I can’t even express how happy I am that spring has finally sprung! Is it just me or did the blossoms arrive a little early this year? Either way, the blossoms are back and I couldn’t be happier to see them.
The last few months have felt so, so long. And while I’ve always tried to keep an optimistic mindset and focus on the positives during each lockdown, after a year of restrictions I was starting to struggle with what to do with myself.
So this little outing to chase blossoms around Notting Hill was impeccably timed.
It’s not quite warm enough for spring floral dresses and skirts just yet. Temperatures are still pretty chilly so I pretty much dressed for winter, but the sun was out and so, apparently, was everyone else. All keen to bury ourselves in the blossom.
But first things first: food! We stopped by one of my old faves Patty & Bun to pick up burgers and fries for lunch, which we took over to Holland Park for a little picnic by this enormous blossom bush!
I can’t believe that in all my life as a Londoner I had never been to Holland Park. It’s absolutely lovely, and no doubt this will be the first of many visits.
A must was the Kyoto garden. For some reason a queue had formed and being Brits, we questioned why there was a queue, laughed hysterically at the ridiculousness of the queue, then instinctively joined the queue.
We walked around spotting koi in the water and watching a heron stood ever so still in the middle.
Behold the queue!
After a walk around the park we headed back to the streets in search of a fabled corner of Notting Hill, famed for two cherry blossom trees that, when in bloom, form the most beautiful canopy that falls over onto the street.
If you are from the area, or have Instagram, you’ll be familiar with a gorgeous little spot by the name of Stanley Crescent.
It always make me think of Mary Poppins – cherry tree lane, what a dream!
A blogger’s dream come true, you’ll likely have to wait your turn as there are usually passersby, professional bloggers (some complete with suitcases for outfit changes) and others like us who came specifically to snap.
I can’t imagine what the residents of this place think when they see they hoards every springtime, we must look absolutely cray! One can only dream about what it’s like to live in a house like this.
Once we had had our fill of living vicariously among the blossoms and beautiful cream houses, we were peckish, so headed down the good old Portobello Road to a bakery I found on Instagram – Buns from Home. It smells amazing in there and the buns all look to die for, and I think they change their specials quite often.
We went for a blueberry bun and some hot chocolates, which we took to a little park nearby where we sat and chatted and cracked ourselves up until the sun went down.
All in all, a pretty perfect day and just what was needed after quite an overwhelming few weeks. The end is in sight and whether it’s being able to chat with friends in a sunny park with some good food or falling to the floor laughing while trying to get blossom pics for the gram, I’ve realised I have so much to be grateful for and look forward to.
Happy bloody springtime x
