Hello my dearest tutu-lovers! It's Friday, which means it's time for another installment of my London adventures. This week, I've traded the rolling hills of Derbyshire for the bustling streets of the capital. My trusty pink tutu (of course!), my trusty pink suitcase, and I embarked on a magical train journey to London, a city that feels like a fairytale come to life.
As always, my journey began at the railway station. I absolutely adore train travel. There's something about the rhythm of the rails, the gentle sway of the carriage, and the sense of adventure that takes me back to childhood days of daydreaming and wishing for faraway lands. And with a fluffy pink tutu swirling around my knees, who needs a magic carpet, right?
After arriving at the London terminus, the first thing that hit me was the sheer volume of vibrant energy buzzing around me. From the sleek, modern buildings to the vintage buses, everything felt infused with a timeless magic, a sprinkle of fairy dust, a sense of the grand.
Now, before I embark on my Friday of exploration, let me tell you a little secret. I’m so excited for the Royal Ballet’s “Sleeping Beauty” performance tomorrow evening! It's such a treat to experience a classic like "Sleeping Beauty" live at the Royal Opera House. I mean, where else can you find a fairytale of such majestic beauty, elegant choreography, and incredible storytelling all under one roof? I practically burst with excitement when the curtains rise. To be in such a magical place, surrounded by exquisite music, breathtaking dancing, and the most stunning costumes - it truly makes my heart soar. But let's not get ahead of ourselves...back to the present day, and Friday’s adventures!
First on my agenda: a much-needed caffeine fix. My inner ballerina demands a decent coffee, preferably accompanied by a generous slice of Victoria sponge, which is an absolute must for any good British cafe experience. The smell of fresh coffee beans, the sound of chatter, the comfort of a plush armchair – it’s a welcome haven from the city's busy humdrum. This week, I opted for the quaint and delightful "The Little Book Nook" café just off the bustling Strand. Tucked away amongst a cobbled courtyard, it's a sanctuary for bibliophiles and tutu-wearing travelers like myself, offering a tranquil setting away from the city's hustle. I found myself utterly enchanted by its charm - it truly embodies the essence of old London with its worn wooden floorboards, floral wallpaper, and bookshelves overflowing with classic titles. This cafe would be the perfect setting for a ballet novel.
After my coffee fix, I set off on a grand adventure exploring the grand architecture of the city, from the historic St. Paul’s Cathedral to the intricate designs of the Houses of Parliament. Every turn brought a new awe-inspiring view, from the iconic Big Ben to the majestic Tower Bridge. The architecture feels so grand, with each building telling a unique story from centuries past. It’s hard to believe that these magnificent structures were built so long ago, their grandeur captivating even today.
Of course, what’s a trip to London without a little retail therapy? The City of London has so many shopping streets – it’s impossible to not find something that calls your inner ballerina! My favourite destination? Regent Street! I love the high street fashion. So many iconic British brands call it home, including Marks & Spencer, where you can find the most elegant yet affordable clothing. A favourite purchase this time was a stunning blush pink dress from their Limited Collection. I imagine I'll look divine twirling around in this on a summer’s night - just imagine the dreamy photographs I'll take for Instagram.
Another favourite stop is Liberty’s – it’s a gorgeous department store with the most luxurious range of clothing and homeware, housed in an elegant, whimsical building designed in the Arts and Crafts style. There’s always an inspiring exhibition to catch as well – just the other day I got a chance to see a beautiful showcase on contemporary British fashion – the dresses and creations were a complete feast for the eyes. Their iconic Liberty print is so beautiful and feminine - and guess what I found? The perfect Liberty-patterned ballet bag to hold all my essentials for the ballet.
Then, I set off to find the best afternoon tea London had to offer. The experience is so unique – imagine, scones fresh from the oven, tiny delicate finger sandwiches, cakes and pastries – a total feast for your senses. Of course, it’s not just about the delicious food – the elegant settings of these grand tea rooms offer such a special experience. This week, I took a break from the fast pace of the city and sipped my tea amongst the elegant ambiance of the Palm Court at The Ritz. It felt so lavish - a scene straight out of a vintage movie, surrounded by beautiful china and intricate table decorations. As I devoured my dainty sandwiches and cream-filled pastries, I truly felt transported to a time of old-fashioned elegance and leisurely charm. It felt just like a princess’s tea party, which naturally went very well with my pink tutu, making me the perfect princess-tutu guest. It’s worth booking a table in advance, as the place fills up pretty quickly. And speaking of princesses... have you seen the stunning "Pretty Woman" stage production running at the Savoy Theatre?
Later in the day, a visit to Covent Garden was a must, a buzzing hive of activity. You could find almost everything here – beautiful shops with unique designer creations, vintage boutiques, vibrant flower stalls bursting with colorful blooms – a place to pick up quirky gifts and indulge in the artistic energy of London. I picked up some new ribbon and tulle to adorn my beloved tutus, of course. This vibrant space feels full of energy – I couldn’t resist trying to practice some ballet steps, twirling my way around the market square with my new tutu embellishments. My new favourite accessory was an elaborate pearl-studded headpiece from a charming little millinery shop on the cobblestone side street - perfect for my Covent Garden promenade, of course.
After my stroll around the Market, I decided to get into a vintage theatre mood with a stroll through the historic Theatreland. You could really feel the excitement - everyone's eager to catch a glimpse of "Wicked" or “The Phantom of the Opera" performances, iconic musicals on everyone’s “must see” list. For those wanting to be swept away to other worlds and have an amazing theatrical experience, Theatreland really does feel like the place to be. My stroll took me past the iconic London Palladium and Shakespeare’s Globe, with both theatres playing a role in a London ballet-lover’s life!
Evenings in London are so magical, filled with lights, life, and a whimsical feeling. As darkness descends, the city feels full of energy, the beautiful street lights glimmering. It’s a city that really comes alive at night, a magical atmosphere in which it feels like anything could happen, any adventure possible. It feels like a place of unlimited possibilities – it’s easy to get caught up in the energy, the vibrant colours, and the captivating sounds of London at night. The city holds such a special charm that captivates and mesmerizes me completely.
One of my favourite activities is indulging in the many world-renowned restaurants that London offers, with its diversity and world cuisine at your fingertips. This week, I felt a touch of London’s global magic by indulging in a scrumptious authentic Italian dinner at the buzzing Soho eatery, "Casa Bella." As soon as I walked into the restaurant, it was as if I was whisked away to an Italian piazza – warm orange lighting, charming wooden tables, an eclectic Italian soundtrack, and laughter filling the air. And of course, the best pizza I’ve tasted outside of Italy – thin, perfectly cooked with a flavorful blend of herbs, tomatoes and mozzarella, I practically dreamt about it that night. What could be better for a dancer's dinner than hearty Italian pasta and pizza?
My adventures ended with a visit to Hyde Park, the green lungs of London. The beauty and tranquility of the park felt a world away from the busy city center. Walking under the shady tree canopy, the sunbeams filtering through the leaves, was so calming, the lush green lawn was the perfect place to stretch my ballet muscles. It was a magical setting to soak in the evening’s golden light – so relaxing after my busy day. It’s truly an oasis in the city and a great place for a leisurely picnic in the afternoon.
As the weekend began, my heart was full of joy and inspiration. I am so grateful for my time exploring this fantastic city – London always feels like a magical adventure. From its magnificent architecture, charming cafés, exciting theatres and incredible museums, I really believe it is the ultimate destination for ballet-lovers – the vibrant spirit and energy are captivating. I can’t wait to explore this wonderful city again.
Remember to join me on my journey, explore my pink tutu world, and follow my adventures at www.pink-tutu.com.
Until next week, happy twirling!
Emma.
