It's my first day back in London for 7 years, 13 years after I lived here. It's safe to say a few things have changed. Kings Cross Station, for example, no longer feels as though you'll be mugged at McDonalds. The station has had a face lift and it actually looks *nice*. For a couple of nights I'm staying at nearby The Pullman St Pancras. That too has had a face lift, or rather a complete face change from what was formerly the Novotel. It's absolutely stunning and I fear two nights will not be enough here. In fact, I never want to leave...the lobby is gorgeous, as are the multiple spaces for you to enjoy a coffee, meal, drink or hold a meeting. Service: gorgeous. My room: spacious, bright, crisp, new, and sharp.
With The Pullman being reasonably close proximity to my old hood, I took the half hour hike up the hill to be reunited with Angel, Islington. It's comforting to see that in 13 years some things actually don't change. The Nags Head, Islington on The Green, The Steam Passage Tavern, Earl of Essex, The Duke of Cambridge (an organic pub), even the little dodgy kebab shop on Upper Street, are all still trooping along. Nawww.
Something that is new (to me) is Bill's Restaurant on White Lion Street. I have sneaking suspicions that this space *may* have previously been a pub and I *may* have previously been here on a date back in my early 20s (and made out at the bar)...ah memories.
Now Bills, it's a delightful cafe restaurant with its own gourmet food store, established and popular with Londoners. I asked simply for a bacon sandwich and got an overload of crispy bacon on gluten free bread. Add ketchup and I was a happy lady. If there's one thing I highly regard at breakfast, it's generosity with bacon. The coffee could do with improvement but are Melburnians not the harshest coffee critics of them all?
Besides being rained in at Bills (it could be worse), morning one has been a success. Next stop: lunch plans and writing chats with friend and now Londoner, @ladywriterLDN. Food and cocktail porn via Insta ensues...
Bills Restaurant, Angel
Bacon plus!