The biggest inner city thingy ever - apparently . . .

With all the predictable hype and publicity surrounding the eventual opening of the Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherd's Bush, Sinéad couldn't wait to be one of the first through their doors - ears flapping! The Centre opened on Thursday but Saturday afternoon was the soonest we could go and having heard of the traffic chaos in and around the Centre we logically traveled by Tube to the brand new but built very near the original Wood Lane Tube station.

It was threatening rain as we arrived but we managed to join the throng and enter the centre and quickly discover a Fashion Show just about to end. Directly above the catwalk I spotted a familiar logo . . . and yes we did have a look around to check on all the things we have, already!

The majority of retail space has been occupied but there are still a few gaps - most notably for Hannah, the Hollister outlet - an Abercrombie and Stitch rival, apparently. One interesting image I shot outside what will be Hollister is the Paramedic below. Fully kitted out as a cyclist, this must be the quickest way around the 43 acre site.

As the image above shows - lots of customers but not that many carrying bags . . . I think the majority were gawkers - us included. One slightly worrying thing I did notice was that newly arriving punters were quite rain soaked and yes, as we left the heavens had opened and West London was experiencing a torrential downpour that would last for the rest of the day.

As one can imagine, all this window shopping makes you very thirsty and in an attempt to rekindle a long Saturday afternoon traditon, Sinéad, Hannah and I headed for the Bushranger - oops, I should say the Stinging Nettle!



A lot has changed in many areas over the last year including the interior decor of this bar and it was great to see what has been done by the new owners. Interesting to see how the prices have risen - two pints, a glass of lemonade for the child and one bag of crisps (only one flavourleft/available?) - £9.95



Back out into the torrential rain and onto the Tube at Goldhawk Road Station, down to Hammersmith and out to Rayner's Lane on the Piccadilly Line - took an hour but I'm sure much quicker than driving!

Mr Badger strikes again

Hannah auditioned and was chosen for a major part in "The Fantastic Mr Fox" by Roald Dahl, Heathfield's production on the run up to Christmas and she will star as Mr Badger. Part of the fun is that the girls have to source and provide their own costumes and the teacher in charge suggested Charity Shops for the essential costumes. After an unsuccessful tour of Rayners Lane, Hannah and I hit Ruislip High Street, Ruislip Manor and finally Eastcote where we found a costume hire shop for the bowler hat and then an RSPCA Charity Shop opposite. We were initially looking for a gents black suit but the sizing would always be a problem. A very helpful assistant suggested the ladies rail and Hannah quickly found a Zara two piece black suit that fitted perfectly and cost £20!

I want that one . . .

. . . as said in an "Andy from Little Britain" voice. Hannah and I were returning from a client meeting - she acts as my body guard and technical advisor - and as we queued on Stanmore Hill, I noticed this wonderful Georgian house for sale. I have searched the Estate Agents website but cannot find it listed - possibly too obscenely expensive to show on their site. Maybe in today's economic climate there might be a bargain?

Shot from the car in traffic but the listing building is fairly accurate!