Canal Boat from Little Venice to Camden Lock via london Zoo

Looking for a way to enjoy this beautiful weather that has been gracing us with it's presence in London?

Get yourself down to Browning's Pool in Little Venice London (closest station Warwick Avenue) where you will find a gorgeous little canal basin that is the start (or end because you can do the trip from Camden too) of a canal boat trip along Regent's Canal to Camden Lock via The ZSL London Zoo. 

Browning's Island, named after the poet who lived nearby, now home to many different birds including Canada geese and even herons!

You can actually get off at the Zoo which is a perfect way to skip the queues at the main entrance. From Little Venice to London Zoo including admission to the zoo it's roughly £26 for adults, £19 for children and £24 for seniors. From Camden Lock to London Zoo including admission is £24 for adults, £17.50 for children and £22 for seniors - these are one way tickets but you can also exit the zoo and get the canal boat back to either destination also. 

There are two companies organising the trip, Jason's canal boat trips and The London Warerbus Company. We went with the latter but I've heard good things about both. A one way trip is roughly £8.20 for adults and £6.70 for children/seniors, if you want to get off at the final destination, look around and then jump back on a later boat to return it's £11.50 for adults and £9.40 for children/seniors.

Grab a bite first from 'The Waterside Cafe' a docked canal boat also in Browning's Pool serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot and cold drinks. 

At peak season the queue for either tour can get busy so I would recommend arriving 20 minutes before your boat leaves, for times please visit

http://londonwaterbus.co.uk/

http://www.jasons.co.uk/index.html

The trip begins by taking you along the narrow canal ways of Little Venice showing off the white stucco fronted villas that line the streets as well as the regal red brick mansion blocks - I've been lucky enough to view many properties in the Little Venice area and I have to say one of my favourites was a large lateral 3 bed in one of the mansion blocks with a long balcony overlooking the canal - about £1000 per week! 

Next you head under the 272 yard long Maida Hill Tunnel which begins at Cafe La Ville on Edgware Road (we stopped for lunch here so more on that later!)

You then head along the canal passed many docked residential canal boats, some looking very like the homes of Rosie and Jim and some being luxury wider versions with little gardens, double glazed large windows and a modern homely feel.

The canal then meanders through Regent's Park which is one of the most beautiful stretches of waterway in the UK, overlooked by several very large villas situated in the park itself and setting you back anywhere between £7-35+ million!

After about 35 minutes you reach London Zoo, with some opportunities to sneak a look into a couple of enclosures including the antelope terraces and aviary, as you drift on by.

If you're lucky you may be able to spot an animal! 

Just before arriving into Camden there is a sharp left turn at Cumberland Basin, home to the floating Chinese restaurant Feng Shang Princess. http://www.fengshang.co.uk/

Elegant town houses which are now mainly flats border the canal as it enters Camden, many with their own dock and little boat tied up outside. Closer to Camden lock are the newly built blocks of flats with glass balconies overlooking the canal. An average 2 bed is about £550 per week.

The boat then docks at Camden where you can get off and have a look around. The market, which is set in converted stables,  is fabulous with stalls selling everything from food to clothes to jewellery and art. Perfect for trinket shopping as everything is very unique, rustic and alternative.

We then took the boat back to Little Venice, the one way trip takes about 50 minutes and return about 110. 

When we arrived back at Little Venice we walked from Browning's Pool along the canal towards Edgware Road to Cafe La Ville. A great cafe with a gorgeous outside terrace overlooking the canal and mouth of the Maida Hill Tunnel. Serving everything from breakfast to dinner! I must recommend the prawns and chicken escalope with spaghetti! Very relaxing for a spot of lunch accompanied by a glass of wine or to sit out on the terrace on a warm summer's evening to watch the action of the waterway and enjoy some fantastic food.

http://www.cafelaville.co.uk/page.php?2

Enjoy the sun! Let's hope it lasts!!

Lexie 

xxx

New Artists Showcase - Playtime at Under The Bridge

I have always been a music fan and having studied a degree in music my enthusiasm and interest has grown, especially in my love of live music from various genres. So no better place to be on a Tuesday night than at a showcase of new talent in Fulham's venue 'Under the Bridge' located under the Chelsea Stamford Bridge Stadium.

A great little venue hosting many gigs, not just live music but events, showcases and launches, I was actually there about a year ago for the wrap of a Made in Chelsea series. The venue is actually larger than you would think with 2 bars, a large stage, huge dressing room area, tables and booths as well as standing room for around 550 people. For details of upcoming events please visit www.underthebridge.co.uk or follow @utblondon

The event I was invited to attend was a showcase of talent agency 141a Management, I was there  supporting my amazing friend Yasmina who is part of up and coming girlband Rouge Kiss. A Pussycat Dolls style pop band consisting of 6 gorgeous girls. All with great unique vocal talents, their covers of pop songs including Iggy Azalea 'Fancy', Katy Perry 'Dark Horse' and 'Lady Marmalade' really showcased their flexibility and range. Unfortunately I can't post anything about them yet but watch this space as I expect you will be seeing them around soon!

Before the acts began we were introduced to the hosts of the show which included Kojo (@kojoofficial) host of capital xtra,  Fontz (@itsfontz), presenter of radio 1 extra and club host, Vicky Hope (@vicknhope) popular presenter for music related channels including vevo, 4Music and Virgin Music and comedian Jamie Howard (@jamiehowardhaha) who liked to involve the audience a lot.

The first act up was talented singer/songwriter Max Stone @maxstonemusic, originally from my hometown Devon! His rough and raw vocals were full of emotional strength when accompanied by acoustic guitar and were even more empowering combined with his entire band who really clicked as a team, they were constantly making eye contact with one another and seemed to enjoy each others company on stage. What makes Max's creative talent even more unique is his use of megaphones in his songs, really adding to the atmosphere and energy and let's face it - such a cool sound!

www.maxstoneofficial.com
@maxstone
www.soundcloud.com/max-stone-official

Fire in the hole - Max Stone

Chasing Dreams - Max Stone - i actually can't get this out of my head! Catchy little tune!

Next up were girlband CXV24 - Francessca, Temple, Soheila, Yasmin and shae, a fiesty 5 piece who really were the epitome of dirty pop. With powerful club baselines mixed with catchy pop riffs and choruses their music really wouldn't sound out of place in the current charts, it seems to be a popular opinion as one of their first gigs was in front of a 2,000 strong audience in Heaven Nightclub where the crowd went wild. And wild they are - their 'bad ass' swagger is reflected in their fierce attitude as well as their attire (I'm talking pink hair, mesh crop tops, spikey heeled traniers, funky leggings and abs galore). It's not all about looks though - these girls can not only vocalise but are extremely talented dancers too - (they were popping, locking and even twerking all over the place!) In fact they produce all of their own choreography. Combining their unique look, hardcore personality and grungy beats makes them a breath of fresh air in the niche girl group music market - you really can't take your eyes or ears off them!

www.cxv24.com
@cxv24official
www.soundcloud.com/cxv24

I actually thought their best song was 'It's on me' a catchy tune about buying the bar it seems including lyrics such as 'you're drinking I'm buying' perfect for a night out! Unfortunately I was too busy enjoying it to record but here is a little sample from their performance at Gay Pride - soundcloud stream for this one soon please girls!

Showstopper - CXV24

Following the girlband was more female talent from Havva (@havvaofficial) who has just recorded the soundtrack to upcoming UK feature film by Ash and Naeem Mahmood 'Brash Young Turks' (@brashyoungturks) www.brashyoungturks.co.uk alongside grime artist @ddoublee7. Unfortunately there were a couple of sound issues on the night so my recording isn't great but here it is below anyway as well as is a preview of the film.

To find out more information about any of the artists above please contact 141a Management at
admin@141amanagement.co.uk
www.141amanagement.co.uk


All in all a great show to see some upcoming artists and remember you saw them here first!

Lexie
xxx

Streaky Gin - 1 Palace Gate W8 5LS

In just its 3rd week of being open Streaky Gin is already becoming the new hot spot for socialisers and foodies, so well established even our friends from across the pond want a piece of the action and have come flocking from the Big Apple.

 Described perfectly on the website as a 'British American fusion bistro': Full of British charm and Grandeur (including a traditional red telephone box acting as a door to a secret speakeasy) in the elite location of Kensington yet bursting with an American attitude and atmosphere.

Set in the heart of the Royal Borough on Palace Gate (just east of Kensington High Street approximately 8 minutes from the station and opposite Hyde Park) Streaky Gin beckons you to enter by offering anything you need whether that's brunch, lunch, dinner or cocktails it has it all and it's all great! I can vouch for that as myself and a girlfriend attended for dinner on Monday night.

 I began with a 'Miami Vice' cocktail served in a quirky jar, whilst I pondered over the menu- a mixture of white aged rum, fresh strawberries, pineapple, coconut and lime ( sort of a Strawberry Daiquiri and Pina Colada mash up - 2 great options why not mix them together?) A hard decision as the entire cocktail menu is fantastic, so many options, inventive concepts and naughty names including: cheeky monkey, morning wood, pop your cherry and leg spreader - even a daring 'champagne and cocaine' (rum, champagne, citrus, coconut, reduction, bitters, lime zest - served with a dollar bill!)

The menu is broken up into AM and PM as they also serve all day brunch and breakfasts.

I finally decided on tacos - even though it wasn't the famous Taco Tuesday (£6 tacos! huge in the USA I am told and available at Streaky Gin along with a half price beer!)

Tonight's filling was pork in a tangy sauce made from scratch accompanied by guacamole, sour cream and salsa, the fresh lime also added a satisfying coolness. Other PM main courses include burgers, nachos, roast chicken and a selection of salads whilst the AM menu consisted of a variety of breakfasts including waffles and pancakes.

Run by an amazing team including a friend of mine - Mr Sha Jen - whose British ideas have been paired perfectly with the design flair from a sassy southern American girl. Unique, fun and clever! From vibrant teal wallpaper, to a chandelier made from jars, the bar stool saddles and the telephone box door leading to a secret 1920s style speakeasy which is opening soon! Not forgetting the huge GIN sign hanging over the bar reminding you that you need to sample another cocktail!

Being so close to Hyde Park they are sole handidly bringing back the picnic basket as they are soon to be preparing party picnics to take away (and of course return the hamper!) With their license allowing them to also prepare cocktails to go!

Even the chairs have a rustic feel, each one branded with a different image, what a way to spice up a chair - I may try this at home! 

What makes this place stand out besides its unique atmosphere and quirkiness is the friendliness and willingness of the staff to satisfy customers. The waiters interacted with customers and went out of their way to make conversation and ensure the customer was looked after - For example when the 'Milk It' cocktail was unavailable for an after dinner aperitif I was instead presented with an alternative solution in the form of  a coffee, cream and vodka concoction topped with chocolate - it is that 'can do' attitude that is missing from so many restaurants now a days it makes you scared to ask for any little change or interact with the staff at all!

Would you look at that, it's Friday tomorrow! So what are you waiting for? 

Streaky Gin

1 Palace Gate

W8 5LS

02036740952

@streakygin

@shajenpr

http://www.streakygin.com/

https://www.facebook.com/StreakyGin

Wedding 2 - Laura and Martin - scenic drive back to London

Back to the bay for the 2nd wedding of the season, my good friends Laura and Martin were tying the knot after many happy years together. It was a flying visit, just over 24 hours, as we left London at 4pm Saturday and were ensconced infront of the TV at 8pm sharp Sunday ready for the World Cup finals!

The happy couple signed the registry at a private affair in Newton Abbott before heading to The Orestone Manor Hotel in Maidencombe to celebrate. A gorgeous boutique family run hotel set in the peaceful village of Maidencombe in Devon. The Victorian manor is set in the hills of the village overlooking Lyme bay which can just about be seen through the countryside below. Full of character and quality!

Book your wedding, weekend break or even lunch at Orestone Manor:
http://www.orestonemanor.com/

The bride Laura looked stunning in her delicate lace strapless gown which she had altered to emphasise the flattering fishtail effect ending in a small flowing train.

The bridesmaids had smart black dresses on bearing one shoulder and cradling red bouquets to match the bride. The black and white theme stayed throughout with the groom and his groomsmen looking stylishly cool in their black tailed suits and light patterned vests accompanied by striking red ties, pocket squares and boutonnieres. Their outfits were completed with funky black and white converse style shoes, very chic!!

Sticking with the black, white and red theme was the cake, and OMG was it amazing! The three tier piece of art was made by Mortonhampstead based 'Nibble and Scoff' by Joella Housego. Consisting of 3 flavours which I believe were chocolate, fruit cake and vanilla, lemon with a hint of red velvet. The design was fantastic, taking the theme from Tim Burton's 'Nightmare Before Christmas' including a very detailed Jack and Sally mimicking the outfits of the bride and groom with the lyrics 'simply meant to be...' from the film delicately written in icing on the side. As the website states these cakes really are 'delicious works of art'!

Get your own personalised cake from Nibble and Scoff:
http://www.nibbleandscoff.co.uk/

Here's to the happy couple! Who are now on their way to travel the West Coast of America in a convertible for their honeymoon. They even named their tables at the reception after the various places they will be visiting including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.

 We headed back to London on Sunday taking a leisurely route to explore the beautiful views the English Countryside has to offer instead of the bleak traffic of the A303! We stopped for lunch at Monkton Court Hotel on the A30 in Honiton.

The perfect spot to stop if travelling from Cornwall to London or vice versa as it is pretty much halfway. You can break your stay in one of the 11 unique bedrooms or simply pop in for a coffee, lunch or even afternoon tea in the restaurant, by the fire in the lounge or even in the garden. 

The Lounge

The Garden

The staff are very friendly and welcoming and the chefs serve the food in style. I can highly recommend the traditional roasts and if you can fit in a pudding the Pimms Jelly is to die for! The presentation is elegantly artistic, especially the delicate icing topping the sticky toffee pudding.

Pimms Jelly

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Book now at http://www.monktoncourthotel.co.uk/

We then continued the journey passing through Glastonbury and the Somerset levels before reaching Cheddar Gorge. An area owned by the National Trust close to the village of Cheddar, the limestone gorge is accessed along a winding road lined with a few cafes and shops, there are many places to park for the variety of activities on offer. 

The gorge is set on top of deep caves, you can climb to the top of the gorge at your own will but to explore the caves, attend a bat tour or go rock climbing you need to purchase a ticket, either beforehand online or at the kiosk when you arrive. The site is a huge tourist destination as well as educational facility so can become exceptionally busy.

http://www.cheddargorge.co.uk/

After a long drive home and what felt like a very speedy weekend having covered most of the South West in less than 24 hours it is safe to say we were a little exhausted. Well we made it home just in time for the World Cup final accompanied by a chinese takeout - well done Germany!

Lexie xxx