IT'S CHRISSSTTTMMMAASSSS

As part of my way to get all Christmassy - the Oxford Street lights do not count - my family and I are heading to Slava's Snow Show for the first time. Info here. 

Last we did panto - with Jo Brand no less - but I'm very excited about this. 

I'm also heading to Cadogan Hall for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Christmas Cracker, planning to queue up for the free carols at St Pauls too. 

These other events looks great, but sometimes it's not possible to do everything 
Mrs Hudson's Christmas Corker at the wonderful Wilton's Hall and the Royal Opera House's Alice in Wonderland. 

My 2014

A selection of some of my favourite songs/artists this year - enjoy! 

Your weekend plans

Eel Pie Island - a private island on the Thames home to 26 artists studios - is having its annual Christmas open studios this weekend (It also opens once in the summer).

The public can access the island via footbridge. Twickenham is the nearest station, 12 minute walk.

Sat 6th - Sun 7th Dec 2014

10.30am-5.30pm

Bring cash! 

More information here. 

"Tired of London, Tired of Life"

The phrase, 'Tired of London, Tired of Life' was started from a blog which went onto become a book and the phrase is one, I can get very much on board with. 

I'm from London originally but probably only started discovering things about it as I grew older and more involved with my own direction of things to do - post university I'd say. (I didn't go to university in London.)

Whenever I discover something interesting to visit/see in London, I make a note in my diary and the next time I'm in the area, I'll seek it out. 

One of such random things on my to do list was Lower Robert Street - a secret little road between the Strand and Embankment used mostly by Black Cabs. 

It's pretty bizarre, part tunnel, part warehouse. To read more about it, visit here. 

I then took my wanderings through Lamb & Flag Passage on the way to my dinner that night, a tiny alley that is almost part of the historic pub (Lamb & Flag). 

All photos my own. 

Doris

My wonderful cat Doris

Some photos from last year's trip to Bath

We headed to Bath Abbey on our first full day. Noted for its fan vaulting (see above), Bath Abbey was founded in the 7th Century but has been rebuilt several times including by Sir Gilbert Scott in the 1860s. 

We also visited the wonderful Thermae Spa, worth the queue! It was freezing outside (this was November) but lovely relaxing in the rooftop spa and steam pods. It was then time to eat and we had a lot of meze at OPA. Plates get smashed frequently here - intentionally! 

The next day we visited Tithe Barn in Bradford-on-Avon, a 14th Century monastic barn with an incredible timber cruck roof.

Before, we got the train home, we stopped off at Mr Salvats 1700-style tea rooms. 

All photos my own.