One fine Thursday morning two weeks ago, I woke up very early with my camera and a good book in my hand and took the tube to London Bridge for a much needed me-day. The best way to start the day naturally is with a stack of pancakes, and usually if i’m on my own i avoid eating out because i get super self conscious and worry that people think I’ve been stood up, however i was determined to get a huge fluffy stack of The Breakfast Club’s Bacon Pancakes, so i walked past three times before summoning up the courage to say, “Just one please” with an air of false indifference. The waitress sat me down in a little corner and as i glanced around looking at couples and business people chattering over their food i thought “shit shit shitty shit, why am I eating alone oh my gawd” but after ordering a flat white and bringing out my book of choice (It was ‘Things Fall Apart’ by Chinua Achebe) i felt a little more at ease. And when the pancakes arrived, i happily shoveled forkfuls into my mouth whilst wondering what would happen next in Umuofia.
Afterwards I went to the infamous Borough Market, and what a treat it was! So many colours, textures, scents and goods! I walked around once taking everything all in before deciding to bring out my camera and happily snap away whilst taking time to buy a few Meringues, Macarons and Cacti (a girl’s gotta treat herself ok!). I wholeheartedly recommend taking a trip to Borough, for the energy alone if not for all the delicious treats.
And I wholeheartedly recommend you taking yourself out for pancakes, or waffles, or whatever breakfast fare your heart desires. It’s good to treat yourself sometimes.
Have a lovely week and let me know what you’re all getting up to!
x
It can be nice going to eat by yourself with a good book! I love these photos Sade, I used to volunteer in Southwark Cathedral so would go to Borough Market all the time and I miss it…definitely due a trip back I think xJosie’s Journal
Looks amazing! xxMarveling-Mind☀
It's funny whenever I travel I find it easier to dine out alone – I can pretend I'm some mysterious foreigner lool, but I've yet to summon the courage to do that in London, sitting alone with a mocha and a good book I've got down, but I've yet to treat myself to some good food alone, although reading about those bacon pancakes, I may just do that soon! I'm a long time lurker of your blog, love reading about what you get up to 🙂 Dorcas
Going out alone was something I enjoyed doing when I first moved back to Nigeria. I didn't really care if anyone stared at me, but I wasn't going to sit at home and deprive myself of good food or entertainment :)Lovely pictures btw.Berry Dakara Blog
What a gorgeous collection of photographs 🙂 Truly a treat. Sounds so nice that you went out to have a "me- day", for me, those kind of days are spent at home, I never thought about spending it outside, which I will no be taking into account in the future. I too get self conscience eating alone. I get self conscience being alone shopping, eating, etc. When I'm walking past a busy city that's fine, or if I'm somewhere isolated I feel comfortable. Thanks for sharing this lovely post :)It'sMyLife
Sounds like a great day. I deffo think it is important to have ne days!!www.lookwhatigot.co.uk
I love borough market, always has such an awesome array of food x
Lovely pictures btw.. and personally i really don't mind dining alone because honestly I prefer it that way.www.mstomie.blogspot.com
I love the photos! Borough Market I used to live around there, really nice place to eat and in summer is lovely to eat there and then go for a walk 🙂
I love going out alone…I get to be selfish and enjoy some "me" time. Love the pictures 🙂
I think I like the idea of "taking it all in" before delving into a picture snapping frenzy. It's something Ive thought about a couple of times. If I have to worry about documenting, would I get the chance to actually live in that moment? But taking something from your post, the pictures can come a bit after you've settled into the moment. Right?
I LOVE having me days – I head up to the south bank early walk over to Embankment grab a coffee and sit in the gardens to chill for a bit with my camera and a book. After that I usually walk to the Tate over the wobbly bridge and have a bit of a mooch until walking down the South Bank camera in hand ready to take in the book market before a late breakfast/early lunch at one of the many available eateries. The best thing about being alone and this may seem anti-social is you do not have to speak to anyone unless asking for something to eat or drink!!!Your 'me day' looks fabulous Borough Market is another love of mine – apparently there is another market just around the corner that does amazing food and now there is London Grind (the new branch of Shoreditch Grind) best coffee in London!
Aww your day sounds so good. I totally get that initial sense of awkwardness when you take yourself for lunch but its so nice to treat yourself. I love being in my own company at home so why not out for lunch? When I first started working in a cafe I was so surprised at the amount of people that came in regularly to have a coffee or a light bite all alone. Also – Chinua Achebe is a top notch writer!! Enjoy reading the book :)Cats In Crop Tops
Everyone seems to be going to Borough Market lately and I have never been; despite being a Londoner. Such a great post – I must visit soon!Ashleigh | Being Ashleigh Blog
Absolutely lovely photos! Ive really been enjoying reading your blog over the past coutlet months so I wrote a little something about you on my blog, if you'd like to check it out: http://leslieisaunicorn.blogspot.co.ukHave a lovely day!
Borough Market is literally on my doorstep cant believe Ive never been! Love your pics, looks like an awesome place to be especially once the warm weather kicks in!