I have a distant cousin who lives in London, and on Wednesday we met for the first time. Our grandmothers were first cousins, and although we're not entirely sure what that makes us, we decided we were family enough to go exploring Notting Hill together.

We walked down a very empty Portobello Road, and returned to Unico, an Italian dessert cafe. We were somewhat indecisive, and about to leave, when one of the staff (perhaps the manager?) gave us both some stuffed rolls - for free!! I ended up buying an apricot danish, and Gal kindly bought me a hot chocolate. The rolls were full of potato and pesto, and tasted amazing. Ten out of ten for service and food!

I left Gal at Notting Hill Gate and caught the tube to Baker Street, where I walked past the long line for Madame Tussauds, and on to Regent's Park. Andy had told me about the formal gardens in there, which I managed to completely miss. It was a nice sunny day anyway, and I was pleased enough just to be outside in the fresh air.

I picked up the canal path back to Camden, with the intention of sampling more of the food there, but wasn't much hungry when I arrived. Instead, I found some mulled cider from a friendly stall, and went exploring the markets. Lots of interesting things, and plenty of standard market junk and touristy gimmicks.

From Camden, I travelled back to Bethnal Green to meet Robin and Andy, where we revisited the Gallery Cafe. I scoffed down some pulled jackfruit tacos, followed by some chocolate cake from a nearby store. By the time I'd finished half the slice my belly had had enough. The time for wheat is over, and it's back to (semi) sensible eating for a while.

It was worth it....I think!