The Blue Memo #27
More London, J.Sheekey & Covent Garden, an evening at The Savoy theatre, Selfridges, Liberty Store and Harrods.
Hello from wintery Melbourne! The last few days have been particularly grey, cloudy and rainy and have marked the beginning of Winter. The talk around town seems to be all about escaping Melbourne for the European summer. Greece, Italy, France, Spain. The Mediterranean, where else?
Having been back from my trip just over a month now, even though it was not a summer holiday, I feel just a little envious of all the people about to head to sunny places but still very full of gratitude and memories, enough to last me quite a few more months yet!
Picking up from where I last left off in London, my immediate thoughts keep on returning to the afternoon we had on a sunny Saturday at the iconic J. Sheekey in the heart of Covent Garden. This restaurant has been around since 1896 and it’s been providing theatregoers, casts and audiences the finest seafood and shellfish fare since then.
We didn’t book, only because we didn’t know if we would ever get to it and because it’s nice to leave some things to chance. Once we spotted the red exterior, we knew we had to try it! A quick look at our watches and it was the perfect time for some light snacks before our next destination, the Savoy Theatre, which was only a ten-minute walk away.
Wood panelling, vintage photographs and artwork, brass fixtures and street-side dining along St Martin’s Court provide the perfect setting for people-watching and cast spotting at J Sheekeys. And we did spot the sweet Sam Obisanaya of Ted Lasso fame (Toheeb Jimoh) walking out the stage door to a crowd of young adults waiting eagerly for a selfie and an autograph. He obliged gracefully and with a big smile.
At J.Sheekey we shared mouth-watering Jersey oysters and a prawn cocktail which looked and tasted exactly like a prawn cocktail should. It was nothing short of delicious with a good dose of 80s vibes.
One of the most exciting parts of this trip was having a theatre show to look forward to. Call it kismet, fate or destiny but we had only one Saturday night in London and that Saturday happened to be the closing night of Plaza Suite, a 1968 play brought back to life at London’s Savoy Theatre by Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband of almost 30 years, Matthew Broderick.
The production featured the couple in a triptych of narratives, each taking place at New York’s Plaza Hotel Suite #719. All three acts were very different and just as interesting as each other. They all covered themes of marriage, love, and the chaos of relationships.
Both performances were fantastic, but I did love SJP’s that little bit more. Her comedic ability was off the scale, especially in the 2nd act which was my personal favourite. Named “Visitor from Hollywood” she portrayed a suburban housewife and the old flame of a smooth-talking Hollywood producer. She pops in to visit him for a quick hello in the infamous suite and the rest is history.
I still pinch myself that I got to see this duo live in an iconic London theatre. I have a soft spot for SJP from even before her SATC days (who remembers 1985’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”) and please name me a person who did not want to have a day off school a la Matthew Broderick’s Ferris Bueller character. Anyone?
A small (but important) side note on the actual theatre – I loved the fact that during intermission (and obviously pre-show) there were different nooks that lead to small bars where you could get champagne, wine or beer in proper, actual glasses. The last time I went to the theatre in Melbourne (at the Arts Centre and at Red Stitch before that) I had to sip my champagne out of a plastic tumbler. Far from ideal and I don’t understand why. These are indoor spaces, mostly carpeted and we’re all mostly adults. Melbourne, take note!
In my last substack, I promised I would write about the “holy trinity” that is Selfridges, Harrods and Liberty. We hit Selfridges the afternoon we arrived in London because it was close by and it wouldn’t require too much effort. I had watched the series on TV a few years ago and really enjoyed getting an insight on the beginnings of this legendary store. It felt surreal seeing this gorgeous neoclassical building facade with the striking statue known as the “Queen of Time” hovering proudly over the passers-by and prospective shoppers walking up and down Oxford Street.
Selfridges ground level of high-end accessories and cosmetics was minimal and modern, spacious and brightly lit and not too busy which made it pleasant and easy to navigate. We had a browse at each level but being in an enclosed space does not favour jetlag.
On another day, when we were better rested we walked to the renowned Liberty store in London’s West End. While the building resembles a grand Tudor mansion with leaded windows and ornate details the interiors are just as beautiful featuring beautifully crafted wooden staircases and an open atrium that creates a nice sense of spaciousness.
The old-world charm wins your heart over and the merchandising makes you want to buy things you don’t really need! We had tea and early lunch at Arthur’s on the 2nd floor and of course, we overheard a table of Australians that had just arrived sitting next to us. That’s not uncommon in London, Aussies are everywhere!
Harrods was…HARRODS! A fusion of bustling activity, constant movement, and opulence mixed with accessibility for literally everything. Exclusive brands, gourmet food halls and shoppers on a mission. We actually got lost somewhere in the labyrinth that was “Shoe Heaven” and that was just the first floor! But I did walk away with some good souvenirs for back home from the Gift Shop which boasted long queues and at least 15 cash registers printing out receipts non-stop.
Department stores exhaust me and a small food/drink break was well warranted. Oysters & Champagne at Harrods is always a good idea, expensive, but good.
I say if you’re in Harrods and feel the need to take a break, head straight to the Food Hall. Take a seat, enjoy a snack and a drink. It will rejuvenate you and recharge you for the rest of your shopping spree.
After all, this is the world’s leading luxury department store, and you can’t enjoy all 5 acres of it in one go! You need to give it time, the time it deserves.
Thank you for tuning in and see you next time!