Pretty Little Sundays

I woke up on Sunday to the sun and the complete lack of desire to do anything productive. Finally my need for sustenance overwhelmed me and I couldn't live without a full English fry up right that second. Hopping on Boris Bikes we headed to the coolest part of London, nay the world, in search of my desires. 

I've been wanted to try out The Breakfast Club ever since I had heard about their amazing breakfasts and how popular they are. We stumbled upon the Hoxton branch and although we were told it was going to be a 20 minute wait, we figured, 'what the hell, got nothing else going on today.' 

We perused the menu while waiting and pleasantly were supplied with a sample of one of their famous fruit smoothies.

In the coolest part of London, nay the world, even the garbage collection is hip. (Yeah. Totes sticking with the word use 'hip'). I loved this truck.

Once inside, one can admire the retro, fun and funky decor. I found myself spinning around in my mismatched seat to glimpse all the different patterns and items on the wall. It's like a 50's diner but for Gen Y.

Even the bathrooms were cool with fantastic 1980's wallpaper and 'London's tiniest disco'.

We placed our orders and my eagerness for a great fry up at 2:30 in the afternoon did not disappoint.

With full bellies we wondered the streets of Shoreditch, coming across street art, galleries trendy shops and markets.

We then happened upon the Sunday (Up)Market where we discovered (and enjoyed) fruity drinks drunk from pineapple carcasses. 

And caught the tail end of the very first Chilli Festival at Spitalfields City Farm.

That's how you do a London Sunday right. 
No set plans, just a sense of adventure and a good pair of walking shoes.





Fun travels!

Barclays Cycle Hire AKA Boris Bikes

This past Sunday started out so promising, weather wise. It was cool but the sun was shinning and clouds were blowing across the sky. Looking for something fun to do, a friend of mine and I decided to rent a couple of bikes and tour around the Isle of Dogs.

Image via

The bicycle sharing scheme is also known as the 'Boris Bikes' after Boris Johnson, the mayor of London when the scheme was first introduced in 2010. 

The Transport of London website has information about how to use the cycle hire, where to find docking stations and even suggests leisure routes.

Since the scheme allows up to 30 mins free use, we took that opportunity to dock our bikes every 30 mins and stop at a pub for refreshments. Our first stop was The Gun, where Lord Horatio Nelson often drank here and met up with Lady Emma Hamilton for their secret assignations. *ooooohhhhhhh* (if you read that like a Jerry Springer audience member, then you've made me proud)

side note: last week I visited a pub called The Grapes where Charles Dickens was known to have frequented. I think from now on I'm only drinking at historically significant (or would it be insignificant?) pubs.

As I said, the day started out promising, but those clouds that were blowing across the sky accumulated and things got overcast, windy and a bit rainy. Great day for anything with a sail, as seen here along one of the canals.

Our last stop was The Hubbub Cafe and Bar located upstairs in an old shipbuilder's chapel, which a theatre space in the main bits below. We had an excellent lunch, more 'refreshments' and played some trivia with the games provided. I definitely would love to revisit this place on a sunnier day and enjoy the patio.

Cute sign at the Hubbub.

The rain had set in so we decided to call it a day, but it was a great day out. I don't think I'll be using the Boris Bikes for commuting in London rush hour traffic anytime soon, but definitely worth a Sunday afternoon leisure ride.


Fun travels!