The return of sunshine lead to a batch of outdoor activities – from walking round Hyde Park to sitting having coffee with friends in my garden – and being amazed by the strength of the sun!

Culturally this week’s highlight was a ticket for Streetcar Named Desire starring Rachel Weisz at the Donmar Warehouse. Strong performances in a small venue made for powerful theatre. A warm evening helped give some idea of a steamy New Orleans night and cocktails after at the Covent Garden Hotel with 2 funny barmen made for an excellent evening’s entertainment.

Saturday saw several hours whiled away in Hyde Park starting with a visit to the Jeff Koons exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery which is based on inflatable beach toys, odd but amusing. The reflecting outdoor pavilion at the Gallery, this year’s winning commission for the annual temporary structure, was strangely calming. The park itself was full of people sitting, picnicing, boating, playing games and enjoying the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen, now run by the Benugo group which has upped the quality so we joined them there for a snack and a Pimms.

More entertainment came in the form of a live band at Charlotte Street Blues bar. They were good but I’d definitely call them rock not blues, still live music is a treat in a small venue so no harm done, except for any die hard blues fans who’d have felt rather cheated!

One bar to sign off with…… Albertine’s in Shepherd’s Bush has been there for many years (19 to my knowledge) and is just what a wine bar should be: no nonsense, reliable good and a lots of choice of wine, good food without being fussy or taking over and it doesn’t change apart from the odd lick of paint. Long may it last!

Bye for now.
Sue