London pubs

This week is Community Pubs Week in London.

Now, I love London pubs. They come in all shapes and sizes.

There are the big "converted from a bank" trendy types where there are loads of different designer beers on tap but you'd struggle for a pint of Carling, the "tiny place on the corner" drunk old man types where Carling is one of the only beers left on tap and people sit staring into their glasses and the basic "locals" where everyone knows the publican and everyone drinks Stella anyway.

Where I live, I am blessed by having a variety of pubs to choose from. I can count 10 within walking distance. Some where the food is great, some where the beer is better and some where they just get everything right (or wrong.)

I hope none of them close down - community pubs gets my vote anyday!

Aussie food

One of the things I missed about "home" when I first moved to London many years ago was Aussie food. For the first few years, I'd plead with my parents to send me parcels containing cherry ripes, milo bars, violet crumbles and more.

Then I discovered the Australia Shop in London. An aladdin's cave of Aussie confectionery, biscuits, snacks and jams. It kept me going for years.

And now I see that TNT magazine has also opened an online shop selling Aussie food. Neither of the shops are cheap but then what do you expect when the stuff has to be air freighted half way around the world.

But at least they are there for when I get homesick moments and crave twisties, cheezles and........ no, I best stop now.