#TutuQueen on 2017-03-04 stars in East Ham

Post #6273

Oh, hello darlings! It’s your girl Pink Tutu Sparkles, bringing you a dose of sunshine and sparkles, straight from the bustling streets of East Ham. Yes, you heard me right! Your favourite tutu-clad queen has packed her bags (and her oversized pink luggage – no surprises there, darling!), and hopped on the trusty train to explore this exciting new corner of London.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Pink Tutu, East Ham? Isn’t that a bit…industrial?” To which I say, honey, challenge accepted! Every place deserves a sprinkle of magic, a burst of pink, and a little tutu-fied joy. And trust me, even the most jaded soul can't resist a twirl or two with a little encouragement.

Speaking of encouragement, this adventure actually started with you, my lovely readers! You know how much I love reading your comments and seeing all your amazing suggestions for my next Pink Tutu adventure. Well, a particularly enthusiastic comment mentioned a wonderful little café in East Ham known for its "delicious cakes and even better coffee," as the comment put it.

"Cake and coffee?" I thought, "My inner diva screams for such a treat."

Plus, East Ham has a reputation for being an area with an eclectic blend of shops and vibrant cultural venues. I'm talking about independent boutiques, charming art galleries, and a few historic pubs, all perfect for a tutu-tastic afternoon. Honestly, how could I resist the opportunity to combine my love for exploring with the promise of decadent pastries? My willpower (never strong in the presence of cake) dissolved faster than a sugar cube in a cup of hot tea.

So, my trusty travel companion, Sparkle – my stunning pink suitcase who's seen more of the world than some people have had hot dinners – was packed with enough tulle and glitter to light up the entire neighbourhood. Off I went, to East Ham, ready to turn this neighbourhood into a pink tutu wonderland.

My journey started with a charming little café named "The Toffee Shop," a name that immediately caught my eye, being a lover of all things sweet. It lived up to its name too. From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with the delightful scent of freshly baked goods. And then I saw the cake selection: a symphony of colourful pastries, including a delicate Victoria sponge with layers of whipped cream and fresh strawberries, which is literally my dream cake! (I must admit I sampled all the goodies, because hey, if I don’t do it, who will?).

The owner, a kind and friendly lady named Mrs. Henderson, is a real gem. We had the most delightful conversation about all things sweet, with Mrs. Henderson revealing her passion for old-fashioned cake recipes. And, yes, we spoke about tutus, of course. After all, who doesn’t love a good tutu-filled chat over a cup of Earl Grey?

“There’s a real magic about those pink tutus you wear, dear," Mrs. Henderson said, her eyes twinkling. “Makes even the greyest of days a little brighter, wouldn't you say?”

“Oh, I completely agree, dear!" I chirped, adding a bit of extra bounce to my tutu. “Sometimes all it takes is a dash of pink, a twirl or two, and the world becomes a better place.”

After a very delicious and sugar-filled morning, it was time for a change of scenery. Mrs. Henderson had pointed me towards the nearby East Ham Town Hall. It turned out to be a beautifully ornate building, with intricate carvings and grand columns, truly a testament to a rich local history.

I’ve got to say, the whole building has an undeniable Victorian charm, so grand and elegant. You'd never know just by looking that the town hall holds a unique place in British history! Imagine, I'm walking in the footsteps of people who contributed to our nation's progress, inspiring me to be more than just a queen in a pink tutu.

This morning, it was time for a little market exploration. And you know I couldn't resist going to the vibrant East Ham Market, a true treasure trove of local produce and artisan wares. I found everything from homemade chutneys and delicious fresh bread to handmade jewellery and vibrantly patterned textiles.

I made sure to grab some beautiful pink silk ribbons for my latest tutu creation. After all, every pink tutu queen needs a bit of fresh material to keep her creations sparkly and glamorous!

Of course, it wouldn't be a true Pink Tutu Sparkles adventure without a spot of shopping! As any seasoned tutu lover knows, no trip is complete without a visit to a few charming shops. In East Ham, I was delighted to find "The Fabric Room", an independent fabric shop tucked away on a side street. They have all kinds of materials, with such an array of textures and patterns I could hardly choose. It was just begging for a pink tulle extravaganza.

Now, for something truly spectacular! East Ham is not just a market town or a home to amazing coffee and cakes. It’s a hub of cultural events, with plenty of venues that hold everything from dance performances to theatre shows. My heart was soaring at the chance to see something new, especially in a place so far from my beloved Derbyshire.

You guys know how much I love a good ballet. So, I just had to go and see the ‘Nutcracker' at the charming, historic Theatre Royal. Seeing classic ballets always puts me in a fantastic mood. The elegant steps, the romantic music, the intricate costumes... I’ve got to say, even a little queen with a love for a good tutu gets carried away by the artistry. And don't even get me started on the dancing snowflakes - they practically brought tears to my eyes. They were a visual dream.

The theatre is also part of the iconic London Borough of Newham's arts scene, showcasing local and international talent across various genres, so if you’re planning a trip to East Ham, you’re in for a treat.

I boarded the train back to my London flat with a contented sigh. It's always lovely to return to the familiarity of my sparkly space, but after each trip, the city feels a bit more familiar, a bit more special.

I can honestly say that this trip to East Ham was a real treat, proving that magic can be found in even the most unexpected places. So, the next time you’re in London, make sure to explore its diverse neighbourhoods and all the exciting hidden treasures they hold!

And remember, my dear readers: keep sparkling, keep twirling, and most importantly, never stop wearing your pink tutu. I hope to see all you lovely, tulle-loving creatures at one of my upcoming shows!

Until next time,

Pink Tutu Sparkles.