Hello, my lovely pink-loving readers! It's Emma, back with another London adventure to share, fresh from the pages of my trusty little notebook. It's a Friday, and you know what that means? It's Pink Tutu Blog London day!
This week, I embarked on a fabulous train journey from my Derbyshire home straight to the heart of London, feeling like a fairytale princess in my newest tutu. (It's a glorious shade of flamingo pink, naturally!) It wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Blog London day without some sparkly rail travel, wouldn't it?
Today, Iām excited to share with you all the wonderful things that London had in store for a pink tutu-clad adventurer. London always has something spectacular going on. This Friday, in particular, held some rather special surprises that are just begging to be blogged about. Let's dive right in, shall we?
A Pink-tastic Start - The Royal Albert Hall
My London escapade kicked off with a visit to the grand old Royal Albert Hall, a truly iconic landmark in this city. Oh, the history! The beauty! The architecture! It's almost enough to make even the most seasoned pink tutu wearer gasp. This majestic hall is so quintessentially London. Itās practically dripping in Victorian charm. The inside is positively dazzling. There's just something about the way it stands tall amidst the bustling London streets, a beautiful beacon of cultural brilliance.
My reason for going? A delightful, captivating, and breathtakingly beautiful ballet performance. I wouldn't dream of sharing a secret like that with you without a sneak peek at the programme. You know I like to get my ballerina inspiration wherever I can. The programme included the famous Romeo and Juliet ballet - with the most magnificent set designs and the most gorgeous, intricate costumes Iāve seen in a while. Just think, my pink tutu in these incredible settings would have looked positively dazzling!
I know I should probably refrain from mentioning the fact that I snuck into a secret backstage tour with my best friend, just to take some sneak peeks at the costumes. But hey, a ballerina has got to keep her love of sequins and ruffles in check somehow, right? I even took a peek at the iconic, gigantic chandelier, which seemed to be hovering above the stage like some magnificent diamond-encrusted spider web.
If there is one thing I can promise you, dear readers, is that seeing Romeo and Juliet live on a Friday at the Royal Albert Hall is a sure-fire way to kick off your weekend on a supercharged dose of joy, artistry, and sheer 'ooh la la!'
Fashion, Food & Shopping Spree - A Perfect London Trio
A ballet performance was definitely the perfect starting point to a London Friday, but even the most passionate ballerina has to eat (and shop) at some point. Thankfully, there is always something in London to appease even the most refined fashion-loving palate, just like my own.
After indulging in an enormous (and rather delicious) afternoon tea with the prettiest cucumber sandwiches and delectable cream cakes I have ever laid eyes on, my attention, as usual, naturally veered to the world of fashion and shopping. What better place to do so than Oxford Street?
This street holds a certain magic. You can get almost anything on Oxford Street, from designer boutiques with a certain level of luxuriousness, which always get me feeling my fabulous self, to little independent shops offering handmade crafts, which always have that something special, you know what I mean?
As you might already know, my favourite shopping habit is finding unique tutus, but sometimes I have to get out of my comfort zone and indulge in other fashion treasures, right?
One little independent shop stood out from the rest on my travels, boasting a shop front full of pretty fabrics. I couldn't resist and ventured in. This delightful little shop turned out to be a haven for upcycling projects! I discovered the most incredible range of vintage fabrics, and I fell completely in love with a piece of rich red silk - so beautiful! It will definitely inspire a few ballet moves of my own at some point, I have no doubt.
With bags stuffed full of fabulous finds, I took a little wander and settled down for dinner in a little restaurant called the āQueenās Cafe,ā with the best-smelling coffee in all of London! And by āthe best-smellingā coffee I donāt mean simply nice ā Iām talking coffee with a distinctive fragrance like no other. The aroma, of course, attracted me to the cafĆ© in the first place. It smelled as if it had just been made with a dollop of the sweetest vanilla in all of London. There is nothing more satisfying after a long day exploring than indulging in a perfectly made latte with the London skyline shining brightly through the window!
I donāt need to remind you about the delicious dinner, do I? It would be an injustice to my dear readers not to mention the fact that it was the absolute best Thai food Iāve ever eaten.
And to think that this day just got started! Itās almost enough to get a girl dancing.
* A Touch of Ballet Street - London at Night*
After such a full day, I couldnāt think of a better way to wrap it up than with a visit to the famous Covent Garden, the mecca for any aspiring dancer - a ballerina's paradise. Covent Garden never ceases to amaze me, and I was mesmerized by the lively performances of a selection of street performers.
Some truly talented ballet dancers were there tonight, too. I am constantly surprised by the dedication, the creativity, the joy of expression displayed by these fantastic dancers! You know I always bring a pink tutu along for such events - just for a little bit of extra fun. A quick change in the nearby toilet gave me a chance to enjoy this truly inspirational setting. Of course, the crowds had noticed the splash of pink on display and started snapping photos! It wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Blog London post without a couple of tutu moments.
In London, every night feels magical and a bit like a dream. The cobbled streets are a bit less busy, and the streets just shimmer under the warm glow of streetlamps, just as beautiful as those old-world theatre entrances on Drury Lane. The Covent Garden Piazza feels full of hidden energy, a buzzing yet relaxing hive of excitement and artistry. I just love the whole scene; itās so quintessentially London. And it was the perfect end to a wonderful, fabulous and inspiring day.
And That's a Wrap, My Lovely Readers!
So there you have it, a day well-spent in London with all of its wonder and glory, as a Pink Tutu wearer would see it. You can't ask for more. Now that's what I call a fantastic Friday in London!
I'm so glad you could join me, and remember: keep your inner ballerina shining!
Until next week's London blog post!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
Postscript: If you havenāt already discovered Londonās magnificent theatre scene, nowās your chance. This weekend is the time for catching a great musical or play. This time of year, everyone is out and about enjoying a festive dinner or musical performance. Even a Friday in London in December is the perfect excuse for indulging in your favorite festive treat, or a delectable Christmas market hot chocolate.
So come on, everyone! Put on your most colourful tutu (it can be any colour, even pink!), make it to a show, and have a super fabulously festive Friday. And make sure you tag me on Instagram using #PinkTutuLondon if you spot me, my darling pink tutu readers.
Until next Friday!
Emma
