Aspinal of London

There are very few things now that are made to last. I'm pleased to say however that there are some British institutions and products that the above simply is not true of.  

Aspinal of London is a company that growing up I loved. Why? "Simples!", Aspinal of London is founded on superior quality and well crafted beautiful designs that are made to last. 

So when for a special occasion a while ago I unwrapped a present to find the distinctive Aspinal branding, to say I was excited would be a bit of an 
understatement. 

Ooh! what could be inside? There was lots of shaking the box, feeling how heavy it was, well you get the idea. I opened the box to find the most beautiful leather purse, with pink stitching and best of all my initials. 

On unclasping the belt, inside was the best bit of all my very own make up brushes. 

A whole set of absolutely brilliant brushes that were all my very own to try out and use. The smile at this point on my face was huge. 

I love the idea of having a few items that I can pass onto my children when old enough to appreciate them and this is one of those very items.

Aspinal is a wonderful British company with so many beautiful leather products, best of all they ship worldwide.  

They have lots of lovely offerings so you can visit their online website here or one of their many stores UK wide here. 

www.aspinaloflondon.com
@AspinalofLondon

Champagne and Fromage

I love cheese and even more than that I love bubbles (both of the champagne and bath variety). 

So when I got the chance to go to Champagne and Fromage a bistro in Covent Garden that does both cheese and champagne I was really looking forward to it. What better way to spend a Monday evening after work than eating cheese and supping champagne. 

The shop from the outside looks unassuming but looks can be deceiving inside is a shop that reminds me of a true French fromagerie. If you are visiting London this really is a must. 

The shop sells over 25 award winning Champagnes, so what better way to start our evening than sampling some. 

We opt for a bottle of Champagne Philippe Dechelle Brut, which has 33% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 34% Pinot Memier. But the Bistro also sells Champagne by the glass at £9 - £18.

The bistro has lots of lovely food on offer (menu) from cheese, charcuteries, tartinnes, salads, Foie Gras, snails and baked cheese.  

For us the choice was easy we opted for cheese and cured meat boards (£8 each). 

The shop offers over 30 soft and hard cheeses. For us the selection was easy we opt for Roquefort and Brie. 

The Corsican cured meats are a delicious accompaniment to the cheese. 

If you are looking for a hidden gem in the heart of London well this could be it. Champagne and Fromage really could be my new London secret, well that was until I shared it with you all. 

We had a really lovely time. 

Got a good London restaurant to share? 

Fromage and Cheese:
22 Wellington Street, 
London
WC2E

0207 240 1604

@Frenchbubbles

Shutterbug - Happy Pancake Day

Today when a friend at work suggested that we should celebrate Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) by having some pancakes/Crepes for lunch I struggled for two seconds with the decision. 

As someone who loves food and especially pancakes I had already mentally planned out my whole evening of pancake celebrating (lemon and sugar, Nutella, strawberries and whipped cream, banana, blueberries and maple syrup).   

                             

Ok you get the gist, we could be here a long time otherwise. So the prospect of having them for lunch and dinner was almost too exciting. 

We decided to head to Shutterbug Bar and Creperie in Shoreditch which does the best selection of traditional sweet and experimental savoury French pancakes. 

If visiting in the evening and not during working hours they do brilliant cocktails too. 

Their pancakes are so good this weekend their Red velvet pancake with chocolate and strawberries (£5) appeared on Channel 4 Sunday Brunch. 

 

  

As I was having sweet pancakes for dinner I opted for their pulled pork with cheese and pickles (£8) which was absolutely delicious. There was lots of BBQ pork with oozing soft melted cheese. 

To be honest there was loads on the menu that I would happily have eaten if given the chance. 

Not sure what you are having on your pancakes tonight and fancy getting some inspiration have a look here.

Well what ever combination you choose have fun, I am off now to make my sweet offerings, well it is Pancake Day after all. 

Shutterbug

1 Riverton Place

London

EC2A 3BA

http://www.shutterbug-london.com/

Hardwick Hall

For those amongst us who love Downton Abbey or are avid readers of classical English fiction set in huge sprawling mansions this post is for you. 



For those of you who the above does not apply don't worry the beautiful English countryside has some wonderful things to offer you too and I am sure you will like this post just as much. 

England this winter has had quite a battering with the rain and awful storms, so when last weekend we had a glimmer of sunshine I donned my wellies, wrapped up warm and was out of the house quicker than my feet could touch the floor. 

The East Midlands has some wonderful country estates that are beautifully preserved and looked after Hardwick Hall, Chatsworth House and Clumber Park to name but a few.

I have often wondered what it would be like to live in a grand stately home, in plush surroundings, embracing my inner lady of the manor and having Mr Carson catering to my every whim. 

Unfortunately I wasn't born into Royalty so realising this dream is unlikely, visiting a stately home is the next best thing. 

Hardwick Hall has a stunning house and is set in a beautiful landscape.

The house, gardens and old ruins are beautiful and you can easily while away a few hours wandering round them. 

I especially like the gardens which you enter through an enchanted gate...

This chap reminds me of a character that you would find in The Chronicles of Narnia.

Some evil witch having turned him to stone. They even have their own mushroom tree. 

The old ruins are amazing you can climb right to the top and whilst climbing you can imagine what this wonderful house used to look like long ago. 

The views as you get higher get more spectacular what a view. 

The best view is saved till last. 

After a fun day spent gallivanting all this fresh air has built up an appetite. So it is off to the local pub for a lovely ploughman's lunch. Thank you Hardwick Hall for another lovely day. 

For opening times of Hardwick Hall check here 

Doe Lea, 

Chesterfield, 

Derbyshire, 

S44 5QJ

Telephone: 01246850430 

Email: hardwickhall@nationaltrust.org.uk

@NThardwick