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Beard Papa's, Oxford Circus
This chain, started in Osaka, Japan, serves freshly made cream puffs with a light and crispy pastry shell, filled in front of your eyes with a thick, rich filling that is closer to custard than whipped cream. You can opt for the traditional vanilla, or try the flavour of the day from a changing menu that includes chocolate, strawberry, cappuccino, English tea, green tea and very berry. The monthly schedule of flavours (posted in the shop and on their website) is a good excuse to come back again and again. Beard Papa's also has eclairs, chocolate fondant and thin slivers of tiramisu and cheesecake, but I haven't tried any of these yet, as the cream puffs are just too good for me to stray. Beard Papa's has turned me into a cream puff lover after all! BEARD PAPA'S Hours: Mon to Fri 9.00am to 9.00pm, Sat 10.00am to 10.00pm, Sun 10.00am to 8.00pm Written by gigi | Filed in Famished Girl | Link to this article I'm A Smoothie, Victoria
Try the Pineapple Dream or the Mango Surprise for a tropical flavour, or grab a Burner Boost to kick-start your metabolism. Whatever variety you choose, the satisfying whir of the blender lets you know that your smoothie will be as fresh as possible. For a simpler drink, try a juice or sample one of the special juice cocktails that aim to relieve that hangover, de-stress your day or help you detox. You'll also find a colourful array of fresh fruit salads in the chiller cabinet. They're made hourly with large chunks of melon, pineapple, mango and other seasonal offerings. So at last there's a station food that's fast, fresh and healthy! TIP: There's another branch outside Liverpool Street Station. I'M A SMOOTHIE Written by gigi | Filed in Famished Girl , Travelin' Girl | Link to this article Muffinski's, Covent Garden
They rotate between 80 different varieties - from Chocolate, Nut and Toffee to Raspberry Banana to Pesto and Feta. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, there will be something to satisfy your appetite. All the muffins are made by hand, without the use of any machinery, from flour that has been stone-ground at a traditional watermill, and they come straight from the oven to the counter for sale, so you may even get your muffin while it's still warm! If you'd like a little something to go with your taste of heaven, Muffinski's also serves soup, sandwiches, coffee, tea, and other refreshing beverages. In summer, you will definitely want to try their frozen yoghurt. It's freshly blended with your choice of fruit. You can even mix two kinds of fruit if you're feeling indecisive. Whatever flavour you select, you'll end up with a delicious and healthy treat that feels delightfully sinful - just like the muffins! Muffinski's Hours: Mon to Fri 8.00am to 7.30pm, Sat 9.00am to 7.30pm, Sun 10.00am to 6.30pm Written by gigi | Filed in Famished Girl | Link to this article Addison Lee
Just ring them up or book online with the postcodes of your pick-up and drop-off locations, and they'll dispatch one of their shiny black Volkswagen people-carriers, complete with satellite navigation, air-conditioning, and smartly-dressed driver. You'll get a text confirming the price as well as the driver's mobile number when your car is on the way. And there's no need to hang around outside, as you'll get another text when the car arrives (usually within 20 minutes anywhere in central London), along with the vehicle registration number to ensure you don't get in the wrong car (a real bonus for women travelling alone at night). For this level of service, you might expect a high price, but Addison Lee costs 33% less than black cabs, and they can usually get you there even cheaper than the local minicab firm. If you're caught out without cash, you can pay by card over the phone when you make the booking, or even set up an account if you're going to be a regular customer. So no more nights of waiting on deserted street corners for long-overdue night buses or shady minicabs; instead you can travel in style and comfort. Addison Lee really is the most important number a girl could have. ADDISON LEE Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Written by gigi | Filed in Active Girl , Fancy Girl , Scene Girl , Thrifty Girl , Travelin' Girl | Link to this article The Tea House, Covent Garden
I usually bypass the tasteful options (simple and elegant Chinese, Japanese metal, trendy polka-dot) and head straight for the novelty pots in the shape of flamingos, lemons, post boxes, and Big Ben. In case this conjures images of a tacky tourist shop, I must assure you that The Tea House is actually very classy - and necessarily so, as it's nestled among the highbrow boutique shops of Neal Street. In fact, the novelty section is sensibly tucked away upstairs, leaving more refined clientele free to browse the ground floor for all manner of tea-related items (infusers, strainers, balls, caddies, tins, bags, bowls, mugs, and cups - and they even have jam for those tea-time treats!). There's also a huge quantity of the good stuff itself - in the form of loose leaves and tea bags. They've got the usual black, green and white teas, as well as decaffeinated options and fruit infusions, but the real draw is the flavoured tea. Jars of leaves on the shelves allow you to smell each variety, to help you choose between flavours like Rooibos Chai, Lychee Black Tea, or Chocolate and Mint Green Tea. All these scents mingle to give the shop its own delightful perfume - it's worth visiting just to experience the heavenly smell when you enter. And while you're there, you might as well head upstairs and get yourself a teapot shaped like a tomato! THE TEA HOUSE Hours: Mon to Fri 10.00am to 8.00pm, Sat 10.00am to 7.00pm, Sun 12.00pm to 6.00pm Written by gigi | Filed in Famished Girl , Shopping Girl | Link to this article Forbidden Planet, Covent Garden
The ground floor is a public-friendly treasure trove of toys and action figures featuring characters from cult television and film, so it's the perfect place to go for Nightmare Before Christmas bookends, a Simpsons talking ice bucket, a Cyberman bath towel, or your very own Star Wars lightsabre. But the basement is where the serious aficionados can be found, amid countless shelves of comics, graphic novels, and other books - including impressive sections of anime, horror, manga, and fantasy fiction. It's a great place to broaden your horizons or indulge your inner anorak, and since men still seem to outnumber women here, it's a good spot for you single ladies to pick up a geek-chic man of your own! FORBIDDEN PLANET Hours: Mon to Weds and Fri to Sat 10.00am to 7.00pm, Thurs 10.00am to 8.00pm, Sun 12.00pm to 6.00pm Written by gigi | Filed in Scene Girl , Shopping Girl | Link to this article Upper Glas, Islington
Happily, the menu brought its own surprising delights. Herring features heavily, as do salmon, venison, and beetroot, in simple concoctions imaginatively accompanied with ingredients like cloudberry cream, dill stewed potatoes, and red onion marmalade. The aforementioned meatballs are definitely worth a try, both for their own succulence and because they come with the best mashed potato in London - creamy, buttery, and so delicious that we had to order an extra helping! To optimise the taste experience, you may want to try the Grazing menu and sample an assortment of smaller dishes, or you can take the usual starter and main course route. Whichever way you go, be sure to save room for pudding, as these are just as distinctive as the rest of the meal. And don't forget to try a frozen shot of Aquavit, or make a choice from the extensive wine list (complementary varieties are listed alongside many dishes to narrow down the options). Be prepared to linger over your meal, as there's a very carefree style of service here; the gorgeous, smiling Swedish staff have a friendly, laid-back attitude that is so inviting that it erases any sense of impatience. Upper Glas is the ideal place for a leisurely date, a long gossip with the girls, or those special evenings when you want to extend the magic for as long as possible. UPPER GLAS Hours: Mon 5.30pm to 10.00pm, Tues to Sat 12.00pm to 3.00pm and 5.30pm to 10.30pm, Sun 12.00pm to 3.00pm Written by gigi | Filed in Famished Girl , Fancy Girl | Link to this article TeaSmith, Spitalfields
When drinking a properly prepared cup, the intensity and purity of the flavours are remarkable. For a real taste sensation, try the Juniper Pearls (so called because the green shoots come in balls which miraculously unroll as brewing progresses). These tea plants are grown near blossoming jasmine and absorb the aroma as the flowers open. The leaves are then carefully processed to preserve the special perfume which erupts into a potent bouquet as the tea is poured. This surely is nature at its finest. For an earthier taste, try the Extra Old Tippy Puer which is cultivated using a benevolent kind of mould. Tea purists might want to start with the Red Plum Classic - a high-quality version of unscented tea (named for its colour rather than flavour), and those looking for a bit of spectacle should order the Thistle Blossom and marvel as the green tea buds open to reveal the pink thistle flower within. Or you may want to ask your server to recommend a tea that meets your particular specifications. TeaSmith elevates this simple drink to the level of wine or chocolate. Once you've tried the good stuff, you may never want to go back to your usual cuppa. Luckily all the leaves and brewing equipment can be purchased in the shop, so you can replicate the divine experience at home. Tip: Go on a Saturday afternoon when neighbouring Spitalfields Market is closed and the shop is surprisingly quiet. You can take time to indulge in several varieties, and if you're lucky you'll be served by the amazingly knowledgeable owner, John Kennedy (self-proclaimed "Trainspotter of Tea"), who will reveal the intricate details of each blend and regale you with tales of tea-picking monkeys. TEASMITH Hours: Mon to Sun 11.00am to 6.00pm Written by gigi | Filed in Famished Girl , Shopping Girl | Link to this article Geffrye Museum, Shoreditch
It's great to see how regular Londoners have lived in different times, and each room is accompanied by slick, modern multi-media exhibits focusing on a specific aspect of life at the time (like the rise in the popularity of tea-drinking) complete with audio clips from novels, diaries, and period music. The Geffrye is a great educational resource (the museum includes a Domestic Interiors Study Centre for more scholarly types) but it's also a lot of fun. Who doesn't like looking at the changing fashions of home design or hearing the qualities Victorians deemed desirable in a good wife? There's a charming restaurant in the middle of the museum where you can indulge in traditional English food like scones, cucumber sandwiches, or bangers and mash, accompanied by a refreshing glass of nettle ale, beetroot juice, organic beer, or English wine. The light and airy dining room overlooks the period gardens which you can explore in nice weather. And best of all - the museum's free!! GEFFRYE MUSEUM Hours: Tues to Sat 10.00am to 5.00pm, Sun 12.00pm to 5.00pm Written by gigi | Filed in Scene Girl , Thrifty Girl | Link to this article Paperchase, Tottenham Court Road
Many of the items are exclusive to Paperchase, and their ranges are constantly changing so there's always something new to browse and buy. This isn't your usual run-of-the-mill paper shop; it's more like a designer stationery emporium. It's a great place to come if you're looking for a fancy gift-bag, patterned tissue paper, pretty ribbons, indoor sparklers, or origami paper. And they go all out around the holidays; so be sure to drop in around Valentine's Day, Easter and Christmas for some fun and imaginative products. If all the stationery-induced excitement gets too much for you, there's a coffee bar on the first floor where you can rest your tired feet whilst you decide whether to buy the photo album you came in for, or to spring for the toy gun that fires miniature chickens. PAPERCHASE Hours: Mon to Sat 9.30am to 7pm, Thurs 9.30am to 8.00pm, Sun 12.00pm to 8.00pm Written by gigi | Filed in Shopping Girl | Link to this article Eagle Bar Diner, West End
Breakfast is served all day so you can indulge in a leisurely, boozy brunch. Or grab a snack with your evening cocktail as you sit under the purple lights at the long, glossy bar. On weekend nights, there's more of a party feel and the place fills up with diners and revellers, so arrive early to bag a sofa or table. Because the Eagle staff are happy for you to "eat or drink anything anywhere", you can order whatever combination of food or drink takes your fancy, and you won't feel pressured to have a full meal even if you're sat at a booth. With its classy decor, easy-going attitude, tasty menu and excellent cocktails, this place is pure cool. EAGLE BAR DINER Hours: Mon to Weds 12.00pm to 11.00pm, Thurs and Fri 12.00pm to 1.00am, Sat 10.00am to 1.00am, Sun 11.00am to 6.00pm Written by gigi | Filed in Famished Girl , Scene Girl | Link to this article Made in Brasil, Camden Town
Brazilians are known for their love of a good party, and the atmosphere here doesn't disappoint. The music is festive, the staff are always smiling, and the cocktails are outstanding. Think caipirinhas and mojitos - made with the freshest ingredients and finest cachaca. And for the teetotallers among us there's an amazing array of exotic fruit juices and smoothies. The Pineapple and Mint Juice is so light and frothy you'll think you've been transported to a Brazilian beach. If you can make it past the bar to a table at the back or in the dining room downstairs (or even out in the courtyard in good weather), you will be rewarded with food that is every bit as fresh and tasty as the drinks. Their delicious meals have all the best qualities of homecooking, but with exotic ingredients like cassava, palm hearts, and manioc. Try traditional Brazilian favourites like Feijoada (black beans and pork), Moqueta (a fish stew), or Brazilian Cheese Bread. And don't forget the Cassava Chips! When life is getting you down but you can't afford a holiday, Made in Brasil is the next best thing. MADE IN BRASIL Written by gigi | Filed in Famished Girl | Link to this article Monmouth Coffee Company, Covent Garden
They've been roasting and selling coffee on the premises since 1978, and all their beans are sourced from single farms, estates, and cooperatives (see, I told you it's serious!). Their international list of varieties changes seasonally, so it's lucky that they have such knowledgeable staff on hand to help you narrow down the choices. They'll be happy to advise on the best type of coffee for a particular coffee maker, and they're even well-informed about the coffee-drinking habits in different countries, should you require any international coffee-brewing advice. Once your choice has been made, the beans will be weighed, ground, and bagged before your eyes - giving you the freshest possible coffee to take home. If you'd prefer to sample the options before choosing your beans, you can head up to the old-fashioned wooden benches at the back for a freshly brewed cup. And while you're there, you might as well try some of the indulgent pastries and cakes on offer from Villandry and Paul. You can also get a cup to take away, but Monmouth's coffee is a drink to be savoured rather than chugged down on a hurried commute. MONMOUTH COFFEE COMPANY Written by gigi | Filed in Famished Girl , Shopping Girl | Link to this article Zest, Soho
You can pop in to pick up a prescription, and browse the deluxe toiletries from Neal's Yard, Vichy, Jason's Organics, Caudalie and Burt's Bees while you wait. Or why not buy a pair of luxury washing up gloves decorated with artificial flowers? Or perhaps you know someone who'd like a decorated garden tool set, Elvis candles, or a hand-crocheted toadstool money bank? There are greeting cards, mugs, cuddly toys, and even children's clothing, so you shouldn't be short of creative gift ideas. And if all that shopping gives you a headache, you can grab some ibuprofen on the way out! Whether you're looking for medicine, bath products, or a great present, Zest is the best place to go for health, beauty, and gifts. ZEST Written by gigi | Filed in Pretty Girl , Shopping Girl | Link to this article Dim T, Fitzrovia
The Asian-inspired menu includes dishes from China, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and Indonesia, so in addition to the usual offerings you'd expect from a dim sum place, you can also have Curry, Satay, Phad Thai, or even a choice of salads including the deliciously peanuty Gado Gado. Picky eaters will love the Noodle Bar option that allows you to select an ingredient (salmon, steak, chicken, pork, prawns, or tofu), a type of noodle or rice (egg noodles, rice noodles, wheat noodles, or egg fried rice), the sauce of your choice (Teriyaki, Thai, Healthy, Hong Kong, Black Bean, or Spicy), and even the cooking method (wok stir-fry, or soup in a choice of three broths) to ensure your dish is prepared exactly the way you like it. With all those options, you might be tempted to skip the Dim Sum, but that would be a big mistake as Dim T's dumplings and buns are among the tastiest I've ever known. There's no glutinous, sticky mess here - just lovely, light parcels filled with fresh and flavoursome ingredients. You can happily make a meal of these alone, especially if you accompany them with a steaming pot of tea. There's a lot of choice in that department too - Jasmine Flower, Slim Tea, Chun Mee, Gunpowder, Silver Needle, Monkey Pick, Fresh Mint, English Breakfast, Camomile, or the surprisingly spicy Fresh Ginger Tea which is served with a dish of honey. Drinks-lovers like myself will also be delighted by the Fruit Lemonades (Fresh Mint, Lychee, Raspberry, Passion Fruit, or White Peach), whilst those in the mood for something a bit harder can opt for a variety of beers, wines, sake, or even champagne. And if you have room after all that food and drink, the Chocolate Wontons are to die for! The melting chocolate mingles with coconut ice cream to create an ecstasy of perfection. All this deliciousness is consumed in the welcoming atmosphere of soft, purple lighting, flickering candles, and great service. An extra treat comes at the end of the meal when the bill is delivered with complimentary fortune cookies - as served in most Chinese restaurants in America but a real rarity in the UK. These clairvoyant treats are just one of the many touches which make Dim T a special dining experience. DIM T Written by gigi | Filed in Famished Girl | Link to this article |
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I never used to think of myself as a cream puff lover, per se, but I've always been fond of specialty shops that focus on one item and do it to perfection. It was this thinking that first attracted me to Beard Papa's - a cream puff cafe on Oxford Street - and it rocked my world.
Train stations can be a wasteland of fast food and other junk, so I was pleasantly surprised to find I'm A Smoothie situated just outside Victoria station. There's a tantalising list of smoothies which are made to order right in front of your eyes. Unlike many of the bottled varieties on sale in supermarkets, these healthy beverages are made from fresh fruit blended with soya milk or natural yoghurt, with no additives, preservatives or sugar added.
Muffins have a bad reputation for being fat-laden and unhealthy, but this just cannot be said about the treats on offer at Muffinski's. Their muffins are handmade, organic, vegetarian, and low in fat. They even sell sugar-free and gluten-free varieties. Lest this make you think Muffinski's caters to the po-faced sawdust granola crowd, I must assure you that the muffins taste like heaven.
One number that every London girl needs in her little black book is a good cab company. For style, safety, efficiency, and cost, Addison Lee is the absolute best.
Thanks to this place, my mother has quite a fine collection of teapots. It all started with a tasteful cat-shaped pot which she's had for many years. I somehow took it into my head that she might like a few more strangely shaped items to go with it, so every Christmas and birthday I give her another pot to add to the collection. Lucky for me, then, that The Tea House has such a wide array to choose from.
Once the province of teenage boys, comics and sci-fi have finally achieved mainstream cool. Now that Hollywood is basing so many of its blockbusters on these genres, it's high time you head to Forbidden Planet to check out the source material.
I have to admit that before discovering this little gem, I didn't realise that Swedish cuisine had much to offer beyond simple meatballs. But after a day of antique browsing in Camden Passage, my eye was attracted by a row of tea lights in brightly coloured glass holders, flickering away at the entrance to The Mall. I followed the candles up the stairs and was amazed to find that the top floor of this Victorian tram shed has been converted into the most charming dining room you can imagine. The tables are decked with colourful glassware, chunky candles and homespun cloths, giving it a rustic air, while the chandeliers sparkling overhead add a touch of elegance. With such lovely ambience, I would have stayed to dine, whatever the fare.
If you think making tea is a just a case of slinging a bag into a mug and topping up with boiled water from a scaly kettle, then you'd best hurry to TeaSmith for some delicious and educational enlightenment. Hop up on a sleek black stool at the minimalist bar, and watch master tea-makers create the perfect brew, with the help of scales, thermometers, timers and specialist crockery designed to get the best out of the leaves. And oh what leaves! They have an extraordinary range of the finest green, white, red, black, and oolong - all with wonderfully evocative descriptions of their tastes, benefits, and growing methods.
The word "museum" usually conjures visions of palatial buildings displaying endless artefacts of royalty and the renowned. How refreshing then, to stumble across the Geffrye Museum of English Interiors, housed in an 18th century almshouse and charting the changes in middle-class life over the years through displays of period living rooms from 1600 to the present day.
You may have been to a little branch of this chain in Borders or a train station, but you haven't had the authentic Paperchase experience until you've visited their London flagship store. This place is an absolute paradise for stationery lovers. The rows of brightly coloured paper, envelopes, cards, pens, wrapping paper, ribbons, notebooks, and diaries are a real feast for the eyes. It's enough to make you squeal with glee - and that's before you've even looked at the party supplies and the cute and kitschy toys.
As the name suggests, this is two venues in one; it's got tall, comfy booths and a menu packed with upmarket versions of diner favourites like cooked breakfasts, burgers, cheesy fries, and totally sumptuous milkshakes, but it also has a fully stocked bar with an extensive, innovative cocktail list and skilled bartenders. So if you want a Peanut Butter Martini or a Berry Mojito with your Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and Fat Chips, then Eagle Bar Diner is the place to go.
Even in the most fabulous life, there is always the occasional bad day - when a black cloud descends and the mulligrubs take hold. The best way to banish this grumpiness is to seek out some delicious food, scrumptious cocktails, and a bit of fun. So when the dark mood strikes, I head for Made In Brasil.
I first heard about this Covent Garden institution from an Italian friend; we all know how serious Italians are about coffee, and Monmouth is a serious coffee place. You won't find any flavoured syrups or instant powders here - just real coffee beans.
Every busy city girl knows how important it is to multitask, so what could be better than a shop that offers the fun alongside the functional? The green cross sign outside tells you that Zest is a chemist, but it also has a great range of beauty products and unique gifts.
There are many lovely restaurants on Charlotte Street, so it's a great place to go when you're looking for somewhere to eat but aren't quite sure what kind of cuisine you fancy. That's how I stumbled across Dim T - a real gem whether or not you're a fan of dim sum.