Saturday, January 9, 2010

Betty Blythe And Blizzards















Today was spent with my lovely friend Raquel and her brother Michael, who is over here from Germany. Despite the freezing temperatures ( we are getting -3 in London and -20 in Scotland and the North!) we met up for tea and cakes. We visited a delightful tea shop in West London, Brook Green called Betty Blythe. It has a beautiful 1920's interior and tea is served in the most delicate, floral teacups. Raquel and I shared a delicious carrot cake with cheese frosting, Michael had one all to himself. We sat downstairs, on charming round tables with the most beautiful settings. The hot choclate I ordered was delicious, with lovely vanilla overtones. To add to the whole 1920's ambience, accessories are available in a beautiful dresser. We played dress up with long beaded necklaces, flapper girl headwear and tiaras. We made Michael wear a feather hat (pics coming. Lenka, when you visit London, we have to go!
After that we headed over to Westfields shopping centre, which is supposed to rival the big malls in the U.S. However,it gets a thumbs down from me. I love U.S shopping malls, they are infinitley better in every way. Hence we didn't stay long and made our way to Notting Hill. We walked past the house which George Orwell once lived, author of 1984 and Animal Farm. The houses are exquisite, pastel pinks,blues, greens and yellows. A terrible wind was picking up, and it was beginning to feel very icy. However, we carried on, making our way along the famous Portabello market. Portabello Market is vintage heaven, as well as a hub for cutting edge design. Antiques galore and some of the best restaurants in London. Inspired by Betty Blythe, Raquel bought a beautiful handpainted china cup and saucer. We decided that she simply had to have a cupcake to go with it, so we queued for a while in Hummingird bakery, which makes the most exquisite cupcakes. Raquel is a petite half Kenyan, half Italian beauty, she can get away with it!
We exited the bakery to be confronted with a real life blizzard. How ironic, as I was saying to Debbie, that I have never been in a real life blizzard. As sharp flakes of ice flew in out faces, we all got the giggles and made our way back to the car. Goodbye George Orwell, goodbye Betty Blythe, goodbye Hummingird, we had a lovely day, now it's time to go home.

18 comments:

Yelena said...

awww..honey! that sounds like a delightful day!!! i am so jealous of you! here i am sitting away behind a desk all day working, and you're practically living a fairy tale complete with cupcakes, tea parties, friends, shopping and a real life blizzard (gotta admit that part im not too jealous of haha)... those pictures are delightful! wish i was there! and i feel so special! i got a mention in this post! ya-ya! :) can't wait to visit london in a few years :) soo super excited!! :) oh nottting hill..have you seen that movie? i've been eyeing it a book store, but not sure if I want to buy it or not - is it any good? :) ugh..im still jealous of your little adventure - those cupcakes sound and look sooo delicious!! yummm! :)

Nina said...

Everything looks just delicious! Hope the weather gets better ...

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Oh Notting Hill...I've wanted to visit ever since my beloved movie debuted! One of these days...

Unknown said...

Those cakes look yummy! Glad you enjoyed your blizzard too.

Cheers!
Julie
Julie Magers Soulen Photography
Blog of Note

Nina said...

Following you too!

Chicago Chic said...

I can't believe how cold it is there! The tea shop sounds simply amazing, oh I do envy the adorable tea shops you have. Oh, and I LOVE that movie Notting Hill!

Gorgeous photo collection to represent the most prefect day. :) I love your blog my dear!

xoxoxo
Rachel

Debbie said...

This is such a charming post! I really enjoyed reading it. :-)

Michelle Schraudner said...

How gorgeous!!! Sounds like a good time, too!

Sabina said...

How cute, I love this post <3 Very stylish with all those yummy cupcake pictures :)) I was in London on New Years, you can check out my pictures from London on my blog, Pixie Dust :)) I adore your blog, it's so sweet xx

A Whimsical Girl Named Debbie said...

Happy Monday, sweet lady!

I must say that I am in love with those vintage teacups! So pretty!

http://girlwhimsy.blogspot.com

HRH COLLECTION said...

The tea and cakes look to perfect to be real! What a fun time! I love spending good times like that with family and friends!

Kori said...

This sounds like a fabulous day! Such pretty pictures too! You are too kind with your comments on my blog honey. I appreciate it more than you know. Have a great night. Kori xoxo

E said...

Giggles, snow, and hot chocolate sounds just right :)

Sabina said...

Thank you for your lovely comment and I am following you too :)) Can't wait to read more from you <3

Chicago Chic said...

PS. Your comment on my recent post put a huge smile on my face! You have such a way with words! :) xx

The Pocket Stylist said...

Oh how I adore cupcakes and teacups. I love nothing better than the beautiful old tea cups. Thanky ou for this post. lovely as always!!

Pia said...

i want cupcakes and tea now :)

Anonymous said...

Wow, awesome pics and such pretty cupcakes! Notting Hill, one of my favorite movies, hopefully one day I'll get to visit!
Thanks for stopping by!