Review: South Street Pantry

I live on the border of Essex and Hertfordshire but very rarely explore what is right on my doorstep. Instead I hop on the tube and go straight into London. This weekend I decided to give London a miss and venture into a town around a 25 minute drive away.

South Street Pantry in the market town of Bishops Stortford. It's a quirky little tearoom which sells a whole range of treats. Anything from doorstop sandwiches to homemade soups - I've heard they do a cracking breakfast too. I'm going to venture back for the smoked salmon and scrambled egg. Everything is served on mix-matched vintage china which is a cause close to my heart. The shed in the garden has an embarrassing amount of china ready for when I move out.

My mum and I opted for the amazing sounding afternoon tea special. For £9.95 you got a choice of one of four sandwiches - we opted for cheddar cheese and chutney and smoked salmon and cream cheese - a slice of cake from the counter and a cheese or fruit scone. It lived up to our expectations! I greedily devoured the white chocolate and blueberry cake and gobbled up a cheese scone in record time. The cake is deliciously light and full of flavour while the scone was cooked to perfection.

Sometimes it nice not to venture too far away from home especially when you have a gem like this.

Read more

OOTD: Khaki trench coat

Outfit:
Khaki trench coat: Primark (similar)
Gingham flannel shirt: New Look
Black washed out ripped skinny jeans: F&F
Burgundy loafers: Zara (similar)

I came across this gorgeous Khaki trench in Primark during a manic browse last weekend and all my willpower just went out the window. I've been wearing my beige one to death and thought this would help to give it a break. Admittedly it's not quite warm enough yet to actually wear it as it's quite thin. But I've been rebelling against the elements. I'm feeling like a bit of a trendy Wendy in these ripped jeans. I finally took the plunge and treated myself and decided that I need them in every colour. They fit like an absolute dream! Naturally I got a light denim wash too. They add the perfect dose of effortless cool to an outfit and I feel like I'm more on trend then I usually am. I'm never on trend. Just one tip though. Don't fall over in them as you will end up with grazed knees. That lesson was learnt the hard way.

Read more

14 reasons how you know you're a true Essex girl

1. You spend your life trying to speak nicely whenever you meet new people but they always see through the act. It's such a relief when you can just speak in your native tongue.

2. You find your Essex accent comes out in force when you've had a drink. You struggle to even understand yourself.

3. You have one pair of white high heels tucked away in your wardrobe. Because those shoes are the perfect summer shoe.

4. As soon as you open your mouth, everyone immediately knows where you come from. Then the jokes start.

5. You find yourself constantly dropping the H from words.

6. You've spend a good proportion of your childhood at Lakeside shopping centre. It was the only place to spend your Christmas and birthday money.

7. TOWIE may have put your county on the map but time someone shouts 'Shut UPPPP' in your face, you want to punch them.

8. You get annoyed when you go out and the TOWIE stars have cornered off the best part of the club. Just where are you going to dance now?! Then you feel all excited because you've spotted someone you've seen on the telly.

9. You have about 7 different types of fake tan in your bedroom for when the matter arises.

10. You go out in East London for a change of scenery on a Saturday night only to realise the whole of Essex had the same idea. There is NO ESCAPE! That's what you get for living 20 minutes away from Liverpool Street Station.

12. You still opt for an Smirnoff Ice when you go on a night out in a club. It's the cheapest thing and reminds you of your youth.

12. Innit is a crucial part of your vocabulary.

13. No 'out out' night out is complete without a shed load of bronzer. It makes the world go round.
 

14. You feel very protective over your little county and will defend it all night long. Only you are allowed to run it down.

Read more