nigella's christmas cup

mr specs was entertaining at the weekend and delighted guests with nigella's new christmas cocktail, a christmas cup. very easy to make (and drink). the quest for cherry brandy might work up a thirst though. recipe avaliable at stylist.

noises off

new production of michael frayn's comedy has opened at the old vic. very funny indeed. more details at noises off.

new report on saving the high street

new report out today @ maryportas.com. includes 28 recommendations to save the high street and our town centres. full report avaliable at portas review.

nutcracker

mr specs is feeling very festive watching the nutcracker at the royal opera house.

trunk

if you are stuck for ideas for christmas presents for a stylish gent try trunk on chiltern street. excellent brands and includes items from the re-launched j crew range. http://www.trunkclothiers.com/

moomin pop-up shop opens 7 december

mr specs loves all things nordic including moomins. so news of a moomim pop-up shop opening in covent garden is good news. the shop will be opened on 7 december by the finnish ambassador no less.

monocle christmas fair @ midori house tonight

mr specs is very excited about monocle's christmas fair being held this afternoon @ midori house. starts at 1pm. advertised as sale items and new items this is sure to be essential christmas shopping for monocle devotees. it's also an opportunity to get into midori house for a sneaky peek!

cava bar opens at pizarro

new edition to bermondsey street is pizarro. hot on the heels of sister offering jose, and just down from white cube, this cava bar is likely to become a destination for food bloggers and zucca overspill.

boxpark

pop up mall opens today in shoreditch. includes east-end venture from foxcroft and ginger.

vote now for best small shops in the uk

go to telegraph magazine...5 days and counting...

liberty shopping event this weekend

time out's no.1 london shopping destination liberty has 20% off for card holders this weekend. christmas shop is fun and new highlight is the assouline literary lounge. see you there!

oliver spencer store opening in soho

mr specs' favourite oliver spencer is opening a new store at 81 berwick street in soho. aw11 must have is the harris crew jumper (which mr specs has been happily sporting of late). 

london unfurled

enjoying this book and cool app for the ipad. more info at picador.

birdy

after a brunch of blueberries, crispy bacon and pancakes, miss specs introduced me to birdy. perfect for sunday morning.

hampstead christmas fair

sunday brought with it the hampstead christmas fair and a chance to mingle with the literati.

this year included the danish christmas market (god jul), spiced apple juice @ ginger and white and, my favourite, a beatboxing christmas choir.

autumn leaves looked impressive too.

mrs mary portas x hof

finally made it to mary portas' shop-in-shop for hof. mr specs is mildly obsessed with all things mary (and yellow door) so was a little excited.

shop design is good (clever panels block out neighbouring concessions, exposed ceiling and original windows look great).

clothes are bold and colourful. my friend, miss specs, tried clothes but wasn't old enough for the looks on offer. in fairness the clothes are not aimed at her.

selected homewares lack relevance to hof shoppers but a keen eye would notice similar goods can be found on columbia road.

bellboys gave out free coffee, which was a nice touch. toiletries and food look a little lost.

verdict - mary, ask for more floor space to present full lifestyle offering.

ps have you thought about capsules for nespresso? they would be bright orange, of course.

monocle x radio = monocle 24

and it's good. sympathy goes to news-readers tackling impossible names of foreign dignitaries. iphone app available too. monocle 24 - let me know what you think.

mr bill granger in london

the talented mr granger has arrived in london. previous visits to bills in darlinghurst were great, esp. for early risers with jet-lag like myself. aussie sunshine is now served up at 175 westbourne grove.

also see monocle for limited edition signed book.

specs

these are my specs. they help me see a lot. these and other cool specs can be found at mallon and taub.

mr specs hearts mr porter

loving www.mrporter.com. and there is 20 per cent off until sunday. enjoy.

welcome

welcome to my first post. this blog is about me, what i like and what i see in london. i hope you enjoy reading.