Mr Midnight! Helping lonely Londoners find luv!

Valentines day just got very very cool! 

Frankie Midnight is the cool new creation of Isobar mobile one of the UK’s leading mobile marketing agencies, this Valentines day.


It is a campaign launched to help you figure out if he or she likes you! The concept draws from the traditional anxiety surrounding Valentines Day, the creative takes customers on a digital journey via their handsets and seeks to answer the eternal question, ‘Does s/he love me.


Inspired by film noir, the campaign shows in over 300 high-profile sites in London and Manchester, promoting either a ‘Does He Love Me?’ or ‘Does She Love Me?’ title. Each poster features a QR code or URL call-to-action, which pushes consumers to a purpose built HTML5 site.


A great interactive experience with a suave new character to help find you luv in the city! 

Knock on Mr Midnight's door to start the luv investigation!

See Mr Midnight P.I. around town and scan in the QR code to find out doesheluv.me

Choose a guy or a gal from your Facebook friends to find out if your relationship will succeed!

For more information see: doesheluv.me or follow @FrankPI_14 on twitter

WHEN IN VINTAGE HEAVEN - The Mad Hatter has some serious Style

A very vintage tea party! 

Now imagine if you would, that you are preparing for the mad hatters tea party and you need trendy china wear and lots of tea cups and vintage table cloths. Where will you buy on bulk??! So much to do so little time!

'Vintage Heaven is your treasure trove of retro and mid-century objets d'art, opening up the world of yesteryear to one and all.' I couldn't have said it better myself! 


Every collection is colour coordinated and almost sets out a table setting for you with beautiful patterns, shapes and textures. You feel immersed in a history of possible table settings, and you don't know which one to pick, so you decide on a melange of all colour options, creating a cool retro vibe. 


This is a great place to go mill around, check out the little coffee place at the back of the shop for afternoon tea and cake, with beautiful mixed and match teapots and teacups.

This is a must visit When in London 


MARCH HARE:
A very merry unbirthday to me

MAD HATTER:
To who?

MARCH HARE:
To me

MAD HATTER:
Oh you!

MARCH HARE:
A very merry unbirthday to you

MAD HATTER:
Who me?

MARCH HARE:
Yes, you!

MAD HATTER:
Oh, me!

MARCH HARE:
Let's all congratulate us with another cup of tea ( At vintage heaven)
A very merry unbirthday to you!


For more info see: 

82 Columbia Road,

Bethnal Green,

London. E2 7QB.

WHEN IN MISHKIN'S - Match maker, has found me a find!

Oi Vey - A Deli with a Cocktail?! 

Coming back from NYC, one would think that you couldn't find a good place for a salt beef sandwich and a nice chicken soup and matzo balls. Well you ( I) was wrong. Please forgive me in this post when I write in the appropriate language of yiddish....

So my bubbelehs. I want to tell you a geshikhte of place where even your bubbies can't compete with. Oi, Oi veys mir!! Mishkin's is a hagodl version of the jewish deli, but with cocktails! Oi ve voy !!! ( lots of shrugging of the shoulders and erratic hand movements!) 

If you want a retro place to eat at, with the element of New York delis, with the beat of the blues, a great cocktail and the fantastic home wear interior inspiration, then you gotta try out Mishkin's!

The dark, yet too cool for school interior mixed with the gorgeous aroma of home made cooking, makes you feel chilled and utterly relaxed. You almost feel like you have been going there for years.

A great place to go with friends, or if you are looking to dare to be different on a first date- then this is the place to impress!!


This is a must visit When in London

Matchmaker Matchmaker, 
Make me a match
Find me a Deli,
Catch me a catch
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Look through your books
and Find me a perfect Deli!!

For more info see: 
25 Catherine Street, WC2B 5JS

WHEN IN THE POWDER ROOM -A sweet talkin' sugar coated pampering shop

You have a party to go to. You are with your girlfriends. You are sipping on pink champagne and are milling through your wardrobe. You have the outfit yet the dressing up is not over and you want the full pampering process. You go to the most girly, the most camp, the most retro place in London. The Powder room.


Everything is pink, with a hint of the pink ladies from Grease, mirrored and full of fun. If you are on the hunt for somewhere to take your posy of girls then this is the place to go. You will love the 50's feel, the sheer pinkish luxury of it all and most of all you feel like all gals are in it together!

Let the boys sit and read a newspapers ( or ask them to go sit in the local pub) whilst you bask in cream, tea and cupcakes!!

This is a must visit When in London


It's the one and only stop, makes the champagne pop
It's a sweet talkin' sugar coated pampering shop
A sweet talkin' sugar coated pampering shop

It's the one and only stop, makes the champagne pop
It's a sweet talkin' sugar coated pampering shop
A sweet talkin' sugar coated pampering shop

for more info see:
http://www.thepowderpuffgirls.com/

WHEN IN TOM'S KITCHEN - Made in Chelsea

Yummy Yummy Yummy 

A bustling room filled with the aroma of gorgeous fresh food and a buzzing atmosphere. This is Tom's Kitchen. 

Let me set the scene for you. You wander down Cale Street, a little Chelsea Borough street on a warm autumnal day, kicking the auburn leaves from under your feet and letting the fresh yet warm rays of sun smile on your face. ( how very very poetic of me! and now on another note:) 

A trendy neighbourhood filled with look a like cast members of Made in Chelsea. You are literally on the set of the show, wandering around the gorgeous surroundings of the royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea Darling! 

You wander into Tom's Kitchen as if you have wondered into a good friends home and you are popping round for brunch. From English breakfast to gold old hearty meals Tom's Kitchen is a must go to destination to hang with friends and family on those relaxing weekends. It feels as if it is your local, that you have always been there and everyone is totally relaxed! 

This is a must visit When in London

Yummy, Yummy, Yummy.

I got love in my tummy,
And I feel like going to Tom's Kitchen:

The food is such a sweet thing,

Good enough to eat thing

And that's just a-what I'm gonna do.

Ooh love, I told ya,

Ooh love, you gotta eat ya,

Ooh love, I love it so.

Ooh love, you're sweeter, 
Sweeter than sugar.

Ooh love, you gotta go to Tom's Kitchen 

for more info see: 

http://www.tomskitchen.co.uk/chelsea/

WHEN IN JEWELLERY - Maria Zureta

Bei Mir Bist du Schön

Vintage - a word used more often than 'polkadot' and 'trimmings' in the fashion world nowadays. We use history to inspire the future however some designers are able to create trends rather than follow them. I met Ricardo Costa, creator of Maria Zureta Jewlery at Portabello and Spitalfields market a few years ago, where he was a stand attracting the fashion forward and slightly more risqué customer. The customer who wants to have everyone at the evening cocktail party approach them and ask 'I love your necklace, where is it from?' . The customer who has great style and a slightly more complex personality ( seems like I am describing myself!)

He takes unique pieces of old jewellery and refashions it into something spectacular and before you know it, before you can shout,' Givenchy, YSL and Margiela!' - you are wearing something exceptional. Chains and brooches, old spoons and lighters, twine and buttons, every piece is totally different with a little part of history attached to it, so you know that you are wearing a one off.

I feel when I wear each one of my pieces it says a little bit more about my own personality, a little more complex yet always glamorous. If you are looking to be different then you must have a Maria Zuerta piece. If you want to take vintage to another level then you must have a Maria Zureta piece. If you looking for that one item that will make the most simple outfit a work of art then you must have a Maria Zureta piece. If all of the above - Then you must have a Maria Zureta piece!!

This is a must visit When in London

Of all the designs I've known, and I've known some
Until I first saw you, I was lonesome
And when you came in sight, dear, my heart grew light
And this old world seemed new to me

You're really swell, I have to admit you
Deserve expressions that really fit you
And so I've racked my brain, hoping to explain
All the things that you do to me

Bei mir bist du sch"n, please let me explain
Bei mir bist du sch"n means you're grand
Bei mir bist du sch"n, again I'll explain
It means you're the fairest in the land

I could say "Bella, bella", even say "Voonderbar"
Each language only helps me tell you how grand you are

for more info see:

www.mariazureta.com

WHEN IN BROWNS LABELS FOR LESS - Honey I'm home!

That's what I want

 I wonder through those expensive stores and I look around, find something beautiful and pick it up. I gaze for minutes in front of the mirror thinking, 'this is it...this is the one...This is my best friend, lover and sweet temptations all rolled into one.' Then I look at the tag and I burst out crying inside...it is usually more than a months rent in Notting Hill gate, and even if I try to kid myself in thinking I would live of pot noodle for a year, I put the outfit back and I wonder out of the store.

That is usually how my shopping routine will work.

Then I go to Browns outlet! A thrift princess closet filled with gorgeous items all with 30-50 even 70 % off!
I HAVE ARRIVED!

Margiela, Versace, Prada, Acne, Marni and many many more Browns outlet gives you the affordable high end fashion you always dreamed of.

Located across the road from the original Browns store on South Molton street, this little parlour of all things fabulous and common fashion folk friendly is definitely a place to shop.

This is a must visit When in London

The best things in life are free
But you can give them to the birds and bees
I want labels for less

(That's what I want)
That's what I want
(That's what I want)
That's what I want
(That's what I want)
That's what I want
(That's what I want)

You love gives me such a thrill
But your love won't pay my fashion bills
I want labels for less
for more info see:
http://www.brownsfashion.com/home/

WHEN IN SUNGLASSES - OLIVER GOLDSMITH

Unpack your sunglasses 

It is Autum time and we are slowly packing away are bikinis and throwing out old bottles of sun tan lotion, putting away our sundresses and flip flops. We also try to hold on to the last moments of sunshine with our shades in all different shapes and styles.

Oliver Goldsmith is a special sunglass boutique that hosts avant garde, beautiful mod creations inspired by the golden ages of trends.

You can't help but try everything. See through frames, dip dye frames, geek chick, 60s retro, and remodelled classics are a few of the styles that you see in this store.

Right in the heart of Nottinghill, this store has everything that you love about a trendy boutique.

You feel as if you have been transported into another era, a golden time of chic cutting edge trends and Jackie Onassis!!

This is a must visit When in London


In the summertime when the weather's high,
you can stretch right up and touch the sky,
when the weather's fine,
you got sunglasses, you got sunglasses on your eyes.
Have a drink, have a drive,
go out and see what you can find.

For more info see:
All Saints Road in Notting Hill,

When in the blues kitchen - Swing your way into the early hours

Dirty Dancing just got a lot dirtier

It is always fun hearing live music. I love a little get down and boogy moment. However I find it very difficult to find these special places which have so much character and always put on a good show!

In the heart of Camden town is a place so cool that someone like Johnny Depp could not compare to this joint. If MTV were to film Muddy Water's crib this is what it would look and sound like.

The Blues Kitchen is a diner/bar which hosts great live performances almost every night. The food is that traditional all American food ( burgers, fries and ribs ( basically everything I love)) but you head back to the stage after a meal and a drink and you swing dance your way into the early hours of the morning.

The interior is rustic and raw and you are transported into another world of Jazz, with brass instruments dangling from the ceiling as light fittings, and tires littering the walls.

I felt as if Dirty Dancing had upped a level and we were in the pit of all things naughty and nice, the time of secret clubs in the prohibition age where we were the rebels of the night and no one could stop us from doing our thing

This is a must visit When in London

Ain't got the change of a nickel
Ain't got no bounce in my shoes
Ain't go no fancy to tickle
I ain't got nothing but the blues

Ain't got no coffee that's perking
Ain't got no winnings to lose
Ain't got a dream that is working
I ain't got nothing but the blues in the BLUES KITCHEN

for more info see:

111 - 113 Camden High Street
Greater London NW1 7JN

WHEN IN THE TATE MODERN - A Giant in the Art World

The official home of modern Ideas 

What to do on a rainy afternoon? I could go spend time in the Westfield center, but I have seen it all before, I don't want to run from shop to shop getting soaked. I could sit in a coffee shop and watch the world go by, but 3 lattes is definitely my limit.

On rainy days I take myself to the museums. Especially the Tate Modern. It never gets boring walking through the main entrance to see that vast stretch of open space. You have to catch your breathe for a minute. You stand in the middle of the entrance just looking up and all you see is light - pure, and natural light.

I love wondering around the huge hall spaces admiring the works of Jackson Pollock, Patrick Heron, Brancusi and Kandinsky ( to name a few) - artists who created ideas of the modern world.

You look out through one of the tall windows and you peer into the sights of London. For a split second you feel like a giant and you have total power over the city below.


The Tate Modern always has great exhibitions on so you are never disappointed. Whether it is Miro or Rothko, the Tate is totally equip to house these giants for you to visit.

There is this level of inter-activeness which I feel is so important to the Tate Modern. You feel very close to the art, rather than separated by barriers. It might be due to the size of the gallery, however it creates that personal experience which I believe lacks in many art galleries.

In addition the museum has one of the best book stores for art I have ever been to. I always find something great to take home with me. A little piece of modern art to call my own!

Come rain or shine this is a must visit When in London

All around me are familiar faces
Painted places, sketched and installations 
Bright and light  for the daily races
Walking through, walking through 


And I find it always interesting, I find it kind of great
The dreams in which I'm here are the best in any case
I find it hard to tell you, you need to see yourself 
When people walk into the the Tate it's a very very  
Modern world, modern world


For more info see:
Bankside
London SE1 9TG

WHEN IN ELTHAM PALACE- A History lesson in style

Transport through time with Henry the VIII and the Charleston!

Now I know that this blog contains more fashion and food places however I thought I would start a new trend and talk about stately homes. Now 'Why?' you might ask am I doing this. Well the answer is simple. Some of these gorgeous landmarks can be the key into inspiration for our own homes and they are portals into another era which has somehow been forgotten or lost in this modern world of ours. I feel that when I visit such places I am transcended back in time- lost in a time warp, but I love it. It is such a break from the outside world and it gives me a sense of pride- being British and that we have such an ornate and vast history.

Now the other side to this story is that fashion is the repetition of ages and we like to believe that we have an appreciation for these periods through changing trends. It is only when you go to these houses of inspiration do you really start to realise how much we need them for fashion trend and predictions.

Eltham palace is one of those special places where two trends collide and create something so extraordinary that it makes you want to go home redecorate and pull out your wardrobe and restyle!

The melange of Tudor and Deco. How? What? and Why? could this even be possible. However it is and is soooooo works!!

Start by touring the childhood home of Henry VIII ( the remains of Eltham Palace) and end up immersing yourself in 1930s Art Deco built by the wealthy Courtauld family. What a wonderful skip in time! The Tudor rooms are so heavy and regal that you are in awe of such decor for such a time. The deco rooms make you want to Charleston your way through the hallways and pull out the red lippy and deck yourself with pearls and silk gloves. Many a time the backdrop for Hollywood movies or music videos, this place has seen its fair share in modern utilisation.

There is something ever so eerie about the halls of the home, something ghostly, but that sense in mystery fills me with utter excitement as I bound from one room to another to see the next installment in history.

Each room is totally different and the split in historical reference is amazing and will inspire anyone who is having trouble redecorating or wandering what their style preference is!

This is a must visit When in London

Alas, my love, I love this place,
That lies in on the edge of time.
For I have loved it throughout my life,
wishing that it all could be mine.

Eltham Palace was all my joy
Eltham was my delight,
Eltham was my heart of gold,
And who but my Palace of Eltham.

For more info see:

Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, London - SE9 5QE

WHEN IN SUPTINO- Bringing New York to Southwest London

New York New York - You mean London London ??



My mum was in town for the weekend and she wanted to meet for lunch. Usually this means somewhere near Selfridges so that we can continue our shopping spree and possibly go for a late night movie. However this time we decided to mix it up a bit.

She wanted to test this place Sputino out which she had read about online.

The only way I can describe this place is; if All Saints decided to branch out from the fashion world into cuisine then this is what each of their restaurants would look like. If Seasick Steve wanted a joint to hang out in with his guitar and his lyrics then this would be his place. A tiny place with iron everywhere subway styled tiles and a rusty feel with this cool urbaness ambiance to it. You are bringing derelict New York buildings with fire escapes and all to the middle of central London. Naked light bulbs dimly light the room and the waft of homely food fills the secret cubby hole of a diner!



You can't really call it a restaurant as it does not host many tables and chairs. You sit along the bar which has maximum 15 places and there is one high table and stools towards the back.

The highlight is however that the menu is a funky as the venue. Popcorn is your bread and everything comes in miniature sizes so you order one of each and you become so addicted that you order more! Mini salt beef and pickle sandwiches, zucchini fries with yogurt dip, brioche and bone marrow etc.  it brings a Novaux New York deli styled food to the streets of Soho in west London. ( you must try the peanut butter jelly sandwich for dessert- it is not what you think and is extremely delicious! The hint is ice cream and compote)

You can't book, you can't call , you just need to go and be lucky.

This is a must dining experience When in London

Start spreadin the news
I'm eatin today.
I want a great big chunk of it 
Sputino Sputino


I want burgers, pizza and fries
Where it's miniatures sizes
Coolest place in town 


Sputino Sputiiinoooo!!


For more info see:
61 Rupert Street
Westminster, London W1D 7

WHEN IN COLUMBIA STREET MARKET- Home of the All English Quaintness

I Love Markets

I love market culture. It is such a breathe of fresh air in the shopping world. In the outdoors, milling from one stand to another, stand owners trying to flog you items for so called ' great deals', haggling... its so different to the generic shop - you are back at the roots of trading, face to face with the trader, and showing them the colour of your money. Not to mention the amazing finds.

We all know London to have Portabello road, home of the Nottinghill film and carnival. We all know Camden market, home of the hippy, the rebel and the spliff! We even know Spiterfields, home of Brick lane and Indian food! But do you really know Columbia Road market?

On a Sunday this old flower market comes to life. One of the smaller markets in London, visiting is a lot more relaxed and you don't have the super rush of a block buster market like Portabello. Columbia street market is really quaint and there is something so terribly English about it. I don't exactly know what it is, or why but because it is one of these hidden gems of the city, I feel it has been preserved.

You walk through the center of the flower market but on the sides are amazing little artisan boutiques. A hat shop that has been around since I was born, a vintage china shop with the most gorgeous retro coffee house behind it, a retro inspired hair dressers that makes any gal go crazy! ( in the style of the pink ladies from Grease), a beautiful boutique filled with hand made jewelry and journals in the shabby chic style. There are no limits in this little avenue of creation. It is almost stuck in a time warp or a romantic movie set where you need to wear a little hat, clutch bag and gloves and carry a bouquet of violets or roses and skim through the antique china picking out tea cups heavily decorated in a baroque fashion.... I could go on forever....

This is a must visit When in London!

I love Markets in the springtime.
I love Markets in the fall.
I love Markets in the winter when it drizzles,
I love Markets in the summer when it sizzles.

I love Markets every moment,
every moment of the year.
I love Markets, why, oh why do I love Markets?
Because Columbia Road market is so dear.

WHEN IN TOM'S DELI- It's DELIghtful, it's DELIcious, it's DELIovely!

Giving the word DELOVELY a whole new meaning!

London has so much choice. There is no limit to the different kinds of fun finds to discover in the city.

I love Sunday's during the spring in London. Cherry blossom in Notting Hill, wandering down to Portabello. A scene straight out of a movie. ( hint hint- nudge nudge!)

Down the beautiful street of Westbourne Grove, where ladies who brunch go to be seen, boutiques and little avenues of colourful building giving ' Made in Chelsea' a run for its money!!

Tom's Deli is a delightful little parlour, multicoloured, filled to the brim with delicious delicacies- reaching as far as the eye can see. You feel as if you have stepped back in time, to an old fashioned diner/cafe and trying to figure out from all the choice what to have from the menu! One of the best features of this Deli is that you are located next to Portabello Road, by the antique area. The crowded experience of Portabello on a Saturday can be tiresome so having an outlet like Tom's Deli is a great way to skip the hoards of people and have a tranquil coffee and cake whilst you watch the world go by.

Their brunch menu is brilliant- gourmet styled English breakfast, eggs Benedict and beacon with sourdough muffins. Tea cakes and tapas, biscuits and Biscotti - it's all there and beautifully displayed.

This is a must visit When in London

The day is young, the skies are clear
so if you want to go brunching dear
it's DELIghtful, it's DELIscious, it's DELImma, it's DELIux, it's DELIovely !!!

For more information:
226 Westbourne Grove

WHEN IN THE PARADISE- Miss Havisham's London Pad!

The place they keep secret in Austin or Dickens!


When I find a restaurant that I really like, I tend to go back relatively often. I love my meat, I love my veg, I love my potatoes - I am happy.

On the corner of Kilburn road, is a dark and Gothic looking pub. London being notorious for its pub culture, you would expect that each pub would look relatively similar on the inside. Dark wooden bar, tables and chairs filling up the space and the VIP customer who resides at the end of the bar glugging down a pint.

When walking into the Paradise, you have walked into Miss Havisham's house from Great Expectations. And boy oh boy did Dickens leave out that she has style!

Rustic white painted floor boards, book cases from floor to ceiling, vintage bird cages hanging at all levels, old paintings of nobles and noblewomen, stuffed animals decked out in costume jewelery, mis -matched tables and chairs, vine leaves and roses, candles and neon lights.

From a pub/bar to a restaurant to a live venue and karaoke bar, this is every socialites PARADISE.

It is such a refreshing feeling to find a place which has such an individual style yet serves beautifully prepared food. English inspired cuisine with a modern gastro pub twist.

Oh, I've been to Nice and the isle of Greece 
when I sipped champagne on a yacht 
I moved like Harlow in Monte Carlo 
and showed them what I've got 
I've eaten sticky toffee pudding,  
rib eye steak with pepper sauce, chips and peas
I've been to PARADISE, it's the only place for me... 
 
This is a must visit When in London.

For more information see:
19 Kilburn Lane
Kensal Green, 
London, W10 4 AE