Jordy sometimes works for the opera in London.
Spending a couple of weeks or months there.
Part of the stage managers team.
London being my most favourite city on planet Earth, I wish I could be Jordy at these moments.
Jordy has just left for London again.
For a month and a half.
And he asked me if I had any tips for him.
Well of course!

Lieve Jordy!

You’re well aware of the saying be careful what you wish for, right? Asking me to write down some tips is such a situation. These are things you really should do in your spare time – if you have any:

You are not too far away from Kew Palace and Gardens I believe? Get a bike and cycle there! Check out the palace and gardens – I’ve never been, but it looks beautiful. Check the opening times as well, though; I believe Kew Palace closes end of September. The gardens don’t.

As a medium rare bookworm I would go to The Chiswick Book Festival and as you’re now officially a Chiswick dandy, so should you.

The Old Cinema. Need your favourite antiques-freak say more? Don’t think so. And yes, absolutely, feel free to buy me a souvenir there. Souvenir hints in your mailbox.

Another place where you are absolutely advised to buy me a souvenir is LASSCO. I’m gonna get married at LASSCO. One day. At LASSCO, you should also go for lunch.

After LASSCO you can go for dinner at the hidden Bonnington Café. You know I love hidden. This one is in my top 10. Bring cash, buy your alcohol beforehand, expect delicious veggie and vegan food for a bargain and a lovely atmosphere. Also cross the road to check out the Italian shop Italo – such a sweet little corner shop.

To stay in the antique-mood a bit longer go and get lost at Alfie’s.

In case you cannot stand anymore opera I advise you to go to my favourite hangout, the Jamboree
and make sure the voice of Whiskey Moon Face singer Louisa sweeps you off your feet. You could also go and enjoy some fine Jazz tunes at the Vortex.

Another must is Nana’s: good food and super Grannies guaranteed!

If you’re really homesick, go hide on this Dutch barge The Tamesis Dock, and sip a Dutch Grolsch (for only £4,00… but thank goodness they’re far more original than just Heineken!). Their website is funny so I have high hopes for the bar.

For a nice little wine you can stay in the hood by the way. Pickwick’s wine bar is said to be exceptionally friendly and according to londontown.com the “live music is of reminiscent of the seventies and eighties – as is the decor.” LOVE!
The address is 13 Devonshire Road, London W4 2EU.

What the Dickens are a set of amazing fellas who prep breakfasts that reach beyond The Breakfast Club. You will find them at my once very local Chatsworth Road market. If you’d go there you’d be killing two birds with one stone. Awesome!

Eat a Dirty Burger! They have more locations but this one near Hampstead Heath is my favourite… I’ve been making Dirty-Burger-Detours for more than a year now – it’s a 15 minute walk from the Heath and even after a day of flying your kite on the Heath or going for a long walk, it’s more than worth the detour. Hidden, which makes it even more fun (well, to me it does…childish mind set, you know I have) and the burgers are a delight! You’re gonna thank me for this one. I know it.

Okay, I’m gonna love you and leave you with this insane list for now. It might be wise to consider a sabbatical! But you asked for it. Promise to come back to us when you’ve ticked off the list. And in case you tick it off within two weeks, check out my other blog about London.
I haven’t posted any new posts up there for a while, but still…you may find some nice finds!

xtx