raspberry picking

Whilst The American is in America I've been enjoying some time at home. This bank holiday weekend I took the opportunity to head home early for a few extra days, soaking up the country sunshine and catching up with friends and family. My very best friend from school is getting married this coming weekend so I decided to have her, her fiancé and another friend and wedding guest to come over for a casual kitchen supper. We gossiped about the big day, caught up with all their recent adventures and sussed out the dress whilst Toban was otherwise engaged. I can't wait to see Jess walk down the aisle - she's going to be a seriously beautiful bride. 

Earlier in the day mum and I headed out to the local fruit farm to pick up some raspberries for dinner. Bathed in the golden light, Clive's Fruit Farm is a short drive away from our farm and is a hidden gem in the Worcestershire countryside. Mum and I took an empty punnet each and headed for the poly-tunnels, saying hello to the piggies and feathery friends on the way over. 

Clive's makes it very easy for fruit picking, growing all the berries on tables so you don't have to bend too much. We split up and set about finding the darkest raspberries possible, all whilst trying not to eat too many along the way. We both came back with overflowing punnet and a few sticky fingers - it's so hard to resist! 

I shall always remember one of the first times I went berry picking with mum and my brother. We had been over to Hidcote Manor in the Cotswolds and decided to pick up some juicy strawberries and raspberries for dinner. Since then I have always been a keen picker and I think I made mum take us to Hidcote every summer after.There's something very simple and pleasurable about gathering your own food - maybe that's the farmer in me. Either way, I shall be taking my children to fruit farms to gather in the seasonal produce. 

The rest of the weekend was spent down in the Surrey Hills, attending my cousin's 21st birthday party. The sun was kind and we spent a happy night dancing under the stars, watching fireworks and catching up with old friends and family. 

A perfect way to spend the bank holiday, I think. 

L. 

the wharf & greenwich

Mum is on holiday for the summer and decided to come down to London for the weekend. She picked me up from work (just like being back at school!) and we made our way to my little flat for dinner and a catch up. Friday night was balmy and we sat out feasting until late with The American.

On Saturday we decided to show mum where The American worked so hopped on the river boat to Canary Wharf. I’ve never been on the boat before but loved it! We did have to wait a long while but once we got our seats it was worth it. Zooming down the Thames provides you with a very different perspective of the city and we had great fun trying to figure out buildings and boroughs. Mum thoroughly enjoyed it and will certainly be taking this mode of transport again.

We arrived at Canary Wharf which, if you’ve never been before, is the weirdest place in London. I liken it to a film set as it’s totally different from anywhere else in London. During the week it’s heaving with blue-shirted bankers and city slickers but come the weekend it’s totally deserted. Despite this, mum found it fascinating and asked all the questions. Plus it has a John Lewis and amazing underground shopping area so she was very content.

Leaving the Wharf behind, we headed the short distance to Greenwich. How different this is from CW! We’ve been before but I can never get over how beautiful it is, it really does feel like you’re stepping back in time. We half expected to see a jolly admiral walking around but alas, he was never to be seen. We did spot a wedding though so I took a sneaky snap of the beautiful floral archway leading into the banqueting suite.

The rest of the day was spent ducking and diving into the covered market halls the pretty high street has to offer. It feels a little like a small town, and it’s certainly very easy to forget you’re in London. We loved it and will certainly be heading back again.

It’s so nice having family down to stay with us in London, not just because they feed you amply(!); I can’t wait for Dad to visit too once the harvest is gathered in.

The American is going back to America this week until the end of the month so I’ll be exploring lots whilst he’s away. Playmates are very welcome!

L. 

eine wochenende in berlin

A few weekends ago Laura and I hopped over to Berlin to visit two of our gal pals, Jess and Liz. We all used to work with each other so we thought a little trip to see how our girls were doing in Deutschland was in order. I’ve been to Berlin before but with school so was looking forward to experiencing sans teachers. Our long weekend consisted of brunch, drinks and plenty of laughs; we also found our sense of humour descended to that of a 12 year old boy again. Boobs have never been discussed so greatly before.

So natural ^^

For those of you planning on visiting the city expect an incredibly relaxed vibe, late nights and a lot of concrete. I’m not entirely sure the city is for me but catching up with our Joss Ladiez cancelled out any lost love for the city’s aesthetics. I also found the whole of Berlin has gone vegan/veggie in the last seven years which was a little disappointing for a meat lover like me (I was actually looking forward to the wurst!) but regardless, we found ourselves sampling some excellent eggs, avos and all the cocks(tails) the city could offer.

We stayed in Kreuzberg in Jess’ unbelievably Instagrammable apartment and mainly played that side of town.

Our brunch stops were Roamers and Kaffee Bar, both making the most of Berlin’s horizontal vibe and offering delish brunch plates.

Friday night was spent at Chutnify, a fab Southern Indian street food restaurant and Dschungel Bar, an incredible bar that saw us drink copious Aperols and gin basil smashes until the early hours.

We also managed to meet up with another American pal of mine. Safe to say we were outrageous in front of him. Sorry Paul! 

For a country gal like me, the opportunity to escape the concrete city and visit the lakes on the outskirts was too much of a temptation. In the blazing Sunday heat we hopped the surprisingly short distance to Lange See, just south of the city. In between eating crisps and poppin’ bottles we cooled off in the water, floated on lilos and made friends with dogs.

"SO COLD!" 

Dinner on our last night was pizza from a firm favourite, Il Casolare, eaten on the Admiralbrücke with cool beers in hand.

Regardless of my reservations of the city, many a laugh was had and much food and drink was consumed so a rather excellent weekend, I’d say!

Tschuβ!

L. 

meatup grill

We hopped south of the river nearly a year ago now and can safely say we love it. Heading under the railway bridge at Wandsworth Town is like stepping onto the high street of a quiet little town, far far away from the hustle and bustle of London. The road is dotted with cafes, butchers and sweet restaurants and we’ve just been gifted with a newbie; MeatUp Grill. With such a punny name The American and I leaped at the opportunity to try it out during the soft opening last week.

Located on the old site of my fav Moroccan restaurant, Doukan, I had high hopes MeatUp would live up to my expectations of delicious grilled meats, good drinks and a lively atmosphere. It certainly does this as upon entering, the restaurant sings with excited voices, chatty waiting staff and a relaxed vibe. The space has benefited from opening up a skylight, allowing the summer sun to pour on down through the twisting limbs of a climbing ivy (naturally this is fake to avoid any awkward allergic reactions).

The American and I were seated in front of the open kitchen with full view of the beast that sends all your food to smoky heaven. With the smoky smell wafting around we set to work deciding our plan of attack. I went straight for the burger as I’m a weird person and am slightly put off by eating from a bone, whilst The American went for lamb chops with a green sauce and roasted veg. We both got skinny fries on the side and gladly helped taste test all the sauces (fyi the bacon Bearnaise is excellent, as is the bbq). The burger was a banger; meaty, smoky and bursting with juicy flavours. As a side note it comes with a seriously good slaw of pear, celeriac and kale. Could have eaten that all day.

The lamb chops were wolfed down and might well have swerved my opinion of eating off a bone. A great benefit of sitting in front of the kitchen is that you can see everything off the menu. The ribs to share was the biggest thing I have ever seen and we both agreed we have to come back for them – I’m currently drooling just thinking about it…

Despite already acquiring substantial food babies we both got puddings; sticky toffee for him and poached strawberries with yoghurt and toasted hazelnuts for me. Both gone within seconds. A good enough verdict I’d say.

As pretty as any sticky toffee can be...

MeatUp is a welcome addition to the Old York Road scene and we shall certainly be telling our friends to hop on down. We’re particularly excited to hear it will be open ‘til late, satisfying the burgeoning young crowd that’s finding its way to SW18.

I’m off to Berlin tomorrow with some girlfriends so will be back with stories/food to share.

L. 

p.s apologies for the image quality, food is notoriously difficult to shoot from a phone. 

meatup grill

We hopped south of the river nearly a year ago now and can safely say we love it. Heading under the railway bridge at Wandsworth Town is like stepping onto the high street of a quiet little town, far far away from the hustle and bustle of London. The road is dotted with cafes, butchers and sweet restaurants and we’ve just been gifted with a newbie; MeatUp Grill. With such a punny name The American and I leaped at the opportunity to try it out during the soft opening last week.

Located on the old site of my fav Moroccan restaurant, Doukan, I had high hopes MeatUp would live up to my expectations of delicious grilled meats, good drinks and a lively atmosphere. It certainly does this as upon entering, the restaurant sings with excited voices, chatty waiting staff and a relaxed vibe. The space has benefited from opening up a skylight, allowing the summer sun to pour on down through the twisting limbs of a climbing ivy (naturally this is fake to avoid any awkward allergic reactions).

The American and I were seated in front of the open kitchen with full view of the beast that sends all your food to smoky heaven. With the smoky smell wafting around we set to work deciding our plan of attack. I went straight for the burger as I’m a weird person and am slightly put off by eating from a bone, whilst The American went for lamb chops with a green sauce and roasted veg. We both got skinny fries on the side and gladly helped taste test all the sauces (fyi the bacon Bearnaise is excellent, as is the bbq). The burger was a banger; meaty, smoky and bursting with juicy flavours. As a side note it comes with a seriously good slaw of pear, celeriac and kale. Could have eaten that all day.

The lamb chops were wolfed down and might well have swerved my opinion of eating off a bone. A great benefit of sitting in front of the kitchen is that you can see everything off the menu. The ribs to share was the biggest thing I have ever seen and we both agreed we have to come back for them – I’m currently drooling just thinking about it…

Despite already acquiring substantial food babies we both got puddings; sticky toffee for him and poached strawberries with yoghurt and toasted hazelnuts for me. Both gone within seconds. A good enough verdict I’d say.

MeatUp is a welcome addition to the Old York Road scene and we shall certainly be telling our friends to hop on down. We’re particularly excited to hear it will be open ‘til late, satisfying the burgeoning young crowd that’s finding its way to SW18.

I’m off to Berlin tomorrow with some girlfriends so will be back with stories/food to share.

L. 

p.s apologies for the image quality, food is notoriously difficult to shoot from a phone.