London Calling.

Last weekend,I popped down to London for a few days with a couple of friends to visit a few other friends who have recently moved down there. I've been to London quite a few times and I've seen most of the usual sites, this time I was especially excited to try out a few of the restaurants I'd seen doing the rounds on the blogs and recommendations from friends. I basically went down there to stuff my face as much as I could over three days! As you can see from the photographs, I did little else...


Keeping it classy in First Class with pie and cider / American pancakes at The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club motto / Hummingbird Bakery (well, I couldn't just have one, could I?)
A burger to soak up various cocktails and shots / My spiritual home- Harrods food hall
This is what 60 odd pounds worth of ice cream in Harrods looks like! / Cocktails in Meat Liquor
The tray of dreams / Grog!
BBQ goodness in Bodean's / Seeing the tourist sights
Sharks at the London Aquarium / Pretty jelly fish
I couldn't help but be a stereotypical blogger / Semi healthy snacks from Leon for the train back

I'd planned on doing some outfit posts while I was on there, but London was unusually cold (it's normally tropical compared to Newcastle!), so the dresses I'd taken down stayed in my suitcase. I lived in jeans and pretty much the same fluffy jumper for three days! I bought a few bits and bobs that you'll probably see on the blog eventually, but shopping in London generally stresses me out. I have absolutely no idea how people ever shop in the Oxford Street Topshop!

I had a brilliant time catching up with my friends and eating at some places I'd drooled over for ages. Does anyone have any suggestions for next time I go down?

Claire
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Days out: North East Chilli Festival

On Sunday; I battled my two day hangover (Yes, that's what happens when you hit my age) and dragged myself out of bed, to attend one of the more random events I've been to- The North East Chilli Festival. I've recently become obsessed with the Newcastle based Mmm... deli which is where I first heard about the festival which was to be held for the first time at Seaton Deleval Hall.

Having never attended a 'chilli festival' before I didn't really know what to expect, but it was a really great day out. There was a good variety of stalls selling any chilli goods imaginable, the best thing being most stalls had samples to taste.

One of my favourite stalls was Viva la Frida- selling Mexican gifts and household decorations. I loved the heart wall decals and Frida Kahlo items.

Through the back of the hall were food stalls and vendors; selling delicious looking curries, crepes and my snack of choice- fresh, locally caught, barbequed fish wraps. HEAVEN.

Tickets not only granted you access to the festival, but also to Seaton Deleval Hall and it's stunning grounds. It's a shame there were so many screaming kids running around everywhere!

Obviously I went a bit nuts when it came to buying chilli related produce...


HHH mayo, RSJ chilli sauce and Tamarind Chipotle from Mr Vikki's

Chipotle dried chillies from Cool Chile Co

Chipotle Chilli paste from Trees Can't Dance (Can you tell I like Chipotle yet??)

Seaton Deleval Hall ale from Delevals

Salted caramel, wasabi & white chocolate, chocolate & chilli and strawberry & cream cupcakes from Pet Lamb Patisserie
(Check out Katie from Pet Lamb's blog here, which is one of my favourite food blogs) 

Considering this is the first year the Chilli Festival has been held, I thought the organisers had done a great job and I will definitely be going back next year.

Claire
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