Lovedon

London again and better each time. I met 2 different friends and my son this time and loved every minute of it. This city just agrees with me. Classy, funky, comfortable, interesting, fun, posh, pleasing in so many ways. I just love learning new neighborhoods, new markets, new parks, new walks, new restaurants, new views! And, of course, revisiting the old ones.

This time: Borough Market and Mayfair, rooftop gardens, Soho funky eats, department store teas, walking in the cool muted weather, jumping on the trains, a savory comforting steak pie, half a pint in a throwback pub, turning to see a stunning window box of flowers, I think it’s just my happy place.

The black licorice at Borough Market is artisan and crave worthy. I don’t even mind that I was mildly hand slapped for looking for red licorice, only to be told they only made Real licorice, ha.

Mayfair is a beautiful walk for architectural beauty and a secret, do you know what a mews is? Well I do now and they are tucked away and special. You can feel the old world and the new appreciation of it at the same time. These behind the main house rows of homes used to be stables and housing for the house help. I couldn’t afford one now if I tried. They are being renovated and restored, both with love. It’s magic to come upon a mews and peek around.

Virgin owns a wonderful rooftop garden http://www.danswanders.com/roof-gardens-2/ that is a fun respite from a walk on any day. You must sign in at the desk and take the elevator up, it’s a very pretty walk around with relaxing spaces to sit and enjoy the view or a drink if you like.

A friend visiting from Los Angeles and I ended up at the back counter watching the cooks at 10 Greek Street in Soho, we had a great meal and I love feeling in the mix at a counter like that, watching things being prepared and sent out, asking for recommends and feeling like the wait was definitely worth it.

The café at Selfridges is the perfect spot for a tea break in the afternoon. The actually real coffee cake surprised by having a coffee flavor, makes sense. I love relaxing with real silver and china, London has civilized down, well I guess they invented it.

Walking with my son, anywhere will do, especially enhanced by London, his new city for the last year. As a mother, feeding him anywhere is satisfying in itself, and it’s even better knowing how he enjoys and appreciates food. Breakfast in Chiswick, followed by a walk and a pastry was heaven. Talks are never small with this one, let’s go deep and wide, and we often do.

The steak pie and gravy at Pie was perfect, just go. We found it on the lower floor in a marketplace in Covent Garden, don’t miss the rosemary potatoes on the side either.

I’ll save my secret half pint place for another time, some things are better kept quiet. Wink, wink, I know you’ll find your own secret spots there, I’m happy if you share some and keep some to yourself as well.

It’s a long love story I believe, so much more to explore.