Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, back from another exciting adventure, and this time it's the Big Smoke, London town! I can't even tell you how long I've been planning this trip. Ever since I was a little girl dreaming of pirouettes and prima ballerinas, I knew I had to visit London.
My journey started bright and early on Friday morning. Leaving my quaint Derbyshire village for the bustling platform of the train station felt like a fairy tale unfolding before me. With a pink polka-dot scarf wrapped around my neck (my absolute favourite - you can find it at that charming little vintage boutique in Buxton!) and my pink tutu of course (this one is a beautiful vintage number, picked up at a Parisian flea market!), I felt perfectly ready for my London escapades.
I adore train journeys. The gentle rhythm of the tracks, the sweeping views, the opportunity to lose myself in a book... it's the perfect setting for daydreams! And today, my dreams were filled with visions of Covent Garden, Harrods, and dazzling London theatre lights.
We arrived in the heart of London a little after midday, and I immediately felt the energy of the city thrumming beneath my pink-shoed feet. The first stop? A quintessential English pub lunch, of course! A delicious roast chicken with all the trimmings. I think it's a crime to go to London without experiencing a traditional pub. There's just something magical about the cosy atmosphere and the hearty food. Plus, my companion for the weekend, a darling friend named Jessica, insisted it was a must-do.
After lunch, we were ready to conquer London! We started with the glorious Buckingham Palace, oh so magnificent with its pristine white façade. Jessica and I both gasped at its sheer grandeur, taking photos, admiring the architecture, and feeling a touch of royalty ourselves.
Our afternoon was all about experiencing the theatre district. We spent hours wandering through the iconic West End streets, marveling at the vintage shops, and feeling the anticipation of upcoming shows. There's just something about the sheer history and tradition that washes over you.
In the evening, we found ourselves seated comfortably in the beautiful Royal Opera House. I've always dreamed of seeing a performance in such a prestigious venue, and it was truly breathtaking. The show was "Swan Lake" - such a timeless masterpiece - and I swear my heart skipped a beat with every graceful move, every beautiful dance, every whispered dialogue. The costumes, the sets, the lighting… everything felt utterly enchanting. I was a complete gushing mess of delight, and Jessica (dressed in a divine emerald green dress) and I were swept away by the performance.
Food for Thought: Where to eat in London
Restaurants:
- Dishoom: The perfect spot for authentic and aromatic Indian cuisine. They even have the most delicious lassi!
- Bob Bob Ricard: An opulent restaurant in Soho, famous for its Champagne button (press it, and you're greeted with bubbly in an instant). Just like an episode of "Ab Fab," right?
- The Ivy: A classic London institution known for its elegant atmosphere and sophisticated fare.
- The Delaunay: A Parisian-inspired café that is a haven for delicious breakfast, pastries, and light lunch dishes.
- Polpo: Italian tapas for those looking for a quick and tasty bite in a stylish setting.
Afternoon Tea:
- The Ritz: One of the most iconic tea spots in the world. Imagine dainty sandwiches, perfectly baked scones, and endless cups of Earl Grey served in a palatial setting.
- The Savoy: Another beautiful historic venue that offers traditional afternoon tea with an exquisite touch.
- Fortnum & Mason: This high-end department store boasts an elegant tearoom that serves classic afternoon tea with all the trimmings.
A quick detour to Covent Garden:
After the theatre, we hopped onto the Tube (it’s so easy and quick!) and found ourselves in the vibrant Covent Garden. The cobbled streets, the colourful stalls, the buskers performing lively music, it was like a whirlwind of charm and excitement. We watched a stunning street performance with incredible aerial dancers, enjoyed a gelato (mine was strawberry, naturally, with a sprinkle of pink sprinkles!), and then dove into the vibrant markets, where Jessica (a little bird told me) found a delightful vintage silver charm necklace, perfect for her collection.
And of course, what’s a trip to London without a visit to one of its many bookstores? I wandered into Foyles (my dream come true!), a bookshop the size of a small village. I lost myself for hours, browsing the shelves, and ended up buying a few treasures. "A Little Life" is a recent read that's got me enthralled.
Fashion and Shopping:
I mean, obviously I can’t visit London without a serious shopping spree! On Saturday, we started with the iconic Harrods, that beautiful beacon of fashion and luxury. I couldn’t help but be utterly mesmerised by the exquisite clothes, accessories, and homewares. Of course, I purchased a new pair of shoes - I couldn't resist a classic pink ballet pump with a beautiful delicate silver bow. You can't really blame me, can you? It felt like a truly Parisian chic piece, even if I bought it in London. I’m planning on pairing it with a black jumpsuit for the next performance, so expect to see some great outfit posts!
Then, a detour to Selfridges, that quirky fashion wonderland where the windows themselves are art installations. I fell in love with a pair of chic vintage sunnies and a stunning silk scarf - both a beautiful dusty rose, of course, adding to my collection of shades and scarves. Jessica's shopping haul was just as amazing – a gorgeous pink-and-gold bag and a chic dress she plans on wearing to her next fancy cocktail event.
And of course, a day of London shopping wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the incredible Liberty London. I know, I know, it's impossible not to love their whimsical fabric prints, especially the floral designs and patterns. I found a perfect silk print handkerchief with a floral print, you’ll see it soon on my Instagram!
We finished the day with a relaxing afternoon in Hyde Park. There’s something so grounding about sitting beneath those majestic trees and enjoying the bustle of park life, whether it’s a casual stroll or a picnic on the grass. The sprawling green spaces offer the perfect break from the urban jungle.
Evening Indulgence:
I’ll admit, it was a long but glorious day. I don't know if anyone has ever tried to fit so much into a weekend, but you've got to admit, we squeezed it all in! To reward ourselves, we found the cutest little cafe hidden on a cobblestone street. We sipped on steaming cups of peppermint tea (Jessica, ever the traditionalist) and English Breakfast Tea for myself, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of pink, a perfect end to a truly perfect day.
We capped it all off with a delicious Italian dinner. This was an absolute must. How can you resist a glass of rich red wine and plates of pasta and pizzas? I, of course, went for a beautiful pink-hued raspberry cocktail with prosecco. After dinner, we wandered down Carnaby Street, a charming street of independent shops with colourful façades and a Bohemian vibe. We grabbed some sweet treats (Jessica, ever the chocolate fanatic, devoured her hot chocolate!), and shared the gossip of the day. It was such a sweet ending to a truly delightful weekend.
Why I love London:
You know, I often say my biggest dream is to get everyone to wear a pink tutu! I truly believe there is magic in pink, and it makes you feel like anything is possible, it’s just the best way to embrace your inner playful side.
But when it comes to London, there’s something else that makes my heart soar. It's the way the city blends the old and new, the classic and the avant-garde. From its ancient palaces and charming parks to its cutting-edge fashion, and the vibrant street art to its magnificent theatres, it's truly a city that never sleeps, a city where creativity thrives.
Of course, no trip to London is complete without some fabulous souvenirs. I stocked up on vintage trinkets, a little porcelain pink teacup (a perfect addition to my collection!) and a book on British fashion history. I can’t wait to share some more images on my Instagram! Plus, I think the next Pink Tutu project will be inspired by some of the incredible designs I saw in London! Maybe even a little tribute to the elegance and grace of a real English Rose! You’ll have to stay tuned to find out more!
Travel Tip:
Don't be afraid to try the tube! It can feel overwhelming at first, but the Underground system is actually quite easy to navigate and the fastest way to get around. Plus, the architecture of some of the older stations is truly breathtaking. Just remember to buy your Oyster card and always check your maps, even if you've taken it before. And lastly, try the famous hot chocolate with whipped cream, just one of the many treats waiting for you.
As I boarded the train back to Derbyshire, my heart felt full of happy memories. My journey was filled with delightful surprises, and it truly reinforced that I can find a little bit of magic and wonder everywhere I go, no matter where my pink tutu takes me.
Until next week, darling, stay beautiful!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
