Everything we ate in London last week.

And what we did in between meals.

Hi! I’m Keris. I’m an author writing about writing and books and music and life, and the last song I listened to was Viva La Vida by Coldplay. And if you think I didn’t do this

you don’t know me at all.

Hello! Today? Not great. But it is my 15yo’s birthday - he’s my 16yo now - so I’m going to try not to doom scroll and enjoy it. This, from Victoria Hutchins - thedailyvictorian on Instagram - helped me this morning.

London, baby!

When I asked the 15yo 16yo what he wanted for his birthday, he said he wanted to go to London. Primarily to eat at a Korean place we had lunch in last summer. That place has since closed down, but here’s everything we ate in London. Plus some things we did between meals.

First stop off the train was Eggslut, which I’ve been wanting to try for ages.

And it was good. From there, we walked down Tottenham Court Road while I told Joe how when I moved to London it was all fields electronics shops and then we played giant Tetris at the (the? I don’t know) Outernet and he won!

After stopping for a coffee and some people/pigeon-watching and checking into our hotel, we made our way to Japan House for the food replica exhibition. Loved it.

And then to Soho for bibimbap (me) and Korean fried chicken (Joe). Guess how many times I burned my hand on the sizzling bowl.

Wandered around Soho and Covent Garden for a while and then stopped for cheesecake. I’d seen this recommended on Instagram and I am always trying to find a cheesecake that tastes like the first one I ever had, made by my aunty in the eighties. This wasn’t that, but it was good. Joe was unimpressed: “Just cheesecake. They all taste the same.”

More wandering and then Joe declared he wanted a hot chocolate nightcap. We’d passed a chocolate place earlier that looked good, so we headed back there and queued - queued! - for a while before ordering two Italian hot chocs. The waiter asked me if I wanted the three chocolates on the side and I said yes, thinking - not unreasonably in my opinion (Joe disagreed) - that I would get, you know, three chocolates. On the side. But no.

Why is this a thing? Who wants this?! I immediately, obviously, spilled some down my jumper. But at least I only went for a tiny one; the guy at the table next to us who seemed to be on an apparently successful first date, was fighting for his life with a massive mug and overflowing saucer.

Eldest sent us a photo of Noodles on my bed, having tucked herself under a teatowel.

Day Two

Joe had requested a visit to Battersea Power Station so I took the opportunity to finally go to Dishoom for brunch. Delicious. And surprisingly entertaining watching the terrace being power-washed.

Another big walk, through Battersea Park, where Joe wanted to visit the Peace Pagoda…

…then to Chelsea for a coffee before making our way to Marylebone (where I totally would have spent a happy hour outside a wine bar if Joe hadn’t been with me) and then to the train home. With buns for the journey (and one for the 20yo).

Noodles was delighted furious to have us home.

Do you too plan your trips around meals? What’s the best thing you’ve eaten on holiday? Or in London?

---

Paid subscriptions help support me and my writing, plus you get to read extracts from my work-in-progress, Dead Frog Lane (working title! no frogs were harmed, etc.)

(If you’d like to upgrade, but can’t pay right now, email me and I will add you, no questions asked.)

If you’d prefer not to commit to a regular payment, you can tip me. Thanks!

THIS WEEK’S POST ON THE LADYBIRD PURSE, MY OTHER SUBSTACK ABOUT WOMEN AND MONEY

Noticing the parallels between budget culture and diet culture, the one thing I resented paying for in London, plus an interview with a woman who made $23k from a viral article.

Are you ready to give up the fantasy of being rich?

Know someone you think might like Happy Endings? Give them a gift subscription!

READ STARRING KITTY ON KINDLE UNLIMITED!

THANK YOU <3