We are in mid winter here in London. Temperatures plummeted a week or so ago and we barely reach 6 Celsius most days. However I won’t complain as when it’s so cold there is less of the debilitating grey skies and more of blue skies and sunshine which really do elevate the spirits.

Monday 21 January was Blue Monday the most depressing day of the year. What a load of twaddle, isn’t it?! Why would you identify a day as the most depressing? Most of us stuck two fingers up at Blue Monday, smiled and got on with our lives.

January started with a vengeance from a work perspective so I’ve had no time to feel the post Christmas blues. And I have a trip to Sydney to look forward to in a few weeks - family, sun, sand and sea and loads of oysters and Riesling!

Between a lot of client meetings and client work at home, I managed to squeeze in some outings. First up, a day of sourcing for clients started with a visit to the Decorative Fair in Battersea Park with an interiors friend. I enjoy a wander around the stalls as they are all so beautifully styled but everything is eyewateringly expensive!

We then headed to one of my favourite haunts, Golborne Road and the surrounding area which has a plethora of interiors shops. Here are a few of my favourites that we visited.

First a pit stop at Panella London for coffee and cannoli. I wasn’t aware of this little Sicilian street food cafe until someone on Instagram told me about it. It’s over the railway bridge under Trellick Tower where I’d never previously ventured on Golborne Road. It’s run by a delightful couple - Giuseppe from Palermo and his wife Caterina who hails from Tuscany. It’s such a popular place to eat that people queue down the street at lunchtime. We sat on the bizarre elongated moped in the image below, indulging in the most divine cannoli and watching the world go by. Note to self to return for lunch one day.

A trip to Golborne Road wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Lisboa Cafe to buy a Natas (it’s the place that Yotam Ottolenghi buys his Natas!). If you aren’t familiar with Natas they are custard filled puff pastries and are absolutely divine.

My go-to shop in Golborne Road is always Phoenix on Golborne. I always manage to source items for clients and I never leave empty handed as I cannot resist buying a vintage vase or two, tray, mirror or other small item. Jess, the owner, styles her shop so beautifully and there are always little vases filled with fresh flowers from nearby florist Scarlet & Violet. I’m always attracted to the vases filled with flowers!! Some of the best pieces of furniture and mirrors in my home are from Phoenix on Golborne. They also sell the beautiful antique chandeliers from Agapantus Interiors. If you need interesting containers for flowers, other decorative items or gorgeous pieces of furniture (some of which is painted in Annie Sloan chalk paint) this shop is a must. And they are also stockists of Annie Sloan paint.

Last stop was at W105SG in Portobello Road. Pat sells vintage furniture, affordable art, lamps, rugs and other items. Her shop is a treasure trove and she also stock items from The Hubworks which is a few doors down the road. Both shops are a must if you are looking for unique, quirky, vintage items at affordable prices. I could have happily bought the shocking pink velvet chesterfield, the two red velvet cushions, the soft pink lambskin rug, the pink coffee table and the huge piece of pink & red abstract art.

There are many other interiors shops that I regularly visit on Golborne Road including:

Fez, 73a Golborne Rd: Everything Moroccan including handmade Moroccan carpets, rugs and wall hangings.

Arbon Interiors, 80 Golborne Rd: They specialise in antique and repro fireplaces and surrounds as well as a fantastic selection of decorative items.

Bazar Antiques, 82 Golborne Rd : The lovely Melanie specialises in French decorative antiques as well as a selection of kitchenware. I love the stunning bespoke oak dining tables which can be made in a colour and size of your choice.

Warris, Vianni & Co, 85 Golborne Rd: They sell a range of fabrics for furnishings and clothing including hand-woven silks, linen, bridal silks, chenille and paisleys. I love their selection of kanthas.

And don’t forget the market stalls on Golborne and around the corner on Portobello Road on a Friday and Saturday. Friday is always a good day to go as there are less people.

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