MIDWEEK SHOP

My best friend from school and I spent our teenage years in the throng of beautiful French mothers pushing their strollers up and down the King's Road. Except for us our precious cargo were our A- level folders in our Longchamp schoolbags. Every time she's back in London we try to keep to our traditional spot and spend a day there shopping together. One of my favourite things about this area are the abundance of florists, especially at this time of the year. I wore a simple outfit, staple black high- waisted jeans with an embellished top and chunky nude heels. The weather is still erratic so having a jacket on hand is imperative, all the better when it is fluffy and pink.

AT THE FAT DUCK

There is always something exciting about trying something new, especially a legendary restaurant that holds three Michelin stars. It is especially interesting when the novelty is in the nostalgia. Heston specializes in rejuvenating the old and most of you foodies will be familiar with his cooking methods that emphasizes a full sensory experience. The Fat Duck definitely lives up to its hype. This is the opposite of the typical stifling, obnoxious Michelin restaurant that relies on an outdated reputation and aesthetics. This was the most down- to - earth starred restaurant with an entrance so discreet at first I questioned whether I was at the right venue. The decor is incredibly understated and resembles a pub or farm- conversion. People wore what they liked and as it only houses 14 tables it lacks irritating bustle of turnovers.

This was one of the first spectacles at our table, a block of moss was set before us and water poured in to produce the scented smoke.There was a little flavoured 'film' to taste accompanying this course.

For a restaurant named 'The Fat Duck' you would expect a foie gras dish and for it to be one of the best. This was perfectly done with the right balance of flavours and a tart red finish.

This course was a lot of fun, the waiter came with a box displaying 'pocket watches' wrapped in edible gold leaf. Once it was immersed in our individual glass tea pots, it began to dissolve and flavoured the hot water. To complete this dish the savoury liquid was poured into the teacup holding a pretty steamed egg decorated with little fairy- like mushrooms.

AMUSE BOUCHE| NITRO POACHED APERTIF (NOT PICTURED)| RED CABBAGE GAZPACHO| JELLY OF QUAIL, CRAYFISH CREAM, CHICKEN LIVER PARFAIT + OAK MOSS AND TRUFFLE TOAST| SNAIL PORRIDGE| ROAST FOIE GRAS| 'MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY', MOCK TURTLE SOUP + POCKET WATCH|

Another super impressive course, that came with a conch shell and an Ipod to listen to the sound of waves. It is purely novelty, nevertheless incredibly amusing. The food was beautiful, served on a glass surface elevated above pebbles it was evocative of a Japanese style. There were layers of 'sand', ice vegetable, seaweed and perfectly cut pieces of fish all of which were so delicate and delightful that it was hard to believe they were edible.

'SOUND OF THE SEA'| SALMON POACHED IN A LIQUORICE GEL + ARTICHOKES, VANILLA MAYO, GOLDEN TROUT ROE| ANJOU PIGEON|

The Egg in Verjus/ Verjus in Egg is absolutely one of the best desserts ever, the reconstructed egg shell is made of chocolate and when the 'egg white' is broken, a yolk can be be found at the core.

One of my favourite flavours is cherry and this dessert came with a thorough spritzing of kirsch scent at our table!

Little gummy sweets made from various whiskeys, stuck on a picture frame.

One of the candies in my goodie bag, a 'Queen of Hearts tart' that came in the prettiest little envelope with a wax seal.

HOT + ICED TEA (NOT PICTURED)| EGG IN VERJUS, VERJUS IN EGG| BLACK FOREST GATEAU| WHISK(E)Y WINE GUMS| TAKE- AWAY CANDY

From London Paddington to the doorstep of the restaurant in Maidenhead, it is about a 40 minute train journey. I was there for lunch which lasted around 4 hours for 14 courses.

http://www.thefatduck.co.uk/

08/05

London is really beautiful at the moment, the perfect weather for a light jacket and a summery dress. This post was taken by the birthday girl Amanda of www.wearenotlikeeveryone.com. We had a 'light' lunch at Balthazar before shooting, which for us meant a three course meal and a giant chocolate souffle. This dress is so easy to wear and it is part of my all- white collection I have been accumulating over the last few months. I love pairing it with fringed boots because of the half- sheer skirt. I can't wait to take it on holiday and style them with pretty sandals!







DRESS-MISS SELFRIDGE
JACKET-ZARA (SIMILAR ALL- PINK TWEED HERE)
BOOTS-SUPERTRASH (SIMILAR HERE)
SUNGLASSES-MIU MIU
BAG-RALPH LAUREN