Victorious Festival Southsea
With temperatures soaring in the UK this weekend, it was the perfect weather for a festival. I joined my sister at Victorious in Southsea to assist with her radio show broadcasting live from the site on Saturday evening.
We spent the afternoon grabbing interviews with the artists lined up for the show. Working for BBC Introducing Solent, all of the artists were local, up and coming acts which the show gives platform to. 
Using the portable mic and headphones, I was on hand to assist my sister with logistics and capture some photos too.
I kept my outfit simple with an all black everything ensemble and black fedora hat to match. On reflection I should’ve worn something a little lighter given the scorching heat!
The show was going live at 8pm, so we got ourselves back to the press tent and setup ready to go on air just as James Bay was beginning his set on the main stage.
Steph pulled off a fantastic show with the energy of the festival buzzing in the background. I was glad to be on hand for the day and act as PA to my radio star sis!
I caught the train into London with my mum and sister for the occasion and it was great to be back in town. The night started in a fabulous bar called Mr Fogg’s House Of Botanicals just off of Goodge Street in the city. We had our own private room up the stunning spiral staircase where we got things going with prosecco and nibbles.
The venue was so photographable with all the lavish decor and themed props which reflected an Alice in Wonderland vibe. The service was also impeccable as the waitresses made sure our drinks were flowing and took photos of the ladies to capture the special evening.
To finish up we ordered in a round of sharing cocktails. Served in bone china cup and saucers, these were fun to drink and equally delicious – my kind of afternoon tea.
Before leaving we made sure to get a few shots in front of the gorgeous rose arch doorway.
Next on the agenda was a bar just 5 minutes around the corner called Bourne & Hollingsworth. Here I chose to have an Espresso Martini to get me going for the night. This hidden underground bar was a contrast to our previous location and whilst it was a busy Saturday night, they still served up topnotch cocktails very quickly.
As the drinks continued to flow and the girls were itching for a good dance, we made the decision to go to Little Italy in Soho. Given the Wedding next week in Italy itself, it seemed the perfect place to round up the evening…our bride to be even jumped up on the bar for a final boogy!
I’m so p
Up in the clouds on the long journey back to the UK, I can’t help but feel nostalgic reflecting on my experiences and achievements accomplished on my time in Aus. I’m so incredibly lucky to have my family and the life long friends made down under, who I have shared so many beautiful memories with.
As I head home to England for a few months, this certainly isn’t the end of the road for my Aussie life as I return to Sydney for the New Year and my 25th Birthday in January…so Ciao for now Aus, it ain’t over yet!
We strolled the Bondi to Bronte beach walk as we devoured our delicious pots of refreshing acai and caught up on life.
When we reached Bronte it was time to grab an arvo coffee. We went to Huxton’s Cafe on the main drag where it was hard to resist the indulgent array of stunning cakes, fluffy doughnuts and largest lamingtons I’d ever seen!
Of course a trip into the city wouldn’t be complete without a bit of retail therapy too. I visited Newtown to have a good browse of the eclectic mix of vintage and outlet stores where I finally purchased the perfect dress for my brother’s wedding at the end of the month. Opting for an authentically Australian made peice, the dress was only $69 from the Melbourne brand Ache.
One final stop by Paddington for the afternoon and I inevitably ended up in my favourite shoe boutique on Oxford Street. Zomp sells hundreds of covetable designer shoes at a discount price, making it hard to resist adding to my ever growing shoe collection anytime I visit the store. In search of a pair of heels to match the dress for my brother’s wedding, I bought this stunning pair of Senso satin copper pink mules down from $200 to $95.
Going back to where it all started in the Paddo hood was the perfect way to end my last weekend here in Sydney for a while. It won’t be long before I’m back in town again though, no doubt strolling the beaches in the Australian summer sun with an acai bowl in hand and good friend by my side ❤
As a good friend of mine is one of the team behind this new hotspot, we visited the cafe this Friday evening to experience it firsthand (and see our friend in action of course!) Dropping in on a blustery winter’s evening, we were greeted by toy wombats and kangaroos as we took our seats on the wooden benches. At 7pm on a Friday night the place was already packed out.
The menu is super simple with their famous cheeseburger taking pride of place as star of the show. We began with the Curry Roo Party Pie, a novelty for me as I’d never tried kangaroo meat before. Whilst this delicacy has struck a nerve with some customers, roo meat is actually very sustainable as there is an abundance of wild kangaroos which get killed and discarded of anyway.
That’s not to say this restaurant isn’t vegetarian friendly though – the mixed greens served on a smashed potato salad are delicious and the cheeseburger can even be made veggie with a mushroom pattie.
Bush cafe has certainly filled a gap in the market when it comes to traditional and somewhat ironic Aussie fare. Whilst the interiors reflect the outback with sandstone walls and wooden table tops carved by locals, the nostalgic menu feels like you’re in the company of true Australians at home – well done lads, keep it real!
My favourite place for an arvo coffee hit in the south is Highlands Merchant. With its art deco inspired decor and selection of niche cookbooks and kitchenwares on offer, this cafe is perfect for mulling over a book or magazine whilst sipping your favourite hot beverage served to perfection.
The friendly staff are always welcoming and they’re never short of a delectable selection of sweet treats baked fresh daily. Their savoury muffins are a must to try or if you have time, the extensive brunch menu has something for all tastes.
So if you do happen to pass through Moss Vale, it would be hard to miss the pastel hues and rose gold exteriors of Highlands Merchant. From tradies on their way to work to local mums getting their 11am coffee fix, this local gem is known for serving the best coffee in town!
Moving back to Moss Vale where I did my farm work, it felt like I was already home. I was lucky enough to spend the first week in the comfort of my boyfriend’s family home where I was spoilt with home cooked dinners and nights in front of the fire watching films. Whilst I find it hard to not do much and take the time off, it has been absolute bliss indulging in quality me time.
The southern area exudes countryside chic reflected in the beautiful interiors of the houses. Much like their fashion, Australians stick to simple decor taking the ‘less is more’ approach. The result – a peaceful, fuss-free environment which is easy to relax in.
Wondering around the boutiques of Mossy, I can’t help but get inspired by the classic simplicity achieved with a few key pieces to bring aesthetics together. Stripping back the need for lots of things makes for a more calming environment.
I still can’t believe my luck to have found myself in such an idealic area which reflects the quintessential countryside town of my own home county Hampshire back in England. However whilst I cosy up in front of the warmth of fires snuggled in blankets here, the English will be soaking up the summer sun on the other side of the world…and I’ll be joining them soon!
Dani Aneka 