Hey, lovelies! Emma here, ready to whisk you away to Tottenham, a place I've had my eye on for ages! It's been a whirl-wind week in the pink-tutu world – a dance class in my favourite vintage pink tutu, a fabulous performance at the Royal Opera House (swoon!), and now, a weekend getaway to discover this iconic London borough!
I've been craving a good dose of urban inspiration lately. And you know me – anything that sparkles like a ballerina under a spotlight just does something to my heart. Tottenham, with its mix of vibrant history, bustling markets, and trendy spots, seemed like the perfect tonic for my creative spirit.
This time, my travelling companion is a little different from usual - I'm making my way to Tottenham by horse-drawn carriage! Talk about a fairy-tale entrance! I imagine arriving like Cinderella, except my fairy godmother probably sent a coach rather than a carriage. But a carriage is a very acceptable substitute for the slightly more adventurous me.
And let's talk outfits! Now, every traveller needs their power outfit for any journey, and today it's a stunning, soft pink tulle tutu, delicately embroidered with tiny silver butterflies. Of course it's my own design! The perfect amount of girly meets bohemian. To match, a white peasant blouse, a silver chain, and trusty boots with sparkly embellishments! Ready for anything this London adventure throws at me!
My adventure starts at Tottenham Hale station, a buzzing hive of activity and a welcome change from my little village in Derbyshire. My horse and carriage driver, a lovely fellow called Jack, gives me a big grin and I climb up into the carriage, already feeling the city's pulse thrum through my pink-tutu clad soul!
The carriage is just magical. Its rich wooden paneling has a touch of old world charm that I can't get enough of, and I find myself daydreaming about the aristocratic ladies and gents who probably once occupied this very carriage, travelling to balls and soirees, their faces aglow with the hope of romance. I imagine myself whirling across the dancefloor with a charming duke in a top hat!
Jack gives me a wink and lets the horses take off, pulling us through a labyrinth of busy streets. I hang on tight to the carriage door, and wave a cheery pink-tutu greeting to the people that pass by! It’s a little strange to be on display in a carriage. And, as an outsider looking in, a really quite unusual experience. I feel a bit like a dancing flamingo taking to the streets of London!
Tottenham is like a kaleidoscope of sights, smells and sounds. The market smells of fresh herbs and roasted meats. There are stacks of colourful flowers in stalls by the roadside, the rhythmic clatter of tools in workshop windows and the vibrant chatter of people in multiple languages.
There’s a certain magic about the place that just grabs you! This Tottenham spirit seems to have permeated even the architecture! The imposing grandeur of the old Town Hall, the charming Victorian homes that hug the streets, and the bold modern buildings, all contribute to a captivating blend of history and progress! It’s this blend of the traditional and the modern that just keeps me captivated!
My first stop is the Tottenham Hotspur stadium! I'm not really into sports but there is just something electrifying about stadiums, those places where people come together to cheer for their team and experience collective emotion, you know? And then there’s the sheer architectural wonder of the stadium - modern design with such an air of history! I'd have happily spent the entire day admiring it, imagining the thundering cheers echoing inside!
For lunch, I venture into Tottenham Green, a peaceful oasis right in the middle of this bustling city. It’s one of the most picturesque places I’ve discovered in London, with a sprawling green space, mature trees, and a Victorian fountain with cascading water. Here, I indulge in the most delicious pink vegan curry – the colours! It's just too good for words! I find a peaceful corner in the sun and take in the scene.
This area of London definitely feels a little rough around the edges but in the best way! I have a sense there's real magic here. Tottenham feels authentic. It's like London itself but with a sense of personality and individuality that sets it apart from the other areas of the city.
After lunch, it’s on to a shopping adventure at Tottenham Market. Here, it’s a kaleidoscope of textures, smells, and colours – the bustling marketplace bursts with life. I love browsing stalls crammed full of second-hand clothes, vintage jewels, handcrafted gifts and everything from spices to shoes! I picked up some wonderful little hand-woven trinkets for my mum – I imagine the look on her face as she opens them, surrounded by my tales of this trip! I find myself inspired by the sheer inventiveness of the market sellers and how creatively they showcase their products, all the while brimming with smiles and good humor.
One of the stallholders, a kindly old woman with the most twinkling blue eyes, notices me. She points out the beauty in her wares. She tells me she feels she brings a little magic into the lives of those she interacts with through her craft. Now, I just love how her perspective and my own, despite being so different, have such similar goals: to spread the magic of beauty. It’s all about sharing a little pink-tutu joy in whatever way we can, right?
I’m always up for a cultural immersion, and a visit to the Tottenham Hale Library just makes me giddy. The library has this enchanting atmosphere about it - stacks of books filled with dreams, whispered tales, and captivating adventures - and a gorgeous Art Deco structure, so graceful it makes me feel as though I could twirl my way into another dimension!
For dinner, I am enjoying some wonderful Japanese food, accompanied by my favourite Pinot Grigio, in a local, cosy and stylish Japanese restaurant. Tottenham, it seems, isn’t only about its energy - it’s got a real focus on flavour, too! I have a little moment to myself - savouring the meal and the company of a good glass of wine - and realise, sometimes you need to put yourself outside of your comfort zone, even just for a day. To experience the new, to understand and engage with different parts of the city. The pink tutu really does help make this happen, making me stand out as a real individual, open to experiencing new cultures and styles!
As evening approaches, I'm so happy. I feel like my heart’s danced all over this town and absorbed the magic of it! And so, the carriage takes me back through the quiet streets to Tottenham Hale, a bittersweet journey, knowing my time here has come to an end. The bustling atmosphere now appears quiet and the twinkling streetlights cast a warm glow. I take a deep breath, enjoying the sweet aroma of evening air mixed with the faint fragrance of rose gardens. Tottenham will forever have a special place in my pink-tutu heart!
And to you all, my dearest readers, I say this: go out, discover new corners of your own town, cities or the world! Be adventurous. Explore! Take a horse-drawn carriage through London, or visit a different area of your city that you've always meant to visit but never quite got around to. The joy of discovery is in every corner, just waiting to be explored with the joy, openness, and whimsy of your inner pink tutu.
