Train views, Burgers and Shakes

A few weekends ago Rob and I both took a couple of days off work so we ended up having a long weekend off together. The aim for the weekend was to tackle our disgraceful front garden. On Friday the weather was lovely and we spent a food few hours tending to the garden. We retired very early on Friday night, I fell asleep at 7.30pm! Gardening is tiring. We had the same plan for Saturday. I went off to the gym in the morning and then met Carys for a coffee afterwards. I called Rob on the way back and he suggested we go to London for the day I didn't need much persuading. Gardening is not my favourite thing to do, it was cold and also started raining. The idea of burgers and milkshakes was A LOT more appealing. 

As our trip to London was pretty spontaneous and we didn't really have any plans. However, most of our trips to London contain burgers for lunch. I had heard good things about Rox Burgers in Lewisham, South London, so thats where we headed. It was pretty far away but that meant we could have a little tour of London on the DLR!

I really love going on the DLR. There are so many sights that the times just flies by. The DLR to Lewisham took us through the financial district and we also saw lots of the landmarks including the Shard, the Pickle Gherkin and the o2. Of course we had to take a DLR selfie.

We arrived in Lewisham in no time. The burger joint was only a five minute walk from the station. However, the town centre is not the nicest of places so we didn't hang around. Rox burger is an independent burger joint. As with most trendy burger places the menu isn't particularly varied but they do burgers well - so what else do you need! 

Rob had the blue burger (lots of cheese, but not that much blue cheese) and I had the cheeseburger with extra pickles. The extra pickles were a good choice! We also shared a side of fries. The house fries had parmesan cheese and oregano on them. They were skin on fries and were actually pretty amazing - totally surpassed my expectations. The burgers were good. However, they weren't anything on my ultimate favourite - Patty and Bun. On the way home I wrote a list of all the burger places I have visited (there has been a few) and nothing comes close. I have definitely enjoyed trying all the burger places but I am looking forward to going back to Patty and Bun. 

After our dinner we fancied something sweet. After a little googling we decided on Tinsel Town, purely for their milkshakes! Rob has a chocolate malt shake and I went for a chocolate peanut butter milkshake. They were so yummy.

After our milkshakes we got the train home. With fully bellies and our sweet tooth satisfied we headed home for a night relaxing on the sofa. 

Valentines Day at London Zoo

Rob and I have visited London Zoo once before. That was our very first Valentines Day together... way back in 2007. I remember getting ready and meeting Rob at the Station. I remember the cringy outfit I wore (jeans, a black blazer and black hat wahhhh?!). But I mostly remember how loved I felt the whole day. This year I felt just as loved. It was fantastic to go back and relive it all. 

This time we started the day a little differntly. We were both pretty darn hungover after spending the night partying for Carys' Birthday. After arriving in Camden we headed straight to a nice little cafe for breakfast. We stumbled across a cute traditional Italian cafe that also served breakfast. The cafe was really busy so we knew we were on to a winner. Both of our breakfast and hot drinks were really good. Bacon is the only thing that will put me right after a heavy night drinking. 

After breakfast we were ready for an afternoon of exploring. We arrived not long after the zoo opened but it was already busy. We walked around the zoo non-stop for about four hours. We saw some amazing animals. We both loved seeing the Otters feeding - although it was a little gross. Our favourite experience was the inside walk through with all of the small monkeys. We also liked seeing the ants transport parts of leaves in the creepy crawly section. It was fascinating. Oh and the other bugs made me feel so itchy!

As we explored the Zoo we came across a few hilarious photo opportunities and couldn't help but have a little pose. These pictures still make me laugh. 

The weather was cold, cloudly and it drizzled on and off all day but we had an amazing time. It's not that often that we do touristy things in London, but it was great. 

After all that walking we were ready for our next meal. We had popped to Wholefoods in Camden before entering the Zoo but the fruit and cereal bars were just not cutting it. We didn't bring any proper Lunch with us so we were starving. We did venture into a cafe and restaurant but they were so busy and expensive and the food didn't even look appetising. We decided to grab something on the way home. We headed home via the food market in Camden Lock. After browsing all the stalls we settled on this incredible mac and cheese! There were some amazing flavours of mac and cheese available but we went for the all cheese. I can't remember the name of the stall but it was fantastic. 

We headed back home to enjoy the rest of our Valentines night snuggled up together at home. Our 8th Valentines Day together. I know this is "cheesy" but we both feel so lucky to had enjoyed so many together and we have so much more to look forward to. 

Kew Gardens

I have been pestering Rob for us visit Kew Gardens for so long! Kew Gardens is right over near Richmond, West London. The truth is we just never really consider venturing West when we head into London. We normally stick to central or head to East London. Whilst East London is still my favourite place to visit and will always have my heart, I have been persuaded to visit West London a little more after our trip to Kew Gardens. 

We arrived at Kew Gardens shortly after 12.15pm after our long journey. After being greeted by the friendly ticket lady we headed straight for the cafe. We knew we needed to fuel ourselves before heading off around the grounds. We both had the chorizo quiche and cans of san pellegrino - tasty!

First stop was the Palm House. The grounds around it were stunning. Inside was equally as beautiful.

I particularly enjoyed climbing to the top of the glass house and looking down onto the plants. The plants were set out in the areas that they come from. There were some really interesting plants. Who knew what a mango tree looks like?! There was also a small aquarium at the bottom of the glass house. We saw piranhas and other interesting fishes.

After we headed out into the rain. It really started pouring down but we were determined to enjoy the grounds. We came across some interesting buildings. 

Then we headed to the Treetop walkway. After climbing all the stairs we reached the top. We could see over lots of the grounds and also one of the huge buildings that they are refurbishing. It won't be opened for another three years! I wonder what they are doing in there.

Rob is pretty scared of heights but he was so brave. It was bloody windy up there and it didn't feel the most stable at times.

Once we were back on the ground we headed to the Japanese style gardens and buildings. Due to the time of year there weren't many flowers in bloom but the buildings were impressive.

After a stop for tea and cake - Rob had chocolate and orange marble cake and I had lemon and poppy seed cake, we headed to some more glass houses. My absolute favourite was this one full of cacti and succulents. I love those plants. I could have lived in that place. 

Rob also enjoyed snapping some pictures of the flowers on his brilliant phone.

We also visited some galleries too. Although there were a few places and restaurants closed due to the season, there was so much to see. If the weather was nicer we would have spent longer roaming the grounds. There was a nice little stream and bridge that we didn't make it to. We will definitely be returning in the summer and spending hours just chilling out in the grounds. I can imagine the sunbathing, ice lollies and picnics already. Is it summer yet?!

Searcys and The Oxo Tower

I wish every weekend was as indulgent as last week. Champagne, dinner with a view and fabulous service - just amazing. The cause for the celebration was Papa Corn's 50th Birthday! 

First we headed to Searcys champage bar at St Pancras station. It was a freezing cold day but we sat in a little booth which had underseat heating. The booth even had a 'press for champagne' button. We took our time as Dad treated us to a bottle of dry white champers and then a bottle of rose champers. I think I preferred the rose. But they may be because the champers had gone to my head by then. As you can see below many photos were taken in the champagne bar... Well its not often we get to hang out in such a fancy place. 

After the champagne we met James and then headed to the Oxo Tower for dinner. The view was stunning over the river. The service was incredible. The waiters were  so efficient and attentive without being overbearing. 

Most importantly the food was incredible. I had the crab to start, followed by the sea bass with octopus and chorizo. None of the puddings particularly interested me but Rob, Ana and Dad enjoyed theirs. 

After we walked off our dinner, walking down the southbank and stopping off at a pub for another drink. A truly wonderful night.