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Last year, we moved to the lovely South Molton Street and ever since, we have been busy exploring the shops and eateries in our new area and we have found some gems! The street is as central in London as any one person could get and is very convenient to get to as it runs diagonally from Bond Street tube station straight into Mayfair. Being a stone’s throw away from the bustle of Oxford Street’s shopping mecca you are very close to all the action, and so it is surprising and refreshing that the street has a laid-back and relaxed feel to it.  The street is wide and pedestrianised and lined with a mix of independent businesses with lots of surprises for all. Read on to discover what we have found so far in our forays down our street. After leaving the bustle of Oxford street, you may be in need of a sit down for a coffee and pastry, and Caffe Concerto is just the place for a rest either sitting on the terrace or watching passersby from the comforts of the cosy interior. There is a nice buzz to the place and a large menu to choose from including delicious, vegan options. After ...

London is arguably one of the most activity filled cities in the world. There are numerous things to do all year round and February is no exception. If you want to shake off the last days of winter or you have kids who need entertaining for the half term school break, then here are a few ideas for things to do around the city.   Imagine Children’s Festival, South Bank Centre, 12th-21st February If you have kids  needing entertaining over the half term, then head on down to the South Bank Centre for their Imagine Children’s Festival. There are so many activities on offer ranging from interactive games, visiting authors and workshops, puppet shows, music and more. It really will be a feast for the senses and an opportunity for kids to really express their creativity and let their imaginations run wild. Book tickets ahead so you don’t miss out!   Cirque du Soleil- Luzia Until 1st March The world renowned circus is back for a dazzling Mexican themed show at the Royal Albert Hall until March 1, 2020. The tickets may be expensive but they are worth it to see this bright homage to Mexico’s flora and fauna, transporting ...

A winter walk at this time of year can be just the thing to invigorate you after a few months hibernating. On a crisp, bright day in the UK, there is nothing quite like the feeling of being bundled up warm while enjoying the beautiful natural landscape. If you’re not sure where to go for a walk, we’ve put together a few options ranging from a short stroll to a more challenging walk in the countryside to suit a range of walkers. Richmond Park, Richmond If you are after a short walk without having to leave London, then Richmond Park is the perfect place for a relaxing walk with lots to see and land to roam. There are many routes to walk, taking in the vast oak and chestnut trees along the way and you will be sure to catch a glimpse of parakeet birds whizzing through the air in a flash of green. Best of all, when you need a rest, relax with a flask of hot cocoa while watching the numerous deer which graze freely around the park.   Holkham Beach, Norfolk With three miles of sandy beach, this is a special walk to take along a beautiful stretch of coastline. ...

Cashmere has a long history going back many hundreds of years. The origins of this natural fibre comes from the cold, mountainous regions of China, Mongolia, India, Turkey and Afghanistan. For centuries, local people sought the hircus goats for the fibres of their coats that were long, silky soft and warm to help the animals survive the harsh conditions of winter. The fibres were combed off the goats and made into blankets that were prized for their superb warming ability. Early written accounts in the 15th century, describe the high quality of fibre from the kashmir goats of the Kashmir region. Thus the name Kashmir stuck and for many years Kashmir yarn was traded within the region. Fast forward to the 18th century and the rise of the Imperial powers. Traders brought kashmir items back along the Silk Road from China to Europe and the Americas bringing much excitement. Initially kashmir was available exclusively to royalty and the elite members of society. It was considered the height of luxury and cashmere shawls or ‘pashminas’ particularly were a symbol of status and the pinnacle of a fashionable aristocratic woman. Even Napoleon was reputed to gift his wife Empress Josephine pashminas leading to a large and famous collection of pashminas. The story of cashmere was advanced ...

Krakow is below the radar for many people as a city break but that is soon to change. With cheap flights on airlines like EasyJet or Ryanair, this is the place to visit before it gets too popular. Here are our top  reasons to visit Krakow soon! Architecture Krakow is Poland’s 2nd largest city with a long history. It is known for its medieval architecture that is largely intact, particularly that of the Old Town and main medieval square Rynek Glowny. A walk here is to step back in time to the 12th century and explore one of the few examples of urban planning to survive the toil of time. Architectural gems through the baroque and renaissance periods also exist, so a walking tour of the city is highly recommended to truly get a feel for this city’s history. A Slice of History Krakow is truly a slice of history. During WW2, the Nazis occupied Krakow and made the city its base. Many tourists use the city as a stepping stone for a visit to Auschwitz, the site of infamous WW2 tragedy about an hour’s drive outside of Krakow. A tour there is a sobering affair but the guides are respectful and informative. The ...

If you’re on the hunt for some last minute summer sun, here’s our guide to some of the best sunny destinations around! Slovenia If you’re not looking to travel very far, Slovenia with a flying time of 3 hours and 15 minutes is a charming getaway for a summer holiday. Flights can be found cheaply and the country is still on the cusp of being discovered by tourists so it feels like a secret getaway. The capital city Llubjana invites visitors with its history, cafes and modern architecture and when the temperature soars in summer, there is nothing quite like a cooling dip in Lake Bled in the Julian Alps. Greek Islands Greece has no shortage of beautiful islands to discover. Some islands can only be reached by ferry which has a certain appeal for the traveller seeking a bit of adventure. Lefkada is one of these, well known for its beautiful turquoise waters, rising against backdrops of stunning white cliffs. It is close to the much larger islands of Kefalonia and Corfu both of which also offer stunning scenery, delicious Greek food and a glimpse into Mediterranean culture.   London One of the best times to visit London is in the summer. The city ...