The Kings Arms – Abergavenny

I had a three day week this week, and it was a dream. On Monday I spent the morning shopping with friends, evening having a barbecue and, in between, trying somewhere new for lunch – The Kings Arms in Abergavenny.

The pub is just opposite the Post Office right in the centre of Abergavenny, so it's perfect if you're having a wander round town and decide you want something good to eat for lunch. There are plenty of cafes in Abergavenny, but sometimes something a little more upmarket is needed, and The Kings Arms certainly delivers on that front. 

Flowers on the table tell me the place I'm eating at cares about their image as well as your experience with them, and that mutual feeling of having a good time is a must for me when I go out to eat.

The menu was varied and unique. There were lots of things I fancied, for example, the beetroot and goat's cheese salad, but I was drawn to the asparagus, soft boiled duck egg and toasted soldiers.

It's not often this happens, but this dish was perfect in every single way. I loved all of it, and I knew straight away I would be coming back to the Kings Arms for food again. It was the best asparagus, the best egg and the best soldiers I had ever had. Everything was seasoned to perfection, and the dressing was oily and slightly citrusy, which just made the dish for me.

Sarah ordered the air dried Welsh beef, rocket, parmesan, capers and lemon. It reminded me of posh beef jerky and the flavours worked brilliantly together.

Everything was beautifully presented, and the setting was relaxed and homely. The staff were friendly and attentive – I can't recommend this place enough if you're ever in the area. It was on par – if not better – than the food served at The Angel Hotel just a few minutes' walk down the road, and if you know Abergavenny, you'll know that sort of comparison is unheard of. So, well done to the Kings Arms – they have knocked The Angel off the top spot of where I most like to go to eat in Abergavenny!

Have you been to the Kings Arms for food before? Where's your favourite local pub/restaurant to eat? I'm already looking forward to my next visit here – that egg was AMAZING.

Wardrobe Staples: The Leather Jacket

For years I searched for the perfect leather jacket. Yes, years. It took about four until I found the one, and it was a happy day when I finally did. Everyone needs a leather jacket in their wardrobe. It's a timeless classic, and works with so many different outfits if you get the right one. 

My mum found this in the Whistles section of House of Fraser in Cardiff last summer. I absolutely adore Whistles, and if my bank balance allowed it, I would shop there for all my clothes, shoes and accessories. Needless to say, this jacket wasn't cheap – I think it was about £300 – but you get what you pay for, and I know this classic piece is going to last me for years to come. The quality is unbeatable. It is soft, black leather and seems to get better with age. The black and navy lining is beautiful too. I wear it almost every day – even to work – and I think it makes any outfit look better.

I love the detail of this jacket. There are zips on both sleeves which, if un-zipped, give your wrists a little more space – which, in the first few weeks of wearing, was much needed. When I first got this jacket it was tight, but leather stretches and adapts and now it fits to my body perfectly. There are poppers on the collar if you want a smarter look, and the whole jacket zips right up to the top which is great if you're on a chilly walk home on a night out!

Have you got a leather jacket? I would love to read more posts like this – I think I could save years of searching for the perfect piece – whatever it is I'm looking for. What do you think? Let me know in the comment box below or tweet me @hello_flower

What I'm wearing in this post:

Jacket: Whistles. T-shirt: New Look. Jeans: ASOS. Hair flowers: New Look. Nails: Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Prickly Pear.

Photography: Bethan Davies.

Turning Twenty Two

On Saturday it was my birthday. I had a lovely day, spent with friends eating and drinking lots of good food and drink, and even getting a little nap with my best friend Bethan while watching a cheesy film. My family came over to celebrate on Sunday so the fun was extended over the bank holiday weekend which was lovely.

Everyone is smitten with baby Olivia. On my 21st Birthday, she was just a tiny dot in Emily's tummy, and now she's all big and cuddly and it makes me so broody! She wore a very special party dress with rabbits all over it ♥

She even wrote a little message for me in my birthday card.

For my birthday meal I asked for my faaaaavourite – chicken in oatmeal. It's basically fried chicken in an oaty coating, served with a lemony, creamy, mustardy sauce, potatoes and vegetables. Sarah calls it a beige meal, but I love it.

Napkins – Tiger, Cardiff.

My mum makes a beautiful fruit salad.

Then it was time for cake, made by Emily.

It was speckled mocha cake, and it was absolutely divine. The best mocha cake I have ever tasted. It's a Mary Berry recipe, and definitely one to keep for other celebrations.

I was so spoilt with lots of lovely gifts – it was a birthday weekend to remember. I feel fortunate to have had two brilliant weekends in a row and I hope it's a sign of many more to come. I'm kind of glad to leave twenty one behind, and I can't wait to see what twenty two has in store. Thank you to everyone who made my day special ♥

Mountains, Bunnies & Babies

Take a sunny, warm day, a walk (half way) up a mountain, friends, family and some fluffy rabbits and it's guaranteed I'll be happy. Last weekend I had the pleasure of enjoying all of these things all in one day. It's true what they say y'know – you can't buy happiness.

 

So this is where I live(!) Abergavenny is surrounded by mountains, (or hills, if you're a mountain snob), and when summer comes around we take any chance we can to enjoy the views we are so blessed with. This photo was taken from the canal on the Blorenge – the biggest 'hill' in Abergavenny – and the mountain in the distance is the Skirrid, arguably the one with the best views.

After church on Sunday I went for a walk with my friends Kerry, Steve and Austin. We were going to climb the Blorenge, but I was just about dying after five minutes uphill, so we just went along the canal instead. Time to get back on the couch to 5k/30 day shred?

We went back to Austin's afterwards and got to see his fluffy bunnies! This one is called Simba (love) and he is the fluffiest bunny I have ever seen. He is so soft and tame and I love him and want to steal him.

So much love for Simba.

And Mabel! When I got home I was all set for an evening in the hammock with a book, but then my sister and brother-in-law were having a BBQ so I got in the car and drove to their house to cuddle Baby OH and my favourite lion head bunny, Mabel (and see Emily, James and my parents of course...)

Little muncher.

Look how much baby OH has grown. She is now four months old and changing so much every time I see her. She is so perfect and cuddly.

When I went to work on Monday I felt like I had had a week off, the weekend seemed to go on and on, which is rare when you find yourself having so much fun. I hope this weekend is just as good as it's my birthday tomorrow – I'm gonna be 22 and I can't wait! What did you do to make the most of the lush weather last weekend?

A Nostalgic Breakfast at Red Pepper – Cheltenham

On Sunday, 19th September, 2010, I left home to go to university. I was on the verge of tears all day, and I just wanted to get the goodbyes over with so I could cry in my room, pull myself together and go and meet the people I was living with. I ended up in the awkward scenario of crying in front of all my new flatmates while saying goodbye to my mum and sister...

Anyway, we had to stop for lunch before that all happened, and we chose Red Pepper, a lovely little bistro which, in the three years I lived in Cheltenham, became one of my favourite places to eat. 

But on that Sunday I wasn't hungry. We sat in the basement and I watched people walk along the street above, hardly touching my burger. I wondered why I was there. I felt like I would never be the same again. I knew in that moment that it was a day I would remember forever, that it was the start of a big change in my life, and in under 24 hours I was smiling again, and after one week I was caught up in friendships and a romance that helped me settle in and forget all those scary feelings. I went back to Red Pepper for another burger a while later, and I ate the whole thing.

I love going back to Red Pepper. Every time there's a new memory, but the first will always be the most prominent. To add to the nostalgia I was already feeling during my visit to Cheltenham at the weekend, Bethan, Sally and I stopped off at Red Pepper for breakfast. I have only ever been for lunch, but the breakfast menu looked just as good.

We ordered tea and coffee to wake ourselves up. I love when coffee has the 'creme' on top. Mine was hot and rich and so good after a night of cocktails.

Sally and Bethan ordered the full English breakfast. They said it was really fresh and non-greasy. I tried some of Bethan's bacon and it was reeeeeally good.

 

I wasn't up for a big meal though, so I ordered a warm croissant with butter and jam. The butter was unsalted (always good) and the jam was soft and spreadable (again, good jam). The croissant was a bit on the small side, but it was warm and crispy while soft on the inside, and pastries are one of my favourite things to eat at breakfast.

So, it seems Red Pepper is good for breakfast and lunch. Now I just have to go there for dinner. Anyone fancy it?