Hello my darlings! It's Emma here, and I'm positively bubbling with excitement to share my adventures from a whirlwind trip to London. As you know, I live for the bright lights, the grand theatres, and of course, the fabulous fashion that London has to offer. And what better way to experience it all than with my trusty pink tutu, my lucky charm, and my ticket to pure joy?
This week's Pink Tutu Blog takes us straight to the heart of the capital. Now, a little secret... I am an absolute sucker for a good train journey. I just love the rhythm of the tracks, the quiet hum of the carriages, and the feeling of excitement that washes over me as we roll into the bustling London station. I may or may not have indulged in a sneaky hot chocolate (with a generous amount of marshmallows, of course) whilst admiring the view from my window.
And before I even left the platform, my senses were already tingling. London, you temptress, you always have me hooked! My journey began at Derby, a lovely little town in my home county of Derbyshire, England, where I took a train to London St. Pancras International. It was an early start, but I was fueled by the prospect of all that London had in store for me.
Friday Fun & Frolics
My first stop was a delightful little tearoom near King's Cross station for a spot of breakfast. You can't expect me to start exploring the capital on an empty stomach, can you? Now, this charming little establishment had the most delightful selection of pastries and teas imaginable, and of course, I had to order my favourite, Earl Grey with a side of strawberry and cream scones. A little touch of luxury to start the day.
And speaking of luxury, my London exploration started at the iconic Harrods! Honestly, the mere mention of that place sends shivers down my spine (and not from the chilly British weather, I hasten to add!). There's something about those glittering glass doors and that distinct Harrods aroma that makes me feel like I've entered a fairytale. I simply had to spend a few hours browsing the glamorous departments. Let's just say my credit card received a good workout. I'm dreaming of a gorgeous silk scarf, a statement necklace and the cutest pair of pink ballet flats.
Showtime at the Apollo Theatre!
Of course, no trip to London would be complete without experiencing a breathtaking West End show. And today was no exception. The stars aligned for me, and I secured tickets to see a highly acclaimed production of "An Inspector Calls" at the Apollo Theatre. You've probably heard of this masterpiece by J.B. Priestley - a thrilling and thought-provoking play, set in a rather affluent family during the early 20th century. The cast was phenomenal, their acting a symphony of raw emotion.
Tutu-fying the City
With the theatrical magic lingering in my heart, I embarked on my mission to spread the tutu-love across London. Let me tell you, a pink tutu is a real conversation starter! The reactions I got were delightful. Kids would smile and point, men would raise their eyebrows with a touch of bewilderment, and ladies would often beam at me and ask where they could get one for themselves! You know, it's so much fun to make people smile and be a bit different. Pink tutu-power!
I took the tube to Hyde Park, the green lung of London, and the weather couldn't have been better for a leisurely stroll through the manicured paths and flower gardens. And what’s better than a gentle stroll through Hyde Park? A quick photoshoot with a stunning pink backdrop! Now, this might sound cheesy, but you have to appreciate the juxtaposition of pink tutus and a majestic backdrop like Hyde Park. It just screamed pure whimsy and London charm! I'm talking twirls galore, a bit of skipping, and a sprinkle of my signature grace (just a little, my dear, not too much!).
Ballet, Ballet, Everywhere!
Now, no one who knows me can deny my lifelong devotion to ballet. It's the art form that truly inspires me, the grace and elegance, the sheer talent, the magical stories told through movement – it’s utterly enchanting! London, as you know, boasts some of the world's finest ballet institutions. So of course, I couldn’t miss out on a performance at the Royal Opera House. I saw a phenomenal ballet by Tchaikovsky and the sheer beauty and artistry was truly mesmerizing. The ballerina's leaps and turns, their graceful movements, the passion in their eyes - I felt myself transported into a world of pure dreams.
A Dance With the Locals
After the performance, I joined a ballet class at a studio just a stone's throw from the Opera House. Yes, my love of ballet knows no bounds! Let me tell you, it's wonderful to dance among like-minded souls who share the passion for this art form. The class was upbeat, energized and, of course, a ton of fun! And I may or may not have shown off my latest tutu moves…
Pink Tutu Style
Speaking of tutus, this trip was definitely all about bringing the London style into my own signature Pink Tutu look. And what better place to explore the city’s fashion than the chic boutiques lining the streets of Notting Hill! The colourful houses, quirky stores, and a whole vibe of laid-back charm had me falling in love with this London neighbourhood. I picked up a pair of chunky heels in the latest trendy hue - oh yes, you can find my love for colour right in the heart of London - and a whimsical pink cardigan that was a steal in one of those tiny boutique stores. The shops are brimming with individuality, style, and a sprinkle of London magic, making it the perfect place for me to channel my inner fashionista.
Afternoon Tea: A Quintessential London Experience
Now, a day in London simply cannot be complete without an afternoon tea, a classic tradition that never goes out of style! I treated myself to a delightful spread at the charming The Savoy Hotel, with dainty finger sandwiches, melt-in-your-mouth pastries, and of course, a pot of perfectly brewed tea. My tutu was definitely in its element, adding a touch of whimsical charm to the elegant ambiance.
A Farewell to London, for Now
As the day wound down, my heart was filled with a bittersweet sense of satisfaction. I’d crammed so many beautiful experiences into just 24 hours, and I was utterly charmed by the city's vibrant energy, its rich history, and of course, its extraordinary people. I returned to Derby, a little tired, but filled with an undeniable energy and joy.
I'll leave you with a few of my favourite London finds.
- An Inspector Calls - A theatrical masterpiece that deserves all the rave reviews. It’s a must-see!
- Harrods - Oh, what can I say about Harrods? Just indulge yourself. You won’t regret it!
- Hyde Park - A green oasis amidst the urban jungle, offering the perfect escape for a calming stroll.
- The Royal Opera House - Prepare to be dazzled! It's a symphony of elegance, artistry and sheer passion.
- The Savoy Hotel Afternoon Tea - A decadent treat, a quintessential London experience for every pink tutu enthusiast!
Stay tuned, darlings! My adventures in pink tutus across the UK are only just beginning, and I promise you won't want to miss what I have in store for next week!
Keep twirling,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
