Stephendale Street Party

So the whole wedding thing might be a little off the boil now - after all since then we've had the OBL affair AND a massive constitutional referendum - but allow us a little time to go back a week and reflect on how amazing it all was, and share our photos!

The Stephendale Street Party, organised by the Sands End pub, was absolutely brilliant. We had gorgeous sunshine all day long, the community really got to together, and we guzzled a lot of pork marrow burgers, cupcakes, pimms whilst swaying to the Caribbean steel band. There was an entertainer for the kids - and I have never seen so many excited little girls dressed as princesses - and the whole street (plus A LOT of guests) came together along one long dining table to eat, drink and celebrate.

 Here are a few photos from the day. What did you all get up to?

Alfresco dining on the KR Italian style

L’antico, a traditional Italian on the Kings Road has been around for as long as I can remember. Perched on the edge of Holmead Road amongst the cluster of swanky interior design shops and gastopubs its outdoor seating boasts a prime people watching platform. L’antico had originally been recommended by my mum who claimed it was a good value for money family owned and run authentic Italian restaurant. This had me sold as it always makes for a lovely alternative from the chains and so waking up to a very sunny bank holiday Monday it was an ideal choice for a late lunch.


We choose a prime table in the sunshine outside and were greeted by a friendly Italian man who instantly called me darling and seemed to be enjoying his bank holiday with his chums who were all sitting inside drinking and laughing. As it was a bank holiday we pushed the boat out and opted for two courses despite my fears that inflation may have impacted the prices since my mother last ate there ten years ago were confirmed. It is not cheap and cheerful, starters were around the £8-£10 mark and mains were £12-£20, however, the food quality was excellent.

To start I opted for a traditional buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad and was very impressed with the generous portion size of what can only be described as creamy mouth watering heaven (mozzarella). Tom (not so new boyfriend now) had a parma ham and rocket salad, again the portions were ample and the quality of the meat was very high. The bank holiday feeling felt even sweeter as the white wine flowed and the sun shone giving the Kings Road an almost Mediterranean atmosphere.

The icing on the already relaxed cake was the main course. Tom ordered their special pizza, which was groaning with fresh toppings and looked incredible- he said it was absolutely delicious. I went for the seafood linguine which nearly floored me when it arrived on the table. As a picture can tell a thousand words hopefully the below will give an insight into the quality of the fresh seafood and the diversity and portion size- it really was as good as it looks, absolutely delicious and worth the cool £15 that is cost! The only slightly frustrating end to what was a lovely lunch was that they insisted you pay cash which forced an impromptu jog down to tesco express with very full tummies.

Unfortunately I cannot find a website but the contact details are below:

564 King's Road London SW6 2DY - 020 7371 9536

A Royal Riot in SW6 (and beyond)...

We've had the Kate and Wills fridge, the Kate and Wills sick bag, the false nails, the Kate Barbie and even a Royal ring of a different kind... The pubs and restaurants of London would be mad not to cash in on the occasion too, especially as the Met forecast for this Friday does not look to be kind on the hordes hanging out in Hyde Park, or desperately seeking a view of the Royal Carriage on Pall Mall.

You won't catch us camping outside Buckingham Palace, like this mad Wandsworth resident who started his cold and lonely vigil today. The local choices in Fulham and a bit beyond are plentiful... so read ahead to find a right Royal jamboree near you.

The Jam Tree on the Kings Road will have that amazing beer garden up and running for business from 10am, and will be serving a special Royal wedding brunch until 12pm.  They've also got big screens, £15 pitchers of Pimms (what else to toast the happy couple?) and you'll be able to sample a Wills burger and a Kate Salad. This place is bound to be packed, so if the weather does look nice and you'd like an outdoor table, we'd book ahead or stake your claim at 10am sharp.

We've mentioned the street party organised by The Sands End on the blog before. Having had more details we can safely say it's going to be quite the knees-up. The Sands End have had permission to shut off an entire block of road, and will set up a long table with union jack bunting, position 2 outdoor barbecues and will have several big screens broadcasting the happy couple. A steel drum band will also be adding to the festivities throughout the day.

The Durrell Arms will be hosting a special £10 Royal Wedding Breakfast to start you off, before finishing the evening with a classic cheesy Royal Wedding disco in their Great Hall. Just close your eyes and pretend you're in the palace...

The Hollywood Arms, purveyors of some of the best cocktails around the Fulham Road, are also getting in on the action. This fun little place will be full to the rafters with people watching the ceremony on one of the three big screens and toasting Kate and Wills with a martini.

Having seen the hordes in The Ship beer garden over the Easter weekend, we're sure the atmosphere will be electric at this riverside favourite. In the name of Great British Tradition, The Ship will have some special guests of a rather different kind. As recently as 2006, the old brewery used to make local beer deliveries using Dray Horses, and the gentle giants will be back during the Royal Wedding festivities. This makes The Ship the ideal family friendly options for the day. Just clear the kiddies before 8pm, as from experience this is when the local yuppies start making some pretty "groovy moves" on the table tops. It's sure to be raucous!

And as if the extra Bank Holiday wasn't enough, Dave & Co have given local businesses (and us!) another Royal Wedding present. The Home Office has told Landlords that they can extend their opening hours until 0100 BST without needing to apply for special licence. Cheers to that!