Browsing in Borough Market

The surviving street markets of London can be found in picturesque corners of the city, specialising in all manner of goods, from food to vintage clothing. Some are open all week, others only for a few mornings, or at the weekend.

Portobello is fighting for its life, commercial chains are moving in, ruining the magic of a truly unique and much loved street market. I love this area of London and enjoy pottering amongst the junk and jewels on a Friday or Saturday morning, stopping briefly to grab a coffee and croissant from a quaint Notting Hill cafe.

I visit Borough Market less regularly, for the sole reason that it exists on the opposite side of London to me. But when I do, I revel in the delicious smells and colours of the produce and love to watch the people that mingle there. For coffee and breakfast Monmouth is charming, although sometimes has a large queue outside. Grab your drink and take a seat at one of the large wooden tables.

To eat, if you fancy more than a fresh cup of soup, to drink on the go, I have heard Roast is worth a try. A wholesome restaurant dedicated to offering up classic British cooking using the finest seasonal produce, it overlooks the hustle and bustle of the marketplace below.

Borough market is great for those unusual ingredients you may not be able to find elsewhere, and all of the best quality. So worth a trip if you want something a little bit different for a dinner party or special meal. I can also strongly recommend the beautiful flower stall/shop ‘Chez Michele’ that has ready made stunning bouquets, one of which I couldn’t resist buying for my grandparents. I was tempted in fact to buy a bunch for myself too, but decided that was perhaps a little over-indulgent.

If you can, go to Borough market during the week, it is less busy and easier to get a good look at everything.

FABULOUS FURNIVAL

Ha - Ha!, letterpress print, 11.75 x 11.75 inches

The artist John Furnival will appeal to many: his works are intelligent, witty and aesthetically very satisfying.

England & Co Gallery on Westbourne Grove is a wonderful space to display art. The high white walls provide an ideal background for the great variety of work they show, contemporary and modern, paintings, constructions, installations and performance art. John Furnival's work looks beautiful on the walls, even more stylish than the dresses for sale in the trendy clothes shops that surround the gallery.

Never Mind - Doesn't Matter, letterpress print, 11.75 x 11.75 inches

This exhibition has a strong 60s pop vibe. You could imagine seeing one of Furnival's prints as an album cover. Indeed Peter Blake (who did the Beatles' psychedelic Sergeant Pepper's album cover) is a contemporary of Furnival, and similarities can definitely be seen between both artists' prints. Many of the works on display are text related, and use repetition obsessively. A favourite of mine is 'Never Mind - Doesn't Matter', a letterpress print, where the green and black compacted words produce a striking design - with a statement we should all be reminded of once in a while!

Eiffel Tower, silkscreen print, 30 x 22.25 inches

England & Co display John Furnival only until 5 June, but don't fear if you miss out on this exhibition there is sure to be another eclectic mixed show on, so pop in for your art fix.

England & Co, 216 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RH.

Open Monday-Saturday 11-6 pm. Free Entrance.

http://www.englandgallery.com/index.htm

Float like a butterfly... Sting like a bee...

Pearl and Ivy (Carly Beischer and Samantha Neary) are a dynamic duo who create the prettiest of hair accessories. I first spotted them at Portobello Market a few months ago, back when their feather headbands were one of a kind. Strongly influenced by the fashions of the 1920's and '30's their hair ornaments are ethereal and yet have a fierce bold quality. They definitely make you stand out from the crowd.

Sadly as Pearl and Ivy's ideas flourished others began noticing their inventive products and started creating cheap copies, and now brightly coloured feathered creations appear round every corner of the West London market.

The products from Pearl & Ivy show real artistic flair, and a beautiful attention to detail. The feathers are selected and arranged with the upmost care, so that each headband has its own individual charm. They seem delicate, but are in fact quite sturdy and mine has lasted well through many dancing nights out! They are also incredibly versatile and can be worn in a huge variety of ways, some of which are demonstrated on the website - http://www.pearlandivy.co.uk/

I wear my headband with every and any outfit, it adds spice to my look but above all makes me feel regal and glamorous, which is how every girl should feel.