August 30, 2025 | Point of no Return.

London cafes that look like a suburban house in Rio de Janeiro – an aesthetic. The window bars, the furniture, the little plants, the cushions like something your aunt from Tijuca would have on her sofa. On the wall there was even a photo taken in Brazil, boys skipping down the street wearing football shirts. It unlocked childhood memories and a nostalgia cheaper than flat white; creamy and without a drop of bitterness. I read my book, left a tip, went out into the street and stepped into another country.

August 20, 2025 | By the Lake.

I had never been to Ask Italian (I try to avoid chains whenever possible) but I was at the mall and gave this one a go out of boredom and curiosity. Not as bad as expected and, credit to them, the service was impeccable. Went to the lake to walk lunch off and was glad to see that they refloated the “Titanic” (the restaurant on a boat that sunk because of a hole a few years ago). The day was beautiful and I briefly considered hiring a small paddle boat but after a few glasses of wine the thought of ending up having to be salvaged myself kept my feet firmly on ground.

August 03, 2025 | Broadstairs, Kent.

I have another favourite british seaside town: Broadstairs. Not as trendy, upmarket or artsy as Folkenstone (another favourite, also in Kent), but naturally beautiful and still full of that traditional english seaside charm without looking sad, derelict or stuck in the past. The beautiful white chalk cliffs in Botany Bay are another highlight, not very far.

August 02, 2025 | The Jackdaw.

Country pubs are so much prettier than city ones.