Boardwalk Empire and Prohibition London

I am a serial box setter! Favourites have included The Wire, The Sopranos and Mad Men. Since Mad Men series 4 ended a month ago, I have been on a major come down, however that is all about to change with HBO's long awaited Boardwalk Empire coming to our shores next month. Set in Atlantic City during prohibition, the series (with the most expensive ever pilot - $50 million no less!) is set to dazzle with stunning sets, fabulous fashion, gangsters and plenty of glamour. With Steve Buscemi as the lead character ''Nucky'', Terrance Winter (producer on The Sopranos) as creator and Martin Scorsese (no comments required) as producer/director, this is one sure fire recipe for success!

Now, if you fancy a little prohibition style indulgence of your own, there are a number of places in London that offer just that. For a themed night out, bringing the best of the roaring twenties to Bloomsbury Ballroom (what a decadent venue), check out this great site. 

Or, if you are looking for something a little more low key, then the fabulous Bourne and Hollingsworth in Fitzrovia is perfect. This gorgeous, basement bar keeps prohibition sentiments alive, with the most delicious cocktails served in fine china. Each one is accompanied by cute finger sandwiches or biscuits! Just delightful!

Naked lady fountain

Love this fountain. Came across it walking along the South Bank this week. To find it head to Tower Bridge and look out for Brewery Square. There are some great bars & restaurants nearby, where you can refuel before the walk back!

Must have - Morris dancing shoes

After watching the Morris dancers at The London Thames Festival last summer, I became obsessed by these gorgeous shoes and have since been trying to find a pair of my very own. So far, no luck, so any tips would be much appreciated! I love the etched detailing and the studs on the sole. I can imagine them making a lovely clip-clopping noise as I walk/ jig down the street. The hunt is still on!

Cubana Cafe

To reward ourselves for jumping seamlessly back into the rat race last week, the man and me hit Cubana Cafe to indulge in their delicious, stress-busting mojitos!  The fabulously kitsch interior and infectious Latino music, were the perfect antidote to a week of train fare and VAT hikes! The food looked pretty tasty as well, must go back to sample soon...

Dior Illustrated - Rene Gruau & The Line of Beauty @ Somerset House

If you haven't already, then you must try to see the Rene Gruau exhibition at Somerset House before it closes on Sunday. The exhibition is a wonderful celebration of the iconic illustrators work, showcasing a vast selection of his original pieces, including the Dior perfume campaigns. These gorgeous illustrations are accompanied by Vintage Dior perfume bottles as well as a small collection of Haute Couture dresses from the New Look period through to Galliano. All in one room...to die for!

A selection of Gruau's gorgeous illustrations, as featured in the book accompanying the exhibition - Rene Gruau, The First Century.

The Giant Plug - Soho

An oldie but a goodie (around since 2001, changing colour most years)... Another cool and quirky design from the team at James Glancy Design. Go find it on Ganton Street...

Pop Up Soho Art Shop

There is nothing like a swift walk through Soho on lunch, to get the creative juices flowing again. Loved this new quirky pop up shop.

Back to reality

The first day back to normality (after a week of thinking that cake for breakfast and an alcoholic beverage by 11am is acceptable behaviour), is always difficult. So I stuck with cake for breakfast today... one step at a time, right?! That's why, when I spotted this Kate Spade stool a few months ago, in her pop up Covent Garden shop, it made me smile. I am obviously not the only one! Yes, I know that cake is not just for Christmas, but enough is enough! Bring on the New Year... Looking forward to it London!

...and a Happy New Year!