Review: Draper's Arms Ealing

Waaay back in the day, Ealing had a Firkin pub (remember them?) where I used to go with my geeky sixth form buddies and drink Two Dogs and Breezers. Ah, those were the days... they don't make music like that anymore. Anyway, after a while, the Firkin became O'Neills, and I went there with my work buddies and drank Guinness.

Oakley Court Hotel Review

If Oakely court looks familiar, that's because it is. Before it was a hotel, it was owned by a local production company and used as the setting for a host of movies and TV shows including the St Trinian's series, various Hammer Horrors and the singalong favourite The Rocky Horror Picture Show. In fact, so recognisable are many of the fixtures and fittings that you may, if you are a kitsch film buff, start pointing out where famous scenes were filmed the moment you walk into the venue.

Recognise me?

Thankfully there are no monsters or monstrous schoolgirls there now, it's a four star hotel.

Swimming at Serpentine Lido

As we are having such a great summer (compared to last year) I thought I would share an idea for a thrifty and fun-filled day out in the centre of London, with a difference.

Hyde Park is a wonderful resource and a fantastic day out for anyone living in, or visiting London. Served by several tube stations, and with a wealth of free attractions such as the Diana Memorial and Serpentine Gallery, the highlight on any sunny day has to be a stroll around the epic man-made water feature The Serpentine. Created for Queen Caroline in 1730, a walk around this lake (starting and ending at Lancaster Gate tube) offers a range of elements. You start at the Italian fountains - this formal garden is incredibly beautiful on a summer's day; benches face white stone fountains - lots of them - with the odd swan swimming in the pools. A dramatic waterfall fountain with ornate carvings sends the water crashing down into the next phase of the lake; a section where reeds and plants are encouraged and many rare water birds feed in peace. Following on from that, The Serpentine becomes more recreational, and it's here that you can hire rowing boats or, for a unique experience, spend some time swimming in the lake yourself in the wonderfully beach-like Serpentine Lido.

It's an incredible experience sunbathing and swimming surrounded by the world famous park and rooftops of London. What's even more incredible is it only costs £4.50 (Adults - £1.50 kids) for unlimited time - and you can bring your own snacks (although there is a tea/coffee/ice cream stand too). There are changing rooms (of course) but also a well maintained garden with picnic benches, separated by a small footbridge from the lakeside sunbathing/swimming zone - so it really is set up for you to stay all day! Now that is fantastic value.

 As the water is in a lake, in the full sun, it is not as cold as sea or river bathing. The lake swimming area is safely roped off from boats and pedalos (although ducks do pop over to look at the curious swimmers) and fully supervised by lifeguards. In the garden area, there is a kiddy-pool with fountains - and if swimming isn't your thing, many people came to sunbathe and enjoy the beach-like ambiance.

We went on a Sunday afternoon - we expected it to be rammed full but actually, we were pleasantly surprised! The building dates from the 1930s and is quite quirky, so a few tips I would suggest are:

• The Ladies' changing rooms are very small. If you're shy about changing, I would suggest wearing a cossie under your clothes upon arrival, and waiting for a cubicle only as you leave;
• Lockers cost 20p, however they sometimes run out on busy days. The Lido itself is secure, and many people choose to bring their bags with them to the lakeside, perhaps leaving someone who swims less to keep and eye on them;
• You may hire sun loungers but there is a grassy bank on the lakeside upon which most people simply used towels to sunbathe;
• The showers are outdoor cold water showers and you can't use soap (because it would run into the lake!). If you have very sensitive skin - or are worried about being muddy - do as I did and take some baby wipes.
• You cannot take alcohol or glass over the bridge to the lake area, however disposable plastic containers are fine. Normal picnic ware was being used (even champagne bottles!) in the garden area, and there are tables there too.
• There is a cafe just outside the Lido, however it is quite expensive. If you don't want to bathe but fancy a picnic instead, the grass area by the Italian fountains has a marvellous view and toilets, recycling bins, benches etc'.

Now I have tried the Serpentine Lido I shall definitely be returning; a clean, comfortable beach-like experience in the centre of the city. It goes without saying, I paid for my own ticket and this review is simply based on a day out we thoroughly enjoyed!

Where is your favourite 'unexpected gem'?

TK Maxx Review & Apology

Ah, sorry. I have been remiss in my blogging again. This time my measly excuse is my bad back; I've got some issues with sciatica. Which might not appear to affect blogging, but when you consider the extra half hour it takes to do anything when you walk like a tortoise, add the inability to wear nice shoes and the fact I have to keep warm and stay indoors... you end up with nothing to blog. Bah.

Anyway, I did indeed venture out at the weekend and had a snoop at the new Greenford TK Maxx store. As an avid bargain hunter and reader of Fashion Pearls Of Wisdom I have always rated TK Maxx because you can find properly made, quality items at the same price as the high street. In fact, bar some favourite shops (such as River Island) I would say I prefer it to the high street.

The Chap Olympiad...

...This year, with added gazebo! Oh yes dear readers, if you have followed me for a year or more you will know of the almighty wash out which occurred last time we Olympiad-ed. Never to be repeated; Retro Chick and Reginald Spleen saved our bacon this year with a new fangled pop-up gazebo thingummyjig! There were marquees available too, but darlings, who wants to struggle with the hoi polloi for a folding chair when one could be in the VIP (Vintage Inebriated Persons') tent?

VIP tent with Lena of VGtL, Penny Dreadful,  Retro Chick, Reginald Spleen,
Tuppence Ha'penny and Southern Retro.

New Time Eater: Youtube Recipes

How are we all? I don't know about you, but I'm all celebrated out. Pooped. I could go back to work for a rest after four days of visiting, partying, flag waving and so forth. And the food... suffice to say if I so much as sniff another mini sausage roll or lick some buttercream bad things will happen.

Cheers.

Jubilation Throughout The Nation

Four days off work waheeeey!

No, in all seriousness, the Jubilee is going to be an interesting event for those of us who enjoy aesthetic and domestic history. You can look at major events from the perspective of their ancient heritage and timelessness, but on the other hand each major festival is so utterly 'of its time' it helps create a snapshot for of antiques, retro and culture for the future.

Celebration Bread & Butter Pudding made
 by Rosie Lee-check her out on FB...
She restored the stand from a tarnished wreck, too!

Ouchy

Mr Bump was my favourite Mr Man; it must be empathy. I was going to sally forth and do some shopping and pub reviewing today, but I have been laid low by my own stupidity. Instead I shall post about my misadventures and give you a couple of recent accessory moments I actually remembered to snap.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

I haven't been up to much this weekend - which is probably a good thing, as I'm completely knackered from work and the end-of-term-germs are out in full force!

Instead of my usual social whirl (you know, going round some charity shops then to the pub) I plumped for a pop into Matalan on the way back from work followed by 48 hours of sitting around eating olives and drinking tea and/or cider. So yes, a trip to Matalan was my big day out of the last few days. Ah, the back to school displays, the overheard tantrums and mothers tell daughters they don't care if it's a holiday, they aint getting a t-shirt with that slogan on it at their age... the multipacks of tights and pants. Overwhelming sophistication.

More Markets, Fleas & Peas Pottage HAWT: Brighton Thrift #2

Being in Brighton for the best part of three days, a-thrifting-we-did-go, and not merely at Snooper’s. We also discovered a wonderful street market that runs on a Saturday, in Upper Gardner St behind the main drag of the North Laines.

Indoor Flea Market- more info further down this post!

It was rather eclectic and to some extent it gave the imaginary impression that people had opened up their homes, as doors and windows were open onto the warm street, filled with stands both professional and casual, craft-based and second hand.

Amongst the stalls I counted there were:

• Several local produce stands (cheeses, cupcakes, baked goods etc’)
• Military ephemera
• Many, many bric-a-brac stands
• Handcrafted jewellery and knits
• House signs and other architectural salvage
• Old technology (cameras, gramophones, sewing machines)
• Vintage clothing
• Magazines and books
• Toys
• Craft supplies (ribbons, antique buttons and the like)
• Antique packaging
• Art and 60s kitsch
• Second hand jewellery and accessories

Being, as they were, individually manned and outdoors, the atmosphere was more relaxed and less intently bargain-hunt based than in Snooper’s. There was chatting, and more of a local/regular visitor vibe to the place. One stand in particular caught my eye, selling silver by weight: this meant that items of no artistic merit or age were cheap, but anything of more interest (such as a 20s cigarette case) were truly bargainious! I eyed up a 70s enamel owl pendant… lovely husband went back and bought it when I wasn’t looking (even though he views owls with suspicion due to their large eyes: 'owls judge, fish don't judge...' hmm). What a nice man he is!

The owl of judgement

For rainy days- and indeed any days you fancy more rummaging, there is also a permanent indoor flea market (click here for Yelp reviews of The North Laine Antique & Flea Market) in the street, so there’s shopping to be done all year round! For details, you can also head to their Facebook page.

On Sunday, we were up bright and early, in spite of a night of the deeply odd dreams only cider-in-the-sun-followed-by-burritos can bring. Off we went to Pease Pottage Giant Boot Sale. A fantastic sale due to its size, facilities and location (just off the M23, en-route from London to Brighton- and next to the service station for post-shopping-Costas n' cake). Pease Pottage has a great variety of boots, the majority being personal stands with attic bric-a-brac. There are also plant stands, food stands, general new goods and even a guitar manufacturer. If you are on the hunt for proper antiques, get in on an 'early bird' ticket at 7am (the princely sum of £1) - but for most of us, the standard 50p gains entry between 8am-2pm and there are plenty of bargains to be had. Their facilities are also good: there's a designated cafe area (with seating) and two blocks of toilets. Parking is ample and free.

From the 70s to the early 50s...

Right. After that I bet you think I was all rummaged out, but no- I managed a haul of some very vintage cooking leaflets (MoF old!) at my local May fair. Then I was all shopped out. But never fear, there is more to tell, and with more fun and frolics into the bargain- two more pubs and a hotel to review, some outfits and more...watch this space!

Late 40s to early 50s: 10 minute recipes is for women busy due to
juggling their war jobs and having husband home! 

Yep, a Ministry Of Food Cut-This-Out-And-Keep slip!

The McDougall's book is advertised in the Good Housekeeping one!
Never mind the owl, the lamb man scares me...

Perdita Roams: Ross On Wye

Oh yes indeedy, and it's neither East Anglia nor Brighton this time. I'm like freakin' Michael Palin these days.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon: Socky Buns, Sticky Buns...

...No cream buns sadly.

A cornucopia of hair cheats today. Yesterday his Lordship took me out to a well known chain of red pseudo-French bistro, I chose a salad, thinking it would be 'light'. It was actually a big pile of chicken, bacon, avocado, mayo and cheese with perhaps one salad leaf in there. Yummy but I could not finish it and was awake all night in between cheese dreams of bizarre proportions.

Now sadly I am undone, and can only stare at YouTube hair and nail tutorials. Many of which I know how to do anyway. So I thought I'd share some of the tutorials I use to style my hair without too much effort, with some  tips etc'. Enjoy...

Ipswich and Old Leigh On Sea

What a weekend! Here's a nice little outfit post from my night out with the Muskerbeers. Mmm sequinny.

The 80s has landed, note tasteful Audrey-Hepburn-style Muskerbeer in the background.

Last Night A Blog Post Saved My Life!

Well not quite. But it saved me quite a lot of money and gained me a vintage-pretending-to-be-more-vintage suit (80s/40s). It might, therefore, go down in the annuls of history as the jammiest and most useful post ever to drift into my feedbox. It isn't even a new one! I was showing Lord Florizel some stuff Vintage Vixen had posted about her house and he was amazed by her fabulous bargain-hunting ability, so I showed him her post on hunting ebay items. Then I decided to have a go. Trying all the rules at once and seeing what happened...

Eccentric Curator

A friend of mine, with whom I used to work, once passed a fun afternoon by philosophising about what job we would all do in a parallel universe. You weren't allowed to pick your own - it was what management peeps call a process of '360 degree evaluation'. We weren't being lazy whilst we should've been working neither, honest Guv- it was what pedagogical peeps call 'an exercise in creative critical thinking'.

Sunday Quickie: Jumble Me Up!

Hi folks, just a quink 'link luv'...

The Wills-Moody Jumble Sale takes place on the first Sunday of every month and is THE place to get lovely designer treats for cheapy cheapy cheap cheap... check out the link here.

Midweek Crimbo Madness!

It's Wednesday! It's ff-ing fffrreezing! It's the 1st of December! This means all means one thing to me: CRIMBO MADNESS. I do try not to (no, actually I don't) but every year I revel in the run-up to Christmas, embracing it in a slightly-over-familiar-no-respect-for-personal-space manner. Advent is just the start of another adventure...

This weekend's gonna be a cheap days out fest- check out these two humdingers:

Chill Out and Carry On

Post 2 of the day - so, I've touched on my weekend activities, which are ostensibly the entire purpose of this blog. Stupid afternoon's work cutting off stupid lunch break followed by stupid, stupid traffic on the way home.