Freed of London

There has been a baby boom amongst my friends. I always secretly hope they will have little girls so I can go to one of my favourite shops in London to buy them ballet shoes! The recent birth of my friends beautiful baby prompted another visit...

...Freed of London was founded in 1929 by the shoe maker Frederik Freed...it is now the leading distributor of predominantly hand-made pointe-shoes for ballet and are the official suplier for the Royal Ballet School and official manufacturers of the uniform for the Royal Academy of Dance ....

...I love the old shop fittings stuffed full of dance shoes and the distinctive green and gold bags....

...which match the plush velvet seating and wooden wall panels, lined with paintings, drawings and photos of dancers. There is a unique atmosphere in this charming and quaintly old-fashioned boutique!

Legendary lemon drizzle cake!

The infamous old fashioned tea cups that regulars ask for

Located in the old Fulham victorian public baths and wash house, are the renowned Dance Attic Studios, rehearsal space used by dancers, actors and celebrities, ranging from Kylie Minogue to Daniel Radcliffe! This gorgeous café serves a legendary tortilla and lemon drizzle cake made by Mr Quinn! I've been lucky enough to both relax and help out in this little gem and love it - especially in the evening when it's candle-lit, creating a magical atmosphere!    

The original stone work from when the Dance Attic Studios were public baths and wash houses

Lovely Mr Quinn who is often the life and soul of the café!

Original Rolf Harris painting, a display of old hats and lovely hand made cushions

The original green and beige tiles in the kitchen that used to be a wash room

Magical candle light in the evening

Delicious dancers!

Carlos Acosta

Noel Wallace

....just because they're two of my favourite ballet dancers! I would love to see Carlos Acosta dance live. I was lucky enough to see a special performance by Noel Wallace at Wiltons Music hall, which was mesmerising...