Christmas is coming in big steps and at least for London’s high street, the season is in full swing. Oxford street has officially done its major “Switching on the Lights Ceremony” on Sunday – with no less than Kylie Minogue pushing the button. Others will follow with their own ceremonies during November, but my favourite Christmas lighting – and “Christmas Shopping Event” (while I generally avoid those) last year took place in Carnaby Street (see picture above).
As you can see above, there is a bit of a funky twist in this shopping area just around the corner of the big Oxford and Regent’s streets. Carnaby Street consists of the famous street itself, as well as the Kingley Court Shopping Centre and the streets surrounding. In total more than 100 shops, from famous lifestyle brands (Puma, DocMartin etc.) to small and hip shops. Not your Shoreditch “too cool for school” hipstery, but just a bit edgier than the main shopping streets. Next to that a few bars / restaurants in and around Kingley Court make it a great destination for an afternoon / evening of shopping.
Bargain Hunters mark your agenda – Carnaby Street will switch on their lights in a great event with “DJs, live music, complimentary food & drinks, a pop-up bar and loads of on-street and in-store activities” – and 20% off in most stores. Last year, it was great fun and the 20% were quite genuine discounts (so few of the usual exclusions)! The event is on Thursday 12th November from 5-9pm. To get the discount and a free drink, you need to register to get a free ticket.
Good morning! Hopefully, you had a good start in the week! If not, let Paul Currie cheer you up! Tonight is his 
Enough intro! Today is not about a corner pub as in the picture on the top of this post…wait…almost. Its about Fix Coffee – an independent Coffee Shop in Whitecross Street, occupying the site of a former Corner Pub. Just as in many of the excellent coffee places in this area, you can expect good coffee (they use a house roast by Crimson and Sons), pastries, sandwiches and a fridge with lunch grub.
What I like about Fix Coffee though, is the atmosphere. It has a good vibe and its share of “Hipsters with Macbook” sitting and working there. But its not over-hipster / “too cool for school” and has a friendly atmosphere, almost like a good pub. You can just hang around on the sofas and let the time pass and – hipster or not- you’ll feel welcome. The pictures here I took on Sunday late afternoon, so excuse the lighting, but just wanted to show the place as it is. Cozy and welcoming.
That's London Baby! 