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.

Love This #59: Place in Print

It's been a while since I've done a Love This post so I thought it was about time I put that right. 

Last Friday I cycled over to Forest Hill to meet up with Ed and Nancy from Place in Print a London-based design studio, manufacturer and retailer, who specialise in locally-themed art, homewares and gifts. 

Before I tell you more about my visit to their studio let me show you a couple of their neighbourhood pun prints.

BRICK LANE

WIMBLEDON

Aren't they great?  There's more too on their website - take a look.  

I think they'd look good in any house in London or elsewhere, and would make great gifts too as they easily allow you to connect with your area. There's not one for Blackheath or Greenwich yet, but I quickly found a favourite from close to where I grew up, but more on that later.

Their studio is based in pretty Havelock Walk, not far from Forest Hill station - and thankfully for my cycling self not up the very steep main London Road, although there were plenty of hills along the way. There's plenty of other creative, working artists with studios there too and they regularly hold Open Studio events. 

What sets Place in Print apart is their links to the local community, for example Horniman's Museum sells their Walrus print in their gift shop. They've also designed lamp post banners showing local landmarks for Herne Hill and have a souvenir from that project proudly on display in the loo, not something that everyone has.

Their challenge is to find the iconic parts of London that we'll recognise, but also the parts that aren't overdone. When they've done that - no mean feat in itself, the creative process starts with a photo. Next comes a line drawing of the photo which includes enough detail for the scene to be recognised, but not overly detailed and it develops from there.

And this is where it all happens.

It's a bright and light studio, with windows along one side letting the light flood in. There's a huge desk providing plenty of space for creative activities and it looks pretty on trend too. I'm not sure what I expected to find on my visit, but I don't think it was this so it was a lovely surprise.

Most of their prints are printed onsite and they package and send their orders from another studio at the other end of the mews. I also learnt that they're looking to extend their homewares range, so I'll be keeping an eye on developments there.

As well as selling online Place in Print regularly visit London-based markets and have recently sold at the Lambeth County Show, so you may have seen them there.  They're already planning which Christmas Markets they'll be at, and I've no doubt they'll be popular at whichever markets they choose.

Throughout my visit I was entertained and captivated by Johnny, a gorgeous Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen - which is a long name for a small dog! It's a breed I'm familiar with as my niece has a non Petit version called Brian.  Clearly these dogs are meant for human names...

Just before I said my goodbyes Ed and Johnny showed me around the second storage and packing studio just along the way. And it was here that Ed mounted the Neighbourhood Pun print I'd mentioned earlier and gifted it to me as I left. 

Thank you Ed and Nancy, it was great to visit your studio and learn more about your creative process. And thank you to Johnny too for the tickles and the soulful looks when we were too busy talking to throw him his ball.

Celebrating neighbourhood through locally-themed art and design.

 

This is a collaborative post, but all words and opinions are my own.