Tuesday 19 February 2013

Rediscovering London #3: The Havelock Tavern, Shepherds Bush



We've discovered yet another local beauty of a pub. Tucked away in the residential area of Brook Green, Hammersmith, this boozer holds a precious secret within its blue-tiled walls- not only does it have a good atmosphere, but exquisite food as well. The menu change twice daily, and only comes out 15 minutes before food service begins. The laid-back bar staff (who never seem fazed by how busy it gets) know why most of the locals are there, and pass out food menus without even asking.

Some of our food highlights from our past 3 visits (can you tell we like this place?) include: wild sea bass with ratalle potatoes, roasted duck breast with kimchi cabbage, coriander and chilli, mussel and smoked bacon chowder to name but a few. That's before we even mention the daily oysters available- the oysters with chorizo were especially delicious. Did I mention the free home-made bread- and you all know how much I looooove bread! And, to top it all off- it's affordable! Good food at a good price- you don't find that very often in London...

Anyway, this is a great place to laze away a Sunday- or an even better place for an impromptu weekday treat. Be warned, get here around 6.30pm if you can- it may seem deceptively quiet, but as soon as food service starts, the locals will start pouring in. Also, another tip- the Bird in Hand across the road may look like a more traditional pub on the outside- but, bizarrely, it is actually an Italian restaurant! The Havelock Tavern is by far the better choice- and, to be honest, we've yet to find a better choice in the area.

Saturday 16 February 2013

REVIEW: QUIET- Susan Cain



You may rememeber, ten months ago, I wrote an article on introversion, based on an article written by Susan Cain. I had never been so deeply affected by an article, and her renewed definitions of 'shyness' and 'introversion' truly made a difference in how I view both my own personality, my loved ones' personas, and the world around me. Cut to January 2013: at Waterstones, they started to promote eight particular titles as part of their 'Waterstones Book Club'; one of those books is called 'Quiet' by Susan Cain. Somehow it had escaped my attention that the article I had read ten months ago was actually an excerpt from a book. Not only that, but a fantastically selling book, probably the best-selling out of the eight Book Club books- turns out lots of people are interested in learning how a quiet person can use such quietness to their advantage in both life and work, rather than changing their whole persona. As soon as I could, I borrowed a free copy from my manager, devoured it every second I could, and literally did not shut up about how much I loved it the whole time I was reading it- just ask Patrick. Kind of ironic, given the title.

So, why did I love it so much? Well, it helps that the author is a brilliant, thoughtful writer who is extremely easy to empathize with. Although she is emphasizing the unique qualities that can make introverts great business leaders and society contributors, she never claims that it is 'better' to be an introvert- just that you needn't think you are at a disadvantage if you are on the quieter side. She has certainly done wide and extensive research, to ensure she is not putting forward a biased perspective. The studies that she looks at, as she explores the nature/nurture debates surrounding introversion, are truly fascinating, and will make you want to tell little anecdotes to everybody around you- or maybe that's just me.

You may be wondering: 'if Cain is such an introvert, how can she go around promoting this book?' That is actually something she brings up in the book- often, when an introvert feels passionately about a subject, they can often forget themselves and take on a more extroverted self in order to achieve the end result. I can certainly identify with this; I may have been terrified when I was leading those creative writing workshops in Fiji, or giving that creative writing talk to the kids at the International School, but once I was up there, my love for creative writing helped me to override my fear of looking stupid in front of an audience (yes, even the kids- ESPECIALLY the kids!). It's actually made me realize how much I love teaching kids creative writing- a path I would certainly like to pursue in the future.

Even if you know that you are an out-and-out extrovert, don't immediately put this book aside- everybody, from bosses to parents to friends, can gain from learning how introverts handle social situations- and that their dislike of large parties does not make them 'anti-social', but just sensitive to overstimulation. There are not many people that are one extreme or the other: a fact that Cain emphasizes throughout the book. Considering this glorious ambiguity, even extroverts may recognize introverted qualities within themselves that they had never thought they had before.

As you've probably gathered by now, I absolutely LOVED this book- I have been recommending this book left, right and centre, not that it needs the promotion. Just like the introverts it speaks about, the book is quietly drawing people towards it by offering them a unique, previously unsung insight into the world around them. Cain handled the subject beautifully and sensitively, never judging or assuming, and certainly left this mostly high-reactive introvert (with some extroverted qualities) feeling empowered, and ready to live life in a way that will promote my best assets. I'll leave you with this quote:

'The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamp-lit desk.'

Saturday 2 February 2013

Jaunts in January...

So, after the mental Christmas period, I've actually had a few weekends off to gallavant around the country. After falling for Heston's culinary charms at Dinner, Patrick and I decided to venture to Bray, a small Berkshire village that houses three Heston restaurants, including the famous, consistently globally rated restaurant the Fat Duck. Unfortunately, that one was a liiiiiittle bit out of our price range- only £195 per person!! However, we were still spoilt with the affordable Hind's Head and the Crown; both gastro-pubs had exquisite food as you would expect. The 'hash of snails' at the former was particularly incredible- garlic pan fried snails on sourdough with pistachio puree and shaved fennel, mmm mmmm MMMM! Though the HH might have slightly nudged ahead with its food, the Crown was definitely the winner in cosy pub atmopshere.

If you're ever thinking of heading there overnight, I'd recommend staying at Bray Court Bed and Breakfast. Spotlessly clean, comfy beds, friendly hosts, and amazing fry-up in the morning- what more could you ask for in a B n B? Only £60 for the night too...bargain!

The last two pictures are from when I went to visit my good friend Gem in Cullompton, Devon on a particularly snowy weekend- I actually made my first snow angel! I know, I haven't lived...

Hash of snails. Not my picture, I just wanted you to see what it looked like!


We took a little stroll to the Monkey Island Hotel while we waited for the Crown to open...






Peacocks milling about the Peacock Suite!!


Pulling a chicken pose outside the Hind's Head- don't remember why...


The Crown...