30th Birthday, 54 Style

I blame my namesake Bianca (Jagger) for my fascination with all things Studio 54. Along with Bianca, the club was awash with the most exciting, daring, glamorous celebrities of the time including Grace Jones and Jerry Hall.

When my original venue choice cancelled with only days to go, Max from Southern Joe’s in Kentish Town stepped up in the nick of time. I’d been to Southern Joes a couple of times before – the fried chicken and waffle is AMAZING, as is the entire dessert menu. I knew that they had a bar downstairs, Jailbird, but I hadn’t been before. Typically leaving everything to chance, I turned up on the evening of my birthday without knowing what to expect. Fortunately, the venue was great, the staff were friendly and helpful, they let me play my own seventies tracks and everyone ended up having an amazing time. Oh, and did I mention there's an amazing £5 cocktail menu? I’d recommend it as a venue for anyone. I think the proof is in the pictures!

Meat People for Brunch

I love a good weekend brunch and am always on the lookout for a new place to meet up with friends, gossip and gobble. I hadn’t been to Meat People before; it’s on Essex Road, a short walk down from Angel station in London. The venue has a really distinctive look; all dark wood and ochre seating. It still has its original 1930s fixtures which gives it a really cool retro feel. 

The food is really good and more than reasonable for London. It was really tough to decide what to have because everything on the menu looks absolutely amazing – I was torn between the rib eye and eggs and the smoked salmon, poached egg and potato rosti. I ended up going for the steak which was absolutely delicious, really tender and tasty. We had chips and a fresh side salad with slices of courgette and carrot. I couldn’t resist the carrot and ginger cake and the man loved his lemon drizzle, both came with a lovely scented cream on the side. Great food aside, service was flawless and friendly throughout so I’ll definitely be going back – it was lovely and peaceful for a Saturday but we did eat early and it’s possible that work hasn’t got out yet – oops.

Meat People, 4-6 Essex Road, London N1 8LN 

020 7359 5361

Birthday Pampering

When I told my friend I was going to work on my 30^th birthday, she was outraged. “But what will I do,” I said, “Everyone I know is at work anyway.” She told me to go to the spa and get a blowdry, so I did exactly that. I tracked the spa day down on Wahanda – it’s in North Finchley, a place called ‘The Fairmont Spa.’ It was a great deal – steam room, Jacuzzi, massage, facial, mani and pedi for just £75.

The blowdry was lovely – I went to the Vintage Cosmetics Company pop-up and requested big birthday waves. Mae did my hair beautifully, exactly how I wanted it. I loved the vintage styling of the salon – the flowery wallpaper was incredible, as were the retro hairdryers. It’s in a great location, nice and central, perfect for anyone needed a pick-me-up for a big meeting or after work drinks. It would be great for anyone, really. Anybody who appreciates speedy service in gorgeous surroundings. I’ll definitely go back.

Make an appointment: 166 High Holborn, 02037943880

www.vintagecosmeticscompany.com 

Pretty mirrors

Lovely products to buy

Lush lampshades

Vintage styling

Before

Mae works her brushes

After

Amazing wallpaper

Cute!

I want it all on my bedside table