simplepretty

72 Bermondsey Street, London SE1

If all goes according to (my) plan, we have one year to go as full-time Londoners. This lends a bit of bittersweet to my #exploring expeditions — it’s the last summer! — but it also is a brilliant motivator to get out there and make the most of it. And so, over the weekend, we shook off the tendency to inertia and headed to Southeast London for some foodie fun.

After a morning wandering through the stalls at Spa Terminus (more on that to come), we headed to Bermondsey High Street to check out Southerden Patisserie and Café. Launched in Peckham in late 2013 by lawyer-turned-pâtissière Melanie Southerden, the Bermondsey location opened this February to instant design acclaim. And while the interiors, designed by Eley Kishimoto and Studio Maclean are striking enough to merit a mention from Wallpaper Magazine, my sweet tooth had to know if they had “the goods”. (A quick perusal of the pastry case said “yes”.) The shop was bursting with tempting options, but I quickly zeroed in on Southerden’s picnic lunch option. With a sandwich, homemade chips, a bottled beverage, and pastry for £10, it was the perfect way to sample the menu.

For my sandwich, I chose the roasted-grape and goat cheese, and it was an outstanding flavor combination (the simple, flavorful homemade chips were a lovely touch). Note to self: start roasting grapes, stat.

roasted grape and goat cheese sandwich with homemade chips

For my pastry, I selected a mini tart with blueberries, blackberries, and lemon creme (with an infused-macaron on top): clever presentation and soooo good.

blueberry/blackberry mini tart (with macaron!)

My beverage choice was a bottled cold-pressed apple, kale, and basil juice from Peckham-based Ali Baba Juice. (The staff member who helped me said it was her favorite.)

At £10, this lunch felt like the bargain of the century to me and I can’t wait to go back. In addition to the Bermondsey Street shop, Southerden operates a stall at Spa Terminus on Saturday mornings. It would be easy to fall into the habit of shopping for fruits, vegetables, and a little something sweet on the weekend. The height of civility in big-city living.

all photos by jane potrykus

February 2016 update: Southerden Patisserie (both locations) has permanently closed.

My world is all about roses at the moment. Every chance I get, I head to Paddington Street Gardens in Marylebone to take in the overwhelming display of blooms. (An Instagram friend remarked that roses must thrive on pollution and neglect, and given their success in London, I’m inclined to agree.) Trying to enjoy every second of the sunlight-filled summer days in England, remembering that it very well could be the summer of “lasts”, heightening the pleasures.

A smattering of my favorites from the past month on Instagram:

1. from the sketchbook …
2. 2015 new designs …
3. the mood for my classes in melbourne …
4. square circle square circle square
5. Perfect evening. 
6. untitled
7. yes, please.
8. It’s in the fine print…
9. World Famous
10. The pleasure of beautiful produce …
11. untitled
12. I would love to tell you …
13. Always inspired to paint …
14. R O S E
15. Currently.
16. #sundaymorning
17. #dulwichroses
18. Lil fig
19. at the agnes martin press preview …
20. Minnow net find.
21. { Asian Mist } 
22. Plenty of peonies
23. Our award-winning Cookery School …
24. We shouldn’t forget that is spring.
25. untitled

image at top: “scalloped” by jane potrykus

look 3

Brock Collection cemented its utilitarian luxe® bona fides with a resort collection filled with covetable items. Elegant coats in blush and black, a cozy textured sweater in cream, and jeans inspired by Carolyn Bessette. Yes to it all, please. See the complete presentation at Style.com

look 4

look 6

brock collection courtesy photos by peter goldman for style.com

like my fashion posts? see more quick hits from the collections at tumblr.

the fat radish

Part Two of my #exploring post covers unfamiliar territory: while many of these locations have been on my radar for some time, each stop in this list was my first. Since that first is likely the first of many, let’s call these “the new regulars”.

The Fat Radish Tuesday morning was all about exploring the Lower East Side, a part of NYC I’ve never been to due to extreme laziness on my part. (One December we almost made it but it was cold, and snowing (!), and I abandoned the plan before we even crossed The Bowery. Note to lazy Jane: it wasn’t that far!) The Fat Radish was full of charm, just like I’d imagined it, and the staff was incredibly indulgent of my enthusiasm for taking photos. My timing was off for a meal, but I think next time I’ll plan ahead because the brunch menu looks perfect. n.b. brunch appears to be cash only (The Fat Radish / 17 Orchard Street / @thefatradish)

top hat

Top Hat The retail arm of Sweet Bella, which happens to be one of my favorite Stationery Show vendors, Top Hat is an exquisitely curated shop, filled with the best international stationery as well as an assortment of found objects collected during owner Nina Allen’s travels. Brands include Delfonics, Hay, and Antica Cartotecnica, as well as the cutest staplers around, from Ellepi. Also, I don’t know how I missed these fun keychains: I want the giraffe! Finally, a quick shout-out to Evan: it was so nice to meet you! (Top Hat / 245 Broome Street / @tophatnyc)

c w pencil

C W Pencil Enterprise If the crowded conditions during my visit are any indication, I’d say that Caroline Weaver has a hit on her hands with her darling shop devoted to pencils (and complementary writing accoutrements). The small but cheery space cleverly displays a wide variety of pencils for your perusal. If you time your visit well, you can pop downstairs for a fried chicken and champagne dinner at Sarah Simmons’ new restaurant, Birds & Bubbles. (C W Pencil Enterprise / 100a Forsyth Street / @cwpencilenterprise)

freeman’s

Freeman’s No doubt, you’ve seen an iteration of this photo before, as this shot of Freeman’s alley is de rigueur on Instagram. Sufficiently intrigued, I took a quick scan of their online menu and decide to go for lunch on my last day in the city. Nestled in a corner table, I enjoyed a glass of champagne (decadent, but fun!) and a spicy turkey sandwich with sides of fries and people watching. (Freeman’s Restaurant / End of Freeman Alley – off of Rivington b/w The Bowery and Chrystie / @freemansalley)

a b biagi

A B Biagi Post-lunch, I stopped for a mini gelato at Brazilian cafe/gelateria A B Biagi. It was my Best Decision of the Trip. When I couldn’t decide between stracciatella and strawberry sorbet, the staff sweetly informed me to get both! and I did. And it was delicious. (A B Biagi / 235 Elizabeth Street / @abbiagi)

miansai tea bar

Miansai Tea Bar Despite my well-documented reluctance to become a “proper” drinker of tea, I do have a weakness for a well-designed space, and Miansai, known for its minimalist, made-in-America watches and jewelry, has a fetching tea shop up front. And since it’s the US, there is the possibility for iced tea, which changes everything in my book. (Miansai / 33 Crosby Street / @miansai)

haven’s kitchen

Haven’s Kitchen I have been obsessed with Haven’s Kitchen since it opened in 2012. The space, which has which has a cafe as well as space for cooking classes and events, is designed right up my alley. (Seeing owner Ali Cayne’s house featured in Domino magazine further cemented my devotion.) My procrastination in visiting came to an end on this trip. As the weather was perfect for a walk (very London-like), and I was itching for morning errands due to jet lag, I headed over for breakfast on Monday en route to the show. No surprise, I LOVED it: the space is clean and bright, yet feels cozy, with a gigantic (and gorgeous) flower arrangement on the front table which beckoned me inside. I ordered a rhubarb muffin and a café au lait, and had a leisurely flip through some of the cookbooks and magazines while I savored my breakfast. It was the perfect start to a Monday. (Haven’s Kitchen / 109 W. 17th Street / @havenskitchen)

all photos by jane potrykus

note: “@” addresses denote instagram handles

tartinery

The next best thing to catching up with friends at the Stationery Show is being able to wander NYC. My base camp (as usual) was the Crosby Street Hotel: the location (and hospitality) can’t be beat. Here are a few of my favorites, broken into two parts, if you’re headed to NYC to “explore”.

Tartinery (photo at top) I arrived at the Crosby on Sunday at 2pm, a (literal) hot mess as the 86-and-humid weather mixed with my jet lag, but I was determined to stay up and watch the Mad Men series finale “live”. So, I quickly checked in and then hit the streets to catch as much daylight as possible to adjust to EDT. Around 6pm, I was ready for a light dinner but didn’t want to resort to takeout. I’d been to Tartinery right after it opened in 2010 + remembered that the menu would suit me perfectly. A glass of champagne and a croque monsieur tartine was just what I needed to keep me going ’til 11pm, and the interiors were as charming as ever. (Tartinery / 209 Mulberry Street / @tartinery)

tokyo bike

Tokyo Bike I am on the hunt for the perfect ‘kicking around’ bike, and I keep coming back to Tokyo Bike’s beautifully simple ‘Bisou’ model. The only questions are: 1. which color? and 2. will I be brave enough to ride the streets of London on it? (Tokyo Bike / 1 Prince Street / @tokyobike_nyc)

antique garage

Antique Garage I spent a lot of time in New York walking up and down the grid of SoHo streets: Antique Garage charmed me each time I passed. There was always a gorgeous arrangement of flowers out front, and the clientele seemed to be having a wonderful time sitting, relaxing, and enjoying the weather. Next visit brunch and I have a date here. (Antique Garage / 41 Mercer Street / @antiquegaragesoho)

back forty west

Back Forty West Speaking of charming, Back Forty West is right up the street from the Crosby, and that wall of plates has me completely besotted!! I took at least five photos of the wall (from outside), trying to get the perfect shot each time I passed by. Another “next time” spot. (Back Forty West / 70 Prince Street / @backfortywest)

buvette

Buvette I had grand, adult plans for dining this trip that did not include Buvette. (I go every time I’m in town and the thought was to spread the love and see more of NYC and all that nonsense.) But then I walked by and the seat in the front window was open and that plan went right out the window. One French 75 + a croque monsieur later (are you sensing a trend?), I was in heaven. I’m still kicking myself for thinking I was too full to order the chocolate mousse. Do NOT repeat my mistake. ( Buvette / 42 Grove Street / @buvettenyc)

meg cohen design

Meg Cohen Design I happened upon Meg Cohen Design by accident, as I spotted this book about cricket in the window and was sufficiently intrigued to go inside. My curiosity paid off: it was the perfect little shop. Meg Cohen is known for her cashmere hats and scarves, but the boutique boasts a wide array of gift options, from vintage books and Bakelite pool balls (and mini penguin figurines) to the sweetest embroidered baby hats (above). I picked up a surprise to give my buddy at high school graduation: I hope I can remember where I’ve hidden it next June! (Meg Cohen Design Shop / 59 Thompson Street / @megcohendesign)

milk

Milk Bar Another serendipitous find: I’ve never been to Milk Bar, but am well aware of its cult status ‘cereal milk’ soft serve, crack pie ®, and compost cookies. And then there it was, calling to me from across Wooster Street, begging me to indulge. As my sweet tooth brakes for cookies, I chose the cornflake/marshmallow/chocolate-chip cookie, and let’s just say, an addiction is born: they ship internationally and I think a care package may be in order. (Milk Bar Soho / 72 Wooster Street / @milkbarstore)

all photos by jane potrykus

note: “@” addresses denote instagram handles