A touch of copper

For my birthday, back in May (where did the time go?) we headed into a relatively new restaurant in Blackheath, Copper & Ink for a great meal, and a great evening. The restaurant describes itself as “a modern British restaurant with influences from classic French and Scandinavian cuisine” and is a collaboration between local and ethical suppliers and businesses.

We opted for the five course tasting menu, as it sounded great and was reasonably priced. The main course was delivered by the Chef Patron and former MasterChef finalist, Tony Rodd who is one of the driving forces behind the restaurant, along with Becky and Rob. At the time I shared a picture or two on my social channels of the food, and of the bookcase which had proper cookery books in it, which was slap bang on show in the restaurant. The only other time I’ve seen cookery books in a kitchen is at River Cottage, so they’re in good company.

AS USUAL, NO FOOD PHOTOS ONLY EMPTY PLATES

As well as the bookcase, the decor was pretty fab too with a mid-century modern vibe. The crockery had a rustic, earthenware feel and so of course I was interested to see how the theme played out in the loos. You knew that was coming right?

It could have gone either way really, couldn’t it? But thankfully they’ve taken a stylish approach and there were hints of copper throughout. Phew.

But simple doesn’t mean dull, though there’s hints of the rustic in the flooring choice, but I’m sure it’s also very practical and easy to clean, as well as looking good. There was more copper in the mirrors on the walls, which I’ve come to realise is a style I’m a fan of.

They remind me of the beautiful mirrors by Daniel Heath, which are a fancier version. And my gold top looks right at home there too doesn’t it - I’m not sure how I manage to coordinate myself so regularly with the loos, maybe it’s my super power, who knows?

We’ll be heading back again, the menu is seasonal, and we’re keen to try more of what’s on offer. If you’re local to Blackheath in South London, then Copper & Ink is definitely worth a visit.

Community spirit on show in Delacourt Road

Bravo, to the businesses of Delacourt Road in Blackheath who've added some floral cheer and community spirit to the small parade of shops with their Gardening Group Project. I walk down this road, with its small parade of shops each day but as I've had a few days off I've not been up and down the road so much, so it was a lovely surprise to be greeted by the floral adornments as I popped to the local shops earlier today.

Wondering why the garage had left some tyres out I took a closer look.

TYRES AS A PLANTER OUTSIDE THE GARAGE

The card reads: MHA Gardening Group Project for Delaware Road, please respect and enjoy.

And a little further along there was more, a pair of legs relaxing in a garden chair outside the MHA Trust charity shop, who I suspect are behind this, I'm sure.

TAKING IT EASY OUTSIDE THE MHA CHARITY SHOP

Outside the taxi office, a storage crate or chest.

A STORAGE BOX OUTSIDE THE TAXI OFFICE

Outside each of the shops was an item that reflected the nature of their business, the baby shop had a basket which wouldn't look out of place in a nursery, perhaps without the flowers.

And outside the Natural Health Clinic, what else? A torso.

AND OF COURSE, A TORSO OUTSIDE THE WELLBEING CENTRE

On the corner of the road, the newsagents and corner shop were also taking part, using a wooden crate for their display.

Walking back along the road later I spotted one I missed the first time round, and one that uses a tyre, that's been on the fence for a while (I've no idea why either) inventively. 

Sometimes the most unexpected, but simple things can really bring a smile to your face can't they?  Let's hope these little arrangements of community spirit and cheer are respected, I'm pretty certain they'll be enjoyed.

A tree visit, and it's flourishing

When I last wrote about the tree in April there had been shocking news and it had been severely pollarded. Such drastic action had left me quite literally stumped for words and it's been a while since I've walked that way into Blackheath.

However yesterday when I misjudged my timings and unbelievably managed to leave home earlier than planned (it doesn't happen often so I should note it down) I decided it was time to pay the tree a visit. 

Unsure of what I would find I headed down the path and saw this:

IT WAS ALMOST LIKE IT'D NEVER BEEN AWAY

It certainly is a plucky thing - I was going to say little, but it's far from little! I know that when you cut a plant that encourages growth, but I hadn't thought it would grow quite so much, so quickly.  And now I'm kicking myself for not visiting before.

The size of its leaves still amaze me.

Huge aren't they?

And it still amuses me that it's behind railings, and you know how much I like some ironwork.

I left pleased to see that the tree was making a go of it and wondering how long it would be before it was cut again. As I wandered along the path towards the village and the station I spotted this mystery plant.  I'd not seen it before and it was quite striking, does anyone know what it is?

MYSTERY PLANT

The rich berry-like colour did seem to signal something though, along with the blackberries ripening everywhere I think we can safely say that Autumn is approaching.