I came across a wooden dome in the middle of the temple to concrete that is the Barbican complex. I thought it must be the latest pop up shop or cafe. It is actually an installation influenced by the structures built by utopian utopian communities in the west coast of the US in the 1970s as described by the artists Heather and Ivan Morison;
It is a wooden tea house where you can enjoy a warming friendly cup of hibiscus tea.
The space is contemplative with views over the lake and fountain. It is in place through to 18 October and therefore I have decided that it is the latest pop up in EC2 afterall.

mid afternoon meeting spot - Lobby Bar at One Aldwych

If you are looking for a discreet and stylish meeting spot in the middle of town you could not do better than this fabulous space.
From the moment the dapper grey suited doorman opens the door one enters an oasis of calm. Service is polite, smooth, and ultra efficient. I loved the fact that the waitress took the time to call me by my name once she received my credit card.
The lobby bar is a huge magnificent light, airy and contemporary space. In fact everything is huge from the urn shape vases of fresh flowers that tower over you to the floor to ceiling windows. The art work is contemporary and includes a rather surreal wooden man in a boat with ridiculously out sized oars (watch your head!).
I sipped on a rather refreshing fresh fruit 'mocktail' and my guest enjoyed a good cafe latte. A bill of £10.00 was reasonable by hotel standards.

Viet Hoa - a pick me up

My partner's parents are in town from New Zealand. They wanted some Vietnamese food as they enjoy this in NZ. I have an awful head cold and after working all week I really wanted to do nothing but go home and crash out. My mood was soon lifted by the friendly and laid back vibe at this family run cafe.
The decor is simple greasy spoon SE Asia style; white walls, wipe clean patterned tablecloths, paper napkins, fluorescent lighting, and a few pot plants. Just the thing for an easy going evening.
The food is okay however I'd like to try some of the other Vietnamese cafes lining this stretch of Kingsland Road as I have heard the standards vary. Stand out dishes included soft shell crab. paper wrapped tiger prawns, summer rolls, and whole fried tilapia fish.
This is a good spot for a family meal as its relaxed feel and friendly service make for a pleasant evening sharing starters and mains around a large table.
The prices are very reasonable at £22.00 a head for a starter, main, and a few beers. By 8pm both floors were full with a mixed crowd of couples and groups of all ages which made for a great atmosphere. If you want to chill on a Friday night this is a perfect spot.

Went to Vinoteca in Clerkenwell for lunch.
This wine bar / restaurant is a wonderfully relaxed place. Wooden table and chairs match the wood floor, wine shelves and bar. The menu is short and changes daily. A wine recomendation is made with each course and a small 125ml glass is available. This Sunday lunchtime I enjoyed a starter salad of crab, coconut, and chilli. Main course was Gloucester Old Spot Pork Belly with fresh figs; this was heavenly which is an appropriate description on a Sunday in the shadows of St Paul's dome.

simple pleasures on a day off in Islington N1

I had a day off work today. I decided to spend it doing nothing except floating around N1. I stopped for a coffee at Tinderbox. I love the new location for this cafe ; there is a huge window overlooking Upper Street and an outdoor terrace. Sipping my coffee and feeling the heat of the sun (for a change!!) with no where to go and nothing to do but flick through the latest copy of Monocle magazine was a delight.
Popped into the new Waitrose and picked up a few bits for the weekend. It is just me or has anyone else noticed how many more French people live in N1 nowadays? There was at least 3 French families in Waitrose tonight. It must be the fact they sell Poliane bread which I love! In the mood for fish & chips tonight so picked up freshly breaded haddock from the fish counter (sustainable of course!) and a bottle of crisp Sauvignon. Off to enjoy now.