Gorgeous morning . . . sadly our last (this trip) in Devon. Up early to finish packing before our final yummy full English breakfast at Highfield House. If not for the promise of another day of adventure, I could be really sad. After saying our good-byes, we drive out of Lustleigh for Bovey Tracey and opening day of The Contemporary Craft Festival. One of the UK's largest and much loved craft events, over 200 craftsmen are exhibiting from all over. |
I was excited about attending, and not the least bit disappointed. There are incredibly talented and innovative artisans working in jewelry, ceramics, furniture making, textiles, glass, and more. There are also mini-workshops and musical performances going on throughout the three-day fair.
I literally could have spent a small fortune . . . but curbed my enthusiasm somewhat. Though I did purchase a ring by jeweler Sam Photic; earrings by jeweler Chloe O'Brien that incorporate vintage postcards; and a mixed media storybox that is a reworking of vintage objects and entitled "Love Is The Honey" by Little Burrow Designs — all of which are to be gifts for dear ones back home.
Other artists whom inspired me were: Solange (jewelry), Ulli Kaiser (jewelry), Alice Shields (ceramics), Sue Lowday (leather), Alison Graham (ceramics), Ekta Kaul (textiles), Emily Richard (jewelry). Quite honestly, this is only a small sampling of the gifted craftspeople whose work I love!
Meeting up after an hour or two later, Gypsy, Petunia and I share stories about what we saw and liked over lunch. Then, off to Exeter to leave Petunia off at the train station with all of our luggage, while Gypsy and I return our rental car. Drop off was quick, however due to a number of events going on getting a taxi is near impossible and the rental company could not be persuaded to take us to the train station for a fee. Time slipping by quickly before our train is due to leave . . . we become increasingly anxious as there is no way to alert Petunia to our situation. Finally, after the rental company gives a family returning a car a lift to the train station, we become more emphatic until they finally allow an employee to drive us there. Just in the nick of time, we meet up with Petunia, gather our things and head to the track for a very brief wait before boarding our train. Thankfully there are seats available so we don't need to stand all the way back to London!
I literally could have spent a small fortune . . . but curbed my enthusiasm somewhat. Though I did purchase a ring by jeweler Sam Photic; earrings by jeweler Chloe O'Brien that incorporate vintage postcards; and a mixed media storybox that is a reworking of vintage objects and entitled "Love Is The Honey" by Little Burrow Designs — all of which are to be gifts for dear ones back home.
Other artists whom inspired me were: Solange (jewelry), Ulli Kaiser (jewelry), Alice Shields (ceramics), Sue Lowday (leather), Alison Graham (ceramics), Ekta Kaul (textiles), Emily Richard (jewelry). Quite honestly, this is only a small sampling of the gifted craftspeople whose work I love!
Meeting up after an hour or two later, Gypsy, Petunia and I share stories about what we saw and liked over lunch. Then, off to Exeter to leave Petunia off at the train station with all of our luggage, while Gypsy and I return our rental car. Drop off was quick, however due to a number of events going on getting a taxi is near impossible and the rental company could not be persuaded to take us to the train station for a fee. Time slipping by quickly before our train is due to leave . . . we become increasingly anxious as there is no way to alert Petunia to our situation. Finally, after the rental company gives a family returning a car a lift to the train station, we become more emphatic until they finally allow an employee to drive us there. Just in the nick of time, we meet up with Petunia, gather our things and head to the track for a very brief wait before boarding our train. Thankfully there are seats available so we don't need to stand all the way back to London!
In case I haven't shared this yet . . . Gypsy is our go-to Nuest'a for all things electronic including ordering Uber rides, checking on train schedules, routing us on the Tube, etc. She is a master, and I am her slowly learning student.
As soon as we arrive at Paddington Station, Gypsy is ordering us an Uber to take us to our next destination — Cable Street Inn — where we will be staying for the next three nights. Enroute, of course are photo ops . . .
As soon as we arrive at Paddington Station, Gypsy is ordering us an Uber to take us to our next destination — Cable Street Inn — where we will be staying for the next three nights. Enroute, of course are photo ops . . .
Cable Street Inn is a boutique Bed & Breakfast in old London's fashionable East End at 232 Cable Street. It's proprietor Julian Cole is a gracious and fascinating man who spent decades making arts documentary for the BBC. A former classmate of Alexander McQueen, he even modeled for a painting by Gilbert and George that hangs in the stairwell. This corner of old London has history that dates back thousands of years with literary connections to Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde and T.S. Elliot. We are also within a half block of the Shadwell underground and overground stations, which makes getting around very easy!
Constructed in 1790 as an Ale House, it retains much of its historic character (in the best possible ways) and has three bedroom suites . . . so we have the entire second and third floor to ourselves. My room is Room One with a Juliette balcony and south facing views of Saint George's in-the East Church and Gardens. Petunia is in Room Two, which also has south facing views as well as the original polished 18th century floor boards. Up one flight of stairs is Gypsy's Room Three, which is adjacent to the terrace.
Constructed in 1790 as an Ale House, it retains much of its historic character (in the best possible ways) and has three bedroom suites . . . so we have the entire second and third floor to ourselves. My room is Room One with a Juliette balcony and south facing views of Saint George's in-the East Church and Gardens. Petunia is in Room Two, which also has south facing views as well as the original polished 18th century floor boards. Up one flight of stairs is Gypsy's Room Three, which is adjacent to the terrace.
After settling in and getting a dinner recommendation from Julian, who also made us reservations, we walk to Cafe Spice Namasté (16 Prescot Street), a culinary institution that is family-run by Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala. Chef Cyrus is known for "his hallmark style of blending traditional Indian and classical French culinary techniques and flavors with more unexpected ingredients. The large restaurant is wonderfully noisy and packed, but thankfully, Julian knows the owners well! |
Café Spice Namasté has held a Michelin BIB Gourmand award for more than a decade as well as several other awards including a Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice and a Sustainable Food Award. Cyrus was also named the 2014 BBC Food Personality of the Year! Hungry and tired, we devour our delicious Indian dinner . . . which I can't believe I didn't photograph. Guess I was too hungry and too tired! |