It was another gorgeous day in London. I woke up to a clear blue sky and white cherry blossoms draped in front of my window.
Chewie at home.
I am settling into London life. I get up in the morning and do some blogging for work before I make my breakfast oats with flaked almonds and chopped banana sprinkled on it, served with a side of coconut milk. And then it’s back to typing away furiously on my keyboard.
Chewie takes a lot longer than me to wake up in the morning. I wouldn’t call him a morning dog. He lounges on the couch until late and insists on several massages. He doesn’t leave his little nest unless absolutely necessary, or to find some sun in the rooms upstairs.
This Monday morning was all about getting some work done before I would meet Christie for lunch (brunch) in Balham. My cousin had been swearing by this fantastic brunch place called Milk, where they serve delicious almost hipster style gourmet food.
“Kry die een met smashed avo, pumpkin fritter and haloumi kaas. Eet jy spicy kos? Daar is ‘n lekker sous daaroor.” Chris had said. I was eager to test it out.
I clambered onto the Underground dog free. It felt quite strange to not have Chewie with me scampering after every new smell. However, it did mean I could wear my stockings without getting more holes torn in them.
I arrived a little early and decided to walk up Balham Hill Road to meet Christie at her office. It really was a stunner of a day. As I ambled up the road I couldn’t help marvelling at the detailed architecture. The terrace buildings had white detailed finishing and gables yawning across the front facade. The rich red-brick colour shimmered in the bright sunlight. At times I cursed myself for not bringing my sunglasses.
Once I retrieved Christie we turned back to visit Milk. (P.S. check out their website – it’s super funky!)
It was tucked into a little side street near the Balham Underground Station called Bedford Hill Road. There must be a dozen little food cafe’s squeezed into this tiny street. I could spot coffee shops and pizza parlours lined up along the street, each painted a bright colour and vying for your attention. But we had our eyes set on Milk which sat perched on the corner, tables splayed out in the lovely sunlight. It felt like the kind of cafe you would find on Bree Street in Cape Town.
Brunch at Milk in Balham is a must.
Clouds skidded across the sky giving us intermittent sunlight. The times when it was overcast it definitely felt more chilly and I pulled my cardigan on. The breeze played with the spring blossoms on the trees and we watched the blossoms swirl in the air before they fell to the floor.
Lunch arrived a little later than planned, but we wolfed it down. I paired my Sweetcorn Fritters dish with a neutral camomile tea. Christie ordered The Convict, a delicious English muffin with scrambled egg, a patty, hash browns and bacon all in one stack. Yum!
The Convict and the Sweetcorn Fritter brunch at Milk.
Needless to say, we were stuffed after that.
As we finished off at Milk and soaked up the sun on our pale skin, I looked around at the other cafes.
“You need to try Blackbird Bakery,” Christie said. “If you love the smell of fresh bread you should come stand here in the mornings.”
We went across to Blackbird Bakery as per her recommendation. We left with a cinnamon swirl for me, and a dog biscuit for Chewie. The windows were fully stocked with delicious eats, including cakes, croissants, fresh loaves of bread, brownies and cinnamon swirls. I could imagine this place was a favourite stop, especially because it was so close to the Balham Underground.
Blackbird Bakery in Balham, London.
I bit into the cinnamon swirl with a satisfying crunch. the flavour burst into my mouth.
“It’s perfect! Not too sweet,” I smile.
