Market Coffee House, Spitalfields

There are endless boutique cafes for Sunday brunch in East London, especially around Spitalfields Market; we decided on Market Coffee House, English Restaurant on Brushfield Street. An expansive and stylish brasserie with large wooden tables, high ceiling and a bar covered in decadent cakes, we knew instantly it was the place for us five girls.

The place was full with like-minded bohemians (!), recuperating after a heavy Saturday night. We offloaded our numerous bags and collapsed at a corner table to mull over the appealing brunch menu. A glass of fresh orange juice later and we were all feeling refreshed and a little more awake.

The menu consists of the usual options, continental, English and everything in between, though much is suggested with a thoughtful twist. I opted for the sweet cured bacon sandwich in granary bread toast, which was absolutely delicious: crunchy thick bread and the sweetest good quality bacon. Another member of our team tried the homemade fruit compote with Greek yoghurt and a portion of raisin toast spread with melting butter. The others couldn’t resist Smoked Salmon and scrambled eggs on English muffin. Along with a cappuccino or filter coffee, we paid roughly a tenner each with a little service on top. Beautifully presented food, fresh quality ingredients, faultless service and the best company made for the perfect brunch.

Visit the website and look at the menu here, Market Coffee House is located at 52 Brushfield Street, Spitalfields, E1 6AG.

Pimps and Pinups, Hair Salon, Spitalfields

Pimps and Pinups, I'm not sure about the name, was the venue for my much needed makeover last week. Feeling revitalised by the autumn sun, I decided on shorter and blonder.

This wacky hair salon is located in Spitalfields, East London, an area of our city that is perhaps over-populated with trendy salons, though I immediately felt there was something different about P&P. Most obviously the pricing, there are no levels with the staff here, everyone is considered to be of the same standard, regardless of age and years of experience. It is a simpler and less fussy way of doing things and this, in turn is certainly reflected in the lovely atmosphere in the salon.

On arriving, I was enthusiastically greeted and offered a glass of wine or beer, before my flame haired stylist Anita came to collect me. We chatted briefly about what kind of thing I wanted, and I handed over a photo I had found of a desirable cut. She seemed to understand instantly and we were away at once. First the hair was backcombed and painted with the light bleach, the dip dye technique I had previously experienced. The sweetest boy came over every ten minutes to check if I needed a drink refill.

After my the bleach had performed to Anita’s satisfaction it was over to the sinks for Toner, Shampoo and Conditioner, and an absolutely heavenly head massage... it is debatable whether it is worth going to the hairdressers just for the massage. Though the cut didn’t seem too extensive (a few inches off), the style change from shoulder length to proper bob seemed quite drastic to me. Anita was nifty and chopped away with precision and speed until a little while later I was all done and being prepped with sweet smelling products. She kindly offered to trim my fringe free of charge whenever I need it. I skipped out the salon feeling lighter and prettier with my new East London bob.

Reasonably priced, laid back and super cool, this is a salon that will make anyone and everyone emerge feeling good.

Visit the Pimps and Pinups website here to book. Or if you’re in New York, there is a branch there too...

Taylor Taylor Salon, Spitalfields: cut & colour revamp for Thoroughly Modern Milly

Right, listen up you trendy guys and girls - it's time to ditch Toni & Guy, Headmasters and the rest of those other boring standard hairdressers... Rock up to Taylor Taylor, the hippest hair and beauty venue in London, where summer cocktails and sweets are just part of the service.

I went along to try out this cool salon last week. It's located on Commercial Street next door to Spitalfields market, an area reminiscent of Soho in New York, edgy and quirky, the place oozes style. Inside I was reminded more of a chic Parisian boutique, all floral and pretty. There is a very special feel to this salon with the bespoke chandeliers, lizard-skin covered chairs, and a gorgeous candy striped staircase that reminded me of Coco Chanel’s boudoir.

My lovely colourist Amy chatted away to me while painting my hair. I was having the dip dye effect - the roots are dyed darker, and then blended in with backcombing before the lower hair is lightened; the result is basically grown out colour and dark roots, a look I have always admired but never quite had the courage to attempt before. As a serial hair changer: light, dark, short, long, layered, straight, highlights but not necessarily in that order, I get bored easily and it seems my hair is the easiest feature to alter about myself. Dip Dye was clearly a logical next step for me.

After the colouring was complete, I was left for twenty minutes, for the colour to take effect. I read Vogue and gladly accepted a second cocktail. Soon it was time to venture to the luxurious washroom area to have the foils removed and my hair rinsed. Amy and I decided on an appropriate tone; the toner was added to my hair to secure the final colour. She had done an amazing job, the colour is quite a radical change and yet using her clever technique it looks natural and summery, as you can hopefully see from the final photos.

I was more scared about the cut, but felt reassured immediately by Frederico, my stylist. He offered his opinion, and without knowing that I am a massive Alexa Chung fan, suggested a cut a little similar to her look on a recent Vogue cover. I felt confident he knew what he was doing so left him to it. He snipped away with precision and speed and once finished blow dried my hair using a rounded brush to create a beachy look. I felt so much better, more seasonal, and much lighter headed; he had given my hair the lift it so desperately needed. The cut also really accentuated the new colour.

The cocktails here are absolutely divine - special concoctions developed for T&T, so good I'm wondering if they'll let me come back with some friends, just for Friday night drinks. They are delivered on a silver platter with a dish of moreish salty peanuts! There were four individual cocktails to choose from: I tried the Rose Bellini first, beautifully presented in a champagne flute with a cherry at the bottom, the drink was a beautiful pinky coral hue with an enticing scent (rose water, peach syrup, Champagne and a splash of cranberry). Then for a second I went for a Moscow Mule (Classic vodka and Old Jamaica ginger beer, with a burst of freshly squeezed lime juice and a sprig of fresh mint) - this was served long and was wonderfully refreshing.

I didn’t want to leave this sweet smelling boutique salon, and promised Amy I’d return soon for another hair makeover... I’m already flicking through magazines trying to find an excuse to return!

For more info and booking, visit: www.taylortaylorlondon.com