14.3.12

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Thank you all for your encouraging comments on my last post, they are much appreciated, both by myself and my in-house website designer!! The 15% discount offer remains until Friday 23rd March, quoting coupon code 13579.

I took the Model up to Central London for a party on Sunday but after dropping her off I got caught up in a one way system and let the sisterhood down badly, I'm afraid, by driving down a one way street the wrong way. If it had been a quiet little side street I'd have got away with it mildly I think but, as it was, didn't realise until it was too late and I found myself right in the middle of a very packed Borough Market. And boy, do I mean packed! People were ambling here, there and everywhere and they only dispersed when I was practically nudging them with the car bumper. By the time I worked out what I'd done, there were just as many people behind as in front so turning round wasn't an option. But you know, I decided I wasn't going to be flustered, so I took no notice of the bemused faces, made no eye contact whatsoever and just carried along my way. Even when a waitress kindly moved her tables and chairs in a little bit. There was just a hint of a problem when I met three particularly large oncoming cars towards the end and the embarrassment levels started to increase, but we won't dwell on that!!


Surprisingly a car space fairly quickly materialised in front of me so I decided to go back and investigate the market some more. Goodness, what a place, it was absolutely filled to capacity with a huge variety of farmers' stalls selling all manner of foods, with lots to taste and smell, although it was too busy for me so I had a peripheral look from the sidelines before moving on. I made a mental note to go back and have a better look, but Thursday is the day for that apparently .. no tourists!! The few photos I took are a bit rubbishy unfortunately, getting close to any stalls proved quite an undertaking.

This contraption stopped me in my tracks though, I had never seen anything like it before. No surprise to see it's recommended for pub crawls and hen/stag parties.


Aside from the market, there is plenty of history to see. London's oldest cathedral church,Southwark Cathedral, is just around the corner, as is Winchester Palace, and I love seeing old buildings nestled neatly amongst the new.



There's a lot of building going on around the area and this place was quite something. Known as The Shard, it promises to be the Capital's most dynamic single building and the tallest in Western Europe. I almost cricked my neck looking up to take this shot but you can check out the birds' eye view here on this link.


And of course, you're never far away from The Thames.


But time was short so it was only a brief visit, but I found somebody else who had the same idea as me ..


Will be back next time with some more crafting. See you soon!

10 comments:

  1. Oh the sights and sounds of London! love the Paul Smith store front too! I was away for your shop opening, but I am off to check out all the lovelies. Looks amazing so far - I am thrilled for you, ever since I saw those shirt refashions you created for the Model, I knew you would go on to do amazing things.

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  2. Thank you for a lovely London fix! You are very brave driving in the city (scares me!) One way nightmare! xx

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  3. I love posts like this where I can learn something about a place almost "first hand" :)
    Especially about old buildings and old-fashioned looking stores. I could stand in front of Paul's for hours and simply stare at its front!

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  4. I think we all have to do it at least the once, but how very brave of you to hold your ground. I think I would of crumbled.

    I wish I knew London more to feel confident in just taking an amble, but it would take all my concentration just stepping off the tube and trying to navigate my way - instead of looking like a tourist.

    I love the squatting man.

    Nina xxxx

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  5. I always think it's best to carry on as if you're right and everyone else is wrong, don't give in!! :)
    Actually the last time we visited London (about a year and half ago) we stayed around the corner from The Shard beside Southwark Cathedral.
    Vivienne x

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  6. My Mr M, the chap whose biography I'm writing, hailed from much where you were, funny to think of him walking the same streets as you 200 years ago!

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  7. I loved this post, so filled with interesting bits of lovely London.....though I did feel rather stressed by your one way street experience...well done on keeping calm, I'm sure I wouldn't!!
    Helen x

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  8. It sounds like fun, except for the one way bit which clearly required fortitude and cheekiness in equal parts! I don't know that part of London at all so I will keep it on the list for the next visit whenever that may be.

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  9. OMG I feel your pain!!! Just the kind of tiny driver error I am known for!!!!However Borough Market is amazing must get up there soon, you have inspired me... as for the small matter of your web-shop - HIP HIP HUZZAGH! Looks great, many many congratulations, I know it will be a rip roaring success,

    Love Sarah -x-x

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  10. I feel for you Kate - well done for keeping your head down and carrying on - no point in panicking. I avoid crowds these days, but the market does look like an exciting place to visit.

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There's nothing like a comment to stop me feeling like I'm talking to myself. If you leave one here I'll pop one back here too, so don't forget to come back and continue the conversation ..

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