Tiles galore at the Social Eating House

A couple of weekends ago we were off out in town celebrating quite a major milestone. The milestone isn’t important for this post, but I’d recommend a visit to Jason Atherton’s Social Eating House if you get a chance. The food - and the cocktails in the Blind Pig bar upstairs - were sublime. As a special treat, and because I suspected the restaurant that MOH had booked as a treat was a steakhouse, I didn’t even order steak, opting instead for the pork dish. Somehow I managed to choose the dishes, for each course, that came with sauce that needed pouring out as it was served, I think MOH was quite envious.

But this post isn’t about the food either. I mean, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t check out the loos, would it? And I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t!

I’m not sure what your reaction was to those tiles, but mine was definitely wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen, what I would usually class as edging or topping tiles used in this way, and boy was it effective. I’m not sure it’s a cost effective way of decorating your loo, and that was borne out by the plain, and more usual, tiles on the adjacent walls. But it’s certainly a way to make an impact.

Although potentially not the most hardwearing of approaches. The chain seems to have caused some wear, and I can’t decide if that adds to or detracts from its charm.

The colour of the tiles, both plain and patterned, meant it was a darker space than we’d have in our bathrooms at home. But while it was moody, it didn’t feel dark. The lights were pretty special too, they had to be really didn’t they?

I hadn’t noticed the tiles around the sink to start with - I think I was still in awe at those edging tiles, and wondering why (apart from the price) that I’d not seen something like this before. Naturally you’d expect the splashback area by the sinks to echo the plainness of the other walls, but that’d be where you’d be wrong. As instead there was something different, but entirely in keeping, instead.

And just so you can see the whole effect, complete with dark wood, here’s a view from the basins.

And this was the top that when I put it on MOH asked why I was dressed so plainly. Charming hey? I think I’d go with understated, and classic. And it gave me the perfect opportunity to wear some nude heels, although they were later swapped for trainers on the way home.

Floral thrones, of course

Prepare to be amazed. And potentially a little bit bemused. This post will show you flower arranging at its greatest, quite where the inspiration comes for these fabulous creations I’m not sure, but it was great to wander amongst them and admire them in the Pavilion at last year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

I like the yellows and purples of the one above, as well as its heart-shaped addition at the top of the back. Imagine if you were to sit on this (and I’m not sure I’d advise that) the heart would be just above your crown, because of course you’d have to be wearing a crown, wouldn’t you? In fact the one below, has an evergreen crown woven into its bold design.

What is amazing is the variations among them. The flamboyance and the variety of colours and approaches used. The one below has a more practical solution for its occupant to avoid a flower squishing situation, although I’m not convinced it would be any more comfortable.

I remember being amazed at the number of entries, and while the theme was floral thrones, the armchair version was a favourite.

The canopied version was much more regal, and I loved the colours of its flowers.

And it just goes to show that with a few logs from the garden and plenty of imagination, we all could have something just as spectacular, although in my case I think I’d settle for colourful as I’m not sure I could match any of this magnificence.

Hands up, whose garden will be supporting a floral throne this summer?

The Grow Your Own Garden at the Ideal Home Show

This was one of the garden room sets that I’ve already said I was keen on, and the keen amongst you will realise that that’s because of my penchant for growing my own, but also for the geometric print rug, which is reminiscent of the cushions in my conservatory, and made from recycled plastic straws. But there’s another reason and it’s mostly how four crates have been fastened together to create a good looking and functional table. I’m forever saying I need a small low height garden table, mostly for my gin and tonic, and while this isn’t exactly what I’m after (it’s a little on the large side) I do admire its design.

The garden focuses on sustainability as well as the grow your own element. It shows ways of using your garden space making use of the latest Gardena technology, as well as featuring sustainable designs with items from the decking to the furniture made from recycled plastic bottles, milk cartons and tyres.

Which means, that everything might not necessarily be what it seems.

As well as the funky crate table on castors, I’m also quite taken with the raised, slatted looking planter at the rear of the picture above. The vertical struts provide extra growing space, for what looks like herbs, as well as looking stylish. It’s a bit too tall to have alongside my greenhouse - it’d block too much light - but otherwise I think I’d be tempted to look into recreating these raised beds by made from sustainable British timber.

Even the classic shaped Adirondack chairs, another long term favourite, are made from recycled plastic bottles. Which makes a lot more sense - they’re by Polywood if you’re also interested.

There were plenty of herbs in this garden - as well as the rhubarb amongst the hydrangeas above in planters made from old car tyres - and herbs are no bad thing. They’re great for flavouring food and are a good substitute for salt, as that’s something else that we all more than likely need to cut down on.

The final thing that caught my eye was this planter full of unruly peas, who look as if they’re arguing with each other about climbing up the cane supports.

On closer inspection the container is a milk churn, which is another way to reuse an container and to introduce some charm to your garden at the same time. It’s one of those garden spaces that has plenty going on, and much of which you don’t spot on first look.

What do you think, are there elements you’d have in your garden?