fish n chips by the sea

One windy Sunday we found ourselves on the train to Bexhill, to check out the Anthony Gormley exhibition. Bexhill is a sleepy town...

The exhibition was tiny, so we had whizzed around it in about 20 minutes...we decided to treat ourselves to some fish n chips (without the fish!) Now , you may wonder,  what does this have to do with crockery? with cakes? with caffs? well the chipper, has to be in the same class as caffs surely??

we headed to Marthas, and I was so happy to see they had pineapple fritters on the menu- a rarity in the UK, but popular at home in Australia..

If you're ever in Bexhill- head to Martha's on the seafront. It's a highlight. They also recycle all the packaging!

day trip with a difference

It was a gorgeous sunny Thursday, and we were off to Brighton for the civil partnership for my dear, wonderful friend. With much excitement M and I donned our finest clobber and off we went. After some shopping round the lanes (whilst stuck on the BBerry for work- talk about multi tasking) we decided to pop into this coffee shop for a drink and snack...

It was a cute little place, loved the coffee, tasty chutney with the cheese, refreshing elderflower, 

nice set up...

tea and cake with spinster

My favourite band, Spinster, were playing a small arty festival called Supernormal.

http://www.supernormalfestival.co.uk/

So, a group of us went to camp with the band for the weekend, and watch their set 4pm Sunday.

Much fun was had, much beer was drunk. But this blog is about, crockery, cakes and caffs, so how does Spinster's gig fit in??

Well, the site was dotted with lots of lovely things. Firstly this tea stall jam packed with cute things, and serving tea. I can't comment so much on the tea, as I was knocking back the beers at the time (which by the way were local and v tasty)

After spending most of Saturday drinking beer, I woke with the world's worst hangover. Literally could not move. But, I did manage to recover in time to venture to the artists studio, see some of their work. But best of all they had a tea and cake stall...

It was a wonderful old fashioned building, cool inside, away from the hot summer sun...

When I saw this sign, I was happy as Larry.

spot the Spinster flier



Now, what sugary treat would I  indulge in? Scones with masses  of home made jam  and clotted cream? 

Chocolate cake? Or how about a lovely lemon drizzle cake? Only £1.50 a slice...!

spot another spinster flier

Now, although the tea was tempting, I had a refreshing elderflower to wash down my cake...

and finally, I adored this sugar bowl and jug set. I'll be keeping my eyes out for something similar...

eggs at food lab

It was a lovely sunny Sunday and M and I were on route to meet our favourite Brazilian boy. We had a stroll up the canal to Essex Rd, Islington. And of course, we headed to our favourite brunch spot Food Lab.

We sat outside to soak up some rays. M and I ordered egg muffin and P had Eggs Florentine. The eggs in  the muffin were a little flat, but for £3 I wouldn't moan. The coffee was perfect, and we chatted and gossiped and had a wonderful little catch up.

cappucino and egg muffins

eggs florentine and oj

flat egg muffins

oh and if you ever visit Food Lab, pop next door to Past Caring as they have an array of wonderful vintage crockery and I'm in love with the babysham champagne glasses they sell. Yet to buy them though as I figure we have plenty of glasses (so sensible)

home grown carrot salad

I've loved growing my own vegetables this year. It's been a bit of trial and error and I think I would plant more next year. Having outdoor space has changed my life and I don't think I could live without it.

I'm most proud of my carrots..... I only managed to grow two cherry tomatoes!

One salad I used these ingredients to compose a delicious chickpea salad.....yum!

The table cloth was a gift from my wonderful Brazilian friend, the bowl is from Butlers, knife from Camden Passage, Islington....jug from a wee shop in Islington too. Alfafa spouts courtesy of The Grocery, Kingsland Rd.

the oven door

A trip to Northern Ireland wouldn't be complete unless I went to The Oven Door, Market Street Limavady. Now this place has actually been called Hunters for the entire time I've been visiting Limavady, but still, it's always known as The Oven Door.

Now my diet in NI usually consists of chips, chips and more chips. But on this particular day I decided to mix things up a bit and have soup. Of course, it is Ireland so potato and leek soup was on offer...

This cafe is great- its a mix of all Limavady folk who have gone 'down the town' the staff are friendly, the coffee is good and the locals are all chatty. I do love my hols in Ireland.

The cafe was recently renovated but has always kept the same seating plan. It's very cosy.

At the back of the shop is a fantastic shop, filled to the brim with table clothes, jugs, crockery. I've bought many little bits and bobs here. I have to restrain myself every time I go there and remind myself of all my treasured items at home.

I also like to window shop at the cakes...they look good!

hangover cure at zarathustra

This caff on Richmond Way, Shepherd's Bush used to be a regular lunchtime haunt for my colleagues. They make delicious falafels and hallomi cheese, served with lots of hummous and salad.

But on this particular Friday I had a stonking hangover so all I craved was a dirty great big vegetarian burger....

Not bad for a fiver. I would recommend this little cafe because the food is good and it's got a laid back atmosphere. However, in all the years I have been going there the service has always been very very slow and it's never improved. But, like I say, good value and they do freshly prepare the food. The kitchen is at the front of the caff so you know it's all clean. They also serve curries, which I've heard are spicy and tasty, and full english breakfasts. I did fancy an omelette one day and I asked the owner if the eggs were free range- he gave me a baffled look. Needless to say, I stuck to the falafel that day!

veggie burger, diet coke, the times and blackberry