This is the first in my series of ‘Beyond the Big Smoke’ where I’ll be looking further afield than Central London for places to eat, drink and hangout. Explore further and you’ll find there is more to London than the places you see on the Monopoly board. ย When an invitation arrived to experience a new branch of the award-winning national hairdressing group Rush in Wimbledon Village, who was I to refuse?
Visit Wimbledon
Perfect timing for my series and a great opportunity to discover the area made famous by the Wombles and high sales of strawberries & cream in June.
Brunch Wimbledon
Cafรฉ culture is at large in this part of SW19. My morning began with a mad dash out of the house on the school run on a typical, non-existent breakfast. And honestly once I stepped off the tube at Wimbledon I was spoilt for choice in my attempt to curb the hunger pangs.
My first stop after a quick ten minute jaunt up the hill to the Village was Brew, a coffee-house, cafรฉ and restaurant all rolled into one. The menu focuses onย Antipodean plates served from breakfast through to dinner.
The spiced cinnamon latte and an avocado pide had my name written all over them. Crisis diverted I wasย readyย for my wanderings around the surrounding streets.
Wimbledon area
For regular followers of my Instagram, my camera clicking frenzy at the sight of a pretty house will come as no surprise. It’s all in the detail – the doors, the windows, the flora. Well, Wimbledon was Instagram porn for me. If I wasn’t on a time limit I could have strolled around for hours cooing over a letterbox, or ornate door knocker.
Beside the architecture overload, you’re surrounded by some lush greenery –ย Wimbledon Common and the grade II listed Cannizaro Park. All you need is a little sunshine and a picnic for the makings of a perfect day.
If you’re planning a picnic the perfect place to gather your goods is the local deli Bayley and Sage. ย A foodie’s treasure trove, you can pick up fresh fruit, juices, freshly baked goods, a vast range of cheeses and wines and seasonal dishes prepared in their kitchens.
Walking up the High Street there are plenty of places you can go treat yourself. Theย high-end High Street giants all have a home here – Reiss, Whistles and Jigsaw, Space NK and Neal’s Yard Remediesย to name a few. My time had finally arrived to experienceย the new chic, modern Rush Wimbledon salon. With its slick wooden dark grey facade it fits in perfectly with the surrounding stylish shops, cafรฉs and bars.
The friendly front of house staff offered me a drink and a selection of great magazines while I waited. If you’re in the mood for more than a hot beverage, a glass of Prosecco is on offer too.
My lovely stylist Zoe and I discussed the type of style I wanted before she whisked me off to the gorgeous, low-lit spa area with dark grey panelled walls, orchids and candles. During the hair wash, my tired tresses were treated to a nourishing conditioning treatment too. The worst part though was when the head massage and massage chair stopped. All good things must come to an end I thought, as I walked away with a tightly wrapped towel turban and relaxed smug look on my face. I loved my blow-dryย and my time at the salon.ย With a spring in my step I left with shiny, bouncy locks.
Wimbledonย restaurants
The area is bursting with eateries, it’s the decision-making process that takes the longest. For traditional dinner or a Sunday Roast you have the Dog & Foxย on the High Streetย and the Hand in Hand near Wimbledon Common. For French-inspired cuisine in a contemporary setting theย The White Onionย is the one.
I was lured by the The Ivy Cafe and perched myself at the bar for a quick lunch. The ever-popular London restaurant includes a main ground floor restaurant, an intimate garden dining terrace and a private dining room for 20 people.
I can highly recommend the green juice made from avocado, mint, celery, spinach, apple and parsley. Refreshingly delicious, you do feel like your drinking a garden (in a good way). I decided to keep things light with seasonal soup ย – spring tomato broth with ricotta, courgette, orzo pasta, basil and olive croutons.
Time really does fly when you’re having fun. Waving bye to a fun day out in Wimbledon Village I headed home on the district line back in time for the school run. I loved my day date with myself. When you’re exploring London do invest in more than just the zone one Oyster card. Don’t let the locals keep these wonderful places to themselves!
Do you have a favourite part of London beyond the obvious? What do you love about it? Let me know in the comments box below.
Disclaimer:ย This post is a content collaboration. I received a complimentary blow-dry at RUSH Wimbledon. All views,ย opinions and photos are my own and remain a trademark of the Curious Pixie.ย
Call RUSH Wimbledon on 020 3432 1292 to make your own appointment. A 50% discount is available for all new clients, quote ‘RUSH50’.
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14 Comments
What a gorgeous area and loving the bouncy hair!! X
Who doesn’t love a bouncy barnet! Loved mooching around Wimbledon x
Lovely pictures Sima. I am not a Londoner but this sort of pictures and atmosphere just makes the city very appealing. Great post!
Oh this place looks so cosy and all! Would love to visit there ๐ super instagramworthy!
I like the way you described your “adventure” in that part of London and the photos are just plain amazing. However, my first trip in London will probably keep me in the central area, there are too many touristic attractions there for first time visitors.
Wimbledon Village looks like a great place to explore! So many insta-worthy places, and Rush definitely did a great job on your hair ๐
Why is everywhere so much more beautiful than here?!?! The buildings are so beautiful!!
Thank you for this post! I hadn’t been to Wimbledon in 15 years. It’s just as cute as I remember. One day, I’ll head back that way.
Your photography is amazing. And this is such a cool post with an almost day in the life of feel to it. Keep taking pictures of those beautiful houses. I love seeing things like that.
I have heard of Rush and would be eager to try it too. I am due for a colour! Anyway, what a lovely neighborhood… London has so many places like this outside of the obvious tourist places. It is so nice to explore and just chill like a local.
Anyway, gorgeous hair, awesome post. Stay fabulous! ๐
Abbi
http://www.UpraisedLiving.com
What a fabulous guide Sima and loving your new ‘Beyond the Big Smoke’ series – such a great idea!! xx
Thanks so much Maggie. Got loads of gems up my sleeve, just need to get out there and do more jaunting ๐
Your photos are so beautiful and I love your hair! The flowers are so pretty, I love the overhanging ones! ๐ xx
elizabeth โก โIce Creamโ whispers Clara
(lets follow each other on bloglovin or instagram)
Thanks so much lovely. I loved hanging out there x