1707 Wine Bar

Meeting up just before closing time at Fortnum & Masons last night turned out to be the best decision I made all day.

We met in the new luxury jewellery room, of course, and with 5 minutes to go, had a quick look around the top floors. We wanted to go in to the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon but  it was closing and they suggested we try the Wine Bar on the lower ground floor. I liked the light and airy colours of the Tea Salon - duck-egg blue, pale wood and flashes of red in the little posies on the tables - plus there's a stunning Steinway grand..... 

We took time to admire the new design and layout of the shop as we descended, looking down the levels through spirals. My friend worked for the company which designed it and he approves. 

After checking out the champagnes on the lower ground floor - love the weighty name 'Jeroboam' for an over the top enormous bottle- we decided to try a carafe of  Rioja in the award-winning 1707 Wine Bar. As we had arrived too late for prepared food, we had the most delicious snacks, including salted almonds which are apparently one of the best anti-ageing foods: it's up there with red wine and dark chocolate ..... mmmm, shouldn't be too difficult keeping the ageing process at bay then? 

It felt great to be tucked away in the wine bar, knowing the rest of Fortnums was closed. Quality time, wine, snacks and tip top service. We left via a stylish back entrance which took us through The Fountain Restaurant (will have no problem thinking of a special occasion for a reservation there) and outside to Jermyne Street. 

The Fountain Restaurant

Walking along Piccadilly, we passed the wonderful Itsu, which I just love. From a little stall outside the shop we bought delicious half price salmon, rice and edamame beans and pots of fruit for our Sunday lunch. 

This week I've had curry on Brick Lane (accidently over-ordered but then had the most delicious food for the next day), dinner at the V&A and we're off to Brunswick House next week for the first time. Can't wait. 

 Isn't London just a great place to live?

Banking in China

Another great Friday night atmosphere at the V&A - 'David Bowie is....... '

Loved the red carpet into the gardens, with 'paparazzi' at the ready, Bowie music blasting. Needless to say, we just slipped off the red carpet quietly and were glad to see a more extroverted poser in front of us take the limelight with flair. Great fun!

But looking around the galleries, our attention was caught by these tiny silver place card holders from the 1930's, from Chengdu.  The little figure on the left carries a bamboo stick with two baskets on either end with the word 'bank' written in mandarin. Is this how money was transported in the past? 

Asia House Fair

A wonderful afternoon was spent in Asia House hearing a Tea Master from China Life tell us about Tea. After tasting a few teas, I bought my favourite tea which is Silk Oolong - have been enjoying  its 'creamy milk and mango flavours' every day for the past two weeks. Love it.

I need to find out about more about my Puer Tea Cake - a gift given to me in 2008. Apparently it will improve with age, like a good wine.

Puer Tea Cake and cover 

Now looking forward to checking out China Life's stylish 1920's Shanghai Tea Bar in Camden.....

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Dior pop up shop

Call in to Harrods to see Dior's London window display and pop up shop - shoes travelling on red buses, handbags bobbing around in the Thames under Tower Bridge:)