An Olympic Diary: The closing weekend

11th September

My close friend whom I met when working at Fforest camp site in West Wales came to stay or a last minute trip. Her trip was filled with magical London and Olympic moments. 

London Fields brewery - 1st birthday party with live music, people watching, and friendly atmosphere. 

Walking to BT London Live at Victoria Park we spotted Boris Johnson cycling to the Olympic stadium before seeing him at the event on the big screens. Another Mo win in the company of friends and the surrounding crowd. 

Heading home to get ready from a night at fabric at about 5, we found the bus had been diverted. In an attempt to find the route, we ended up walking part of the Olympic Marathon at 6.00am 

Sunday was spent sleeping and eventually pulling ourselves together to grab some food and be part of the atmosphere back at Victoria Park for the Closing ceremony.

An Olympic Diary: an impromptu Saturday

4th September 

After getting tickets at midnight for the previous day, my parents came for a visit. We started with a loverly lunch at the Pavillion Cafe. Luckily we were blessed with sunshine and sat outside overlooking the lake and boating. My dad enjoyed the burger whilst my mum and I opted for the beetroot, ricotta and lentil salad. 

We then headed to the park for BT London Live and enjoyed a cider, paper and nap at the music stage. After watching some of the games on the screen, I took my parents to my old favourite Loafing cafe in Victoria park for coffee and cake. 

In the evening, Emma, Polly and I decided to pay Hackney Wick a drinking visit. At Crate brewery (see photos above), a new micro brewery by the river, read Emma's review here at Daydreamer. Whilst sipping our cider and beers the most incredible roar soared up from the hidden stadium behind us. The moment Ennis won the Heptathlon.  

On our second pint and in the midst of the excitement, Mo won. At that point I was a little overwhelmed tipsy and I'm not ashamed to say there was tears. The sound of reggae then led us to The Yard Bar, and after we calmed things down a bit with The Hackney Pearl. 

An Olympic Diary: The Opening Ceremony

29th July

The day of the opening ceremony, the city felt eerily quiet. The calm before the storm?  On my way home from work, after a choice of seats on the peak-time overground, I knew things where going to be good when I was loaded with free Brioche at Victoria Park.

In the evening we headed up to flat party in Hackney Wick which overlooked The Fringe club and the stadium. Seeing the fireworks and stunt parachutists first hand was a once in a lifetime moment.  A magical evening which saw celebrations bringing people through the streets till the early hours - the safest walk home alone with so many police officers around. 

July 2012

Soho Secret Tea Rooms, ice cream at Covent Garden, birthday wine, home holiday, the start of all the glory. 

The month started at Soho Secret Team rooms. A heartbreak day off work ended up relaxing with Lady Grey in the park, playing catch with adorable kids. My birthday with my favourite people ended up with a little too much wine. A holiday at home ended with one sunned arm. And then there was the Opening Ceremony flat party in Hackney Wick, enough said.

Time for Tea: Soho's Secret Tea Room

Nestled above The Coach and Horses, Soho's Secret Tea Room's is a hidden gem for a perfect Afternoon Tea away from the central tourist hustle and bustle. I took Whirlygig Cinema's Katie, my sister, and our dearest family friend there one perfect sunday for a girly catch up. Safe to say it was a great success all round. We enjoyed cake, scones and sandwiches. Accompanied by an assortment of fresh tea between us.    

Traditional, vintage, intimate. A sneak peak at the secret: