Imagine low burning candles, warm colours, soft textures, a loving old pet relaxing in its window seat, hearty home baking, long dinners with friends, the smell of cinnamon and mulled spice, patchwork quilts, fresh baked scones, pies, jams and steaming mugs of tea… you’ve nearly imagined autumnal ‘Hygge’ living.
Strangely enough when you think about it, there’s no, single word for ‘Hygge’ in English, yet its seems everywhere we turn this season, our city’s getting closer to rustling up the meaning of this wonderful Danish word. By opening our eyes and seeing London through its soft focus, autumn lense, city living can be really rather good for the soul. So, just in case you haven’t stumbled upon them already, we’ve collected together a few of our favourite 'Hygge' experiences. Enjoy…
Pimlico Famers Market, Saturday’s 9am -1pm
Wake up and smell the sizzling sausages, drink the freshly squeezed apple juice and stock up on tantalising, fresh, organic produce. Pimlico Farmers Market has been going since 2002 and is the perfect place to visit before (and after) a cup of coffee and slice of danerously delicious, 'lemon and lime wheat-free cake' at Daylesford Organic.
Grace’s Curtains and Home Furnishings
With it’s spaniel trio lolling in the window and its higgledy piggledy piles of rich fabrics and upholstered antiques, you’d be forgiven for thinking that not much happens behind the sleepy windows of Grace’s. Wrong. Grace makes gorgeous curtains to warm your home and heart (for humble locals aswell as famous, family-owned department stores!).
The Make Lounge
With no need to commit to a lengthy course, at The Make Lounge you get to ‘meet people and make stuff’ and learn a craft in a single session. The Make Lounge’s evening and weekend-based workshops, move craft on from the homey realm of tea cozies and cross-stitch samplers and give you a chance to do something stylish and soul-nourishing, with your hands. Make your own Christmas prezzies or just have fun making new like-minded friends.
Country Living Fair
A firm autumnal shopping favourite for years with those who like to soak up its cosy atmosphere and discover burgeoning brands from around the country (especially ones unlikely to be found on the high street). This year’s Country Living Fair will take place on 14-18th November at Islington's Business Design Centre.
Kitchen Goddess
This carefully cared for website picks out favourite items for the kitchen and great word-of-mouth recipes for baking (this week’s was a delicious spiced Apple and Cranberry Chocolate Roulade. Yum.) Sign up for their wholesome weekly newsletter ‘Something for the weekend’ and get a little bit of ‘Hygge’ living in your inbox every week.
