Thursday, June 27, 2013

Two Americans and a Brit walk into a bar...

Last Saturday proved to be a day of indulgence, when we met up with a friend of ours from San Francisco who is visiting London.


Of course this was too good of an excuse to get brunch, so we took her to one of our favourite restaurants, which I have written about here before, Caravan Kings Cross.


We started the day off with bubbly, after a little confusion when Kellie ordered a Mimosa (American, and much nicer sounding) instead of a Bucks Fizz (British, and less pleasing on the ear).  We spent the rest of the day switching between American slang (me) and English colloquialisms (Aaron and Kellie), which made for a lot of interesting conversations!


I ordered the poached eggs with aubergine purée and soutsouki sausage, whilst Aaron got the baked eggs with tomato pepper ragout  and chorizo, and Kellie opted for the parmesan grits with girolles and boar sausage.  


After this much needed sustenance, we headed over to St Pancras station, which is somewhere that I think all visitors should check out, as aside from the beautiful architecture, there's so much going on in there; lovely cafes and shops, a couple of pianos that anyone can go up and play, and various art installations and sculptures.


My favourite sculpture is 'The Meeting Place' by Paul Day, which features a giant bronze couple embracing, right next to where the Eurostar trains arrive and depart - the perfect icon to be placed in a train station, don't you think?   


The frieze of this sculpture also shows various mini scenes, which are equally as beautiful and captivating.


From here, we headed to Hoxton Square to check out the Blitz exhibition at the Daniel Blau gallery, but unfortunately, it was closed at 3pm when we arrived.  This was rather annoying, as we went out of our way (in the drizzle) to see this exhibit, and the gallery was shut during it's supposed opening hours!  

Why does my husband have leopard print socks, and I don't?!

So, to Zédel we ventured instead!  This beautiful art deco haven can be found a stone's throw from the heaving Piccadilly Circus, and boasts a cafe, brasserie, cocktail bar, and cabaret venue all in one building.


We started off with coffee and cakes in the cafe, before moving down to Bar Américain for a couple of French 75s.


By the time we left, we realised that we had spent 8 hours - a full work day - brunching, walking around town and sipping on coffee and cocktails...it was a lot more fun than the average work day though...

16 comments:

  1. I love Zedel! I would find it hard not to go there all the time if I lived in London!

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    1. It's amazing, and such a nice hideaway from the crowds of Piccadilly Circus!

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  2. Such a great day! I love having great food with friends and family. You look great in your Pendleton jacket.

    I love your hubby's leopard socks. I just went through my sock drawer and realize I have more than 25 pairs of novelty socks. Not that I mind but it was surprising to see that many socks there.

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    1. I agree - good food and good company are the makings of a perfect time! :)

      I love those socks too...I need some leopard ones myself! It sounds like you have quite the sock collection...just like my hubbie! I don't really have too many socks, as I tend to wear tights and skirts most of the time.

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  3. I keep hearing recommendations for Zedel and really must pop in there next time I'm in London! Looks like you had a fab day, sounds perfect.
    P x

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    1. You should, it's a wonderful place, and in such a central location too!

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  4. What a fun day! I was just reading about Bar Americain in Zedel the other day in researching new spots for our trip this November! And thanks to you, I now know to order a Bucks Fizz if I find myself in need of a Mimosa while we are there ;-)

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    1. You should totally check out Zedel whilst you are in town - it's a really luxurious setting and so centrally located too!

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  5. I never go our for breakfast/brunch but these photos are changing my mind! Mmmmmmm!!!! It looks like you guys had such a great day. I want to be the next American who pops over to pay you a visit. Bucks fizz...hahahahahahahaha!!!

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    1. WHAT? Brunch is probably my favourite meal of the day! Plus you have sooooooo many great options in the USA! Now, go get some eggs!!!

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  6. Fun! It looks like you got a lot out of your day:) Some great eats:)

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  7. What a great time! I saw some of your photos of this on IG and was wondering what you were up to.

    I love all the little touches a Bar American.

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    1. It's such a lovely and luxurious place. I want to go back for dinner one night and get dressy!

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  8. What a wonderfully fun filled get-together! Those food photos have set my tummy a rumbling big time!

    ♥ Jessica

    *PS* Awesome leopard socks, Mr. Incendiary Blonde! :)

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    1. It was a super fun day full of deliciousness! I will let the hubs know that us ladies all love the socks! :) xx

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