Vauxhall City Farm is a really adorable city farm that is free to visit. It has more animals than you would expect to see including pigs that to have their belly scratched, though I have only seen them peeking their noses out of their stalls.
There’s a cow statue that Bea got to milk, since we couldn’t get the other cows near enough to pet. Also ducks and rabbits.. and some chickens with feathered feet!
London, Guest Written by Dana:I have been coming to Battersea Park at least once a week, if not 3-4 times a week for the past 4.5 years of my life in London. a few cafes, a children’s petting zoo, ducks and swans in the lake, huge playground with areas fenced off by age group, big fields, beautiful gardens, fountains, ice cream.. probably the most underrated London park and my favorite.
218 St. John Street, London, Written by Dana** All this week I’ll be featuring some great Picks by my dear friend Dana who will clue us in on London’s greatest offerings. Thanks so much Dana!!**
Styled like a bazaar, Liberty of London is one of the most beautifully and uniquely curated spaces. The store started in 1850, to sell Asian imports and in the 1920s, the Tudor revival building was created (from the timbers of ships!), and stock was extended. (I learned this all from a booklet they sell at the store).
It now carries small collections of high-end designers and its always been known to showcase new designers. Arthur Liberty helped develop the Art Nouveau movement by sponsoring the contemporary designers of that time.
Most people recognise the name LIBERTY for its traditional fabrics and prints, which could be described as prim English country florals, though today their are many more new prints by contemporary designers.
Oh and there’s a champagne bar downstairs!
This pick comes from the week of February 23rd
Our main objective in London was to shop, and shop we did, starting with the famous Portobello Market in Notting Hill. It was a crowded stretch of road with vendors of all kinds, mot notably lots of cheap and trendy clothes (I finally found a plaid jacket inspired by Tokyo Drifter) and some good vintage once you cross under the bridge. Nearby children's clothing shops Stasi and Jigsaw were great for work. It's a lovely area to walk around with quaint buildings and antiques and fresh flowers peering out of windows.
Soho was much less quaint, a bustling center that reminded me of midtown and houses the colossal four story Topshop (soon to be causing mayhem in NYC). The place is a madhouse sea of intimidating head to toe trendy teens throwing hangers and grabbing sizes before you can reach for them. Not a spot for those prone to panic attacks, it is still worth a look for it's fun and exciting trends that are sold at comparatively reasonable prices.
For relative calm we headed to the exquisite concept store Dover Street Market, where even a pair of socks was out of my price range. Amazing designer clothing like Commes des Garcons and Manish Arora set among interesting displays of wax heads, neon tree branches, and giant plastic octopuses. It's more like a museum of avant garde design than a retail shop.
The next day got up early for the Brick Lane Market that reminded me of Brooklyn and bore great handmade t-shirts, spray painted shoes, beautiful people watching and excellent food (see restaurant picks). Nearby Beyond Retro, Shelf, Labour and Wait, Ella Doran and Mar Mar are worth visiting.
I really fell in love with London and hope to visit again when I can. Part of the magic was the comforts afforded by the great hotel No. 11 Cadogan Gardens in beautiful Chelsea and seeing my friend and her adorable baby again. It's the only city outside New York I could see myself living in.
RUNNERS UP:
Paris
Brimfield
Lake George
Crescent Beach
Vanderbilt Mansion and Planetarium
Twin Island