Lifestyle | reviews and news

Discover lifestyle reviews and news at The LDN Gal. Whether you’re looking for the latest film or TV series, health and relationship advice, home and décor inspiration, music reviews or technology news, we have you covered.

Library Lates: Tolkien exhibition, Oxford ⛰️

Library Lates: Tolkein exhibition, Oxford

Library Lates: Tolkien exhibition

This weekend gone, the Bodleian Libraries held a very special evening, a Library Lates: Tolkien exhibition. As the largest J.R.R Tolkien archive in the world, they certainly know a thing or two about Tolkien.

Curator of Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth, Catherine McIlwaine, held the first talk of the exclusive evening. Detailing her journey, she told the audience how it took 5 years to plan the exhibition, which included travel across to the US on more than one occassion and the approval of the Tolkien estate.

Her expert knowledge was simply astounding, and Catherine wrote two publications to compliment the exhibition itself. It was originally meant to be an exhibition solely on hobbits, to tie in with Peter Jackson’s films.

After visiting Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, she decided that this exhibition needed to be bigger and better. It needed to present more than just hobbits and it must delve deeper into Tolkien’s world – it was to be a never before seen event. 

The Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth exhibition itself, all stems from the creative genius of its curator and the dedicated work of many within Oxford University.

Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth exhibition review

When planning, Catherine sought to borrow Tolkien’s manuscripts and visual items which had been sold to Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for the sum of £1,500 in the 1950’s.

Tolkien had been informed by his publishers that Lord of the Rings would not sell well, so he agreed to the selling of his manuscripts after two years of no revenue. The Tolkien archive is highly prized to Marquette and includes plot notes and visual items which are now on loan to the exhibition.

These include interesting things such as character name changes, plot amendments and alternative endings. Catherine said that she “was looking for items that would shed new light on Tolkien’s work” and that each item had to speak strongly for itself. “I chose items that would surprise the visitor,” she added.

Tolkien’s attention to detail was phenomenal. So much so that not only did he map the realistic distance a hobbit could walk but also invented his own Elvish script for the books. As Tolkien said, “mythology is language and language is mythology.”

He agonised over numerous elements of the book, frequently changing his mind back and forth as shown is his rapidly written plot notes within the exhibition. He finished Lord of the Rings in 1949 and it was meant to be one text but proved far too long for the publishers, eventually being split into three.

Discover Tolkien’s family, educational and literary history in a city which proved a massive influence in the creation of Middle-earth, right in the heart of Oxford. You can book tickets here until the 28 October, 2018.

Are you going to attend the Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth exhibition? Who is your favourite Lord of the Rings character?

Stephanie xox

Please follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook for more updates from The LDN Gal

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Top 10 things to do in Budapest ??

A 20 something's guide to Budapest - Hungarian Parliament Building

A 20-something’s guide to Budapest: Top 10 things to do in Budapest

A city of beauty, culture and cheap eats, Budapest is simply on everyone’s European bucket list – and for good reason.

Celebrated as the “Paris of the East”, the winding Danube highlights the city’s beauty, separating Buda from Pest in a sea of twinkling lights by twilight, emulating the grandeur of its buildings and monuments that line its banks.

With a Budapest card in tow, it is time to explore this city and with your new card, all your public transport travel within Budapest is totally free!

The Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

The Hungarian Parliament building:

Renowned as one of the most iconic buildings in Budapest, The Hungarian Parliament building is a truly spectacular sight on the Pest side of the river and one that cannot be missed. You can venture inside and see its stunning interior and the Holy Crown of St. Stephen on an organised tour.

See it from the Fisherman’s Bastion on the Buda side at night for a truly enchanting view – and photograph to boot.

St Stephen's Church, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal St Stephen's Church interior, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal St Stephen's Church view, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

St. Stephen’s Basilica:

St. Stephen’s Basilica is a truly magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral, named in the honour of the first King of Hungary.

Step inside this Neoclassical church and discover its gorgeous and grand interior and the mummified hand of St. Stephen himself (eek). Once done, ascend up to its cupola lookout for some fantastic panoramic views.

You can save 15% off your cupola lookout ticket with the Budapest card.

Szimpla Kert ruin bar exterior, Budapest- A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Szimpla Kert:

Allow yourself a cheeky evening treat and stop for a drink in one of Budapest’s famed ruin bars. Within seemingly disused buildings and overgrown outdoor spaces, these bars are housed within their remnants.

My favourite? Szimpla Kert. A quirky bar embellished with stolen literature, mismatched furnishings and years of memories, its ceilings littered paper. It has a cool vibe and offers a fantastic selection of drinks, food and even shisha. It can get busy, so head there early or during the week to soak up the interior and just unwind for a few hours.

House of Terror - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

House of Terror Museum:

Discover more about Budapest and its fascist and communist past at the House of Terror Museum. Here, you will learn more about the historical terror the tyrannic occupying forces made locals endure as you immerse yourself in the interactive exhibitions within.

This haunting building served as the former Nazi and Soviet headquarters and commemorates the victims of these regimes. Its basement, the former prison, emulates the horror faced by these victims at the time, who were tortured in its darkness.

Shoes on the Danube - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN GalChain Bridge at Night - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Explore the Danube:

Regarded as one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, the banks of the Danube are just asking to be explored. Be sure to take a cruise, be it in the day or at night, to soak up the architecture and beauty around you.

Once done, spare a moment by the haunting Shoes on the Danube memorial and pay your respects to the 20,000 lives cut short on the Danube banks under Ferenc Szalasi’s influence.

Be sure to cross the illuminated Chain Bridge at night, it offers a lovely evening stroll from Buda to Pest or vice-versa. With brazen lions standing to welcome you at each side, be sure to use it as a photostop.

Church Cave, Gellert Hill - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal Gellert Hill, Budapest panorama - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal Gellert Hill, Danube view - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Gellért Hill:

For the best view in the city, take a leisurely stroll-come-hike up Gellért Hill. Once atop, you will see Budapest in all her magnificence with panoramic views. It is the perfect place for a shop-bought picnic beneath the grand statues of the Citadella.

As you make your way down, stop by the Gellért Hill cave church for a unique venture into a church within the hill – not an everyday attraction.

Hospital in the Rock, Castle Hill, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal Hospital in the Rock artifacts, Castle Hill, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal Hospital in the Rock mural, Castle Hill, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Hospital in the Rock: 

The Hospital in the Rock presents a turbulent and at times tragic wartime past, offering visitors a fantastic history lesson. Step back in time and discover this former hospital located within a cave system underneath Castle Hill.

Tours are given on the hour in numerous languages and offer an informative insight into the hospital and its fascinating WW2 and 1956 Revolution history, as well as touching on the nuclear disasters within Japan – I held back tears on more than one occassion.

You can save 30% off your ticket with the Budapest card.

Fisherman's Bastion - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal Matthias Church, Budapest - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Fisherman’s Bastion:

Fisherman’s Bastion is a dreamy structure sitting atop Castle Hill. This fairytale terrace sits in front of Matthias Church and close to Budapest castle.

It is free to wander around but if you desire to go up the ramparts to the upper lookout there is a small fee. From here, discover the picturesque and panoramic views of the Danube and Budapest cityscape.

You can save 10% off your ticket to the upper lookout with the Budapest card.

Holocaust Memorial Centre, Budapest- A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Holocaust Memorial Center:

Within the Holocaust Memorial Center you will discover that around 1/3rd of the people at Auschwitz-Birkenau were Hungarian. It is a shocking statistic and the interior of this memorial center emulates the shocking reality of the horrors faced by Hungarian citizens, Jews, Roma gypsies and homosexuals during this time. Its a harrowing and humbling experience, and one that simply cannot be missed.

You can save 10% off your ticket with the Budapest card.

Budapest zoo petting zoo - A 20 something's guide to Budapest - The LDN Gal

Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden:

The Budapest Zoo is one of the oldest in Europe and rather strangely, located within the city centre. It has nearly 1,000 species of animals on display from across the globe and a lovely botanical garden to boot. The best part for most? An interactive petting zoo where you can stroke goats and deer.

You can save 25% off your ticket with the Budapest card.

Have you been to Budapest? Where would be your first stop?

Stephanie xox

Please follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook for more updates from The LDN Gal

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

This post is in collaboration with Budapest card

Cocktails at Tonight Josephine in Waterloo, London ?

Light wall at Tonight Josephine - The LDN Gal

A Tonight Josephine experience review

If you haven’t been to Tonight Josephine yet, you are in for a treat. Based in Waterloo, this pretty-in-pink hot spot is probably one of the most Instagram-worthy bars in London.

Adorned with a neon light feature wall on entrance and an interior embellished with iridescent streamer lined walls, mirrored ceilings, a floral ‘lady garden’ and mug shot decorated bathroom. This overtly girly bar serves quirky cocktails in an oh so cool environment.

Every corner of the bar proves to be a photo opportunity and most will probably spend just as much time sipping cocktails as they will taking the perfect picture – it is simply a millennial girls dream come true. 

Tonight Josephine is certainly a lot of fun with its bright, bold and brilliant interior. The bar itself is quite small but this offers a degree of intimacy and exclusivity to boot I guess.

Cocktails at Tonight Josephine - The LDN Gal Bathrooms at Tonight Josephine - The LDN Gal

So, what did I think of Tonight Josephine?

Obviously, the décor and atmosphere is fabulous – it is marketed to be just so. Though despite the glamour, its nineties and noughties soundtrack and scented interior (yes, I said scented), you cannot help but feel a little cheated when it comes to drinks – no matter how good they taste.

Unfortunately, my cocktail proved to be more ice than alcohol, free-poured swiftly before being garnished and passed across the bar. It certainly didn’t last long.

Despite this, a few hours at Tonight Josephine makes for a lovely evening and is certainly a fabulous place to stop by for drinks and snaps with the girls – just be sure to take advantage of the 2-4-1 happy hour! 

You can get a free cocktail when you sign up to the Tonight Josephine mailing list.

Have you been to Tonight Josephine yet? Which cocktail would be your go to?

Stephanie xox

Please follow me on Twitter Instagram Facebook for more updates from The LDN Gal

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

High Intensity Hiit trampoline workout at Rebound Revolution Bicester ?

Rebound Revolution Bicester

Rebound Revolution Bicester review

Rebound Revolution Bicester offers a selection of workout classes including a High Intensity Hiit Workout Class. On realising the newly opened trampoline park next door did fitness classes, I was intrigued and decided to take the plunge.

So, let me hit this post off by establishing something. I’m pretty unfit at the moment. You know when you get a little bit busier and a little more indulgent, well the lb fairy has certainly paid me a visit over the past few months.

I guess it’s time to do something about it and I’ve made the executive decision to get my backside into gear and shift a few pounds. Looking around, I was a put off by the local gyms which seemed to all want to wrangle me into a 12 month contract. No thank you.

So, what did I think of the trampoline fitness class?

I was pretty terrified walking across but what could be more fun than bouncing yourself fit eh?  Arriving, I was given a pair of grip socks (included in the price) and ushered over by the peppy and lovely instructor.

At times during this hour-long session, I could have dropped to the floor. However, the feeling afterward was incredibly euphoric. Essentially, workouts are great for your physical and mental health.

After an intense mixture of aerobics moves, circuits, stretches and yoga positions, resistance and core training, I felt sweaty as hell and pretty damn accomplished. I’ll be returning and would highly recommend anyone give trampolining workout classes a try.

Finally, the fantastic class aside, the trampoline park itself is great. It offers 50 trampolines, a climbing wall, giant leap platform and airbag, wipeout area, basketball hoops and foam pit.

Book a Rebound Revolution Bicester workout class.

Would you ever try a trampolining fitness class? How do you stay fit? 

Stephanie xox

Looking for more things to do in Oxford?

Please follow me on Twitter Instagram Facebook for more updates from The LDN Gal

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Explore Wonderland at John Lewis Oxford ?

John Lewis Oxford - White Rabbit Alice in Wonderland - The LDN Gal

John Lewis Oxford review

If you are an Oxford local, the news of a new John Lewis store opening has probably had you excited for many years now. Well, now it is here, along with the shiny new Westgate and it is time to spend galore. I was lucky enough to be invited to the new store to get a feel for what they were offering and to tour the services it provides.

The most incredible thing about the John Lewis store in Oxford is its rather subtle Alice in Wonderland theme, a nod to Oxford’s beloved literary history. All around the beautiful interior of the store are hidden secrets of Alice and her time in Wonderland. The main seating area on the ground floor presents an open book, adorned with towering roses telling the story of Alice within printed petals. Each week, this area acts as a storybook museum for children and as an event space when needed.

As you continue around the store you will find teeny tiny secret doors (great for keeping young minds busy), the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole and even an Alice mannequin with a very Rapunzel-esque blonde wig – encouraging you to leave no corner untouched.

John Lewis Oxford - House by John Lewis - The LDN Gal

So, what do I think of John Lewis Oxford?

Once you get over the sheer genius of the theme you discover a store that satisfies every whim and sense. Within the store, you will discover a gargantuan beauty, homeware, clothing, famed haberdashery, technology, and leisure department.

A unique feature is the Experience Desk, which enables guests to visit and see the daily events on offer within the store and ask any questions that they may have. The John Lewis Oxford store also offers appointments on home decor, beauty, nursery advice, travel, personal style and lingerie fittings – they even have an onsite optician! 

Surprisingly, John Lewis Oxford has more services available than any other John Lewis store in the country and are paving the way when it comes to the success of the stores.

It is music to my ears to discover that the beauty and skincare events are very popular in my hometown, with near-daily events and a first-of-its-kind nail and brow bar, ensuring quick and flawless fixes. Dining is also covered with The Café Bar by Benugo, The Place to Eat restaurant and the highly-recommended KuPP.

It is no surprise that people are so excited to come and shop. Finally, if you do visit, be sure to pop up to the Experience Desk on the first floor for the latest and greatest from John Lewis Oxford!

Have you been to John Lewis in Oxford yet? Do you like the Alice in Wonderland theme? 

Stephanie xox

Please follow me on Twitter Instagram Facebook for more updates from The LDN Gal

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

This review was produced after an exclusive blogger tour

A 90s throwback at the Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant, London ?

 Bubba Gump Shrimp Resturant London review Exterior Shot - The LDN Gal

Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant review

Let’s be honest, Forrest Gump is a classic. If you are yet to see it, you need to jump on the pop-culture train for an overload of 90s fun.

Bubba Gump Shrimp, London offers an American seafood extravaganza in a spectacularly Forrest-Gump-themed setting within central London. You could literally spend a good 15 minutes just wandering around looking at all the décor and there is even a shop onsite for the more die-hard fans.

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant is the first in the UK that is inspired by the 1994 hit.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Resturant London review Wall - The LDN GalBubba Gump Shrimp Resturant London review Logo Wall - The LDN GalBubba Gump Shrimp Resturant London review Jenny Wall - The LDN Gal

So, what did I think of the Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurant, London?

The themes throughout the restaurant were pretty incredible, it’s worth a visit just for a gander at the walls alone.

When it comes to the food, I was pleasantly surprised. Me not being a fish fan (the irony), went for what was probably the only chicken dish on the menu. I really didn’t expect much from the food, it was nice, fresh and flavoursome – but nothing to write home about.

However, you don’t visit Bubba Gump Shrimp for the chicken, you visit for the fish. Luckily, my boyfriend, embraces a far more exciting palette and ordered the Forrest’s Seafood Feast.

The dish was embellished with Southern fried shrimp, seafood hush pups and fish, atop a bed of fries and garnished with tartar, cocktail and remoulade sauces, as well as a side of coleslaw.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Resturant London review Chicken Dish - The LDN GalBubba Gump Shrimp Resturant London review Table- The LDN GalBubba Gump Shrimp Resturant London review Shrimp and Fish Dish - The LDN Gal

It was a lovely experience although I wouldn’t say I’d be in a rush to return. Like all themed restaurant, its slightly expensive to eat there, the food isn’t spectacular and it quite often appears as a one trick pony.

At over £50 for two mains, two cokes and a 12.5% service charge (I did not feel like it was warrented in all honesty), it is a little on the expensive side when you are looking at the quality of the meals.

Do remember, “it’s all about shrimp” and if you are a fan of the Forrest Gump film, you will probably have quite the enjoyable evening.

Have you been to the Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant in London? Which shrimp dish would you devour?

Stephanie xox

Please follow me on Twitter Instagram Facebook for more updates from The LDN Gal

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Take a swing at Junkyard Golf Club Oxford ?️‍♀️

Pink Golf Cart at Junkyard Golf Club Oxford - The LDN Gal

Junkyard Golf Club Oxford review

I have to admit, when we discovered Junkyard Golf Club Oxford while exploring the shiny new Westgate one day, I knew I had to go. I’m a sucker for a unique experience.

The whole concept is a little bit fabulous, play crazy golf in central Oxford and have a few quirky cocktails in some American-esque red party cups on route – quite simply, what’s not to love? 

Myself and my partner made our way to the venue where we were greeted with a photo oppurtunity pink golf cart, boothed seating and the main Bunker bar. Once checked in, we sauntered over to Bunker with two of my lovely girl friends now in tow and fussed over what to order.

Bunker Bar at Junkyard Golf Club Oxford Cocktails at Junkyard Golf Club Oxford

I treated myself to a Hotline Ting – mainly because it had bubblegum flavours and I am a giant child. I must admit, these cocktails kind of remind me of all your favourite childhood flavours, garnished with beloved sweets and dashed with alcohol. It’s almost slightly unethical when I think about it but who cares, it was delicious.

Cocktails aside, Junkyard Golf Club Oxford presents three crazy golf courses to play, each with nine pretty peculiar holes. Expect bright lights, great music and some creative décor. You will either discover Pablo, Gary or Bozo when you go to play – or all three if you are super committed!  

Pablo has a pretty consistent jungle theme with animals galore and some oddities thrown into the mix, whereas Gary is a car fanatics junkyard with enough scrap to create a shelter. Finally, Bozo takes you to a circus almost as creepy and downright strange as the one in Silent Hill 2. So, a nice variety is certainly on offer.

Putt Up Or Shut Up Mini Pablo Course at Junkyard Golf Club Oxford - The LDN Gal

So, what do we think?

We decided on the jungle themed Pablo, informed it was the slightly longer of the three courses. Each course operates on a one way system with each group going in turn. Even though it was busy, we never had to wait too long for the next hole, if at all.

Saying this, when you do visit, it is probably far better to go as a slightly larger team, as you will find the game lasts that little bit longer. There’s even a pit stop bar for cocktails if you fancy another sweet and satisfying drink along the way.

Pablo Hole Glass Boned PigPablo Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe Hole

All in all, the entire experience is great, it is truly something different and much needed on the often traditional Oxford scene. Junkyard Golf Club Oxford is super fun and well-themed – even if that theme is animals-meets-industrial-meets-circus madness.

I had a great time, even though I lost as per. Although saying this, I was the only one to get a hole-in-one. Better luck next time eh? I think I fancy a go on Bozo when I next visit…

Have you been to Junkyard Golf Club Oxford yet? Which course or cocktail do you fancy the most?

Stephanie xox

Looking for more fun things to do in Oxfordshire?

Please follow me on Twitter Instagram Facebook for more updates from The LDN Gal

This experience was exchanged for an honest review

Scandinavian dining at KuPP Oxford ?

KuPP Oxford review - cocktail bar decal

KuPP Oxford review

KuPP Oxford is a beautiful new Nordic-inspired dining venue atop the top floor of John Lewis, Oxford in the new and shiny (and very much improved) Westgate Shopping centre. You can also access it via a lift just to the left of the John Lewis store entrance.

KuPP Oxford is bright and bold, with an edgy design and a gorgeous rooftop location. It has a quirky nature-meets-industrial feel, with revealed copper pipes, cosy faux fur lined or floral print seating, tree trunk features, potted plants and roped lighting decorating the interior.

The optional outdoor seating presents the perfect summertime dining opportunity. Alas, on the final day of January, we were much better off in the warm interior of this beautiful restaurant.

KuPP Oxford review - cocktails on the barKuPP Oxford review - cocktail syrupsKuPP Oxford review - interior

So, what did I think of KuPP Oxford?

The restaurant offers Scandinavian cuisine morning, noon and night with a healthy and wholesome menu embellished with classic Nordic dishes and incredible cocktails infused with a variety of homemade syrups.

We were lucky enough to sample a variety of different starters, their famed smörgåsbords and indulgent mini deserts – order the cheesecake. I repeat, order the cheesecake! 

What I love about KuPP is that it encourages you to share and try new and interesting foods you may not otherwise have thought to. The smörgåsbords are simply so much fun, with a variety of nibbles to drag you in.

As someone who is far too fussy with food, it really made me step out of my comfort zone, as I sampled an array of chicken and vegetarian dishes. The västerbotten cheese and pickled vegetables are simply to die for.

KuPP Oxford review - steak, egg, kale and parsnips crisps

KuPP is perfect at any time of the day, be it breakfast, a simple coffee stop, brunch, evening meals or a quick cocktail. They even have a store onsite where you can purchase their delicious coffee, jams and even some Nordic home decor!

Everything on their menu is fresh and bursting with flavour. It’s truly refreshing and you can see the chefs, bartenders and waiters whizzing about hard at work perfecting the dishes and experience.

I will be returning to KuPP within the next week for brunch with my mother –  I am fighting between the smoothie bowl and pancakes currently.

I am sure I will have many more visits in the near future. It is simple, if you are looking for incredible dining in the heart of Oxford, look no further than the oh so welcoming KuPP!

Have you been to KuPP Oxford yet? How about visiting the Westgate Oxford for a spot of shopping?

Stephanie xox

Please follow me on Twitter Instagram Facebook for more updates from The LDN Gal

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

This dining experience was exchanged for an honest review

Coloured lattes and healthy eats at Farm Girl, London ??☕

Lunch at the cafe, Farm Girl Cafe review, London

Farm Girl cafe review

I have wanted to go to the Farm Girl for quite some time, drawn in by their colourful lattes, vibrant salads and quirky decor dotting across my Instagram feed – they also have a resident bulldog, just one more reason to go really.

Located on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, it made for a nice brisk walk from the nearby tube station. Visiting on a busy Saturday afternoon, we had to wait some time (in the rain) before managing to secure a seat inside.

Do be warned, if you come at the weekend, you may have to wait for up to an hour to be seated. However, it is worth it!

I was taken aback by the bright decor and wonderfully polite staff amidst the hustle and bustle of the cafe, the music was great and the staff attentive.

Decor inside the Cafe, Farm Girl Cafe review, LondonInside the Cafe, Farm Girl Cafe review, London

So, what did I think of the Farm Girl cafe?

The café offers a large room with plush and cosy furnishings inside, as well as a quaint outside seating area – ideal for those food snaps in natural light when the heavens are not open.

The walls inside feature contrasting green square tiling and plush seating which gives off a fabulous natural and earthy vibe. You could really sit there for hours during the week sipping away.

I chose their rose latte, a beautiful flavoured drink garnished with real rose petals. My partner opted for a vibrant blue butterfly matcha latte, taking us back to Japan as we discussed the possibility of a third trip.

Coloured Lattes, Farm Girl Cafe review, LondonStephanie Mulholland of The LDN Gal, Farm Girl Cafe review, London

Farm Girl offers a healthy and wholesome menu, with breakfast and lunch covered. Think acai embellished fruit bowls, buckwheat pancakes, salads with all the colours of the rainbow, gargantuan sandwiches, eggs-just-the-way-you-like on toast and a variety of homemade soups to name a few items – oh, and the super colourful lattes.

In regards to dining, I opted for a sweet treat, the raspberry croissant. My partner, a chicken sandwich, brimming with guacamole and spiced yoghurt on sourdough bread. If I was feeling a little more peckish, the Açai Bowl would have has my name on it. Maybe next time eh?

Overall, the Farm Girl cafe experience was lovely – the perfect pit-stop before exploring the delights of Portobello Market nearby. The afternoon date proved a little costlier than your standard chain cafés, a hot drink and cake for two will set you back about £15.

Have you been to the Farm Girl Café? Which coloured latte tempts you?

Stephanie xox

Please follow me on Twitter Instagram Facebook for more updates from The LDN Gal

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

A Halloween spent at Fright Nights at Thorpe Park ?

Thorpe Park Fright Nights

Fright Nights at Thorpe Park review

In the South of England, there’s really only one place you want to spend Halloween being thrown about from rollercoaster to rollercoaster, and that is Fright Nights at Thorpe Park.

I love theme parks. Actually, that is an understatement. I ADORE theme parks. There is nothing quite like being hurtled around loops and sheer drops that doesn’t make a great start to the day.

Although lacking elaborate make up or a costume, I knew I was in for a spooky and fun day spending Halloween at Thorpe Park.

Thorpe Park Fright Nights EntranceThorpe Park Fright Nights VideoThorpe Park Fright Nights Fog

SO, WHAT DID I THINK OF THE FRIGHT NIGHTS  EXPERIENCE at Thorpe Park?

Walking in, the park had evidently had a Halloween theme revamp, with ghoulish décor, low-lit lighting, smoke machines and live actors creeping in as dusk settled for the night.

In collaboration with AMC The Walking Dead, Thorpe Park also featured two new scary mazes. Say hello to THE WALKING DEAD: Living Nightmare and THE WALKING DEAD: Sanctum.

Sanctum was a real treat, a creepy live action outdoor maze with a deep South twist. With accents haunting each twist and turn, the live actors certainly knew how to put a shiver down your spine.

Thorpe Park Fright Nights Sanctum MazeThorpe Park Fright Nights Saw Alive MazeThorpe Park Fright Nights The Big Top

In addition to the usual thrill ride and attractions, the special evening welcomed four additional mazes and attractions to explore, including Saw Alive, The Big Top, Platform No. 15 and Containment.

It was certainly a worthwhile venture, with later closing times, the addition of new mazes and attractions and the haunted vibe taken into consideration. I would recommend a ticket for 2018 and I will probably return again myself. Do remember though, ‘the island changes after dark’.

Have you been to Fright Nights at Thorpe Park? How did you spend your Halloween this year? 

Stephanie xox

Please follow me on Twitter Instagram Facebook for more updates from The LDN Gal

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

This Fright Nights at Thorpe Park experience was exchanged for an honest review