My tall skinny decaf pledge to local coffee masters

Don’t get me wrong. I’m partial to a venti caramel frappuccino and a Very Berry Scone from time to time, but I curse myself every time I sit in a Starbucks (or Costa, or Caffe Nero…. the list of uninspiring chain coffee shops sadly goes on forever). 

Why do I spend £3 on a coffee I could make at home for a fraction of the price? I’m not suggesting that I make my own coffee at work (that would just be ludicrous!) but there are tons of other alternatives to the big chains, aren’t there?

The reason I swoop in like a homing pigeon to Starbucks most lunchtimes is not for the fabulously authentic coffee experience (Lavazza offer that, don’t they?), but out of pure laziness. Yes, Starbucks is for lazy people. So is Nero. And Costa. And Pret (although their avacado wraps are pretty good). They are for people who can’t really be bothered finding anywhere else to get their coffee fix. 

But for me, drinking coffee isn’t just about getting my fix. Don’t get me wrong, no coffee in the morning makes Andy a very cranky boy, but I actually love the taste of great coffee. 

That’s why….from today onwards (well, from August 7th)….. I make a pledge……..

A pledge not only to find the best coffee house in London, but to ditch those venti grande chai tea latteccinos and keep things simple. Keep it simple, man….. Oldskool innit.

And I urge you all to do the same thing, aye.  

Thank you, and goodnight. 

The Carbuncle Cup award for the worst new building 2011 →

No time left to nominate but interesting to see what people think are the ugliest buildings in Britain!! Who will win?

I agree with 2010’s winner….. that horrid tower in Elephant and Castle! I only found out recently that they were flats… I was convinced they could only be banal offices encased within a banal skyscraper!

Ayrshire Survival Guide. Tip number 2 - bus travel.

It is customary in Ayrshire to thank a bus driver when you alight at your destination.

While there is lots to be thankful for when travelling by bus in Ayrshire (by comparison to London, for example) - country roads, few traffic lights, no other buses for miles (which also goes for cars, bicycles, people…. etc…….) - please BEWARE:

Unlike London, you are almost certainly guaranteed a seat on an Ayrshire bus. At busy times, such as 30 minutes before the Job Centre opens, crowds can gather at the front of the bus in order to facilitate a quick interchange between vehicle and dole office. It is recommended that you make your way to the front of the bus in good time to ensure you don’t find yourself caught up in the rowdy mob as they alight. It is almost certain that this will delay your journey.

What’s more, if you are offended by alcohol-infused prison-talk then it is suggested that you take another form of transport to complete your journey (private car, perhaps). This will ensure that a) you reach your destination on time, b) you don’t arrive reeking of booze, c) you arrive alive and without any injuries, and of course d) you will avoid the scowls of disgust from other passengers when you don’t thank the driver for his services. Instead, thank God that you arrived in one piece.

Oh man… what a party! Unfortunately I wasn’t there but watching videos like this makes Ibiza at the end of summer sound like a VERY attractive proposition! Enjoy!

Clara Moto Ibiza Voice Podcast →

The sound of last weekend…. download and listen now!

I’m so excited that The Shard is starting to take shape. It’s going to be a real iconic building and put London on the architectural map for reasons that don’t look like giant vegetables (or is a Gherkin a fruit?)………

How to use Facebook Chat with iChat  →

First, find your Facebook username by going to http://www.facebook.com/your_user/. Next, Open iChat, then select iChat » Preferences and click on the Accounts tab. 

Click on the + (plus) sign to add a new account, with these settings:

• Account Type is Jabber Account
• Account name is your_user@chat.facebook.com, and enter your password
• Click the drop-down arrow to reveal Server options. Enter chat.facebook.com as the server name.
• Enter 5222 as the port and click Done.

Ayrshire Survival Guide. Tip number 1 - smoking on the street.

Smoking on the street is commonplace in Ayrshire. However, smoking cigarettes that you have actually purchased yourself - not so.

Be on guard whilst enjoying that Marlboro Light before your bus arrives, as scavengers lurk around almost every corner.

In the likely event that you will be approached and asked (told) “gonni tap us a fag mate?”, flash the cheeky chancer an empty packet of cigarettes (these can be found discarded on almost every street corner) apologising that you have just smoked your last one.

The apology is key here, since the contrary runs the risk of startling the native Ayrshire-folk into a defensive stance, which is pretty much best avoided.

To avoid such confrontations, reserve your cigarette for when you alight at Glasgow or, if you must light up, disguise your finest Virginia behind a cupped hand facing inwards toward the body. The smell may still attract unwanted attention, but discretion does pay off in these parts.

Coming next time…… How to avoid having your head kicked in at the bus station by someone with only 1 leg.

The Ayrshire Survival Guide. A series of handy tips on how to stay safe and enjoy your time in Ayrshire.

McDonalds - the new resting place for stranded late night revellers

Im just sat in McDonalds on Victoria Station. The big one upstairs not the tiny little one at the other end of the station. As far as I know this has always been a McDonalds but today it seems to be some kind of refuge for people stranded after too many gin and tonics in Central London.

As I look around I can see at least half a dozen individuals (they’re all alone) propped up in pleather booths, sleeping or half-asleep, red-faced, and wearing less-than-adequate evening attire. Some have cold coffee! Someone really should wake them and tell them the morning rush hour has started. But its a wonderful scene - seeing the left overs of London’s Thursday night club scene vomited out as Friday breaks.

They clearly don’t know where the Friday morning afterhours clubs are!!!!!!!

Classic!

A small wasteland in Southwark has been transformed into a pop-up medical garden by more than 100 volunteers. →

Let’s ditch the paracetamol and opt for the herb instead