#brigit's afternoon tea

[leche-flandom]

UK vacation recap continued...

After the best flight ever, we rested at our Bloomsbury hotel a bit before heading to Victoria Coach Station. Very confusing over there, as there's a Victoria tube station and then a Victoria hub, etc... Any way, we booked a Christmas Lights tea party bus tour. These old timey buses are adorable but man do you feel every bump in the road! I think we all got a little motion sick.

The food was great though, as were the staff. The kid didn't like the paper crown that came with the cracker but she did enjoy asking us the riddles. And seeing all the Christmas decor was just lovely! I asked my sister how on earth did businesses put out these things without being stolen? And she said that they just do?, and I'm thinking with an Atlanta frame of mind (note: we laughed about it but an ATL community Christmas Tree had been stripped of all its decorations a la Grinch last week.)

We were all super tired by the time the tour ended, so the plan was to head straight back to the hotel. But when we got out at Tottenham, we saw this amazing thing! Despite being exhausted, we hung out here for a bit.

I love love LOVE Tetris! There was a QR code to scan if you wanted to play, but there was a queue already and I was happy just experiencing it. I had known that there was some kind of immersive video show near our hotel, but I took it off our itinerary because I didn't think we'd have time to see it. So happy to stumble upon it accidentally!

On the way back to the hotel, I noticed a man lying face down against the curb and I became extremely worried. Years ago, I went on a trip with my old French teacher, and when she noticed a homeless youth passed out on the street, she insisted that a nearby business call an ambulance. She taught us that just because someone is poor doesn't mean we step right over them when they're in need. So I was ready to call the police for this poor guy getting stepped over in London but my husband told me that the guy was in fact absolutely fine, and had been running away from the police just seconds earlier, which I failed to notice 😅

The next day we went to see Big Ben, who said, "BONG BONG BONG" etc. I know I'm immature, but I couldn't stop giggling at the shape of the sun on the sidewalk heeheehee

Afterwards we walked to Buckingham because the weather was gorgeous and saw the changing of the guard. I'm not a huge fan of royalty but the guards played Lady Gaga, which was nice.

Then we had lunch at the Grenadier in Belgravia, which is supposed to be a super haunted pub. Last time I was there I thought Cedric the ghost was messing with me when the toilet wouldn't flush. This time I found out that everyone has trouble with it, since the flusher is a chain from the ceiling 😆

(My sister had trouble walking on these types of streets. She was dying in her high heeled boots, and the other pair she brought were also high heeled boots? Tf? I told her she was dumb and she agreed, which led to her buying some sneakers at Covent Garden later.)

After the best sticky toffee pudding in the entire world, we went to the Natural History Museum. We saw a T-Rex automaton (which they had a warning sign about, as it could be "distressing") and the husband took a pic using that "get rid of people in the back" feature. It looks like everyone got raptured.

The museum itself was...a lot. Really great if you're a kid, but super overwhelming to an adult with sensory issues.

Then my sister took the kid to go shopping and stuff while the husband and I went to dinner at The Ivy. These are the things we saw while walking. My husband couldn't get over how nice London was, all these little neighborhoods and how they all get so festive for the holidays. We sorta have "neighborhoods" in Atlanta, but nothing cozy like the little streets and alleys we saw.

Dinner was all right, but I think my husband and I must give off povvo vibes. I was dressed nicely enough and my husband was dressed up (for him anyway), so it was a little funny when we went to the restaurant and the doorman was like, "How can I help you?" instead of opening the door for us. And I said we had a reservation, which ??? Why else would I come up to this establishment, to sell cookies? Our server wasn't the most attentive either, though we did see how kind he was to our neighboring tables. My husband chalked it up to his fluffy hair, which I conceded did make him look like a ragamuffin. But the food was good, especially! The chocolate dome! Which is where they bring out a small chocolate sphere in a bowl and they pour hot caramel on it to melt it so it reveals the cake inside. Honestly, that was the main reason I chose that place, lol. And this may sound absurd, but I absolutely loved the Ivy's bathroom. It was pink and gold and vintage-y and I wish I had taken my phone for a pic. I walked in and gave a soft, mournful "Ooh!" at how nice it was, which might've confused the other women in there, lol.

[red-umbrella-811]

https://www.viator.com/tours/Paris/Behind-the-Scenes-of-a-Boulangerie-French-Bakery-Tour-in-Paris/d479-3234PARISBAKERY

I’m going to stop searching this now because I’m starting to hit cities that don’t have them but you get the idea. You could also just do it yourself for cheaper.

[bumbershots]

A CERTAIN ROMANCE

CHAPTER FOUR: SILENCE COMES AND GOES

Author’s note: Hello! We continue with this, I would like to thank everyone once again for all the likes and reblogs the story has gotten so far, couldn’t be happier! Enjoy (:

Story masterlist ** Word count: 2.9K **

It is possible that Harry is ignoring the big elephant in the room, as he spreads some jam in his crumpet, well aware of Fernando and Jack exchanging knowing looks. He takes a bite of the savoury treat and hopes none of them dare to confront him, at the same time he wants to be questioned about why he hasn't called Alma yet.

Harry spent the last two weeks grumpy and frustrated.

He's called his therapist way too many times. He has no idea where he went wrong in his healing process. They were back to square one, whispered his tired heart.

Jack is surprised too, his friend got on so well with Alma at the party and apparently even went the extra mile asking for her number then he spent the following fourteen days acting as if she didn’t exist. Didn't even text her like Gemma suggested. He sips his coffee and sighs for the millionth time that day.

The musician is infuriated at himself and desperate that he wants to have Fernando demand an explanation for his behaviour towards his sister. Harry's not a confrontational guy, but he's going mad. Might be losing it. He wanted to scream at the two men before him that he did plan on calling Alma, but then he got so sad. Now he's afraid it's too late.

"Do you want another one?" Fernando holds the plate with crumpets in front of Harry who takes one more and thanks him before grabbing the jam. "Do you reckon you'll be man enough to call my sister within the next couple of days?" Harry chokes on his food while Jack's laughter booms through their home.

Nobody has ever called him out like that. Harry's still unsure whether to be grateful or scared. Maybe a bit of both he thinks after composing himself again from the fit of coughs, he knows Fernando is still waiting for an answer.

"Is she upset about it?" A hint of relief and pride linger on Harry's voice. Jack shakes his head, knowing that he's avoiding the question. Something he's very good at.

"That's not what I asked." Fernando's clipped tone leaves no room for the musician to beat around the bush anymore.

"I was really nervous about calling her, kept putting it off until days turned into weeks... I'm not sure how to go about it," he plays with his rings and looks away from the inquisitive gaze of his companions.

"How did you get Taylor to go out with you?"

"What?" Harry and Jack ask at the same time.

"You must've asked her I guess," Fernando shrugs. "What is so scary about Alma that puts you off? Are you interested in just a shag and you're worried she'll decline or tell the media about it?" Harry is shaking his head vigorously and the dark haired architect leans a bit closer towards him, "you're so full of sh-”

"Alright let's take a break," Jack's soothing tone brings his house mate back from the rage path he was following. But Harry knew that he was right.

It had been a year already, he moved to a new house, one where his ex never set foot into and still her ghost was everywhere. He has this crazy need to destroy everything that can relate to her. Her favourite cardigan is kept away in a box full of Polaroids and books that are all her.

The real reason why he didn't dare to call Alma is because whatever he felt at the beginning of his previous relationship, or any other one, was at least ten times less intense, than what he was feeling now. Seeing the menace before them, his heart and mind decided to leave him courage-less towards the situation. It's less painful to think what could've been than to know it and see it being taken away from you. Again.

But he deserves to be happy, that's what Gemma reminded him the other day.

"I gotta go," Fernando announces before rising from his seat, walking inside the house and upstairs to his room. Jack tries to tidy up the table a bit, not daring to look at his apparently mute friend. When Fernando comes back down he steps outside to the patio where they had brunch, one last glance to a very ashamed Harry and he sighs. "Brigit's Bakery Classic Afternoon Tea Bus. Alma’s been dying to get tickets but never has the time to actually book it," he explains adjusting his jacket's collar. "It's not too late." With that he turns on his heel and leaves the house.

Harry takes their mugs and places them in the sink, he notices Jack is going around the kitchen putting away the butter and milk in the fridge.

"What are you waiting for Romeo?" The blue eyed man asks, stopping in front of a blushing Harry.

They're both quiet for a minute. Harry's heart is racing and can feel his hands get clammy. He hasn't felt someone's faith in a long time, and he's not sure if he's happy or pressured that Fernando and Jack are pushing him to call Alma, he doesn’t even know if she will give him a chance. Harry's wishing to be the kind of guy to take out his mobile and make the call, maybe even crack a witty joke that will have Alma laughing in that loud way he remembers and not be awkward with asking her out on a date. As if he wasn't completely mortified by being rejected.

Harry was sure he would ruin it, not just the call but the date and everything else that was actually going to happen between them without even trying first.

"Hello?" She answers after the third ring, confused at the unknown number calling her.

"Yeah it's me," Harry nods to Jack who urges him to finish whatever sentence he's trying to form, "I believe I owe you some coffee."

"Harry?" Alma tries to fight back a laugh. A wide smile splitting her face after recognising who is the mystery caller.

"Yes! Sorry I forgot you didn't have my number." Jack is red with second hand embarrassment for his friend and decides to start the dishwasher just to keep his eyes from the train wreck happening in his kitchen. "I'm sorry for not calling sooner."

"You're calling now, 's all that matters... I'd love to get that coffee. Next Thursday works for you?" He nods feverishly and remembers he's on the phone.

"Of course, I'll pick you up at five if that's alright."

"Make it half past five please, that's when my shift ends. I'll text you the address." She throws the latter smoothly as an excuse to initiate conversation until they meet again and Harry is oblivious about it.

"Sure great, perfect I'm... really looking forward to seeing you," he plays with the tea towel on the counter, his back turned to Jack, a million butterflies fluttering in his stomach when he hears the coy chuckle his confession got out of her. "Have a good day, see you later."

"See you later, Harry" Alma's goodbye is full of hope and endearment, just like the one he got before she walked away from him that morning after Freddie’s birthday party.

After ending the call, he mentally scolds himself for dreading it so much. It went so much better than expected, even got a laugh out of her. Perhaps Harry needed to stop making decisions based upon his fears and more taking in consideration the other person. He always thought he knew best, it's what he's been told for so many years and although he needs to be making big choices most of the time, perhaps now he could share that responsibility. Felt dead nice for a change.

"That wasn't so bad." He admits to Jack before drying the now clean dishes with a towel.

"I'm proud of you, now tell me, where are you guys going for that coffee?" Jack's eyes are full of curiosity and excitement, it's impossible for Harry not to feel a chill go down his spine at the prospect of planning the date. He thinks about what Fernando suggested, but it would be too obvious that it wasn't his idea entirely.

Alma deserves something exclusively planned by him.

"Don't know yet, perhaps somewhere nice and quiet" he ponders and his friend agrees.

Last time Harry had a proper first date was about two years ago or so. He cooked aubergine parmigiana following Jamie Oliver's recipe and baked some biscuits for dessert that he enjoyed with his companion overlooking the Pacific Ocean from his home's balcony. Back then it seemed to be the right choice to keep it low-key, a simple dinner at his, no risk at all to be bothered or watched. But Harry knew that at some point it got old, being overly discreet was easily mistaken for being ashamed of the relationship. That kind of thing can do a lot to someone's confidence, little by little until it's all too much to bear.

If he could only learn not to care about the world's prying eyes.

Harry doesn't want to drag anyone into the scrutiny of the media until he knows it's an incorruptible bond. The inevitable thought of forever, something he believes might not exist for him, at times. He did think Taylor was it, even Kendall for a while, which is why he dated more publicly back then, until she came along and the love Harry felt was so grand it made him overly protective of them. Countless times he tried to explain that this was the first time something was working in spite of all the circumstances that came with his life and he was trying to cherish it, keep it to himself. Nurture it until it was as tough as old boots.

That night was spent writing down ideas for that first date. Number one was The river café, near Putney Bridge, a place free of paparazzi. Number two, Rail house café, lovely spot to share dinner. Number three The sanctuary café, located in a beautiful building with a quirky environment. Number four and his personal favourite Lola's bakery, their service was so warm and intimate, he remembers the cinnamon Chelsea bun and his mouth waters instantly. So, drawing a big circle around the fourth option he smiles before going to bed that night.

Saturday morning finds Harry at his grandparents’ old home, carrying a bag full of ingredients for a vegetarian lasagna he is planning to cook for his grandfather and his mum. He immediately banishes Anne from helping in the kitchen. She observed him follow the recipe, cooking for no longer than ten minutes the garlic, thyme and aubergine, and then crumble over the chilli carefully. He lets her grate the Parmesan when the sauce isn’t thickening and reducing like it was supposed to. With a bump of her hip, she nodded towards a couple of tomatoes, Harry smiled before tipping them in, breaking them with a spoon and five minutes later, the sauce was ready.

His mother is a marvellous woman, like the good son he is, Harry doesn't want to make her sad, ever. The last time he visited her, recently broken hearted, they spent it baking, cooking, eating sweets and drinking hot chocolate at the rear terrace. Once he had enough of moping around, he decided to make it up to her and create good memories from that visit. They explored the local parklands as if it was the first time, shared ice cream, got tipsy on cheap red wine and chatted from dusk till dawn.

A few hours later, after eating the delicious meal and tidying up the kitchen afterwards, Harry watches his mum talking to his grandad, holding his shaky hand in hers and caressing it in a soothing way. The elder man’s Parkinson is getting worse with time, he feels so useless, specially because it affects his favourite people. He wants to know what his mother is thinking when she joins him back in the kitchen. There is some anguish dancing in her kind eyes, but Harry knows better than to push her to share something she is not ready to.

"I have a date next Thursday," he chokes out, in hopes of distracting her, and it works. Anne's head whips towards her youngest child, evidently shocked and yet proud. It's been years since Harry shared that kind of information with her.

"A proper date?"

"Yes," he wants to add how nervous it makes him. "I dunno how serious it'll get... just met her once, properly I mean, we saw each other on the tube's carriage three times prior to it. Coincidentally of course, Gem said it is something straight out of a film."

"Who is she?" His mother is giving him that look, the one that says how giddy she is to know absolutely everything about the person that got her son so skittish, that he started to rearrange the containing of the cupboards entirely.

"Her name is Alma," he doesn't know where to start, if he spills all the ways in which he thinks she is wonderful, they'll end up pulling an all-nighter.

"And she's a...?"

"Cashier during the week, Spanish teacher on the weekends and occasional interviewer for her Youtube channel." Anne raises her eyebrows, impressed and wondering why such a busy girl agreed to go on a date. Must like him a lot of course, she thinks watching her son pour hot water on a mug, and dunking a tea bag in it afterwards.

"Where did you meet her if not on the tube?'' She is curious and weary. This wouldn't be the first time her youngest spawn overlooked certain things from strangers. Very little things in Harry's life were coincidences nowadays.

"Remember Jack Robinson?" his mum nodded, how could she forget the cheeky chap that helped Harry escape almost every night from his dad's house in the summer, just to go skate in Southbank's center until midnight. Anne admitted to not liking the bloke for a while, but gave him another chance after watching him grow into a responsible adult. "He's in charge of my home renovation, extension whatever it is called. Invited me to Freddie's birthday party and she was there." The dreamy look on his eyes when reminiscing the moment brought out a wide smile on his mum's face followed by her loud laughter.

"Oh Harry, you've got that look." it was the truth. He looked completely gobsmacked by his mother's reaction, but he couldn’t deny the peace he felt when knowing that she was already fond of the girl that he couldn’t get out of his mind.

"It’s too soon to tell!” He doesn’t want to dive into it, not yet. 

"How did you really meet? I want all the details." Anne asked, taking a seat at the coffee table and Harry told her everything.

From the first glance he stole her way to the last phone call he had yesterday at Jack and Fernando's house, his hands flew several times to tussle his hair and the dimple on his left cheek was exquisite, when telling his mother, how she asked him to dance with her. He spared no detail, from her intoxicating Moschino perfume to her raspy accented voice. By the time he finished, his mum's mug was empty but her heart was full. For so long she wondered if she would ever witness the beauty of Harry in love again and enjoy first-hand the way he spoke about that person in the sweetest manner, the high-pitched tone of his voice when finally admitting how nervous he actually was about this first date.

"Right, well in that case, stop thinking about how everything is going to go wrong." Easier said than done, Harry thinks but nods. "I'm sure whatever you planned will sweep her off her feet." Anne knew how much of a romantic her boy was, he went all out in that department. His best quality and Achilles heel.

"If the cupcakes from that place don't... I could literally do it." Harry plucks a banana from the fruit bowl before them and narrows his eyes when his mum rolls her eyes at him playfully.

His mother's reassurance made him feel less hopeless, the next day when they went to Sheffield's city center, she even picked out a couple of new mugs. 'Just in case we have new visitors at home.' Harry groaned but failed to hide the dreamy look in his eyes, he even crossed his fingers behind his back as he watched her pay for the cups. The thought of Alma meeting his mother in the near future —and the rest of his loved ones— excited him to an unfamiliar degree, like the first time he saw the seaside with his own eyes at a very young age, like that time he sang in front of a considerable amount of people, like a warm hug of his late grandmother. The idea that she may like him enough to agree to a second date is stuck on his brain, despite that they haven't even survived the first one.

Anne saw him enjoy himself the rest of that afternoon and the next morning before he had to go back to London. She sighed and watched him drive away, standing in her front door for a few more minutes, rejoicing on the memory of Harry's toothy grin. Usually she was careful and waiting for the other shoe to drop, but not this time. There was a bit of certainty in the unfamiliar situation, something she couldn't quite put her finger on, she decided to patiently wait and see. She hummed a familiar tune while putting away the new additions to her crockery. The same song her son decided to play on his journey back home.

Qué será, será. Whatever will be, will be. The future's not ours to see. Qué será, será.

///

Let me know if you like the story! *** Join the taglist!

///

TAG LIST: @laurxn-robinson @mellamolayla

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[travelonlinetipsofficial]

10 Best Romantic Restaurants in Rio de Janeiro

New Post has been published on https://www.travelonlinetips.com/10-best-romantic-restaurants-in-rio-de-janeiro/

10 Best Romantic Restaurants in Rio de Janeiro

Romance and Rio de Janeiro go together like lime and cachaca, and loved-up visitors to the city will find ample opportunity to wine and dine in some of the most romantic settings imaginable.

And while fine dining in Rio is undeniably expensive, the good news for couples on a budget is that even the most simple of spots can become infused with romance as long as it offers a view – Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s most breathtakingly beautiful cities.

There are few more romantic ways to enjoy a meal here than right in front of the crashing waves at Copacabana or Ipanema, and beachfront dining is often very inexpensive. While there are some chic, upscale kiosks right on the sands at Copacabana, there are plenty of simple family-run spots too, offering fresh seafood and tangy caipirinha cocktails.

For something more sophisticated, Rio’s high-end hotels offer some of the city’s best fine dining -there’s upscale Italian at Fasano Al Mare and Copacabana Palace’s elegant formal dining restaurant Cipriani (for a more relaxed romantic vibe, check out the hotel’s and restaurant Pergula.

Another high spot (literally) for romantic dining in Rio is the hilltop neighborhood of Santa Teresa – expect incredible views and impressive food at Tereze and Aprazivel (the latter is so well hidden that taxi drivers almost always have to ask locals for directions).

Wherever you choose to eat in Rio, the city’s balmy heat and sensual atmosphere are sure to have you feeling romantic.

Photo courtesy of Oro/Tomas Rangel

Brazilian celebrity Chef Felipe Bronze performs culinary alchemy at this super-trendy Jardim Botanico restaurant. The menu largely eschews main dishes in favor of a dazzling array of small plates, and Brazilian ingredients are given a contemporary spin through the use of innovative cooking methods, scientific know-how and a seemingly endless imagination. Cases in point include tiny cones made of acai ‘paper’ and filled with tapioca, white fish and fruits from Brazil’s northeast. The culinary party tricks continue with dessert, and the dishes are as tasty as they are innovatively presented. Those who frown upon contemporary restaurants’ sometimes ‘out there’ food presentation will wince at the lack of traditional plates here, but if you’re after food as grand theater, this is the place to come.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: This upscale, ultra-modern restaurant will create culinary memories to savour long after the meal is over.

Lucy’s expert tip: Splurge on one of the taster menus – comprising five, seven or nine courses – if you want to get the best Oro experience.

Read more about Oro →

This top-end French restaurant is arguably the most celebrated eatery in Rio de Janeiro, and is manned by celebrity chef Claude Troisgros – of the multi Michelin-starred Troisgras family of France. The award-strewn restaurant offers such delicacies as raw salmon with ginger, and organic eggs with caviar, and gives French dishes a Brazilian twist with the addition of locally-sourced fruit, vegetables and seasonings. Not a spot for the budget traveler, this is a wonderful ‘special occasion’ restaurant, and the degustation menu, at R$260 is a real feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds thanks to Troisgros’ immaculate presentation.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: This is one of Rio’s most celebrated restaurants, with a kitchen headed up by celebrity chef Claude Troisgros.

Lucy’s expert tip: Book early to ensure your table at this highly-rated Rio restaurant

Read more about Olympe →

This elegant seafood-focused Italian restaurant at the super-chic Fasano Rio hotel is a favorite among business people looking to impress clients, as well as with romantic types looking to impress their dates. The Phillipe-Starck designed interiors have a cool, minimalist style with plenty of crisp white linen, and diners can request a private table separated from the main room by linen curtains. There are views over the beach, and the food is high quality, if also highly expensive. Chef Paolo Lavezzini joined the restaurant from the triple-Michelin-starred Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, and creates wonderful pastas and seafood risottos, as well as other dishes that combine local ingredients with Mediterranean flavors.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Fasano Al Mare is an elegant restaurant serving some of the best seafood in Rio.

Lucy’s expert tip: Request a private table if you want to be able to exchange sweet nothings without the distraction of other diners.

Read more about Fasano Al Mare →

A relatively recent addition to Rua Dias Ferreira’s already-illustrious drinking and dining scene, the chic whitewashed space that is Brigite’s has fast become part of the well-heeled establishment. The bistro-style dishes are as immaculately presented as the restaurant and its clientele, and light dishes such as the ‘Salada Brigite’s’ – crisp mixed leaves topped with grilled squid, drizzled with passion fruit and garnished with a flower – are perfect for body conscious beach goers. The bar serves up a wonderful range of cocktails, too, many of which put colorful Brazilian fruits to good use.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: This is foodie heaven, and couples can take their pick from a street full of upmarket bar-restaurants.

Lucy’s expert tip: Brigite’s is a good place for romantic dining with a relaxed vibe.

Read more about Brigite’s →

For a taste of Rio’s Belle Epoque past, head to this historic cafe-restaurant in downtown Rio. Ornate chandeliers and jacaranda wood mirrors make an elegant setting for breakfasts, brunches and afternoon teas, and this is the ideal place to take the weight of your feet and soak up the opulence during a Centro shopping or sightseeing spree. Head here for a quick espresso and a pastry at the stand up balcony or sit down and relax with a full breakfast spread complete with breads, coffee, cakes, jams, jellies, juices and fruit. Just don’t forget your camera to capture the grandeur of the place.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: The opulent decor and sense of old-world grandeur gives this historic restaurant a romantic feel

Lucy’s expert tip: Plan to come here during the week – Centro can be disconcertingly quiet at weekends

Read more about Confeitaria Colombo →

For the ultimate indulgent Rio experience, head to the Pergula, the elegant poolside restaurant at the enduringly elegant Copacabana Palace hotel. Less formal than the hotel’s fine dining Italian restaurant, Cipriani. at Pergula you can dine in your (suitanbly stylish) swimwear and sarong. Watch beautiful people splash around in the pool as you sip Champagne cocktails and dine on seafood and light pasta dishes, or head here for the famous breakfasts and brunches, which include salmon and even caviar washed down with a spot of bubbly. The likes of the Obamas, Will Smith and Madonna have all dined here, so keep your eyes peeled for A-listers.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: This is a lovely spot for relaxed al-fresco dining in one of Rio’s most picturesque neighborhoods.

Lucy’s expert tip: You don’t need to be a guest at the hotel to dine here, but it pays to dress in your most chic casual wear if you want to make it past the doorman.

Read more about Pergula →

This chic Italian restaurant is housed within the elegant confines of Copacabana Palace Hotel, and welcomes non-guests with reservations. The service is as impeccable as the renderings of Italian dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients, and the fresh pasta is simply wonderful. This is about as formal as dining gets in Rio, so put on your glad rags if you want to feel at home in a spot that has catered to a range of A-listers that takes in such diverse names as the Obamas, Will Smith, Madonna and Mick Jagger. There´s no need to go for full on black-tie and tux, but smart attire is a must.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Cipriani is an elegant restaurant that harks back to Copacabana’s glamorous belle époque.

Lucy’s expert tip: Diners are respectfully asked to turn off their phones before entering the dining room, so don´t come here if you are waiting for an urgent call.

Read more about Cipriani →

Located high on a jungle-clad hillside in Santa Teresa, Aprazivel is worth a visit for the views alone. Wisely making the most of the sweeping vistas over downtown Rio, the owners have made al-fresco dining the order of the day, here, with grass-roofed gazebos sitting amid lush tropical gardens visited by toucans and monkeys. At night, the scene is lit by candles and flickering fairy lights which, when combined with the views and the delicious French-Brazilian dishes on the menu, makes this one of the best spots in Rio for a romantic meal. Chef Ana Castilho has combined Brazilian culinary influences with tricks of hte trade learned during her training in France, and the result is a menu of light dishes that add some chic French touches to the wealth of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood available locally.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Beautiful tropical gardens with terrific views make this a lovely spot on a balmy evening.

Lucy’s expert tip: Call ahead to book tables if you want to sit outside – these seats are extremely popular on balmy evenings.

Read more about Aprazivel →

Photo courtesy of Lucy Bryson

There’s no danger of going hungry at Copacabana beach. While vendors stroll the sands selling simple snacks and sandwiches, the boardwalk is lined with bars and restaurants that range from cheap and cheerful to seriously sophisticated. Here you can tuck into everything from a plate of fried sardines to smoked salmon washed down with a glass of genuine French Champagne. When it comes to relaxed dining, this is really the way to do it, and the leisurely pace of life here means you can linger as long as you like over your meal and drinks. With some kiosks open into the small hours, this is a great place to start or end a night out.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: The gorgeous beachfront setting, with Sugar Loaf in the background, turns even a simple meal into a romantic occasion.

Lucy’s expert tip: The beachfront restaurants are super-relaxed spaces – come in your swimwear and you can work on your tan as you eat and drink.

Read more about Copacabana Beach →

Fine international food and equally fine views are the order of the day at this upscale restaurant in the plush confines of 5-star Hotel Santa Teresa. It’s not necessary to fork out for a room here in order to dine here (in fact there’s a separate entrance) and it’s a major destination restaurant in its own right. The location, high on a Santa Teresa hillside, means that seats near the windows offer gorgeous views down to Guanabara Bay, and the creative menu has a French touch, while embracing local ingredients (fish dishes are a strong suit) and pan-continental flavors.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Fine food and fine views make this an elegant option for a romantic meal in one of Rio’s loveliest neighborhoods.

Lucy’s expert tip: Plan to come here later in the week to make the most of Santa Teresa’s famously lively bar scene (things are quiet Monday-Wednesday)

Read more about Térèze →

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[mostlyaboutchoc]

I was #invited to try the @brigitsbakery #myxmasafternoontea because as part of @valrhonauk Responsible Christmas and in collaboration with Brigit's Bakery and Valrhona, @baptiste_frement_pastry_chef_ has developed a special Afternoon Tea based on Valrhona’s Single Origin range. I've tried the range... it is HUGE and varied but specifically this is about helping certain cocoa-growing communities who need it most. 🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫 The afternoon tea was more than just food. The afternoon tea actually takes you on a tour of London, taking in the sights of Albert Hall, Kensington Gardens, Marble Arch and many other famous London sights. It also takes place on a vintage London bus making it a unique combination of afternoon tea and tour of London. 🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫 Valrhona has been taking action to support producer communities for over 30 years but without really shouting about it. For Christmas 2019, Valrhona wanted to inspire everyone to work together to make the chocolate industry sustainable. It might surprise you that it isn't and that Valrhona is supporting farmers to do things better (unlike some other chocolate companies). Until December 31, 2019, Valrhona will donate €1 to support education in Ghana for every 3kg bag of Pure Origin chocolate sold. That means it is our *DUTY* to buy and eat more chocolate and to specifically ask for Valrhona! Chefs - contact #classicfinefoodsuk to buy your supplies!! 🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫 Overall the bus tour and afternoon tea would be an interesting experience for anyone visiting London. The cakes and sandwiches were plentiful, the scones were well made (I've had some that were not) and supplied with @roddas_cream making it a very traditional afternoon tea. If you can't make the bus you can always pop down to the bakery and grab some patisserie from there. It is around £45 per person for the tea and tour, and while the collaboration is on you get a stunning Valrhona chocolate disk gold-tone keychain and reusable cup. 🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫 #makinglondonsmile #valrhonauk #afternoontealife #afternoontea #afternoonteatime #afternoonteaUK #afternoonteaweek #hightea #afternoontealondon #afternoonteafortwo #afternoon☕️ #afternoontea☕️ #afternoonteatime🍰☕️ — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/2M09Lx8

[paultravels247]

London Afternoon Tea Bus Tour @brigitsbakery #Brigitsbakery #BrigitsBusTour inLondon, England ｜more photos and details on this unique experience @ foodlovergirl.com/brigits-bakery-afternoon-tea-bus-tour/ #foodlovergirllovestravel #foodlovergirlloveslondon - - - - - #londoneats #londonafternoontea #ロンドン　#afternoontea #英国 #イギリス#eeeeats #infatuation #foodie #f52grams #huffposttasteb #food52 #thefeedfeed #forkyeah #dailyfoodfeed #topcitybites (at London, Unιted Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/B47pevfp3Pm/?igshid=1dkh1scfs5cv

[mmichellewarren]

I’d like afternoon tea everyday, please. 💕 (at Brigit's Bakery - London) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2b6xS2AAKy/?igshid=1j06okwqu0ydx

[greziamonzter]

The 💜 vibes continue 😁💜 Starting the pride month celebrations with our first visit to @brigitsbakery on the move! 🚌 @adwaiz took me and my gal @mylifebyana to a very cool London highlights tour for a shoot on Wednesday. We got to try the Pride themed cakes and more, loved the cups! This has to be the best afternoon tea in London I’m telling u 😌 I got complimented more times than I remember for the coolest jumpsuit ever from @prettylittlething ! 💜💜💜 did I mention it’s my favorite color already?:))) . . . . #PrettyLittleThing #PLT #Purplerain #pride #pridemonth #afternoontea #rainbow #rainbowflag #newenergy18 #fashion #fashioninfluencer #london #londonafternoontea #afternoontealondon #londontour #londonbus #londoncalling #londoncakes #vegancakes #vegansweets #londonvegan #veganlondon #londonbloggers #londonrestaurants #londonfashion #ukfashion #londonblog #gifted #ad #londonfashionblogger (at Brigit's Bakery - London) https://www.instagram.com/p/BydZPOtlKn7/?igshid=nnvp0vh0ztiw

[djseaward]

walking london + the afternoon tea bus tour

i don't really ever go on those "weekend away" trips everyone talks about when they move to europe. well at least, not of the kind with an airplane. flying is a much bigger "to-do" than the ever-convenient train, and when you live in the center of europe, it's easier to get almost everywhere by train... except great britain.

but a couple weekends ago, i did! it felt really fancy! 

i went to london, mainly with the intent of seeing a band i love so much i'd fly for-- which i could write a whole post about in and of itself as it was incredible--  but all the other in-between stuff was so much fun - it was the absolute perfect mix of touristy things and local things. the latter was helped a lot because we stayed in clapham in south london. when i thought about the concept of "south london" before, having been there only twice, i thought of some spot really quite far away from the thames and the city center, but that just isn't true! on our first morning, we were up early boosted by the one hour time difference and ready to go walking!

man, i love walking a city, especially one like london. and it was surprising to me that we walked from clapham north to victoria in less than an hour. bam. south london really isn't that... south. well, not in clapham, anyway. 

it was really important just to walk as much as possible that weekend because it's the single best way to help put together that city map in your head than if you just took the tube or other transport. i need to walk. i need to gape at all of the (exotic to me, living in the czech republic for six and a half years) adorable english houses. (really, i could walk for hours in london just up and down rows of houses) i need to smell the flowers, get tree particles stuck in my hair as i get ready to walk across the chelsea bridge. i need to poke my nose into a greggs and giggle at the name "ladbrokes" for a betting joint, because gosh, doesn't that seem just really ironic of a name?

our entire walk that day was clapham --> battersea --> chelsea --> victoria --> past westminster abbey --> up to soho and carnaby street. who says london is too big? i firmly now believe you don’t know big unless you’ve walked all day across berlin.

so now we're coming to the beef of this post which is the internet-famous brigit's bakery afternoon tea bus tour. i saw this on a blog years and years ago and mentally filed it away. it did not matter that i had ridden a red double-decker bus all over the city on both of my prior trips. no, this did not matter, because i had not yet done this while enjoying delicious sandwiches, cakes and tea.

so this post is also for those people out there who are like, "is it really worth it?" yes, the bbakery tour is expensive. yes, you may have already ridden a red double-decker bus around london. sure, it’s a tad touristy.

but you know what you also are doing? HAVING THE BEST HOUR AND A HALF IN LONDON, full stop.

the guides were so upbeat and fun, the music was good (the beatles! george michael! etc) the food offerings were absolutely delicious (still dreaming about some of those cakes, and my oh my, the scones!) and i thought it was a brilliant way to get reacquainted with this city after over six years since my last visit. and man, have i read a lot of travel blogs since then so boy, i was ready to go. i can highly, highly recommend this tour which would be perfect for a girls trip or get-together of any kind, even though it was also acceptable by the boys. would even do it again someday, probably.

one of my favorite moments actually occurred before the trip departed -- we were all waiting around at one gate at the victoria coach station where departures to other normal places were being announced on the intercom. but then -- "we're getting ready to board the AFTERNOON TEA BUS TOUR!" about ten women "woo"ed. it was so funny to have this situation amongst all the normies boarding their normcore buses to normal places.

for my london-based friends, it is my only regret that i didn’t have enough time this trip to meet with anyone or our schedules didn’t match up quite well, but i look forward to seeing you next time around!

another london-ish post coming soon, just because i feel like it and it was fabulous.

[chriskarrtravelblog]

2020 Hay Festival goes online

The 2020 Hay Festival has launched a free digital festival, which is online until 31 May. The festival features novelists Hilary Mantel, Anne Enright, Elif Shafak, Roddy Doyle, Margaret Atwood, Ingrid Persaud, Polly Samson, Ali Smith and Jessie Burton; actors and comedians Stephen Fry, Helena Bonham Carter, Dominic West, Sandi Toksvig, Vanessa Redgrave, Benedict Cumberbatch, Helen McCrory and Jonathan Pryce; and many more. 

In honour of our favourite literary festival, we asked a host of speakers and literary lights, “What’s your favourite place to visit in Britain and why?” Here are their responses.

Martin Shaw, author of Courting the Wild Twin (Chelsea Green Publishing, hardback RRP £14.99)

I’m lucky, the place I most love to visit is the place I live, Dartmoor National Park. Dartmoor is amok with 365 square miles of granite tors, swamp, old growth oak forest and staggering views right out over to the grey teeth of the sea near Teignmouth. Be warned, it’s prone to mood swings, and the petrol gauge has a nasty habit of hitting empty at dusk. It has proper, unbridled spook. There’s a pub (the Warren Inn) whose fire hasn’t gone out since the 19th Century, and contains beer as dark and chewy as the inevitable storm overhead. 

Brigit Strawbridge-Howard, author of Dancing with Bees (Chelsea Green Publishing, paperback RRP £10.99)

I fell in love with Northumberland on a school field trip, when I was just 13 years old. From the youth hostel in Wooler (still there today), we walked and picnicked in the Cheviots, travelled by boat to the Inner Farnes, and spent a glorious sunny afternoon exploring the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. I have returned since with my husband, my children and my grandchildren, and loved each and every visit. Northumberland has everything: history, walls, puffins, hares, romance, vast empty beaches and skies, castles, hills, rivers, rocks, and wild open spaces where you can breathe, and feel fully and completely alive. Definitely my favourite place in Britain to visit!

Lara Maiklem, author of Mudlarking (Bloomsbury, paperback RRP £9.99)

My favourite place to visit is a village on the Kent coast called St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe. It was my escape from London for years, I wrote part of my book here, and I have good memories of it. There is a small pebbly beach, which is perfect for seaweed collecting and pebble hunting, and a pub with views over the Channel to France, which is tantalisingly close. The walk from St Margaret’s Bay, over the white cliffs to Dover, is dramatic and moving. It is the front door of the nation, so as well as a sense of end there is also a feeling of welcome and beginning. 

David Abulafia, author of The Boundless Sea (Allen Lane, hardback RRP £35)

Credit: Marit Hommedal/SCANPIX

I live in (and prefer) Cambridge, so to say that my favourite place to visit is Oxford might sound like a predictable answer.  But it is the difference between the cities rather than their similarity that draws me to Oxford. The palatial grandeur of Radcliffe Square and the nearby colleges and libraries is not matched in Cambridge; nor does Cambridge make nearly as much use of the honey-coloured stone that is one of Oxford’s glories. And North Oxford, with its massive villas, parks and riverside walks, is a different and delightful world away from the crowds.

Miranda Krestovnikoff, author of The Sea (Bloomsbury Children’s, hardback RRP £12.99)

I love the island of Skomer, especially in May where it is washed with indigo as the bluebells emerge.  This is also the season to see the puffins – characterful birds with rainbow-coloured beaks, who always seem to be in a hurry. They nest in old rabbit burrows, the same pair nesting in each burrow year after year. Standing in amongst them, you are surrounded by wheeling birds coming in to feed their newly hatched chicks or pufflings, closely followed by marauding black-backed gulls looking for an easy meal.  At night, the nocturnal Manx shearwaters return to the island – tens of thousands of them. Poorly adapted to life on land, they land clumsily before waddling to the safety of their burrows. The sights and sounds of such huge numbers of these and many other seabirds is a real wildlife spectacle.

Jackie Morris, author of The Unbinding (Unbound, coming soon)

Credit: Davina Jelle

Two places draw my heart back. Both revolve around bookshops. 

The first is Dulverton in Somerset, tucked into steep wooded valleys, where the trees colour the land, bird filled and raucous with rooks. Number Seven is the smallest of shops but so filled with beauty, it’s a real haven.

The second is Grasmere, where I swam in the lake that mirrored the hills. Where a heron in flight almost touched wing tips to fingers. Where I sat beneath a beech tree drinking lavender tea in Faeryland, talking of swans. Where Sam Read books has shelves filled with wonder.

Oliver Bullough, author of Moneyland (Profile Books, paperback RRP £9.99)

I love wild bits of the British coastline, whether that’s northern Norfolk and the seals of Blakeney Point, or Jura and the crazed waters of the Corryvreckan, or the fossil beaches of Robin Hood’s Bay. For me, the best of the lot is the coastline of northern Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, from Strumble Head, past the Teifi Estuary (with lunch at the market in St Dogmaels), on to Mwnt – with its gem of a chapel, and its tiny beach – and along to Penbryn beach. It’s as good as Cornwall, with a fraction of the crowds. 

Stephen Moss, author of The Accidental Countryside (Guardian Faber Publishing, hardback RRP £16.99)

I just need to pop down the road from my Somerset home, to the Avalon Marshes. These former peat diggings, within sight of Glastonbury Tor, have been restored as nature reserves, and are now one of the best places in Britain for birds. In winter, they are home to the famous starling murmuration, and watching these huge flocks as they form patterns against the setting sun is simply unforgettable. In spring and summer, the marshes echo to the sound of warblers, newly returned from their African winter-quarters, while great white and cattle egrets, and the secretive bittern, feed amongst the reeds and pools. 

Gavin Francis, author of Island Dreams (Canongate, hardback RRP £20)

As a boy my holidays would be to campsites of Fife’s coast; at night, as I drifted off to sleep, I’d watch the lighthouse on the May Island and dream of reaching it. In the Middle Ages its chapel was a place of pilgrimage; the whole island is now a National Nature Reserve and home to thousands of puffins, auks and gulls. In my twenties, finally, I went there as a volunteer nature warden, and the beauty and tranquillity of those weeks, the simplicity and the satisfactions of living and working there, have been a touchstone for me ever since. 

Joseph Coehlo, poet and author of Poems Aloud (Wide Eyed Editions, hardback RRP £12.99)

I’m a huge fan of antique shops and Rye has a tonne of them, I believe around 50 odd. So Rye is perfect for exploring and getting lost and perhaps finding some treasure, or at the very least some lovely tea and cakes. Nearby Winchelsea is also very much worth a visit for the Parish of Winchelsea and its associated ruins. When you’re done with the ruins and antique shops and had tea and cake, the sea isn’t too far away for a paddle. 

Mark Haddon, author of The Porpoise (Vintage, paperback RRP £8.99)

Very possibly the Pembrokeshire coastal path from Tenby to Abereiddy or thereabouts, excluding the Milford Haven oil refinery but very much including Skomer and Ramsay Islands. Running sections of it, early on a clear winter morning before everyone else is up and about is a particularly glorious thing to do. Sometimes, if I’m feeling cabined and confined, I will walk a section on Google Street View and even that makes my heart lift and swell.

Jenny Valentine, author of Hello Now (HarperCollins Publishers, paperback RRP £7.99)

I live in the landscape of the Black Mountains in Wales, rich and green, full of light and open spaces, so my favourite place to visit in the UK, for contrast, is my old home, London.  I miss crowds and strangers and movement and Art and noise and restaurants and traffic and Film and conversation and histories on that kind of scale. I love the pace of it, the flow and mess and heart and guts. From Hackney to Southbank to Hampstead Heath, as a guest in the city there is always something to see, something to learn, something to get involved in.

Allie Esiri, author of Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year (Pan Macmillan, hardback RRP £18.99)

If you have never been, you may know the north coast of Cornwall as the backdrop to Poldark moodily riding his horse across the cliff tops. The area is protected by the National Trust and is largely uninhabited save for the odd flock of handsome sheep. If you take a boat out you can see the old smugglers’ coves where pirates – as the storylines of Poldark often plundered – used to smuggle in their illicit loot. I love the cliffs, the coves and the beaches and you have to stop me quoting from Kipling’s poem, ‘A Smuggler’s Song’. 

If you wake at midnight, and hear a horse’s feet,

Don’t go drawing back the blind, or looking in the street,

Them that asks no questions they isn’t told a lie.

Watch the wall, my darling, while the Gentlemen go by!

Five-and-twenty ponies, trotting through the dark—

With brandy for the Parson and ‘baccy for the Clerk.

Laces for a lady and letters for a spy,

And watch the wall, my darling, while the Gentlemen go by!

Running round the woodlump if you chance to find

Little barrels, roped and tarred, all full of brandy-wine;

Don’t you shout to come and look, nor use ’em for your play;

Put the brushwood back again,—and they’ll be gone next day!

If you see the stable-door setting open wide;

If you see a tired horse lying down inside;

If your mother mends a coat cut about and tore;

If the lining’s wet and warm—don’t you ask no more!

If you meet King George’s men, dressed in blue and red,

You be careful what you say, and mindful what is said.

If they call you “pretty maid”, and chuck you ‘neath the chin,

Don’t you tell where no one is, nor yet where no one’s been!

Knocks and footsteps round the house—whistles after dark—

You’ve no call for running out until the house-dogs bark.

Trusty’s here, and Pincher’s here, and see how dumb they lie—

They don’t fret to follow when the Gentlemen go by!

If you do as you’ve been told, likely there’s a chance

You’ll be give a dainty doll, all the way from France,

With a cap of Valenciennes, and a velvet hood—

A present from the Gentlemen, along o’ being good!

Five-and-twenty ponies, trotting through the dark—

Brandy for the Parson, ‘baccy for the Clerk.

Them that asks no questions isn’t told a lie—

So watch the wall, my darling, while the Gentlemen go by!

  Explore highlights from past editions at hayfestival.org/hayplayer

  The post 2020 Hay Festival goes online appeared first on Britain Magazine | The official magazine of Visit Britain | Best of British History, Royal Family,Travel and Culture.

Britain Magazine | The official magazine of Visit Britain | Best of British History, Royal Family,Travel and Culture https://www.britain-magazine.com/features/hay-festival-authors-describe-their-favourite-spots-in-britain/

source https://coragemonik.wordpress.com/2020/05/20/2020-hay-festival-goes-online/

[travelingalliecat]

London Afternoon Tea Bus Tour with Brigit’s Bakery

When you’re in London the one thing you must do is have afternoon tea! What better way to experience this timeless tradition by traveling around London in a red double decker bus!

What makes this so special is that they drive you around to see all the major sights while enjoying delicious tea, sandwiches, and sweets.

It was a very relaxing time and was a good transition into our first day in…

[londonpicturescapital]

Amy Christophers is a sports presenter attend Brigits Bakery host their Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea in aid of the Pink Ribbon Foundation, London, UK. 16 October 2018. https://www.instagram.com/p/BpAb-jLBW7T/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=154hcriigapvm

[londonpicturescapital]

Brigits Bakery host their Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea in aid of the Pink Ribbon Foundation, London, UK. 16 October 2018. https://www.instagram.com/p/BpAa-JHh6yI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14qy8l263le0q

[londonpicturescapital]

Lisa J Allen and Lynne Lambourne attend Brigits Bakery host their Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea in aid of the Pink Ribbon Foundation, London, UK. 16 October 2018. https://www.instagram.com/p/BpAYq1nBKdJ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=pzfe10llfnap

[londonpicturescapital]

Norma Shakes, Perri Shakes-Drayton attend Brigits Bakery host their Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea in aid of the Pink Ribbon Foundation, London, UK. 16 October 2018. https://www.instagram.com/p/BpAYmYvh_-C/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=q5ihnx01ohhv

[londonpicturescapital]

Pandora Christie is a presenter and Tinea Taylor is a DJ attend Brigits Bakery host their Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea in aid of the Pink Ribbon Foundation, London, UK. 16 October 2018. https://www.instagram.com/p/BpAYgCght5j/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=fi1uhfun04li