High Tea at Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie and Patisserie, Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg

It’s been years since I last went for an afternoon tea in Johannesburg. My lovely friend Sarah and I had High Tea at the Palazzo, Montecasino in 2015 and we decided that it was definitely time for another High Tea at the Just Teddy Fine Boulangerie & Patisserie in Hyde Park Corner.

From the first moment you step into Just Teddy, you’re surrounded by calm and tranquillity. I loved the comfortable sofas, flowery decorations and warm welcome that I received on arrival.

We’d opted for the Signature High Tea and were offered a complimentary Mimosa to stimulate our palates. I opted for the alcohol-free Mimosa and it was delicious and very pretty.

Gratuitous photo of the place setting. I don't think I've used gold-plated cutlery before!

Our three-tier high tea soon arrived in a gold-plated birdcage stand. It looked very fancy and we were keen to dig in. I’m sure that you’ve noticed the different order of the tiers and some items that are not traditionally on a high tea stand!

Our High Tea was served with a Middle Eastern-inspired Vegetarian Mezze. Can I just say how refreshing it is to have afternoon tea served with something other than sandwiches? My highlights included the beetroot hummus, the baba ghanoush, the buttermilk falafels and the heavenly Lebanese spinach pies.Practically all of it, right? The mezze was definitely my favourite course and I loved that they put on such an impressive spread for vegetarians.

The scone experience in South Africa is very different to that in Britain. Our buttermilk scones were served with Chantilly cream and butter, not clotted cream as you would expect, and they are also served with grated cheese. Our scones were freshly baked and delectable.

For me, this was a reminder of a scone experience that used to be the norm for me and I enjoy jam and Chantilly cream, or cheese, on buttermilk scones as much as jam and clotted cream on plain or raisin scones. I would say that jam goes first with Chantilly cream (given the lightness of the cream) whereas clotted cream always goes first for me when I’m in Britain.

Just Teddy also serves cheese & chive scones for those who prefer savoury to sweet.

Just Teddy is known for their incredible selection of French patisserie and, to coin a popular Johannesburg phrase, the sweets were ‘to die for’! I liked the gluten-free carrot cake the most but mainly left the sweets to Sarah (with a take home box for Stephen).

Gratutous photo of the teapot. I loved the flowery crockery and the abundance of floral decor at Just Teddy. It was very pretty and relaxing.

We loved our High Tea at Just Teddy and I'm already planning to return with my nieces next time I'm in Jo'burg. They also have a branch in Sandton City, which I'm assuming is more popular as it costs 50% more!

Just Teddy Hyde Park
Shop LM4 - Hyde Park Corner Shopping Centre
Corner William Nicole Drive &, Jan Smuts Ave
Hyde Park
2196

+27 10 203 9038
events@justteddy.co.za

Cost: R300 (about £15) per person, booking and 50% prepayment essential

Meeting the Fallow Deer at Knole Park

I love deer. I don't remember seeing Bambi in a cinema when I was about 3 years old but my Mum loves telling the story of how I jumped up on my seat at a pivotal moment and shouted, "don't worry Bambi! She'll come back!" And so, for as long as I can remember, I've had an affinity for little spotted deer. On a rare sunny day this summer, I went down to Knole Park to meet the deer. Spoiler: it was marvellous.

The deer are everywhere at Knole Park. We had barely left the car park before we encountered our first deer grazing by the garden walls.

I loved that there was a ranger nearby, warning people from getting too close to the deer, and advising them to use zoom on their cameras. I very rarely unpack my DSLR for days out and I was so pleased I did so on this occasion.

I'm not a fan of zoos or establishments where animals are kept in unnatural environments, but I loved seeing the deer in their natural environment, and felt assured that the team at Knole Park work to put the deer first.

We learned that the deer at Knole Park are fallow deer (whereas Bambi was a white-tailed deer). I have to admit that I don't know as much about European deer but I can identify most South African antelope on sight.

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At times the deer would begin running and chasing each other. I managed to get a tiny bit of iPhone footage which I uploaded on Instagram.

We soon wandered off to a shady spot under a tree. We'd brought a picnic so we sat on picnic blankets, ate our lunch and caught up with all our news. It was such a lovely, relaxed vibe.

It wasn't long before the deer wandered over to graze on the incline in front of us. I could have watched them for hours.

Once we finished our picnic, we wandered over to the front of the Knole Park house to choose a walk. We decided on the Family Walk, a 4.5km walk in the grounds. The route is wheelchair and pushchair accessible and was meant to take 1 hour to complete. Spoiler: it took closer to 2 hours on that hot, sunny day!

As we rounded the garden walls to embark on our walk, we encountered this herd of female deer relaxing in the shade. They had the right idea - it was starting to get very hot indeed.

We encountered this lone stag grazing in the shade. Fallow deer have palmate (or hand-shaped) antlers and many of them were shedding their antlers after a spring and summer of growth.

We spotted an airplane up in the sky. England is so beautiful in the sunshine, I'm guessing everybody was out that day.

The family route is full of trees and rocks for kids to climb. We spotted this tree with a split trunk and were surprised it was still alive.

After climbing and running and skipping along the path, our group eventually made it back to the house at Knole Park. We'd promised ice cream as a reward and everyone seemed to get a second wind.

I took the opportunity to meet some more deer And eavesdropped as the ranger told a couple about the antlers and how they shed them.

Can you believe that I managed to live in Kent for sixteen years and had somehow never visited Knole Park? I loved my visit so much and will definitely return. In fact, they have a Walking with the Snowman event in November to January where kids* can discover 12 giant The Snowman sculptures.

*By 'kids' I include adults, of course. I love The Snowman so much, as much, if not more than Bambi if you base it on how many times I've seen the film.

Knole Park has made available a way to visit the park for free. You can park at the Sevenoaks multi-storey car park at TN13 1LW and walk into the grounds.

I would recommend parking at Knole Park itself postcode TN13 1HX but you may need to book ahead. When parking in the grounds, adults are charged £6 each for the Outdoor & Tower and £15 each for the Showrooms, Outdoor & Tower. Children are half price but there are also discounts for families. Considering how the deer are looked after, plus the pristine condition of the grounds, I'd say this option is worth it.

On the Trail of Morph's Epic Art Adventures in London

I've been a fan of Morph since I was a little girl and knew that I absolutely needed to visit Morph's Epic Art Adventure in London. It's been ages since I explored an art trail in London and what better excuse to meet up with some friends for a rather rainy wander and lunch?

On Guard Morph by Hannah Lewin

Inspired by the Royal Guards and located in Hays Galleria

The View of the City from Hay's Galleria

One can never take too many photos of this view.

London Parklife Morph by James Daw

Inspired by London's parks, which are splendid in summer. Located on the Queen's Walk.

Morpheus by Jodie Silverman

Located on the Queen's Walk, just after the HMS Belfast. Inspired by Morpheus, the god of dreams, and looking just like Morph looked in his humble beginnings.

Morph into the Piñataverse by Anthony Rule

Featuring characters from Piñata Smashlings and located just outside Groucho.

Morph Over: There's Room for Two! by Mik Richardson

Harking back to the marvellous Books About Town book benches trail, Rik's design references the trail map for Morph's Epic Art Adventures in London.

The Power of Morphing Communication by Clarke Reynolds, aka The Blind Braille Artist

Wearing the artist's iconic Yellow Braille suit, this Morph is a proud visually impaired character. His cane symbolises Morph's independence to walk the trail with his trusted tool. The Blind Braille Artist uses black on yellow as it offers the highest contrast for visually impaired people.

The Messenger Morph by Martin Dougan and John Dougan Nealon

Martin was born with cerebral palsy and has been a lifelong wheelchair user; John is his brother. They used their shared experience to talk to young wheelchair users and their messages about inclusivity feature on this Morph located on the Queens Walk.

Pearly King Morph by Sandra Russell

Inspired by the original Pearly King, Henry Croft, a 19th century orphan who raised money for charity by wearing clothes decorated with mother-of-pearl buttons.

Blaze a Trail Morph by Rob Biddulph

Inspired by Biddulph's picture book Odd Dog Out about a daschund who wears a rainbow scarf.

The View of Tower Bridge from Shad Thames

Never get tired of this view...

Shad Thames

... or of this place and its connections to Oliver Twist.

Riverside Spirit by Riverside Primary School

Located in a shop window in Shad Thames, this mini Morph featured all the favourite songs sung by pupils of Riverside Primary School.

The View of Tower Bridge from Butler's Wharf Chop House

It began to pour with rain when we reached Butler's Wharf, so we stopped for a well-earned lunch at Butler's Wharf Chop House. We sat before an open window, watching the rain fall over Tower Bridge, and were given blankets to help warm us up. Summer in England!

Apart Together Morph by Olivia Hylton

Located on the More London walkway back to London Bridge, this Morph celebrates London's diversity.

Cactus Morph by Traci Moss

Located in London Bridge Station, Cactus Morph was inspired by a visit to the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens.

"Me.Here.Now", Installation Artwork by Mark Titchner

We spotted the new art installation by Mark Titchner. The work features three stainless steel domes. The one pictured above has the words “One foot in front of the other”. The other two say “Only the first step is difficult”, and “The distance means nothing”.

Flower Stall, London Bridge Station

Titchner's art installation can be seen in the background, looking past the iconic flower stall at London Bridge Station.

Our School by Grange Primary School

Our final Morph siting was the Our School mini Morph representing all the different nationalities at Grange Primary School.

Morph’s Epic Art Adventure in London Auction

The epic adventure is over now and the Morphs will be auctioned on 12 September and online to raise money for Whizz Kids, the UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users. Bids start at £3,000 per statue so here's hoping they raise a massive amount of money!

An Afternoon at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

Every summer, in early July, the Royal Horticultural Society presents a celebration of gardens and flowers at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. It's a magical collection and I jumped at the chance to catch up with my friend Bonny when she invited me to go.

We met bright and early on Saturday morning at Hampton Wick rail station and walked down Kingston Road and Hampton Court Road to Hampton Court Palace. On arrival, we pottered around the craft market and then made our way to the Floral Marquee where we saw the most divine array of flowers and plants.

The Floral Marquee at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

Lilies

I took a long time to admire the lilies. I sadly can’t have lilies in my house as they are toxic to cats but I do like to admire them when I can.

Fuchsias

Fuchsias are one of my favourite flowers and will be the next purchase I make for my fledgling garden. My father was an incredible gardener but I am not and can count the number of plants I’ve kept alive in my garden (currently 18 with 3 cat mint plants in a critical condition due to every cat in the neighbourhood rubbing up against them).

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea grew everywhere in Johannesburg. I miss the flora of South Africa a lot.

Dahlias

One of my favourite cousins is called Dahlia and I just love their spiky petals.

Alliums

I only discovered alliums this year but I enjoy looking out for them now.

Dahlia varieties

I never knew there were so many varieties of dahlias.

As you pass through, ask yourself, how do you feel today?

Clematis

Also known as Italian leather flowers for their big floppy petals.

Baby Sage

Also known as Salvia. I like these flowers a lot and think I will add them to my garden too.

A Break for Lunch and Pimms

It was hot and humid in the Floral Marquee and we stopped to enjoy a glass of Pimms and some lunch in the outdoor eating area. We were lucky to get a table and even luckier to do so undercover because it soon started pouring with rain. We met a fascinating couple who had travelled down from Yorkshire for the festival and who told us all about their lives, grandchildren and travels abroad.

The minute it stopped raining, we took the chance to admire the glorious show gardens. These were my favourite sights.

Show Gardens at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

RHS Resilient Garden by designer Tom Massey

Oh, how I wish my garden was big enough to feature a walkways leading over a pond.

I coveted this giant apple sculpture a lot.

The Lunar Garden by designer Queenie Chan

I loved Queenie Chan’s homage to the Moon.

I loved this giant bee sculpture, dedicated to our bee population in the United Kingdom, although I did mistake it for a giant ant at first!

The Landform Mental Wealth Garden by designer Nicola Hale

This is my idea of a perfect garden layout with shade, seating and abundant greenery. I hope Ms Hale doesn’t mind if I use this as a blueprint for the future design of my garden.

Festival of Roses at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

You can't visit the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival without seeing the exquisite Festival of Roses. This small marquee featured scores of different rose varieties including several prize winner. It is not surprising that it was so busy!

Roses are my favourite of all flowers and I love the scent of them. Two of my plants are climbing roses and I’m delighted to say that Rose no 2 began to climb this year after a very reserved first year.

A Long, Beautiful Summer Day

It was a long, beautiful summer day out in London and to be honest, I’m glad it rained as it cooled down and otherwise hot and humid day. We arrived early in the morning and were among the last to leave in the evening and managed to walk over 18,000 steps by the time we got home.

Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
East Molesey
Surrey
KT8 9AU

Booking opens in Autumn of each year. Our Saturday tickets cost £36.85. Entrance on Thursday and Friday was £28.85 for the public and RHS members pay £23.85 for weekday tickets and £31.85 for weekend tickets.

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I cannot believe this is only my third post of 2023. This year has not gone the way that I anticipated and I am trying my best to slow things down. In addition to being busy, I struggled to find my muse. I’m going to try my best to start posting on a schedule again but I also might dig into my archives and try tempt my muse into creating some exciting posts.