London: Tea Time in Wonderland

Well, this week-end, I will be sitting on a beach in the South of France with a glass of Sauternes in my hand. Heaven. If you are staying in London, here are a few ideas to make life sweeter, to tip your hat off, to travel in time… and many more!

* Dance in a very French atmosphere at the V&A.

* Have a look at a real space capsule.

* Try hoola-hooping again.

* Indulge in a Tolkien night.

* Rediscover the treasures of St Paul.

* Chiswick park turns symphonic.

* The best response to riots? A lot of love and a little art.

* London really is the home to strange but fun museums.

* Discover a secret garden in Spitafields.

* Beach souvenirs from London-on-sea.

* How would you recycle routemasters?

* Cycle through the city.

* Ping-pong and cocktails. Or vice-versa.

Psst: from August 24 to the 26th, Soho Square will be deliciously Swedish. Come and discover the sweetest pop-up, enjoy a cup of real coffee with one of the amazing traditional treats!

What a dream, it does feel like summer ! T-shirts and beach dresses are out. You’d better eat those Easter chocolates quick or they’ll melt before the hunt has begun…

Put that suncream in your bag and pick a few ideas:

* Are flashmobs dead? Not at all! Meet tomorrow (Thursday, April 21) at Pierre Garroudi‘s gallery at 16.00. Him and his 20 models wearing bright red creations will take London streets as an amzing catwalk stage. Arrival planned at Trafalgar Square between 17.00 and 18.00.

* Southbank opens on Friday a huge festival, inspired by the 1951 and meant to celebrate the British culture. Over the next 4 months there will be a beach atmosphere, Indian street food, a fun fair and each week-end will provide animations on different themes…

* Every year, the British Museum and Kew Gardens work together on a themed garden. Australia is the new guest of honour.

* St Georges Day may not bring an extra day off but it is no reason not to celebrate!

* Blue sky and bright sun usually mean great thirst. Why not cheer the weather with a royal pub crawl? Alternativerly, get a beard and a toge, it’s all for a good cause and your pint will taste even better for it.

* Trafalgar Square is so trendy that even Jesus will stop there this week-end. No kidding.

* Do you live in east London? There’s plenty of chocolate your way.

* Until now, our favourite bubble tea place was the Candy Café. Will this new address in Soho win over?

* We had fallen in love with Gina Foster‘s hat creations. We are not the only ones – she seems to be pretty busy for the royal wedding…

* Don’t forget your camera on Sunday: Easter Bunnies will be skating through Hyde Park!

* Royal wedding cakes are all the craze. Go and see this free exhibition that recreates the most amazing ones, including a Buckingham Palace made of sugar.

* Discover the keys ceremony at the London Tower.

* Hendrick’s will mix new cocktails at Selfridges, served in teapots: gin-champagne-elderflower liqueur. Cheers, my dear!

* You can now enjoy Pimm’s on the London Eye.

What about you? London or countryside escape?

My little adress book shows two great places for Ladies’ hats (here and there).

I was recently asked -  what about us gentlemen? Aren’t we entitled to a little chic too?

Well, guys, this one is for you then. Whether you think of yourself as a Sherlock Jolmes or a John Steed, you should find happiness in this boutique.

Laird is tocked up with British classics as well as more modern twists to them but also vintage silk scarves, gloves, sunglasses. By the time you step out, you will feel like another man.

Looking through their website, you learn a lot about the hat field.

Say, the Bowler hat, also known as Coke hat (we, French call it the melon hat because of its shape). It was created in 1849 by Thomas and Willian Bowler for Edward Coke, younger brother to the second Earl of Leicester. Until then the story is boring enough. When Edward came to collect his order, he put the hat on the floor and jumpe on it. Twice. Not because he was mad: to test its resistance (wonder what he was expecting in the future? Bricks falling from the sky)? Satisfied, he paid the 12 shillings due. It will prove successful. In the 130ies-40ies, it became associated with bank managers. Later still, it will come back into fashion with the TV serie The Avengers.

There’s also the Baker Boy cap, originally used by baker boys, obviously then later by those delivering newspapers, riding their bikes in the early morning.

And what a funy name -  pork pie hat! Yes, its shape refers to the treat, round and flat on top. It is particularly favoured… not by delis but by jazz, blues and ska artists.

Strange adventures for this accessories!

Oh, they do have top hats too, of course. Did you know they are also nicknamed chimney hats and stove pipe hats?

Don’t you love a little madeness in hatters?

Laird
23 New Row
WC2N 4LA

British seem to have a dual relationship with fashion. Either they will be very discreet, faded colours, shapeless clothes or strict tie and suit. Or they will mix and match styles, colours, textures, add a pinch of crazyness, a doze of retro, of vintage, of rock’n'roll. Flashy colours, boots in summer, high heels that wouold give you vertigo.

I am particularly fascinated by the hats. French, well, they will settle for a bob, a cap, perheaps a Michael Jackson/Billie Jean kind of hat. But here, what a collection you have for weddings and Ascott! 9 years in the country and I still gasp in wonder (and jealousy, I never dared to wear one of those although I’m dying to).  Some are large enough in diameter to be small parasols. Others are sculptural by their minimalism. Fascinating.

One of my favourite mad hatters is Gina Foster. I never go to High Street Kensington without a stroll via ther almost hidden Church Lane to see what she has in store…

Want something unique? Oh, she’ll have it. She’ll make every head turn!

Gina Foster
5 Kensington Church Walk
Kensington
London, W8 4NB

Fancy more classical but as stylish? Try CA4LA…

It’s a little far from everything. An improbable shop in a faraway street. But once you step in, you never forget it.

CA4LA (to be pronounced cashila) is full of hats. 3000 different designs! So many shapes and colours, some classical, oter extravagant, from going to the beach to partying at a smart wedding…

Of course, you’ll think you’re not into hats.  I mean, it’s so old fashioned, right? But those… You can’t resist putting one one.  And it has elegance, prestance, it just adds this little extra touch… You reconsider, fall in love with the whole collection. Prices are whithin a reasonable range too.

Even better, you’re welcomed with a smile and left in peace… To be tried, tested and approved!

CA4LA
23 Pitfield Street
Shoreditch
London
N1 6HB