It's not easy living in London. I know you may think that living in one of the world's most fascinating cities with history oozing from every pavement, is a piece of cake, but it's not.
Well, let me take that back--maybe you could call it a piece of cake. Stick with me here. In a tight circle surrounding the South Kensington tube station that I use, you find no less than nine shops selling sweets. Starting with the Hummingbird Bakery...
and its infamous cupcakes
known worldwide,
the spiral of shops beckons you at every turn.
Ben's Cookies
in competition with Miss Ellie's cookies.
SNOG with its frozen yogurt and selection of toppings is a big favorite! You'll enjoy their cute website here where, Oh my goodness, they've just announced a new shop opening next month just steps from my house on King's Road.
Le Pain Quotidien, which originated in Belgium, is known for its communal tables and open face sandwiches,
but many jump straight to the pastries displayed in the window.
Another cute Crêperie, that I've been meaning to try.
Paul's, a French patisserie and boulangerie, and you know what that means! Translate pastries and bread!
And the new guy in town--the Wafflemeister with their handmade Belgian waffles. Having spent a couple of years in Belgium, I have a nostalgic yearning for Belgian waffles.
They are offered with toppings, fruit, chocolate and ice cream, but
my favorite way is straight off the waffle iron, pure and simple. Of course, Belgian waffles have a sugar glaze, so even simple, they are sweet and tasty.
With all the options calling out for me every time I go through the tube station, I must remain strong. Stay focused. And to balance out a treat or two from time to time, I walk--I mean I walk a lot. Several miles a day just going to and fro. It's the trade-off, you realize, for indulging. And if you eat and walk at the same time--all the calories are cancelled.
Please don't try to educate me and tell me otherwise.
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Oh my goodness! I am starving just reading through the post. Fabulous photo's! The Queen's garden party sounds very posh.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words about Tommy. We are very hopeful that all will be o.k.
Big hugs,
Barb
Hi I just called over via Jenny's blog Pleasant Places. You certainly have a very interesting blog, with lots of brilliant photos.
ReplyDeleteI live near Oxford, and go to London now and again, last trip was in April, well the last time I was down in South Kensington area. My friend Leesa came over from Paris , so I joined her for a few days. Love seeing new places to go, not just normal tourist areas.
Bonjour Debi,
ReplyDeleteOH my you are surrounded too. One of the good things about Europe is all the walking! Unfortunately I think my snack stop are overiding the walking...!
Enjoy!
Mimi
What temptation! I couldn't be as diciplined as you, I would have to try them all- but my first stop would be at the "Hummingbird Bakery" that's a beautiful name for a shop - then I'd amble on down to "Pauls" - they all sound delish!!
ReplyDelete~Dianne~
Oh my!!! I see why you walk. Excellent news about walking and eating! Yahoo!
ReplyDeleteI like the way you think! Eat and walk, eat and walk!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're killin' me here Debi! Naw, just kidding. In truth I have the travel bug. I would love to go walking with you. What I have loved best of all our trips is the walking and I dearly love taking the whole family. But I blame the fact that I feel the need to entertain my young-ish family and rarely do we simply stroll and take in the feel of the place. Thanks for the yummy glimpses of your London "everyday". Take care Debi.
ReplyDeletePerfect place to have both, food and fitness.
ReplyDeleteI think I have it right: The more eateries you go to, the more walking you do. What a way to stay motivated.
What an interesting life you lead. Wow Houston and London. Just found you this morning and loved my visit. Of course now I am hungry and there is nothing like any of these goodies in my little ole kitchen.
ReplyDeleteI live between Austin and Houston in the country.
Thanks for sharing this with us
Maggie
I tried joining your site but it would not open for me ...so will have to return to do it
ReplyDeleteThanks
Maggie
Oh yes, must one be a walking with all those temptations at hand!!! Giving me a sweet tooth.... hmm... a chocolate cake sounds good for hubbies day off...
ReplyDeleteOh, Debi, what a marvelous post!! Not only all the incredible, tempting shops, but just the thought of walking around London makes me want to hop on a plane right now. I ADORE walking in London and as you say, it's easy to go miles in a day. Lucky you to live near King's Road – I was in Bloomsbury for awhile and Pimlico but otherwise in the north of the city – not nearly as stylish or convenient. Thank you as always for this delicious taste of my favorite city. – g
ReplyDeleteDebi,
ReplyDeleteWhat yummy photos! So glad I stumbled on your blog! London is a wonderful place! Wish I was there!
Enjoy!
xo
Debi
Yum...we are going to London next week, it will be my first visit....I will be keeping a look out for these places! :)
ReplyDeleteYum! I feel like I need to go for a walk after drooling over those pictures!!
ReplyDelete