The Day Trip to Oxford

Last weekend Pete and I headed out on an adventure. As it's only an hour from Paddington, Pete and I decided to get our Network Railcards out headed in a totally different direction to Oxford.

If you’re planning a trip and want to find out more about this city, check out these links here:
Local’s Guide to Oxford - http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/jan/19/locals-guide-to-oxford
A Quick Travel Guide to Oxford - http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/feb/02/quick-travel-guide-oxford

When we visit somewhere new, Pete and I don't really plan things and spend most of our time discovering what we can about a place as we wander around. We ended up at the covered market, the Radcliffe Camera and the Bodelian Library before continuing to our walk to the Museum of Natural History and back into the centre to visit the Museum of History of Science. Oxford is a great city just to wander around.

The city is extremely picturesque and a great place to go if you're into photography. There were several guided tours too and if we had more than a day there we would have definitely gone on one. Don’t expect to get phone signal though, so if you rely on Google Maps on your phone, be careful.

We had a great day in Oxford and will definitely be back again in the future. Check out this gallery for more pictures: http://bit.ly/1jkgREA 

Exploring London - KERB Saturday

I was introduced to KERB last year when I visited one of their monthly markets at UCLU with some of my workmates, it was great to find out that there was an organisation bringing together the best foodie stalls in London. (Their markets happen at different locations around London, so check out their site to find our year nearest.) I had been planning to visit their market at the Gherkin, but was gutted to see that the City of London had closed it down (Check out this article for more details).

Over the summer, KERB have been holding a series of weekend markets and a couple of weekends ago, Pete and I headed to the last KERB Saturday event at Granary Square near Kings Cross.

The square itself is worthy of a visit if you are in the area, especially as it currently is wrapped in a stunning art installation by Swiss artist Felice Varini and houses some great coffee shops, restaurants and the University of the Arts London (Central Saint Martins).

When we arrived, the square was filled with a huge variety of stalls and vans to please any foodie and a big crowd of people who were stuffing their faces with the great food on offer. After wandering around, trying to decide what to eat, we settled for a devilled pork roll from the guys at What the Dickens? and washed it down with two gin cocktails as it was the weekend. Both feeling rather full, we started to stroll around the square itself and explore the Granary Square site. The whole development is massive and it’s amazing to see it change so much since I was last here in 2012 when I did my evening photography course at University of the Arts London (Central St. Martins).



As we started to crave something sweet, we head back for more food and settled on two delicious coffees from Beanstalk Coffee and hot doughnut bits covered in cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce and crushed Oreos from the team at You Doughnut! I can’t really explain how orgasmic they were! After munching on our sweet treats and watching the world go by, we both left the event with a huge grin on our faces and stomachs full of food.

If you are a foodie, I would suggest following KERB to see what events they are up to. Or if you are at a loose end one weekend, head up to Kings Cross and explore the area.

Bring on more KERB Saturdays!

Steve

Goodbye Greenwich - Top things to do in Greenwich!

 Royal Naval College - Greenwich

Sadly, after exactly a year in this great part of London, it is time for me to wave goodbye as I head to pastures new and start the next adventure. It is amazing to think that Greenwich is in London; people forget that it is only a 10 minute train ride from London Bridge. It features in a big part in London's history and is the place where time begins. The buildings are magnificent and the place has almost had a village feel. For me, it has been a great place to live and (if I could ever afford it) I would love to come back and live here again. Anyway, as I wave goodbye and shed a little tear, I thought I would share what I think are the best bits of Greenwich.


Greenwich Market. Map
Quite a small when compared to some of the markets around London, but it holds some amazing delights. Especially the food section of the Market - it seems like every nationality is represented! For around £5, you can get a brilliant lunch to take away and eat in the park. My favourite has always been the Nigerian chicken stew with bean bread. IT IS AMAZING.

Greenwich Park - Greenwich

Greenwich Park. Map
One if London's most beautiful parks at any time of day. Head up to the top of the hill to find some amazing views of Canary Wharf and the city. Stroll through the windy paths, find yourself at the hidden Rose gardens and find the first bath in London! I used to run here on Spring mornings, chill and stroll through at the weekends or even go back on a summers evening to see the laser showing you where time begins. Also, have a look at the Queens House! It's stunning!


The Royal Observatory. Map
Situated in Greenwich park is this little free attraction. Wonder around and find out more about time! Also, book tickets and go to the plantetarium, it is the only one in London!

Royal Naval College - Greenwich

Royal Naval College. Map
The buildings are magnificent. I often used to buy food in the market and bring it here to enjoy in the sun. Have a look at the painted hall and head over to the chapel. Or even just sit there and watch the Thames go by on a summers day.

Painted Hall - Greenwich

The Greenwich Union. Map
One of my favourite pubs! A very chilled and relaxed atmosphere, it serves it's own brews and does an amazing Sunday roast. It is tucked away from the main part of Greenwich, but worth a visit!

So if you ever find yourself with a free weekend, just jump on a train and go a visit Greenwich!

Give it a little wave from me. :)

Great little place: Brick Lane.

I have been to Brick Lane a couple of times before, but to be honest, it was quite a blur. About 3 years ago I went to the Truman Brewery for an awards ceremony, ended up getting a little tiddly and the last thing I can remember was being in one of the Indian restaurants at 2am drinking with some people.

The second visit was 2 years ago. A friend of mine worked near there and I met him for dinner. We haggled our way into one of the Indian restaurants along the lane and had a great meal.

But, it was time to take another look. With a sober head on and some great company, Saturday was the time to go and explore this area in the daylight.

A couple of people had said to be that it was a great place to visit, especially as it has a buzzing market according to different web reports, but these markets are only open on Sunday. Even though this was the case, my partner in crime and I, thought we would take a look.

Stepping off the train at Shoreditch High street, you realise you are entering a cultural hub of the cool and trendy. After a bit of wandering around in the wrong direction (nearly heading to Hackney) we found ourselves at the north end of Brick Lane.This place is urban cool at it’s best!

Vintage and branded fashion boutiques line this end of the street, as you wonder down, you are greeted by the old Truman Brewery, a vast brick building, housing some great shops, bars and gallery's.

With our tummies rumbling, we headed to the Big Chill Bar for a diet busting burger and chips. I have to say this bar was great,with friendly staff and good priced food.

As you carry on down the lane, you find yourself in the curry district. Each restaurant trying to persuade you to eat there. It was quite cool.

We came away feeling like we had been on a great adventure.

I will defiantly be heading back there sometime soon and if you get a chance to go, go. Even if the market is not on, go and have a wander.