THE CUPCAKE & MACARON TOUR OF LONDON

Cupcakes and macarons...how could I resist!

All the weekend slots were fully booked but I managed to take the afternoon off after work on a sunny Friday.

Little did I know that I was going to be the only person who signed up for that day...guess everyone else was at work!

Thankfully I had a friend who joined me at the last minute...making the walk less awkward. What is usually a 20-person tour, turned out to be more of a chilled walk with just the two of us and our own private tour guide.

The tour included 7 tastings on the go.

| The Cupcake Bakehouse | 

Founded by former model Lorraine Pascal who left the catwalk in pursuit of the perfect cupcake.

I had the cherry crumble which was recommended - crumble and cupcake mmm...

Using mainly British ingredients, there was nice balance of lovely moist sponge and icing.

 

| Ladurée |

One of the top premier sellers of the double-decker macaron, and one of the best known macaron makers in the world.

Stylish and irresistibly plump and moist bite-sized macarons.

 

 

| Sweet Couture |

A boutique bakery that's famous for its mouthwatering handmade cupcakes.

Hand baked and decorated using the finest ingredients and no preservatives, they also have a range of treats free-from wheat and gluten.

 

 

 

| Hummingbird Bakery |

Known as London's Magnolia bakery, the Hummingbird Bakery is an American-style bakery founded in 2004, the Soho branch being 1 of 5 branches in London.

The concept was developed by Tarek Malouf who developed as he saw a lack of places in London to enjoy the taste of the truly authentic American-style baking.

Each branch has its own kitchen and team, serving a full range of American-style baked treats and desserts, freshly baked using the same ingredients and techniques as those used in home baking.

 

| Yauatcha |

Michelin starred and known for its contemporary dim sum.

The macarons were much larger than average - the salted caramel macaron was one of the best that I've tasted with a great balance of sweetness and saltiness.

Forgot to take a quick snap at Patisserie Valerie, for which Madame Valerie opened her first patisserie in Frith Street, Soho in 1926. With more than 50 cafes around England, they serve a delicious variety of hand-made cakes, gateaux and patisseries, made using traditional recipes.

I had the pistachio macaron - much smaller in size compared to other places, and pretty average tasting.

| Fortnum & Mason's |

The final stop, with the most impressive display counter - so many colours and flavours, I wish I could have tasted them all!

I chose the Kir Royal because...it's Kir Royal, and such a pretty bright pink colour! Yes, I am a really girly girl.

 

Happy and high on sugar, it was a pleasant little tour around London's finest culinary artisans and dessert boutiques. 

With no slow walkers and stragglers to slow us down, we finished in less than an hour, giving us some time to wind down in the afternoon. 

I'll definitely be popping back to a few of my favourites for more sweet treats!

The Cheekster, signing out x

 

BRUNCH AT KOPAPA, SEVEN DIALS

The weather may have been wet and dreary, but there's always a reason to brave the wind and rain for a sneaky little brunch!

This was my second visit at Kopapa for brunch - centrally located in Seven Dials and always buzzing with people.

 

| Cappuccino | 

| Mochaccino |

 

| Spiced banana French toast with grilled bacon, orange blossom labne, tamarind raisin relish & orange vanilla syrup |

Tasty without being too greasy.

| Chorizo hash with 2 fried eggs, rocket, sriracha chilli sauce & crispy shallots |

Nice and runny sunny side up eggs, and deliciously spicy chorizo hash. Also loved the extra fragrance from the crispy shallots.

 

| Date scone |

Big enough for two to share.

A lovely casual brunch and cosy shelter from the rain.

I tried the 'Turkish eggs' on my previous visit, which was quite a naughty indulgent treat - recommended to those who love oil and butter!

An all-day cafe, bar and restaurant - I haven't tried their lunch or dinner menu, but I'm sure it tastes as awesome as it sounds.

Also had quite a fruitful day of shopping.

Oh the excitement of finding XS sizes in the sales...

Happy weekend everyone.

The Cheekster, signing out x

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014

First post of the new year!

Had a quiet night in on New Years Eve spending quality time with my dad at home.

With some bubbles, of course.

No big fireworks display or crazy entertainment for me - just some much longed for bonding time between father and daughter.

We also had a low key day on the first day of 2014.

Braving the wind and rain, dad and I went down to Canary Wharf and met up with my BFF Wai Kit for lunch.

There was a bit of a queue, but we eventually got a table at Royal China for some good ol' dim sum. Asian food is always top of the list when dad is around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The weather may have been horrible, but spending time with those closest to me made the day seem much brighter. 

It's just a shame that this was the last evening that I got to spend with dad before he flies home to Malaysia tomorrow...

Nothing is more heart-breaking than bidding farewell to your loved ones.

I better start planning my annual trip back to Malaysia this year soon!

First resolution of the year: Get organized!

I'm going to keep this short and sweet, so, Happy New Year once again to all you lovely people!
Looking forward to making more beautiful memories this year.

The Cheekster, signing off x

REFLECTIONS OF 2013

Another year is now coming to an end - as always I've had my share of ups and downs.

Here are some images of my favourite moments of 2013...

| Weekend in Venice with Stacey | 

My first weekend away for the year with lovely Stacey. The weather was pretty wet and chilly, but it's always fun when you have good company.

 

| My annual visit back to my hometown - Penang, Malaysia |

I may have adapted to life in the UK, but it's always a comfort flying back home to visit my family and my hometown.

 

My babies back home - all adopted when they were little stray pups

 | Celebrating my 26th birthday - and my blog's 1st anniversary! |

Another year older, but still very much a child at heart!

 

  

Dancing in High Heels turns 1 year old!

| Holiday with the parents - Siem Reap, Cambodia |

An enjoyable trip with mum and dad to this beautiful city.



 







| Secret Cinema 020 - Footloose (Complimentary screening) + BRAZIL |
| Future Cinema - Saturday Night Fever |
| Secret Music - Laura Marling Eagle Ball 1927 |

Attended all three different productions within a couple of months!
An interesting experience, and definitely looking forward to future productions.

 










| Reuniting with my BFF Harpreet(o) in Canada |

My best friend from high school - we may live miles apart, but our friendship will last forever.

Harpreet's 26th birthday lunch celebration

Niagara Falls

Riding a bike properly for the first time!

| Watching Lianne La Havas perform at New Cross House |

 



| Lucky Wins! |

It's been another fantastic year of lucky wins!

The Chambord Cocktail Challenge experience

Beats by Dr Dre headphones in the Monopoly Treasure Hunt

Tickets to Julie Madly Deeply cabaret

Afternoon tea for two at The Royal Horseguards Hotel

Free coffee for a week at Muriel's Kitchen

Free brunch at Jackson+Rye

As well as other bits and bobs from random wins - including a free coach trip to Paris that I never redeemed...oops. Won it by posting a 5 second clip of me (attempting) to speak French!
Sometimes posting silly things has it's advantages, like this photo that won me a cookbook by Lorraine Pascal...

Sunburnt and stuffing my face with food - very flattering!

| Ross & Vivienne's Wedding at Signet Library, Edinburgh |

My cousin sister has finally tied the knot!
Congratulations again to the happy couple.





| Spending Christmas with my family |

After more than 7 years of living in the UK, this was the first time that we celebrated Christmas together as a family.







This has also probably been the year where I started eating out, A LOT...
So many great restaurant and cafe openings...but one of my favourite openings has got to be Picture Restaurant on Great Portland Street - not just because of the food, but also the great people that work there.

I've avoided posting photos of food - because there are just too many and once I begin it would be hard to stop...

I've had my share of heartbreak, but also a lot of joyful moments this year - with amazing friends and family to guide and support me along the way.
Apologies that I haven't had time to compile everyone's photos, of all the great people that I've met - it's hard compressing 365 days into a short post!
But I'm sure you all know who you are and I'm looking forward to spending more great times with you in the New Year!

I may not have achieved everything that I set myself to do this year, but this just gives me more to look forward to achieving in the New Year.

Here's to another great year gone, and another great one to come.

And don't forget to keep chasing your dreams x







The Cheekster, wishing you all a Happy New Year!