Thursday 19 August 2010

3 Brilliant Bicycle Baskets


Bicycles and baskets belong together. Not only do they look charming but they are super practical for carrying your bits and bobs around as you cycle. Here's 3 of my faves for different bikes and budgets..
Brompton Basket, specifically designed to fit onto Brompton handlebars, designed by TwonFro and made from recycled boat sails. These wonderfully unique baskets are currently in our summer sales, reduced from £50 to £42.50 (above)

Bargain Basket: Classic Wicker £19.99

Brooks Hoxton Basket.. something a a bit special, made from recycled materials, elegant sophisticated and unisex £89.99

Tuesday 17 August 2010

swimming with the fishes


My Pashley Poppy, my Kitsch Kitchen pannier an my little girl, creating a rather nice swirl of colours against the backdrop...

Tuesday 10 August 2010

Cyclechic's little black book: Cafe Luc, Marleybone High street


I had the pleasure of being invited to new brasserie restaurant, Cafe Luc, to test out the bike valet service... and of course the food.
The booking was for 7pm so I popped on a frock, jumped on my poppy and set off across London. I had a wonderful cycle ride through Kensington and Hyde park, passing the Royal Albert Hall and crossing over the Serpentine. A perfectly romantic start to the evening.

I arrived at Cafe Luc, located in one of my favourite London streets, the sophisticated Marleybone High street. The restaurant looked wonderfully inviting and as I perused the menu, a couple of smartly dressed and rather handsome chaps came out and offered to park my bike for me. How lovely. Instead of the usual hunting around for suitable bike parking then scrabbling around with my lock, I simply handed Poppy over and waltzed into the restaurant to meet my date. Cafe Luc have a secure indoor area where they store customers bikes while they dine at no extra charge, this is the the first bike valet service I've heard of in London and I think its a fabulous idea.

I won't pretend to be a restaurant critic but the food was scrummy. A fantastic selection of French and Mediterranean dishes, I had scallops to start and Red Mullet for my main, washed down with lovely Savingnon Blanc. The service was efficient and friendly but not intrusive and throughout the meal I was safe in the knowledge that my bike was parked safely and would be presented to me as I left.

The restaurant, which has only been open for 8 weeks and busy and bussling - some popping in for a quick bite after work and others sitting comfortably in the corner, taking their time over 3 courses and a couple of bottles of wine. The mains range from £12-28 but there is also a very reasonably priced set menu for £15 per person so it doesn't have to be expensive night out.
The bike valet service was a great added extra to what was a very enjoyable evening out. I will definitely be back. I am already suggesting it to my cycling friends as the perfect spot to meet for Sunday brunch and have it noted as a great place for a business lunch.
So after a smashing meal and an espresso to help me with the cycle home, we left the restaurant and I was reunited with my bicycle. Not only was this handy and hassle free but was a sophisticated end to glamorous Friday night out.

Friday 6 August 2010

All charged up for a party...


British bike brand Charge are collaborating with professional party putter oners 'I Heart' for a night of free music and free burgers. You can be sure of a friendly crowd of bikey types so if you and your trusty steed are looking for a knees up why not give it a whirl...