“Summertime and the livin’ is easy…”
Scrolling through my Instagram feed over the weekend, I was struck by all the summer love recently shared by happy Londoners across the city.
The most fleeting glimpse of sunshine is often enough to get us lunching in the park, so we’ve been having quite the field-day with the recent spell of good weather! I’m not entirely sure whether it’s set to continue (because, London.) – but I can think of a few reasons why I’m rooting for it to…
… I believe they call it al fresco
From sipping iced coconut-lattes on the chic street terrace of my neighbourhood haunt, NAC, to indulging in a candle-lit feast alfresco (inspired by the Jungle Book no less!) at the luxuriously idyllic St James Court hotel – there’s been just no getting enough of the outdoors recently!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIYXMmMjaPX/?taken-by=the_foodiediaries
Summer tipples & popsicles
It’s a good thing then, that rooftop bars and secret champagne gardens have been popping up a-plenty this summer…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHkuuS1j_cr/?taken-by=the_foodiediaries
Whilst old classics have remained steadfast favourites, such as the charming cobbled courtyard housing Mews of Mayfair – it’s the perfect spot to catch some sun, whilst slurping up a Bellini popsicle (or two).
(But in case champagne Pops don’t quite tickle your fancy, you’ll be pleased to hear that my friend and wine aficionado, Shakira, has also featured Mews among her five top picks for where to drink wine in the sun!)
Ice Cream Diet
Of course the real motivation behind my summer love, is that it’s been the perfect excuse to officially go on an ice cream diet… It’s been pretty successful so far.
My morning caffeine fix has been replaced with the Red Dragon Mocha Java coffee ice cream from the East India Company (although some days I go for the Chilled Chai Bombay Style instead).
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHZPGTNDzeA/
My afternoon tea is now often of an all-gelato nature at Snowflake’s cafe in Selfridges.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGr06jYoRIb/
I’ve even cemented the bond with my blogger-compatriots, over our mutual love for sundaes…
You might have noticed that I’ve been a little obsessed with matcha sundaes in particular (because if it’s green, it’s healthy right?), often getting my fix at Tsujiri, Tombo or the even-more-recently opened Milk Train Cafe, which specialises in candy floss-wrapped matcha soft serves too…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIcFCxEjyTL/
Then there have been all those ice cream sammiches.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BILfh1sA6B2/?taken-by=the_foodiediaries
And triple-chocolate-dipped bespoke Magnums…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BH_r4hMjoQO/
Street Pahties
… Speaking of which, the good folks at Magnum also hosted an epic street party recently, complete with a live catwalk and dance performances; hair, make-up and styling tips; not to mention – all the ice cream you could eat!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIPz-1nAjlj/
It has to be said, there’s nothing quite like the fun and games at a good summer soirée… Sadly I missed the much-anticipated Marylebone Fayre this year, but from what I hear, it was a rather jolly celebration!
Out and About
In all fairness, my summer hasn’t just been about al fresco eats and treats. I’ve been quite active too, taking advantage of the beautiful weather to hunt Pokémons and wander around the pretty pockets of London…
As well as exploring different parts of England…
Staycations & daycations
I recently read that the UK economy is set to get a real boost from families holidaying within the country this year.
I’m especially keen to head back to my alma mater, Oggsford, for an afternoon of Pimm’s and punting, and would also love to plan a couple of days in Cornwall for sun, sand and all the Cornish cream and cheese. In the meanwhile, I enjoyed the most idyllic escape to Cirencester in the Cotswolds, stopping by the Kings Head hotel for a scrumptiously hearty lunch before having a meander around the picturesque town.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHolCIxDZXt/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHaTXCCDvDD/?taken-by=the_foodiediaries
Summer Vibes
But I think that the really uncanny thing about this summer, is that I’ve felt it anywhere and everywhere, from vibrant dishes full of sunshine…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BISbWzXgMHV/?taken-by=the_foodiediaries
To even a floral-inspired afternoon tea (at the Intercontinental Park Lane) which was like none other, vividly capturing the beauty of a quintessential English garden in bloom!
I’m off to rainy Bombay later this week (not that I’m complaining, as I absolutely love the monsoons too!)… but I’m determined to make the most of things before I leave, with plans for a movie-night under the stars (at the Lansdowne Club); a visit to a few summer exhibitions (the Royal Academy and Tate Modern are both on my list); and an early morning yoga-brunch co-hosted by Lululemon and Harrods at the V&A Museum.
Fingers crossed the good weather lasts!
How have you been enjoying summer 2016?
You’ve certainly packed in lots of great Summer eating! Love the look of the ice cream sandwich
They’re such a treat for a late night dessert at home! It’s been a fun summer 🙂 xx
I love the Secret Garden at the Four Seasons.
Me too! It’s always a great choice for a quick tipple before dinner in the area 🙂 x
Oh no, you’re leaving already?! We didn’t get our next date sorted but I guess 2 dessert dates in one summer isn’t so bad 😀 Love the sound of the iced coconut lattes – not quite the same thing but I found some coconut latte sachets today and I’m not even a coffee drinker but they sounded too good to miss! Must try the East India Company ice creams as I love everything in their stores!
EIC do some fantastic treats don’t they! Ooh where did you find the coconut latte sachets/ are they good?? I’m keen to make this at home with coconut water and coffee (which is what NAC does) – will let you know if I meet with success! Can’t believe the time has flown by so fast, already looking forward to our next coffee + cake date as soon as I’m back 🙂 xxx
ice cream diet sounds just right!:)
Only way to do summer right! X
I scream, you scream, we all screen for ice cream!
Couldn’t have said it better myself 😉 xx