Lovely London Day Out

I was only going to have a quick morning coffee with a friend.
But then I thought while I was in the area I would go to West Elm. The American store opened less than a year ago and I hadn't had the chance  to check out their furniture.  I got their catalog and wanted to see a mid century bar cart with brass legs in person.

I wanted to buy the cardboard white decorations but 
they weren't for sale.   Why is it that half the time
 I just want what isn't for sale in the stores?

The scale of all the items were so big and definitely for American homes as the bar cart was the size of some European dining tables.

We then went next door to Heal's and saw this dog bone bench.
The colorful seating for childern next to it was nice and 
thought it might make nice chairs for parties but 
it didn't carry a child like price tag.

Managed to leave the stores without a purchase and decided that we were hungry and headed to Soho through Bedford Square which at one stage was a new build housing development over a hundred years ago of course.

After lunch we decided to have another quick coffee and general chit chat about life while people watching
at the outside table at the legendary Bar Italia which was made easier with overhead outdoor heating.

The shot of caffeine would have been wasted going home so we decided to head to the Moroni exhibition at the Royal Academy 
but en route decided to check out the latest addition to the 
Firmdale group of hotels - the Ham Yard Hotel.

If you haven't been - run don't walk.

As with most hotels of this group they tend to have a comfy library area with an honesty bar.

The owner of the hotel group Kit Kemp is also an interior designer so she always add her own touch to the decor. The ikat lamp shade for the library ladder floor lamp is fun.