Monday, 17 June
It’s FINALLY time to head back to London. I spent hours watering and feeding the garden before my flight tonight. I’m worried. We’re entering into a heatwave starting tomorrow. Just as I’m leaving for a week. Naturally. Fingers and toes crossed I don’t come home to an entire garden of dead plants. My husband and son are going to do some watering while I’m away. Hopefully.
Tuesday, 18 June
Perfect weather in the low 70s. No husband, child, or dog to answer to. Bliss. I have never left them alone for any real length of time before. I think it will be good for my husband, in particular. Will probably be a bit eye-opening for him. I’m always fussing about how much work the garden is and I swear he doesn’t believe me. He will after this week!
The first thing I did (after dropping my bags off at the place where I was staying) was go for a long walk around Chelsea. It’s where we lived when we first moved to London back in 2015. I love to see what’s changed, and what’s still around. And it kept me from wanting to sleep.
A bit of shopping and then met up with friends for dinner at Scalini. Toddled over to Venchi for gelato, after. No pistachio which was disappointing. Nougatine was a delicious substitute.
Wednesday, 19 June
The most absolute gorgeous day.
Spent most of it in Hampstead. Started at Kenwood House and then walked the Heath a bit.
Lunch at the Holly Bush and then I started to make my way back dipping in and out the shops along the way to the tube station.
We almost ended up living in Hampstead. We looked at a school that ended up not being the right fit for our son but if it had been I would have very happy there.
No dinner, this evening. I’m finding that as I get older if I eat a later lunch I have no real appetite for a large meal later in the day. I decided to meander over to Badiani on the Fulham Road for gelato. Pistachio and dark chocolate sorbet.
Thursday, 20 June
Started the morning at Fortnum and Mason picking up all the biscuits and jams I never knew I needed to ship home. I also had a wander around their food hall and picked up a few bits to have in the room in case I’m feeling peckish. Caviar crisps. Mmmm…..
But really today was a day of all things flora. Went to the Chelsea Physic Garden, which is my very favorite place in London. I was fortunate to live near it for a couple of years. It’s the perfect place that provides respite from everyday life or a busy day of playing tourist.
Then I dashed over to the Saatchi Gallery for an RHS botanical art and photography show. The perfect itinerary for the first day of summer.
Friday, 21 June
Slow morning. Had breakfast at Kendal Street Kitchen and then made my way over to C. Atherley. The shop has recently opened in Connaught Village. I love the products, but I can only order them online over here. So I went right to the source and stocked up. The geranium scent is heaven.
Made my way back with a leisurely walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
This evening was Taylor Swift. I’m not a swiftie but I had a good time. She has quite a following. Price William and some of his children were there along with the Kelce boys. The only one I saw was Jason.
Saturday, 22 June
Probably should have had a lie-in after a late night but no. Began the day soaking up some culture at the National Gallery.
There is so much to see but this little Canaletto is one of my favorites because I remember being in that exact spot at Caffè Florian when I was in Venice.
After that that I moved on to the National Portrait Gallery. Believe it or not I had never been here. Actually, that’s somewhat of a lie. I was here once for the Vogue 100: A Century of Style exhibition back in 2016 but I never saw the portraits.
The weather was lovely so after the museums I decided to walk over to Harrods for a very late lunch. Spaghettoni with spicy lobster at Pasta Evangelists.
Gelato at Oddono’s, this evening, for dinner. My favorite in London. Pistachio. Always pistachio here.
Sunday, 23 June
A new exhibition recently opened at The King’s Gallery so I went to check it out. Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography. It features photos from 1920 up until now. The history behind many of the photos was really interesting. No photos were allowed to be taken. Ah well.
The Garden Museum was next. I remember when it opened and I try to get back whenever I’m in London.
It holds a special place in my heart because my son’s school was next to it so I spent a good amount of time there and in their cafe (which is fantastic, by the way).
They also have a fantastic exhibition going on called Gardening Bohemia: Bloomsbury Women Outdoors.
On a whim, I decided to head over to Brompton Cemetery. Definitely one of the most peaceful spots in London. I used to walk there regularly. There were loads of flowers in bloom, it was really beautiful in a somber way.
I was meant to have dinner at Daphne’s, this evening, but ended up canceling because I was exhausted. Ended up with a sandwich from Bayley and Sage. I did, however, make it over to Ice Cream Union on Pavillion Road. The queue was endless but needs must! Rose gelato and lemon sorbet.
As I look at this I’m realising how much I crammed into this past week. I also realize how boring I am. And that I eat a lot of gelato. Haha! It was just what I needed though. I’m back again in August with my son to see friends, and I’m sure there won’t be nearly as many cultural activities in the agenda, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Have a lovely week!
