Revisiting a Cordings Linen Suit, Three Years Later...

Three years ago, I posted about Cordings of Piccadilly and their linen suits. I did so having purchased a jacket and two pairs of trousers in April of that year, and I could not have been happier about my decision. Now three years later, I thought it time to again write about the very same suitings. If you are looking for something smart to wear this summer, don't wait to make a decision on Cordings linen, buy it now.

Cordings Sand Jacket, Trousers, and Waistcoat

Still Looking Fresh After A Full Day In The Sun On A Hot And Humid July Day

(Paired with a pair of Loake Chelsea Boots, Ray Ban Sunglasses, and a Panama Hat)

I'd visited J.C. Cordings & Co. in London a month earlier and had been properly fitted for a suit which I purchased at that time. I can't say enough good things about the staff and the incredible speed with which alterations were offered. Even if you are in London for a short duration, this is a must visit shop for both men's and women's clothing.

Cordings Navy Linen Jacket

My first selection was their navy linen jacket. As they clearly state on their website, "Can there be anything more evocative of an Englishman in the summer months than a linen jacket?" Made of 8-ounce Italian linen, it is cut to their classic three button style, with a single back vent, working four button cuff, ticket pocket, and it fully lined in 100% Viscose. For those who might not be familiar with the "working cuff" this simple means that the cuff buttons are not decorative, they really do unbutton. Another feature of the jacket is the lapel button hole which allows you to add a lapel pin or flower, as the back of the lapel features loops to secure the lapel flower stem. Small details that many do not notice or even feel they are missing, but details which set this jacket apart from the rest of the crowd.

Cordings Olive Green Linen Trousers

To pair with the jacket, I initially ordered two pairs of their linen trousers, one in sand and the second in olive green. In American terms, these equate to khaki and British khaki respectively. Also made of the same 8-ounce Italian linen, they are flat front with a button fly.

Since those initial purchases, I have added even more of their linen items to my wardrobe. Two months later I added two classic linen shirts to my wardrobe, one sky blue and the other white. These lightweight shirts feature single cuffs a traditional unfused collar, one left hand breast pocket, and have a traditional generous cut, perfect for hot humid days, with longs tails which ensure they stay tucked into your trousers. They pair perfectly with the linen jackets and trousers, and are well suited for the casual to the more formal summer events.

Cordings Sand Linen Waistcoat

By the following Spring, I decided to add a sand linen jacket to my wardrobe. With the matching sand trousers which I had ordered previously, I now had my first linen suit. I also made the decision to add a sand linen waistcoat to my wardrobe. Perhaps I was influenced by Gareth Southgate, but as an American, I was going out on a limb a bit here as you don't usually see men wearing three-piece suits these days. But whether you are slim or portly, the waistcoat does give you a slimmer more tailored look. I definite plus to the wardrobe. The waistcoat is single-breasted and made in the UK of Italian linen. It has five buttons, is fully lined and features a traditional two-part collar.

I've worn these trousers, shirts, and jackets quite a bit during the few rather hot and humid days we've experienced over the last three summers and still to this day wonder why it took me so long to throw off even the lightest of wool jackets I've worn most of my life, in exchange for linen. And paired with a Panama Hat, it is a classic look which is not only sharp looking, but extremely comfortable.

Yes, linen does wrinkle a bit more than wool, but both require the same dry-cleaning care so I am saving nothing in maintenance from one to the other. But what I am saving is my own personal comfort. And nothing beats these linen suitings on a summer day! If you live in places with hot and/or humid summers, then this is a wardrobe staple.

I ordered them in the exact same sizes as all the suits the suit I have purchased from Cordings. So, if you get fitted in London at their shop, you can order online with ease and confidence knowing that they remain true to the size of the clothing you bought in London. For those ordering online without visiting Piccadilly, I found that the Cordings jacket was the same fit as my American jackets, but that the trousers needed to be ordered two inches larger by size at the waist than my American trousers. (This was pointed out to me in London during the fitting when the staff member immediately suggested the trousers in the larger waist size, but provided both sizes for me in the fitting room. Needless to say he was spot on!)

So if you are looking for the perfect suit, or jacket and trousers for less formal events, this summer, be sure to take a serious look at the linen offerings from Cordings.

Cordings advertises a "no quibble returns" so as long as none of the clothing has been altered, you may want to take a chance on an online order without visiting London, though I can't imagine not visiting their shop in Piccadilly if you have the chance, as it is an experience not to be missed. Also, note that their website prices include VAT of 20% so this is removed from your order before payment is made.

You can find Cordings online here at www.cordings.co.uk

I eagerly look forward to my next visit to Cording of Piccadilly later this year and will be sure to leave space in my luggage for new acquisitions I am positive I will be making!

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Revisting A Cordings Tweed Suit, One Year Later...

Last August I posted about Cordings of Piccadilly and their tweed suits. I did so having purchased the suit in early March, which unfortunately gave me a very short window of opportunity to wear the suit. Now a year later, I thought it time to write again about the very same suit. And while you may have to wait until next year to wear one the Cheltenham, the Maryland Steeplechase season is almost upon us, which if the current state of the weather is any indication of what the weeks ahead may bring, will bring ample opportunities to wear tweed.

While I have a rather tidy collection of American Tweed Sack Coats, this suit is entirely different. You just don't see tweed suits this, the American, side of the pond. I’m not sure why, but after enjoying my tweed suit from Crodings for the past year, I am already making plans to add another to my wardrobe.

J.C. Cording & Company began business as an outfitter and waterproofer in 1839. By 1843, Cordings was selling the Mackintosh, which is still sold today. This is a waterproof coat made possible by Charles Mackintosh who perfecting the process of dissolving rubber and binding it to cotton to allow the creation of waterproof garments. 

Cordings was awarded a Royal Warrant in 1909 as waterproofers to the Prince of Wales, and future King George V. In 1922, the Prince of Wales, and future Duke of Windsor adopted Cordings as one of his outfitters. It was at this time that their famous Newmarket boots were patented, boots which were made for Elizabeth, mother of the current Queen Elizabeth, the Duke of Windsor, and Mrs. Simpson. Unfortunately, Cordings no longer makes these waterproof canvas and leather boots. It was during the 1920s and 30s that Cordings established the five core items which they are still known for to this day, the covert coat, Mackintosh, tweed jackets, corduroy and Moleskin trousers, and Tattersall shirts.

In 2003, after weathering the Second World War, the post war years, the rejection of tradition, and the years of outsourcing production from the UK by man businesses, the current management team approached their best customer, Eric Clapton, and asked if he would assist them in a management buyout. “I first became aware of Cordings in my mid-teens,” Clapton explains. “I come from the country and it was the highlight of our week to come up to London and listen to the musicians. It was difficult to get home late, so I would spend that time till dawn just walking the West End. I remembered Cordings. It stuck in my mind as a place of tradition; the heritage of England.”

Thanks to the assistance of Cordings friendly and extremely helpful staff, I was outfitted in their House Check Tweed in short order with turnups on my trousers ready in a few days. 

Their House Check Tweed jacket is made of 14 ounce 100% Scottish Tweed woven exclusively for Cordings, and features a three button front, with a single back vent, working four button cuffs, and a ticket pocket. As I mentioned in the previous article, for those who might not be familiar with the "working cuff" this simple means that the cuff buttons are not decorative, they really do unbutton. This jacket, like every one I have purchased from them also features a functional lapel button hole which allows you to add a lapel pin or flower, as the back of the lapel features loops to secure the lapel flower stem. Small details that many do not notice or even feel they are missing, but details which set this jacket apart from the rest of the crowd and make it a staple jacket in my wardrobe. 

The trousers are also made of the same 14 ounce 100% Scottish Tweed, are half lined in 100% cotton, and feature a pleated front and button fly.

The weight of this fabric is wonderful, and something not seen in many American off the peg suits with their wispy fabric to attempt to create a four season suit but creates one suit not suitable for much. This is a weighty suit, though not the heaviest weight Cordings offers. 

I have some limited experience with the suit last Spring, but this past Autumn and Winter the suit really made its mark on my opinion. Because of the natural wool fibers, this suit was never too hot, but always just right throughout the Autumn and Winter. I don't need a four season suit, that is why I wear different suiting for different seasons, and this Tweed is excellent for the seasons for which it is designed. But it is this suit which makes me enjoy the cooler days of those seasons and dread the hot and humid days of summer which will cause it to be retired for a season or two. 

As I mentioned before, the jacket is true to my American size, but the trousers are slightly different. The very helpful staff member at Cordings suggested a waist size 2 inches larger than my American. Needless to say, he was spot on in his recommendation.

I decided to not purchase the matching waistcoat, as I thought it a bit much for me, though it does look ever so smart! I’ve been regretting this decision ever since and will make this an addition in the future.

Another item which I did not originally purchase were breeks. Offered as plus twos or plus fours, these wardrobe items eluded me until last Autumn. I was out at a steeplechase race and it was rather damp to say the least. I’d worn my Cordings tweed suit, as I knew it would keep me comfortable all day. But with the rain I switched my country brogues for a pair of wellies. I tucked my tweed trousers neatly into the boots and went on my way dry and comfortable at the races. But unfortunately, the trouser lining does not go much below the knee and the top of the boot began to rub against the wool and in turn against my shin. Lesson learned, wool trousers are not to be worn with wellies.

The solution was obvious, breeks. In two different lengths below the knee, two inches with plus twos or four inches with plus fours, they are worn with long shooting stockings, perfect for wear with wellies. Their were photos of this everywhere from print magazines to websites, and I’d ignored them. But no more. Now I’ve got my breeks and I’m ready for the rain and damp in true Cordings style. They might not be for everyone, and perhaps as an American, you might feel a bit self-conscious about wearing these, but they are a classic British look designed for sporting events in the nasty damp, wet and cool weather, and Cordings will get you outfitted in style.

Tweed suits are not easy to find in America and when you wear one from Cordings, even without a waistcoat, you will stand out in a crowd, well dressed and comfortable.

And while you are getting yourself outfitted with a suit, do not fail to pick up a pair of their boxcloth braces. More on these in a future blog post, but these are brilliant!

Cordings make a wide range of items in their House Check Tweed, including caps, bags, and accessories. They also offer a number of other Tweeds in addition to their House Tweed. I would be remiss in mentioning that they also offer Tweed Action Back jackets designed for shooting, which give you superb ease of movement while at the same time retaining the perfect silhouette associated with a Cordings jacket, as well as Tweed shooting waistcoats which feature generous bellow pockets for cartridges, Alcanta gun patches on both sides and inside shoulder insert pockets for the addition of a recoil pad.

Over the past year, I have worn the suit jacket numerous times alone as a sports jackets, as well as paired with the trousers as a suit, and cannot recall a time when I have received so many compliments on my clothing as I have wearing this suit.

Cordings does advertise a "no quibble returns" so as long as none of the clothing has been altered, you may want to take a chance on an order without visiting London, though I can't imagine not visiting their shop in Piccadilly, as it is an experience not to be missed. Also, note that their website prices include VAT of 20% so this is removed from your order before payment is made. For online orders, they generally arrive in less than a week, but with their shipping fees, but to place a larger order and spread the cost of shipping out over many items rather than just one.

And for those buying in London, they will provide you with the paperwork needed to recover your VAT payment at the airport when you are leaving the UK.

You can find Cordings online here at www.cordings.co.uk.

I eagerly look forward to my next visit to Cording of Piccadilly and as always will be sure to leave space in my luggage for new acquisitions I am positive I will be making!

Quality food on the go in London (and now in America too)... Pret A Manger

Americans can sometimes be easily drawn to the comfortable surroundings of chain stores, especially for food when traveling domestically. Fast food restaurants naturally fill this niche, despite the nature of their food. But there are other options.

In London, you can find a reasonably prices delicious "fast food" option, Pret A Manger. I really hate to call it fast food, as it is not like typical American fast food, but it is quick, delicious and reasonably priced. On my recent visit to the UK, I had the good fortune to be introduced to Pret and enjoy its yummy food several times.

I will caveat this blog in stating I'm not much of a coffee drinker, so I did not evaluate their coffee, but I do love a good sandwich, so that is what I will focus upon in this blog post. 

 Sausage and Egg Brioche

Twice I had a chance to eat breakfast at Pret, and both times I chose the same sandwich, because firstly I'm a creature of habit and secondly, it was very yummy. For my breakfast I chose the Sausage and Egg Brioche, which is an English breakfast sausage, sliced down the middle and grilled in the oven before being wrapped in a freshly cooked omelette. Served in a deliciously light buttery brioche with a dab of unmistakably French butter. The American Pret also has a Sausage and Egg Brioche and this version is a breakfast sausage (antibiotic-free), Wisconsin cheddar and their signature cage-free egg soufflé, on a buttery artisan brioche roll. I'm not sure if the American version will tickle my fancy, but the British version is a solid choice and I honestly hope the American Pret adopts this tasty British sandwich as well in the States.

I had a chance to try three different sandwiches at Pret during my stay in London. Each was delicious in its own right and only personal preference would be reason to choose one over another. The first sandwich I tried was the Ham, Cheese & Mustard Toastie, listed among their hot food offerings. Made with seeded bloomer bread, Wiltshire-Cured Ham, Croxton Manor Matured Cheddar Cheese, English Mustard Mayo and seasoning. This is then grilled. Quite a nice sandwich on a chilly day. The American version is the Smoked Ham Mac & Cheese Melt, which consists of Niman Ranch smoked ham (antibiotic-free), Pret's mac & cheese, fontina, cheddar and a sprinkling of Pret's seasoning sandwiched between 2 slices of sourdough bread, which is then grilled. Based on description alone, I lean towards the British version, but then again, I do have anglophile leanings.

My second Pret sandwich was the Ham and Cheese Sandwich, a simple and delicious combination of Pret's Wiltshire-cured ham and sliced mature Cheddar which is served in their soft granary bread with a dab of unsalted French butter. The American version of this sandwich is the Smoked Ham & Chedar, made with sliced Niman Ranch applewood smoked ham (antibiotic-free) with sliced cheddar and a touch of whole grain mustard mayo, on our 9-grain granary bread. Again, I've not had the American version, but I would find it hard to beat the British version and how can one improve upon mature Cheddar. (If you have not tried mature Cheddar, once you do, it will ruin you for typical American Cheddar forever.

Pret's Christmas Lunch

The third and final sandwich I tried was Pret's Christmas Lunch, which consists of thick slices of Norfolk free-range turkey breast on malted bread with a dollop of slightly tart port & orange cranberry sauce. It is served with Pret's herby stuffing ,made with beautifully seasoned minced pork, streaky bacon and apricots. Finally the the sandwich is topped with crispy onions and fresh baby spinach. The current American version is Pret's Thanksgiving Lunch, which consists of all of your favorite Thanksgiving Day flavors in one hearty and delicious sandwich, roasted turkey breast (antibiotic-free), fresh spinach, crispy onions, pork and apricot stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce and cage-free mayo on 9-grain bread. Again, I have not had the American version, and which they are close in description, my mouth still waters at the thought of the British versions I enjoyed in London.

But regardless of your preferences, Pret offers a quick and affordable, delicious meal in London. Not to be missed and found throughout Central London, and also at Heathrow Terminal 5 for international departures.

For more information visit Pret A Manger at their British website http://www.pret.co.uk/en-gb or at their American website https://www.pret.com/en-us.

 

More Than Just Tweed... Cordings of Piccadilly

In a previous blog post I spoke of Cordings of Piccadilly and their wonderful tweeds. Founded in 1839, J.C. Cording & Company began business as an outfitter and waterproofer. By the 1920s and 30s, Cordings established five core items which they are still known for to this day, the covert coat, Mackintosh, tweed jackets, corduroy and Moleskin trousers, and Tattersall shirts.

In 2003, after weathering the Second World War, the post war years, the rejection of tradition, and the years of outsourcing production from the UK by man businesses, the current management team approached their best customer, Eric Clapton, and asked if he would assist them in a management buyout. “I first became aware of Cordings in my mid-teens,” Clapton explains. “I come from the country and it was the highlight of our week to come up to London and listen to the musicians. It was difficult to get home late, so I would spend that time till dawn just walking the West End. I remembered Cordings. It stuck in my mind as a place of tradition; the heritage of England.”

After my first visit to Cordings, I began to place orders with them online with extreme satisfation. I already knew my sizes with Cordings so I'd not have to worry about returns. They do offer no quibble returns and the speed of the shipments to the States from the UK was within a weeks time.

One of the items I received from Cordings was a pair of their corduroy trousers. I eagerly awaited the cooler weather of the Autumn season so that I could enjoy them at long last. Long having grown up with a fixation on the sedate navy blue or brown shades for corduroy trousers, I was excited to enjoy something a bit more adventurous, I this case a pair of their 17oz sage green 8 wale corduroy.

Made of 100% cotton, they feature a plain waist band with tunnel top side adjusters, a flat front and button fly. There is one back jetted pocket with a button fastening, a hook and bar, plus button, fastening on the waist band, and has a fully lined waist band in 100% cotton. 

I ordered mine unfinished so that I could have my local tailor finish them with turn ups.

Cordings Sage Green Corduroy Trousers, paired with their House Check Tweed Jacket and Navy Blue Slipover

I find corduroy trousers the perfect trouser for the weekend and they work well with or without a jacket. These corduroys are warm and comfortable without measure. And while Cordings offers the sedate shades of navy blue and brown, they offer 14 colors in a full spectrum of the rainbow, for the conservative to the adventurous.

As with my tweed trousers from Cordings, these corduroys measure 2 inches larger than my American trousers.

If I wear these half as much as I've already worn their House Check Tweed Jacket, these trousers will be getting plenty of service this Autumn and Winter, and that is something to which I very much look forward. And I am quite certain that other colours of these corduroys will be added to my wardrobe over the years.

Please note that Cordings website prices includes VAT of 20% so this is removed from your order before payment is made. For those buying in London, they will provide you with the paperwork needed to recover your VAT payment at the airport when you are leaving the UK.

You can find Cordings online here at www.cordings.co.uk.

I eagerly look forward to my next visit to Cording of Piccadilly and will be sure to always leave space in my luggage for new acquisitions I am positive I will be making! Until then I remain quite the regular customer on their website.

In Search of Your Favourite Tipple.... Berry Brothers and Rudd

Wandering around St. James in London, you can come across some of the oldest businesses in London. Established in 1698, and still trading on the same premises, is Berry Brothers & Rudd, one of the oldest wine and spirits merchants in the UK. Most American's are probably unfamiliar with the firm, except perhaps though Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky which was created for Berry Brothers & Rudd in 1923. This brand was sold in 2010 and is no longer connected with the wine & spirit merchant. Another of their specialties, King's Ginger, is now available in the States. Created in 1903 for King Edward VII, this is an amazing ginger cordial worthy of consideration for anyone who enjoys its wonderful spice.

Inside their ancient home, are two rooms set up for wine and spirits sales, as well as a large set of ancient scales, the front room dedicated to wine and the rear room dedicated to spirits. Featuring a staff quite familiar with their offerings, any selection here is one worth trying. Knowing my personal tastes, I went to the spirits room and browsed their amazing offerings, many of which are not available in the States. While an American might find their bourbon and rye offerings a bit thin compared to home, as is to be expected, you will be captivated by the selection of rums and Scotch whiskies.

I must say given how close America is to the rum producing region, we have ignored the great variety of regional rum which Berry Brothers & Rudd has on display. Unfortunately I could not bring back every bottle in the shop I wish I could have, both for customs and weight reasons. Forced to be selective I bought one bottle of Grant's Morella Cherry Brandy  and after sampling a few of their own Scotch whiskies, I picked the 1995 Berry's Glen Elgin Cask No 3187, Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Well worth the purchase and based on recent taste testing, superior to the Glen Morangie 18 year old, which was until this time, my favourite.

So if you are looking for a special bottle to bring back from London, look no further the Berry Brothers & Rudd. For more information, visit their website at https://www.bbr.com/

A Gentleman's Barber... Truefitt and Hill

Before I departed for London, I knew I needed to get a haircut, but decided instead of doing this in the States, I'd try something new, this trip I'd make a visit to a barber in London. Not any barber, but one my Uncle had pointed out to me on a much earlier visit to the city. So on my arrival in London, I made a point on that first day to visit the gentleman barbers, Truefitt & Hill. Located in St. James Street, they were established in 1805 and today it is the world's oldest barbershop. I've been familiar, and a regular purchaser of, their products in the States, so I decided to make a point of experiencing their barbershop experience first hand.

From the moment I entered the front door, to the moment I left their premises, I experienced a first class barbershop experience, which I have been close to achieving in the States, but have never reached this level of service.

I enjoyed a haircut by one of their master barbers and can't say enough how much I enjoyed the experience. This is one shop I will plan to visit at the beginning of each of my future visits to London to get myself looking top drawer for my time in the city.

For more information see their website at https://www.truefittandhill.co.uk/

Note: They have also opened shops in Chicago, IL, Warren, NJ, and Washington, DC, none of which I have had the pleasure of visiting at this time.

The Perfect Destination for the City Mouse... Paxton & Whitfield: Cheesemongers

If you love cheese, then Paxton & Whitfield is a must stop for any visit to London. Paxton & Whitfield was established as a partnership in 1797 near Jermyn Street, where there shop is still today. In 1850, they were appointed cheesemongers to H.M. Queen Victoria, the first of many Royal Warrants the firm has held over the years.

Beginning with a trend away from traditional English cheeses towards continental cheese in the 1860s, milk being sent to industrial creameries rather than being made into artisan cheeses, and the rationing of eggs, butter and cheese during the Second World War, by the 1940s, their shop at 93 Jermyn Street became an ordinary grocery shop.

Following the Second World War, the firm reconnected with their contacts with the traditional British cheese makers and began offering the best of British cheeses once again. As Winston Churchill once observed, "a gentleman only buys his cheese at Paxton & Whitfield." While other cheesemongers offer an exciting selection of artisan British cheeses today. You can't escape a visit to this Grande Dame of the trade in London.

I popped by on a Sunday afternoon. I'd always meant to visit, but even walking past the shop in Jermyn Street, I never seemed to make it in the door, despite the delicious aroma of cheese emanating from their front door. This trip, I would not make the same mistake. The shop is filled with an exciting assortment of cheeses, many of which you never see in the States. In addition they have a selection of accessories for cheese service and some other very British treats like Gentleman's Relish available for purchase.

The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about every one of their cheeses and is happy to have you try a cheese before purchase. Nothing here is pre-packaged and is cut to order, so if you only want a small bite to enjoy in a nearby park, they are happy to sell you just the small size you need.

I'd decided on two favourites, Double Gloucester and Cheshire, as well as once cheese I never seem to find in the States, Single Gloucester.

My only regret is that Paxton & Whitfield does not have a shop in the States, but then again, that is what makes trips to London so special, the chance to enjoy such an amazing cheese shop which has stood the test of time and changing tastes.

For more information, visit their website at http://www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk/

Refueling with Tradition... Some Thoughts on Dining in London Part 4

This is the final post in the four part series on Dining in London

My final full day in London was spent popping into some very unique venues. I began with a quick stop at the Jamaica Wine House, locally known as "the Jampot." 

Located on the site of London's first coffee house, the sign of the Pasqua Rosee's Head in 1652, the current building was built in the 19th century. 

It features a lovely wood paneled bar divided into three sections on the ground floor, and an elegant restaurant, Todd's Wine Bar, downstairs.

I slipped in for a quick pint in my quest to try a variety of real ales, this time trying Spitfire. A lovely little place tucked away in the City of London. Not an easy find, but well worth it for a pint and a rest from a busy day. For more information, visit their website at http://www.jamaicawinehouse.co.uk/

My next stop was Simpson's Tavern. Not to be confused with Simpson's in the Strand, Simpson's Tavern was established in 1757 and lays claim as the oldest chophouse in London. 

For those fans of the Harry Potter series of novels, you can's help but see the inspiration J.K. Rowling must have gotten from alleys like the one in which Simpson's is located, for Diagon Alley.

While waiting for my friend, I popped into the bar and enjoyed a pint of real ale, this time from Bass, which is not that common of a find in London these days.

Once my friend arrived, we headed upstairs to the restaurant which is arranged in stalls, the layout remaining traditional to the 19th century. The dining arrangements are communal, so if your party does not fully occupy a stall, be prepared to have others seated with you at some point during your meal.

I started my lunch off with Simpson's mysterious Famous Stewed Cheese. Recommended as a starter or a savory desert, this was tasty and the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. It's not listed on the menu, though I did find it on the online menu, and it's quite tasty. Think welsh rarebit.

I then moved on to their cottage pie, a shepherd's pie made with minced beef rather than minced lamb or mutton. This London institution featured tradition London food in a traditional London chophouse. Exclusively a dining establishment for men, until 1916 when women were admitted, this is one place I shall keep in mind for the future and perhaps pop in for a chance to try their full English breakfast. For more information visit their website at http://www.simpsonstavern.co.uk/

About mid-afternoon, I was in need of a break so I made my way to Gordon's Wine Bar, which was established in 1890 and is believed to be the oldest wine bar in London. Located in Kipling House, named for Rudyard Kipling who lived in the building as a tenant in the 1890s and where, in the room overhead he wrote"The Light That Failed" and both he and G.K. Chesterton wrote some of their works in the little parlour of the Wine Bar.

With indoor seating in the old cellars once used to store wine, or outdoors in Watergate Walk if the weather permits, you are sure to find a unique place to enjoy a glass of wine. They have a varied wine list full of interesting wines as well as sherries and ports which are served from the barrel. They also have food available, but I did not avail myself of their varied choices from pies to cheeses. 

I decided to enjoy a glass of port, quite reasonably priced, in Watergate Walk. It was a lovely March afternoon and I only wish I had more time in London to enjoy such a lovely little wine bar. Highly recommended for those looking for a unique bit of London history and some well priced food and wine. For more information visit their website at https://gordonswinebar.com/

As the day began to come to an end, I made one last stop at the Admiral Codrington. not too far from my hotel, this was my chance to enjoy one last pint before I readied myself for dinner with family.

I settled in with my pint inside the pub and for it very pleasant. I do wish I had time to enjoy some of their bar snacks, but as I was in a hurry, I had but time for one pint and I was off.

As I'd been doing for my entire visit, I decided to try something unique, in this case The Admiral's Cask real ale, made by Marston's Brewery.  But I'd definitely pop by for a pint if I was in the area again. For more information visit their website at http://www.theadmiralcodrington.co.uk/

I hope you've enjoyed this brief look and some unique and traditional places to grab a bite to eat or a drink while in London.