Vauxhall's secret tea room

Despite the fact that I have been living in Vauxhall for the past 10 months, I have only just discovered The Tea House Theatre. Somewhat off that beaten track and unknown to the tourist, this quirky tea room is located on the edge of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens and is open every day 8am - 6pm.

The interior is cosy with a variety of comfy sofas and individual fabric covered seats. Mis-matched wooden tables and chairs make up the dining area. There are shelves stacked with novels and towers of board games inviting customers to stay a while, rather than grab a quick drink and go. And with classical music playing in the background there's a very relaxed atmosphere.

Customers have a variety of teas to choose from and the the extensive menu takes some time to read. You can choose from traditional English breakfast tea to gunpowder tea, fruit teas to Chinese. When I visited with a friend, we chose the Sri Lankan Ceylon tea for two - a pot of tea for two costs £6.00, and it comes with its very own tea cosy!

If your making the most of it tuck into one of the incredible homemade cakes which are dotted around the tea rooms on tables rather than at a counter. Our slice of chocolate gateau was priced at £4.50 a slice. Hot food is also available for breakfast lunch and dinner.

The relaxed atmosphere at this tea room is perfect for a Sunday afternoon catch up with a friend. The Tea House Theatre also offers private hire, as well as hosting a film club and theatre performances. Click here to find out more.

A rainy day at Greenwich Market

Last weekend, a few of my girlfriends and I set out on a day trip to Greenwich Market (DLR). We experienced a rather rainy walk over Blackheath and through Greenwich Park, but the leafy view of Canary Wharf made up for the wet feet.

Luckily Greenwich Market is covered, so the weather didn't get in the way of us wondering around the market stalls. However, a winter warmer was necessary. We came across a popular stall serving spiced apple with brandy and mulled wine; just what we needed. There are a couple of permanent watering holes with seating areas, but these pubs charge higher prices than the rest of the stalls.

I managed to grab some Thai food for a fiver and the ladyboy who served me managed to cram a foil tray with a mixture of Pad Thai and Chilli Beef.

The variety of food at this market was impressive. It took us all a while to decide what we fancied for lunch. Stalls ranged from homemade sushi, Caribbean influenced dishes, Thai, Moroccan, as well as huge pans of paella. I don't think there was a stall missing!

We managed to pick up a few things from the bakery and cakes stands too. Some incredible salted caramel brownies, millionaire shortbread, cupcakes and the list goes on.

Aside from the food and drink stalls, that we spent most of our time around, we also came across a physic...Yes, tarot card readings and all that jazz! Some believe it, some think its codswallop. However, I have never had much of a judgement. So why not try out? The psychic, an old pensive lady dressed in non-gypsy clothes (as I was expecting, with a crystal ball) began with my tarot card reading.

She nailed it on the head with this one. I am a very sociable person who likes to celebrate...ALOT! Indeed, I can never say no to a party. The middle card, 'ten of cups', is my future card. In two years time I am to experience true happiness, love and emotional fulfilment. I am to be in an idyllic state of peace and harmony and will be delighting in my good fortune (Fingers crossed!).

She then moved on to assess my astrology. This was a little less positive. I am apparently too forgiving in my relationships. I was told to be careful in the future and to research who I forge romantic relationships with. She threatened, that if I did not, I would end up with an alcoholic or drug addict!!!! Not quite the Romeo I am looking for.

Finally, the palm reading. I don't remember too much of this, I was still in shock that my future hubby could end up being Pete Doherty or someone even worse, if that is at all possible. Despite this, I do remember that I have a strong life line, I will live abroad and I will either run my own company or reach the top of a corporation. So it wasn't all negative. £5 for about a 10 minute session wasn't bad. I still haven't made my mind up about what I believe.

Overall: In comparison to other great markets in London, Greenwich market is relatively small. A variety of stalls offer high quality products and as bonus there is a roof to keep you dry. The food stalls were a highlight for me, so if you are knocking around South East London next weekend, I encourage you to dip into Greenwich Market for a cheap yet delicious lunch.

Brunch

Saturday morning brunch is a perfect way to start your weekend. One of my close friends from school suggested we brunch at brew cafe on Northcote Road, Clapham. The closest station is Clapham Junction and the popular cafe is located just over five minutes walk down Northcote Road.

It is more than likely you will spot the queue before the cafe. brew does not take bookings, so most Saturday and Sunday mornings there is a 10-15 minute wait for a table. If you are a larger group expect a longer wait.

On entering the cafe it is a bit of a squish. Despite the very small area they have packed in as many tables as possible, so don't rock up expecting to have any privacy.

The brunch menu is like no other. We started with a freshly squeezed cranberry, pear and ginger juice. I absolutely love ginger so it was an easy decision to pick from the array of fresh juices and smoothies available.

As for the food, there is a huge choice ranging from savoury croissants to fruit, to sweet pancakes to eggs and bacon. A couple of things caught our eye but we both chose eggs on sourdough bread:
- Scrambled eggs with chorizo
- Poached eggs with pea puree and chorizo.





Staff were friendly and super efficient, especially for the very small and fast paced environment they have to work in.

Prices
Juices: £4.50
Scrambled eggs with chorizo: £9.50
Poached eggs with chorizo: £10.50

All breakfast dishes range for £3.00-10.50

The quality of the food at brew is outstanding. Lunch, dinner, cakes and pastries are also available and I will no doubt be back to sample more of the breakfast menu in the near future.