just knew I'd have to take her here. I've never been to Singapore but it doesn't sound the most festive of places in December so I hoped Pergola Paddington would boost Rosie's and her husband, David's, festive mood. Draped in berries and ivy Pergola is a huge rooftop terrace overlooking the train tracks out of London. 

The bar is resplendent with hot toddies, festive punches and good old fashioned ale and beer. PR girls were popping prosecco alongside city slickers knocking back the craft beer. We opted for hot plum cider, complete with star anise and orange wedges. You're spoilt for choice for food - Patty & Bun, Tonkotsu, DF/Mexico and Made of Dough. Rosie and David opted for tacos- baja fish and classic chicken. I went for ramen at Tonkotsu. 

We chatted the evening away, exchanging stories from the last few years, discussed festive plans and had a bit of a gossip too. It's funny how time doesn't make a difference to a friendship, it was like we had never been apart. 

Merry Christmas Rosie and David! Enjoy your time t'up north and have a safe flight back to Singapore.



L.