Courtauld Gallery

The Courtauld Institute of Art is one of the world's most prestigious art history schools in the world, and also claims to be one of the finest small museums in the world.

Located just of The Strand, within Somerset House, stepping into the Courtauld Gallery really makes you feel as though you've been whisked back to the 1800's, with long, winding staircases, chandeliers and candelabras, velvet chaises and wooden floors; you get the idea.

The bar at the Folies-Bergère - Edouard Manet

Admission is free for full-time students, and a bunch of other people (see here) but otherwise tickets will set you back around £6. Although the layman sometimes turns their nose up at museums and galleries that have a price tag, given the amount of incredible art the Courtauld has its hands on, I would gladly pay a fee to view the art again.

Paul Cézanne - Route Tournante

Located on 3-4 floors, with many rooms branching off each other and curling back round to the winding staircase, the gallery is tardis-esque, and we were surprised how long it took to move across one floor. Set aside at least 2-3 hours for this place, as we arrived an hour before closing time and unfortunately didn't get round to seeing everything.

Antibes - Claude Monet

Even the least arty person will recognise some of the names in Courtauld: Van Gogh, Monet, Manet; Bellini and Botticelli for Renaissance lovers; Rousseau and Cézanne also made appearances, and there was a Picasso exhibition when we visited, which is included in the ticket price.

The Red Beach - Henri Matisse

I'm not an art student, but it was quite nice how many of the paintings I recognised, but also how much better the paintings are in the flesh. Some of the Matisse pieces really were spectacular, and Cézanne, who I wasn't familiar with before the visit, also impressed me with his bright, soft colours.

Georges Seurat - Young Woman Powdering Herself

The Betrothal of the Matador - Wyndham Lewis

The Courtauld Gallery is a great place to visit, surrounded by the stunning Somerset House, located near the Thames and housing some of the world's most incredible art, it makes for a wonderful day out. And, it's not nearly as crowded as the likes of the British Museum.

Some of the many wonders of Brick Lane

Whenever I wander around London, I always find myself in Shoreditch, and almost instinctively end up ambling down Brick Lane. Despite many visits to this London gem, there is something fresh the area offers each time I visit. The place is brimming with character, and I couldn't resist putting up a few photos of some of my finds over the last few months.

Photos taken with a HTC Desire (hence poor quality)

The Brick Lane Vintage Market at The Old Truman Brewery is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There are some incredible finds here, and for half the price you'd expect to pay at shops. Most of the sellers are fashion students and more than happy to lend a helping hand. Be sure to ask for directions to a changing room, as a lot of the time they're tucked behind walls or clothes racks.

I love bookshops and I love the Brick Lane Bookshop. A lot of the books are quite pricey, unfortunately, but it's still nice to potter around.

My friend showing off her polka-dot coordination.

Inside the Boiler House - Brick Lane's food hall I found this wonderful burrito stand, where for £4 I was served my first ever burrito. It was delicious, full of spices and herbs that set my taste buds on fire and the portion was so generous I had trouble finishing it.

This is a wonderful, kitschy cafe just opposite Rough Trade. I'm not sure what it's called, even though I've been here loads of times. Point aside, it's filled with old leather sofas and cushions and there's free wifi and sometimes musicians come and do musical things, and they have food that's reasonably priced, although admittedly not as good as that at the Boiler House.

Nothing characterises Brick Lane quite like graffiti and street art.

I was first taken to Rough Trade in 2010 and the place has had a place in my heart ever since. It is now perhaps one of the only remaining, decent record stores in London, and it's so easy to forget yourself and spend hours listening to music, taking photos in the booth (£3 for a photo of 4 snaps, as seen above), or nibbling cake at the Rough Trade cafe imagining a point in your life when you'd be able to afford a gramophone and proper vinyls to go with it.