Dear Steemit friends :
When people think of places to go shopping in London, the first places that come to mind are probably Oxford Street, Selfridges (on Oxford Street) and Harrods.
But there is one street just three blocks long that people often overlook, that street is called Carnaby Street.
Located in Soho, London, Carnaby Street is known largely for it's independent fashion boutiques, the first of which was opened in 1957 by John Stephen called His Clothes.
In 1973, the local council pedestrianised the street during day time, and this resulted in an approximate 30% increase of visitors, helping the street flourish.
It's not all about fashion
Although Carnaby Street sports mostly fashion boutiques and lifestyle retailers, it's also home to a growing number of restaurants and bars - 60 and counting!
This weekend, Carnaby Street hosted a Street Eat food festival. Many of the restaurants put food stalls outside to give the many pedestrians an opportunity to eat on the go, or take advantage of the street seating they purposely put out for this event.
Unfortunately, I came a little late and by the time I arrived, there wasn't too many street food options to choose from. Never the less, there was still quite a street party going on.
Let's take a closer look.
I was told that this street stall serving Acai Berry smoothies is worth trying out. With so many health benefits, I thought why not?
As expected, it tasted extremely rich, very thick in texture and full of fibre. At-least my consciousness is eased!
Here is the mini-van handing out some free merchandise for the street eat event.
As you can see, the main street is packed full of people today.
This lady is being painted with some body paint. I'm not sure what the final result is meant to be, but her expression is pretty striking. She looks like a zombie doll. Very cool!
Some very tastefully done graffiti.
Carnaby spelled out with multi coloured letters. Everything is so colourful!
Even Diesel's store has vibrant colours on the outside.
On this off-street, some artificial grass was laid for people to sit down and chill whilst eating their street food.
These long pink tables and stools were set up all along the main street for people to sit down and eat.
Look at this fantastic mosaic painting on the face of this wall!
This was one of the few stalls still offering food by the time I came.
It looks like I have a choice between some home made Bacon Cheese Burgers, or Deep Fried Dough Sticks.
Bacon Cheese Hamburger it is.
Actually, this was one of the better burgers i've had in my time. But you know me and my appetite... Surely just a burger can't satisfy me?
This is Kingly Court, home to many independent fashion boutiques and also 20 restaurants and bars.
I take a walk through the entrance to investigate.
In the courtyard, there are already a tonne of people sat down and eating all assortments of food.
I've never seen a London bus like this, but I do love the patterns and design.
#KinglyCourt food is apparently very social media friendly.
Of all the restaurants in Kingly Court, I decided on Wright Brothers - Soho Oyster House.
This restaurant specialises in Oysters, my favourite seafood!
It's not often that I stumble across Oyster Bars in London, so this was my first opportunity to try it out!
There were tables outside but they were all occupied. Instead, I was offered a seat inside. The area in front of the bar has high tables and stools which remind me a lot of the layout of pubs and bars.
With so much alcohol at the bar, this could have easily been mistaken for a straight up bar!
I was led up a short flight of stairs, to a more familiar dining arrangement. Seeing the decoration on this wall reaffirmed to me that I was indeed in a seafood restaurant and not just a bar.
This is a picture of the original Wright Brother's Oyster business, which focused on wholesale of Oysters to seafood restaurants throughout the UK.
It wasn't until 2005 that the first Wright Brother's restaurant officially opened.
On the shelves you can see some of the items they used early on for farming their oysters.
These pictures on the wall show the different kind of oysters that they specialise in and farm.
This is a map of Helford river, which is where the Wright Brother's oyster farm is located in the South West of England.
Finally, I get to sit down in the area just a bit further in from the bar.
So, without further ado, let's get straight to the seafood!
When dining somewhere new, you often aren't sure what is the most appropriate dish to order.
Luckily, the restaurant had a 'Full House' platter which has an assortment of nearly everything.
In the platter, we have:
Oysters, Whelks, Cockles, Mussels, Prawns, Crayfish, Razor Clam and a Crab!
I'm used to eating the smaller kinds of crabs in China, but this one looks absolutely delicious.
Look at the size of those claws!
As always, I like to have some side vegetables or salad to go with my main course.
This is the Heritage Tomato Salad.
My favourite seafood from the platter has to be the Crab, not only was it very meaty, it tasted like a wash of the sea on the tongue !
Of course, the well reputed oysters tasted every bit as good as I've heard. Who would have known that oysters from the South of England measure up to the quality of those from Ireland, Scotland and even France?
My only reservation on this platter was the Whelks which I wasn't particularly fond of. Some people love them, some people hate them. Kind of like Marmite and Durian?
Overall, a very satisfying meal and I was happy to find out that from 12-6pm on weekdays, the restaurant offers Oysters at £1 a piece! That is quite a bargain and my next visit will definitely be quite the oyster-fest.
Hope you enjoyed this post on Carnaby Street and Wright Brothers Oyster Bar.
Please vote, follow and leave a comment!
What a great cultural attache you are making! Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures, the culture you are surrounded by and the historical notes. It is all so appreciated. I'm glad you are such a fan of sea food, I definitely am, and your pictures continuously bring my appetite right up the scale. ;)
Namaste :)
Eric! Isn't it like a walk back into the 60's, all the different colours, the designs and patterns, general atmosphere.
It sure looks like it, not that I have in this time, but from what I have seen, it is the case! ;) Good job on your post and consistent quality articles! Namaste :)
Actually, now that you mention it, it kind of is. Especially the small crazy-looking bus.
Ah the good ol' sixties...
Congratulations @sweetsssj!
Your post was mentioned in my hit parade in the following categories:
i will definitely check that out! seriously? scottish oysters cost me £2 a piece!
That's still not a bad deal at all imo! 👌
But i like the £1 each better ;)
Go nuts next time!
I will cheers! And be safe :)
Nice post!, make me want to travel!
Does it make you want to eat too??
yes of course hehe
Thanks for the work you put in to write this post. I've been in London a couple of times but never heard of Carnaby Street. I'll definitely check it out next time I'm in town! Cheers!
You're welcome! It's not as well known as some other places (not really sure why) but it's got such a good unique charm. You'll enjoy it !
Resteemed!! Wonderful
Your travel log are i am feeling along with you thanks
Thanks viralcutz!
You must jog between restaurants to stay so trim! Thanks for posting!
Haha, sweating it out!
Lovely pics! Very HD! :)
Makes me want to try Acai Berry smoothie now! :P
Love this pic:
Thanks for sharing! Upvoted! :)
Cheers,
@sidwrites
Thanks sidwrites!
@sweetsssj Nice Pictures, the sea food plate is my favorite.
Which of the seafoods do you like best?
Is hard to say, because I m so in love with sea food. You name it homard, shrimp, fish and more. Lol
perjalanan yang menarik dan juga foto foto yang bagus saya suka postingan ini
terimaksih telah berbagi @sweetsssj
thanks, I have no idea what you're saying but appreciated! 😅
wow very inspiring photos, great job! Just followed..
thank you for the follow! Welcome :)
Hello @emelyeucebio! If you liked this post please check out my first food blog post. It would be greatly appreciated, thank you :)
This looks like so much fun and you look super adorable having a great time here! I would love to go to the oyster fest they have here in the US in New Orleans!
The oyster fest sounds amazing! When is it ?
it looks like delicious.
Delicious is my middle name! (Or my last name 😁)
Good story =) Thanks a lot @sweetsssj
You're welcome gsdalex !
@sweetsssj
So many delicious foods!! Which one was your favorite? That's a hard decision, I'm sure! :)
Really great photos!
Upvoted!
It's gotta be the crab.. It was SUCH a hefty one too, I really enjoy the challenge of getting at the meat; makes it all the more rewarding when you finish eating it! (not very pretty as I eat it though!!)
@sweetsssj
Well, I'm sure you enjoyed yourself and that's what matters! I always appreciate your posts and the effort you put into every one of them! Nice to hear from you and have a wonderful day! :)
Hello @breakingtonight! If you liked this post please check out my first food blog post. It would be greatly appreciated, thank you :)
looks like you had another amazing time , lots to see on carnaby st!
Such a colourful hipster place, really love it!
Looks like you had a great time!
I did! I always like a good hustle and bustle in the street, reminds me a little of night markets in Asia, except.. It's all very British around these waters, with it's own unique flare.
nice pictures and nice post.
Thanks adilmehraj, have a good day!
Nice post my friend, your pictures are amazing..thanks for sharing your experience with us
You're welcome steemlifestyle; enjoy ~~
London is always a good trip. Just be careful out there. Enjoying all the scrumptious images. Can't wait to get back to the UK.
Will do, thanks! Where abouts are you now?
Living in the Western USA in Northern Utah, in somewhat of a desert area, but with lots of snowfall in the winter.
You sure do have a charmed life! I love seeing your pictures and I get very inspired to travel and EAT! Haha hope you are having a great day :) ~Hratch
Thanks Hratch, good thing we have these things in common, we can share our experiences with each other :)
Absolutely! About to tag you in something you might find interesting :)
Wow! Great post. You have some amazing adventures :)
thanks automaton, live life to the fullest as they say!
You're charming! And the photos are very beautiful.))))
Thanks kleryk200, soo many photos from the day, these are actually just a selection!
What I see is very pleasing to the eye)))
What do you think about hamburgers?I really appreciate your opinion))
https://steemit.com/food/@kleryk200/sweet-hamburger-vegetable-hamburger-it-s-incredibly-delicious
Looking very tasty!
@sweetsssj Great post! AGAIN!! It's been to long we've been to London. Need to go again soon! It's only 1 hour from Amsterdam! Will defenitely use your tips when going to London 👍
Have a nice day and remember... GoCoconuts 😉
Amsterdam is such a great city, I loved it when I went several years ago. London would make for a lovely weekend trip :)
Amsterdam is really great, but so is London. Defenitely have to go there soon. If you are ever going to Amsterdam and want some insider tips we're happy show you around or give some addresses ✌
I'll definitely look you up next time i'm there, thank you!
I thought you can only choose between fish and chips in Lodon...jk. Great intro post about London's food, im gonna use this as a guide coz im heading there next week!
That sounds more like a general British cliche, where about's are you from?
I am actually going to Benford for a meeting in a few weeks. Will stop by London to verify the legitimacy of your post :P
OMG! I'm really getting hungry. 😉
Thanks for sharing.
You're wecome, nice to meet you too! (We've already met right?)
Yes, we met. At least we had a Steem-like encounter. 😉 😘 Just wanted to show off my new banner. 😜
It's so cute, I love doraemon !
Wow, sweet! ドラえもん is my favorite. Please check out my latest post about my Doraemon theme :)
https://steemit.com/steemit/@danielsaori/new-avatar-new-style-welcome-doraemon
This is absolutely lovely, I love these little graphics, very cute!
Thanks Sweetsssj!
Hello @danielsaori! If you liked this post please check out my first food blog post. It would be greatly appreciated, thank you :)
Wonderful photos!!!!!
thanks emima!
Hello @emima! If you liked this post please check out my first food blog post. It would be greatly appreciated, thank you :)
What lovely photographs
Thank you! I was really lucky to catch a sunny day which helped a lot !
Thank you so much for sharing. I love learning about other parts of the world.
You're welcome iot-corp, you've come to the right place for that!
that looks very delicious i just upvoted you scotty 777
Thank you scotty!
Wow, what a beautiful burger I see in the picture
One of the best burgers i've ever had!
Hello @anforo! If you liked this post please check out my first food blog post. It would be greatly appreciated, thank you :)
Once again such a beautiful post and cultural visit to London. Terrific job!
thank you team101, glad you enjoyed!
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I love Carnaby Street, some great shots you have there :)
Thanks rea! You didn't go to the Street Eat?
Thank you for the awesome pictures . I can almost feel like Im there and smell the food.
The smell of the sea is so nice! I always get an urge to eat seafood when i'm by the sea, i suspect that's the reason!
Great pictures, as usual @sweetsssj! Aside from just the quality of the photos, I really like the way they tell a story.
Thank you jenkinrocket! Glad you liked my story! :D
Hey guys I just posted my first article if you have chance get you check it please it would appreciate that so much it'll be huge help to me and what I'm trying to do
I'll take a look 😃
Hello my friend
Happy day .. Happy trip also delicious food wonderful drink
Thank you mars9! Have a good day yourself too!
@sweetsssj Crab looks really cool! Would love to try it :)
It was soo tasty! I already feel revitalised .. how about that for a kick start on health benefits !
Sounds cool! 🙃 I like that balance between eating healthy and guilty pleasures once in a while (like burger, mmm)! Followed to read some more... Have you ever been to Zagreb, Croatia? :)
all I can say is you are burning up the frequent flyer miles! Don't forget to pause to smell the roses, not just the cuisine!
Good advice !
What an exciting spot to go and enjoy some smoothies and such beautiful platter of seafood. It's always a fantastic food adventure with you @sweetsssj :)
Lovely way to spend an afternoon at the weekend! When the platter arrived, everyone around was looking!
It looks like an exciting place to be.
Will surely visit one day !!!
Colourful and lovely :)
Thanks!
sangat bagus fotonya
Dude.. You're EVERYWHERE! Haha everytime I look up you're somewhere new. Are these archived or do you travel this frequently? Also, love the Snap Your Dish social plug there! Great idea haha Oh and great shots of course, per usual! If you get a chance, check out my latest post. https://steemit.com/photography/@chrissymchavez/b-w-street-photography-satx
It's a little different than your shots, but I think you might appreciate them, or at least I hope so :)
I actually have these long periods where I travel like from one place to the next and basically on a perpetual adventure. Of course, I usually don't have much time to blog about it at the time so some are from before, and some more or less just happened.
I'll check out your blog!
Ah gotcha. That's so wild, it looks like a blast! Can't wait to see where you're off to next (or where you had been!) Stay safe out on the road :)
Amazing post! Love the photos! London is one of my favourite places, but I don't believe I've ever been to carnaby street. Thanks for the lovely tour!
THanks natasha! Do you come to London often?
Definitely check out Carnaby Street next time!
You are, as always magnificent
thank you nezaigor! :D
Thank you
very beautiful photos!!!
You may like see mine as well.
I was just in Soho earlier this afternoon for a lunch. Been to Carnaby Street many times but never tried this Oyster Bar before. I will definitely visit this place. Thank for sharing this with us!
woow amazing