Sunday, Fun Day

Everyone loves a Sunday. It is usually the day that you are somewhat more relaxed than most. The family vibe is good, food is on the go and the smell in the house is great. In our case we were out and about early because the sun was shining. One of the greatest things in life is London when the sun shines. Every man and his dog is going for a walk. Cyclists are out en mass, people smile more than they would usually do and the general ambiance is good will to all men.  No it is not Christmas, well not yet at least. 

Our regular Sunday consists of a lazy morning in bed with a vanilla or caramel latte and the news. I then come down put some washing on and get breakfast on the go. Breakfast could be anything from pancakes  to french toast or on the odd occasion a full blown English fry up. Eggs poached of course. Depending on the weather we plot out our day and go from there.  

Today we planned to meet up with friends after lunch as the boys wanted to visit the local cycle shop. Pearson's in Sheen, (www.pearsonscycles.co.uk/sheen-shop/),  is one of the oldest bicycle stores in the world and they make fabulous toys for boys and girls alike. We, the girls, were dropped off at the White Hart, Barnes (www.whitehartbarnes.co.uk) and the boys headed off into the blue. The White Hart is our local. It is on the banks of the river Thames. Benches line the path along the river in the late afternoon sun, there is a little turret on the terrace which overlooks the river and inside there are comfy sofas, wing back chairs and in winter a roaring fire. We grabbed one of the benches on the river bank and waited for the afternoon sun to swing around. You can watch the world go by and I love it. Families on their bicycles, dogs running in and out of the river all wet and muddy, kiddies squealing and couples walking hand in hand. 

It is a great place all year round, Sundays however are my favourite. Snuggle up under a blanket in the winter and drink mulled wine or port. Bask in the sun in the summer and enjoy a refreshing pint or an Aperol Spritz. In autumn the seasonal colours blaze like flames in the hearth and in spring everything is green, fresh and the promise of summer entices all. The selection of drinks, fantastic, the whisky collection excites Kyle. I personally admire the wine list, never a dull note and generally pleasant. We haven't yet had a bad meal in the pub. It is classic pub grub. Our personal favourites are the burgers, fish and chips and the honey roast ham hock to share with pickles and exciting accoutrements. We are yet to try the restaurant upstairs.

We have spent a number of afternoons and evenings here and each one holds it's own wonder. We look forward to the passing seasons along the river and to watch the world go by in it's own fashion. Welcome to Barnes and welcome to London. We'd love to hear about your favourite places and locals. Happy Sunday and I hope it was a fun day.