Saturday 5 March 2011

The American Quarter of London

 Welcome to Marlebone-an uberchic road winding its way towards Oxford Street. On top of that, it's full of Americans chatting away to each other whilst picking up their shopping. Note-shopping not souvenir gathering. That's right, they're not tourists, they're long time residents who have very posh tastes. In other words, Marlebone is like "Fraser" but on the right hand side of the pond.
 Here is local market where you can purchase anything from trinklets to chocolate cupcakes.
 The neighbourhood is so sophisticated that a French Bulldog is the maitre de at a Japanese Tea House. As you can tell, he adheres to a strict dress code.


I originally thought he was a stuffed toy!

 Divertement is a wonderful cookery shop offering food preparation lessons as well as an assortment of utensils.
 The above photo is the Wallace Collection Museum that houses Marie Antoinette's porcelaine and cutlery that the Revolutionaries sold off to the highest bidders after ransacking Versailles. In the centre of the building is a restaurant that serves English High Tea. It's a gem unknown to the tourists a few yards away.
 Somewhere along one of the roads is the address of the fellow who began the Smithsonian Institute. However, I could not remember its location, so I photographed another famous American's residence.
Now this is where the fun begins! Selfridges-a massive department store built by an American in the 1920s who subsequently went bust after  importing a massive chunk of the American dream to London.

 I think his name was Mr Selfridge...just a hunch. After selling his department store at a knock down price, the new owners decided to remain faithful to his vision of an American style department store in the UK.

 Hence, every display has an American theme. I thought of the Happy Whisk http://thehappywhisk.blogspot.com/ when photographing this 40 foot cut out of Wonder Woman!

 Once I made it to the fourth floor, I treated myself to a spud which originated from America but was brought back by the explorer and navigator Sir Walter Raleigh. I'll check that fact up in Wikipedia.

Anyway, have a nice day and thanks for reading.

3 comments:

  1. 40 foot Wonder Woman. Thanks so much for taking the photo and thinking of me. I love that. It's so cool.

    Just got back from the gaming store. They have a kick-ass Wonder Woman glass but it was chipped down her face.

    Car broke down on the way home but we got a tow. Now ... we're headed for a leftover pizza, subs and wings, along with some Doctor Who on Netflix instants.

    PS: I love spuds. What's on that? Tuna, chicken salad with corn? I can't tell.

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  2. Sorry to hear about your car-hopefully Dr Who shan't disappoint.

    Tune and sweetcorn!

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  3. Tune and sweetcorn. I never had that combination. Or at least not cold. Have had it with pasta and a cream sauce.

    Show was good. Food wasn't too bad and thankfully, we are safe. Road was highway, raining and getting darker. Tow came and all went well.

    Off to the shop. Work today. Though I'd much rather stay home and play in the lab. Working on a high-fiber brownie formula that I wrote and have only tested once, so far. Going back in for draft two.

    Have a great day to you a C.

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