Valentine's Day conjures up images of hearts for all of us and Lilli Vanilli, a London-based bakery has taken this to the extreme with their bleeding heart dessert. Not sure whether this velvet sponge cake brings on the sugar cravings but can't help to admire their imagination and skill in creating this ghoulish cake.
FEATURE: LONDON TOP 7
#6 The Village Underground is a great nerve centre for the creatives in London. Established to provide affordable studio space for artists the founders took an innovative approach by converting retired underground tube carriages to showcase creative talent working with and supporting a network of designers, artists, musicians, VJs and filmmakers. They have also restored an old Victorian warehouse which forms the backdrop for various events including musician showcases, club nights and exhibitions. Village Underground are also expanding their cool concept to other cities including Berlin and Lisbon. Their website features upcoming events, so if in the Shoreditch area of London this is sure worth a visit.
FEATURE: LONDON TOP 7
#5 More London retail happiness can be found in David & Goliath, with stores in Covent Garden and Carnaby. This playful, colourful brand may appeal to the younger generation but there is something for everyone that has a playful side. We like the carefree, care less messages emblazoned on anything from tees, bags, pyjamas and mouse mats. With 13 locations across the globe this is one brand we think will keep growing.
FEATURE: LONDON TOP 7
#4 The Troubadour is steeped in history and just oozes charm. Established in 1954 as a coffee house the Troubadour grew to become a place for live music and entertainment. This was the first place Bob Dylan performed in London. Other musicians who have graced the stage over the years include Jimi Hendrix and Joni Mitchell. Today the Troubadour is a place to have coffee, food, drink and be entertained. It has a relaxed vibe, bohemian decor and there is even an idyllic garden too, so rare to find in London. It was also recently voted 2nd in the Daily Mail's best restaurants in London for its authentic menu and genuine service. This is definitely a place to return to.
263-267 Old Brompton Road, London. SW5 9J
FEATURE: LONDON TOP 7
#3 As part of our London Top 7 feature this week we felt it was important to report back on the best cupcake bakery that London had to offer and top of our list is Love Bakery in the Chelsea district. Everything about the bakery is perfect - from the cool signage, gorgeous interior, super friendly staff and not to mention the cupcakes. Love Bakery was established only two years ago by Sam Blears as a result of constant requests for her homemade cupcakes and the bakery has gone from strength to strength. Their cupcakes are made in small batches at a time, using domestic mixers to ensure the totally fresh homemade taste. In a recent Financial Times taste test to find the best cupcakes in London Love Bakery beat off all the competition to take top spot for their Rhubard & Custard cupcake. If in London this is a place to seek out and indulge those sweet tastebuds!
PLACES TO GO
It is no secret we love it when brands collaborate with artists to offer exclusive funky clothing and accessories, and why we had to feature super superficial, which we happily came across on our recent London travels. The store is on Fouberts Place, just off Carnaby Street and they sell a range of t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts and bags with cool satirical themes. Once a month the store also organise a go London roadshow, where fans of the brand have a chance to receive a free t, simply by registering online to attend the roadshow and get their snap taken at the roadshow location. They also offer a range of other customer incentives including super stamp savers, student discounts and they also have a dedicated area on their online store to showcase the work of the artists they work with. This brand had the feel-good factor about it and we are happy to feature as one of our London Top7!
PLACES TO GO
#1 Octopus is totally innovative when it comes to product design. Their style is very distinctive often transforming the most mundane products into cool talking points. Their range is wide including fashion, accessories, homeware, dining, gardening and pet products. Established in 1994 their first store was in Chelsea, London and has since expanded, with stores in other parts of London including Carnaby and Covent Garden as well as other cities in the UK. They operate an online store too. There really are way too many products to shout out about but loving the rice steamer, kitchen timer and coat hanger featured here - all available from the store.
If you like all things vintage, quirky and coffee by the bowl - and you happen to be in London then check out The Haberdashery. From its retro cups and saucers, music supplied through vinyl and a little garden to pass your day away, it is always refreshing to come across places like this.
