London Day 3

 

Friday

4/19

Choose: Leighton House, Design Museum, Sambourne House 2:15 Lunch at Core by Clare Smyth (me, open table) Walk down Portobello Road   -We didn’t rush out of the apartment since our reservation at Core wasn’t until 2:15. We decided to visit Sambourne House. -It was a wet morning; but nothing the umbrella couldn’t handle.  -Linsley Sambourne was a cartoonist for the Punch  magazine in the late 1890’s. He and his wife and two kids lived in the tall narrow house. They were maximalists so every surface was covered and decorated. I liked the place a lot. -When we exited the tube earlier, husband noticed something about Japan House. So because we still had a little time, we headed there. -What a beautifully peaceful space! The staff were welcoming, the scents were soothing, as were the music, colors, and items on display. I walked around enjoying the different selections on offer (some very expensive, all pretty). I got a cup of tea (not great) then went to meet husband in the exhibit area. I can’t remember the name of the indigenous group but it showed their crafts,  food, way of living, all that is being lost to time and “progress.” Very interesting. And I’m a little closer to agreeing to a visit to Japan. -We grabbed the tube and made our way to Core by Clare Smyth. It’s a 3 Michelin Star restaurant in a beautiful area of London (Notting Hill). We were greeted warmly by all the staff, including those in the open kitchen. The space was open, warm, a little opulent and feminine, leather top table, beautiful silverware. Instantly felt at ease. There is no choice of menu (it’s 215GBP per person) but they do cater to preferences and allergies. We opted for champagne to start and the wine pairing (145GBP). It’s probably our most expensive meal to date but seriously one of the best, too. I loved (almost) everything, especially that potato. The chicken was a bit disappointing-lacking in real flavor or interest. (Thought I wrote down what we ate but can’t find the notes husband has a picture of the menu). We spoke with a nice couple (from Belfast, NI, in to celebrate his birthday, she’s a fashion maven) at the next table for a bit during the meal then met them after in the beautiful bar for a cocktail. Wonderful experience. Hope to return even at the exorbitant price and difficult booking. Arrived 215pm, left 637pm -We walked down the Kensington Park Street to Penbridge Rd, forgetting that the famous Portobello Road was ~right there~! It was a pretty cute walk, anyway, bustling with people and cars. We bought a King Charles bobble head (cuz hilarious!) at a souvenir shop. We stopped at the Prince Albert pub for drinks (Acresie, Ghanian security was really nice) then headed home.

London