PLACES ~ London Five of the best terraces and courtyards

This amazing looking seating area is on the Ombrellini terrace at Aqua Nueva, the rooftop restaurant overlooking central London. It recently had a makeover by Italian design wizards Missoni. The new look is right on retro target and is really stunning.

The British Airways magazine BA High Life featured their top five terraces and courtyards in London in their August magazine. They are all lovely, but this one is my favourite. Have a look at them here:

BA High Life article


Late summer is decadent. It fills your senses with colour, scent and tastes. It always reminds me of the end of a great love affair.

You are not quite ready to let it go, clinging on to moments past, gathering the scent of faded blooms and letting the feel of the warmth on your skin envelop you, one last time.

Late summer is a time of indulgence,  embracing family, friends, pets and food, making the most of any last minute sunshine and late night light.

Celebrate what is left of your summer, wherever that you are.

PLACES ~ Bow Belles Cafe

Summer really is a wash out  here. News reports tell us that June was the wettest month since records began, and there is no let up in sight. But we are grateful that unlike some parts of England and the world, we are safe, not flooded and occasionally we still have electricity,  heating (and yes, evenings are so cold, we still need it!) and internet access.

There is nothing to do but remember the few sunny days of blossom and birdsong we have had fondly and stop off for tea and cake when we find a pretty cafe.

The wonderful house on Hungerford Bridge,
and that stunning Wisteria

A favourite stopping place for tea or lunch
Bow Belles Cafe in Marlborough, Wiltshire

Bow Belles cafe is located at the back of Bow House shop, in a very pretty Victorian house
 in Marlborough High Street.
 Can you see we are being watched by the little dog upstairs?

You have to pass through the shop to reach the cafe! Time to admire items .....

Too many choices, and cakes too

The cafe furniture is beautiful

The china and silverware are lovely too - as is the food!

The toilets for customers of the cafe are an opportunity for the owners to show off more of their superb design expertise. The rooms are lavishly decorated in a black and green wallpaper with glittery Komodo Dragons that look as if they are wearing tiny sparkly sequins, and stocked with scented soaps and hand creams. It's all sold in the shop, the wallpaper is 'Komodo' by Osborne and Little and we so want it!  

And, at the back is a beautiful secret garden all white and green.

Bow House & Bow Belles Cafe Marlborough & Hungerford