The joys of a Staycation

Sometimes you don't appreciate the loveliness of the places right under your very nose and it takes seeing your local area through the eyes of a tourist to truly appreciate whats on offer.

My sister just spent the week with me and for 7 whole days we barely stepped foot outside of the borough of Richmond.
Embarking on a slow week of lazy late morning rises, cafe culture, strolls by the river and walks in the park, afternoon naps and duvet embalmed netflix marathons, I showed her the best of my little corner of London.

Here's a note to self to visit these great local independent spots more often and to provide some inspo if you fancy heading to this neck of the woods to explore any time soon . . .


FALLOW DEER CAFE

A great little indie cafe/bar on Teddington High Street where a warm welcome always awaits from the friendly team. Homemade dishes are lovingly cooked up in the kitchen using seasonal produce from local suppliers and there is always a selection of delicious cakes to sample. Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch, look out for late night openings where you can stop by for a cocktail or craft beer and supper club nights once a month.
*TIP - if the sun is out try and nab a table in the courtyard out back!
130 High Sreet, Teddington TW11 8JB

SIDRA PATISERIE 

Looking for lunch in Teddington? - Pop into Sidra and try one of their delicious wraps - they are a taste sensation! Mezze and pastries available too.
My first visit was on the recommendation of a client and ever since their chicken wraps have become part of my staple diet/border lining on addiction now!
*TIP- if you like rose Turkish delight you must try theirs! Not always on display so ask the owner and if he has some out back he will prepare some for you, I'm confident it will be the best you have ever tasted!
5 Church Road, Teddington, TW11 8PF

FLYING CLOUD CAFE

If the weather is nice and you fancy watching the world go by as you sip a cup of tea served from the hatch of a vintage airstream caravan then this is the place, situated right on the riverside overlooking Teddington Lock.
Boathouse Design Studio, 27 Ferry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN




THE COLLECTERIE
Perfect for finding an unusual gift for a friend or a browse to treat yourself, beautiful candles, stationary, crockery, and homewares amongst antique and vintage pieces, a lot of thought and consideration has been taken here to source interesting lesser known brands, not your average gift shop!
79, High Street, Teddington TW118HG

MITZI B

Stunning interiors store and design consultancy, a treasure trove of pale and oh so very interesting homewares, accessories and gifts, I could all but pack up my things and move into this gorgeous space!
*TIP - Home styling services are available including Christmas and tree decoration - oh my!
30, High Street, Teddington TW11 8EW





Want to feel a million miles away from London? Get away from it all and take a stroll in Bushy Park. Acres of green, fountains, pools a canal and wild deer roaming freely.


HAMPTON COURT PALACE TILTYARD CAFE
Hampton Court Palace is of course an attraction in its own right but I like to take a walk through Bushy and then on into the gardens of Hampton Court Palace (which are free to enter) for one reason in particular - ice cream!
The award winning ice cream served at the cafe here is from Marshfield Organic Farm near Bath and stands out as some of the best I have ever tasted!
*TIP - after ice cream you can take a boat ride down stream to Richmond, its such a lovely way to spend an hour and there is plenty of property perving to be done as you sail past grand riverside homes with sprawling lawns rolling down to the waters edge. Turks launches is a 3oo year old river boat company that will transport you down this most scenic stretch of the Thames.

NO1 DUKE STREET 
Ahh what did we do before No1 Duke Street came to town? The darling of the Richmond social scene, consistently good breakfasts, brunches, lunches, dinners and cocktails all in stylish, beautifully designed, homely surroundings, whats not to love?! 
Its refreshing to have a 'go-to' place like this on the doorstep, I'm a big fan!
*TIP - sign up to the mailing list for an introductory discount and ask inside about the membership card
1a Duke Street, Richmond, TW9 1HP


images credit no1dukestreet.com


SO BAR
Cosy little cocktail bar tucked down a narrow lane off Richmond Green, table service only so book ahead if you can. 
(A hop away from No1 Duke Street so perfect for last orders)
*TIP - happy hour(s) run on numerous days but the longest is Monday when cocktails are 2 for 1 right through from 5pm -11pm! Takeaway cocktails also available, perfect to take down to the riverside on a sunny day.
10 Brewers Lane, Richmond, TW9 1HH

PETERSHAM NURSERIES

It would be a crime to make a list of local loveliness without including Petersham Nurseries! You can read a previous post I wrote about it here.
Church Lane, off Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 7AB

SUNBURY ANTIQUES MARKET

Such a magical place, I share this almost begrudgingly as it feels like a secret that should be kept quiet. For 35 years strong traders have been turning up at Kempton Park Racecourse for what has now evolved into one of Europe's premier antique markets.
Over 700 stalls selling all manor of antiques, oddities, vintage items, you name it - you can probably find it here.
Hours of treasure hunting to your hearts content, you can browse and haggle with dealers many of whom have driven straight over from France and Belgium with their authentic, precious wares.
A firm favourite with Fashion Editors, Stylists, Designers and Interior buffs alike, you cannot fail to be inspired by a visit to this market!
Second and last Tuesday of every month, 6.30am - 2pm, free admission.
*TIP - arrive early to catch the best offerings and a breakfast bacon sarnie to sustain your energy levels, arrive late to score a bargain when selection is more sparse but traders can be inclined to negotiate a better price to help shift left over stock.
Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury on Thames, TW16 5AQ




BLABAR NORDIC LIVING
Ok so this one is technically a little further afield in Putney but I wanted to include it anyway because its a fab little place. Nordic inspired cafe and concept store serving homemade Scandinavian food and handpicked products from candles and crockery to magazines and jewellery.
*TIP - try and get your mitts on a warm cinnamon bun just as they are hot and fresh out of the oven!
3a, Lacey Road, Putney, SW15 1NH




No comments:

© The Travelling Stylist. DESIGN BY A.