We hired Mystical Fairies for my 4yr old daughter's birthday party. Before committing to them, I…read moredid my research and was aware of the fact that they were much more expensive than some of the other similar services. However, I was given reassurances through Debbie and Meg that they were nothing like other companies, offer bespoke services and make sure that everybody has an amazing time. I bought into their sales pitch, but was left heavily disappointed, to say the least. First of all, the two entertainers, kept blowing bubbles (using a bubble tube - not a bubble machine) 15 minutes into the start time, and it was only after my prompting that they moved on to the next activity. We had a small gathering (about 15 kids), out of which ~4 were not engaged at all and kept running to their parents. There was no attempt from the entertainers to even try to get them involved (despite the fact that there were 2 entertainers). I had specifically asked for "My little Pony" theme for the party and for those songs to be played. MY daughter is completely obsessed with it and thoroughly enjoys singing and dancing, but the entertainer played only 1 song from the playlist on a loop. Yo make matters worse they were carrying speakers the size of pencil sharpeners and so even though we had the party in a relatively small room, we could barely hear the songs! We had assigned around 1 hour for the entertainment before lunch was to be served. On the day however, the lunch was a few minutes late. The entertainer, in what I can only assume was a lack of ideas to keep children entertained, did not use any judgement at all (without checking with us) and sat the kids on the tables with nothing to do and just "hanging around" waiting for food. This caused so much chaos, with my husband running up and down, trying to make sure that the food arrived soon. I had also requested ahead of the party that we do not play musical chairs, but that request was completely ignored, and the kids were made to play the very same game towards the end of the party!! It was a clear case of lack of ideas on the part of the entertainers. Absolute amateurs were sent to our party and even though they accepted their mistake and apologised, my daughter's party was absolutely ruined and there is no going back on that! Mystical Fairies is an absolute rip off and none of the promises they make have any value. I, for sure, will not even think of using them again and my review here is meant to help people avoid making the same mistake

I stumbled across this gorgeous little shop the other in day in the beautiful village like…read moreHampstead. The shop's location down a small cobbled alleyway looks like something from a Dickens' novel and this cute fairy shop was a perfect place to shop for my two nieces (aged 3 and 5). The shop is packed out with fairy games, books, trinkets, jewellery boxes, decorations as well as jewellery pieces that aren't just for children but for any age. If you were take a young girl in here they would have a field day and the staff here are really friendly dressed in their tiny pink fairy skirts. The prices are very reasonable and they also organise children's parties. If you have to entertain any little girls or are stuck for gift ideas i would suggest taking a look in Mystical Fairies.

Fun little pub with an interesting take on American comfort food. We had run into the co-owner at…read morean event earlier in the week. A group of us were intrigued so we stopped by to check the place out. We were there early in the afternoon, so it was not that crowded, and we did not actually check out the menu, but we had a great time nevertheless. The menu includes the owner's take on burgers, corndogs and things such as mac and cheese and fried prickles. Bread and Roses hosts bands in the evenings and has a comfortable outdoor beer garden in the back. I hope to have the opportunity to return soon.

I went to the Bread & Roses last night for a theatre performance that a friend was putting on, and…read morewhat a great pub! I live in the area and am very surprised not to have heard of it before. The staff were very friendly, and the prices weren't bad. I found it a bit tricky to find, it is quite far down a road that looks residential, but that just makes it an even better slightly hidden gem, and they have a lot of fringe performances, readings and comedy shows - there were two events on just last night! And a good number of people at the main bar in the pub itself as well. Room hire is available and worth looking into for any performances you may want to put on, otherwise support local theatre or even just have a nice drink in a fairly laid back, friendly pub. Looks like the main room had just been repainted as well, with wet paint signs up everywhere. Plus, it's owned by the Battersea and Wandsworth Trades Union Council. I think that's pretty cool!

The best costume shop I have ever seen! Anything you could ever want in terms of costumes or party…read moreequipment is available under one roof, it is like Toys R Us but for slightly more grown up people. This place is like an aladdin's cave of the ridiculous. My friends were holding a pirate party and I happened to find this place at the last minute. There was a whole aisle just for pirate gear. I was in heaven. The staff were really helpful, I guess it has to be a pretty fun place to work, but even so, they were perfectly willing to indulge any degree of craziness, which was a good job in my case. Even if you don't live in the area, if you have a fancy dress party to attend, it is well worth the trip.

You can hire or buy outfits. So so so much to choose from. Male or female, child or adult, you will…read morefind something. The difficulty is choosing which one! From Betty Boo to pirate wench, you name it, they've got it. They also provide party decorations for the whole shebang, or maybe just a plastic sword and pirate hat, what ever you want. Their window displays give great inspiration as well, the last one I saw was for a beach party so had lots of inflatable plamtrees and grass skirts! At hallowe'en they don't just go for the easy option, last hallowe'en they had a Beetlejuice inspired display. Geniuses. Pop in if not just to kill time before your train. Such a fun shop.

So High Soho is so eclectic. Downstairs they have a costume shop. I spent hours down there trying…read moreon boas and Superwoman outfits. Why aren't costumes daily wardrobe wear? Wouldn't humanity be much more interesting if we dressed up as alter-egos everyday, shielding our true identities from strangers, gallivanting around as heroes or truly heinous villains? I vote for 365 days of Halloween. Anyway, back to the shop. The main floor has an array of really cool randomness. Ashtrays, prints of Marilyn Monroe, games, keychains, tapestries, candles, incense, buttons, mugs; you name it they claim it. When I need to get a gift for someone I come here to buy it. Finding something cool here is guaranteed.

Being so far away form home and wanting to look fantastic for my first Halloween night out, i came…read moreacross So High Soho thanks to the amazing yelpers.. The service that was given to us was amazing. They were so busy as Halloween was the next night.. I picked up one customs an was told 'no no no don't try this Queen of Heart's costume this one is the best and so much more you..' I tried it on and was perfect, they ensure that had everything I need to look the best, a crown, makeup, playing card stockings, heart stickers the works. The costumes are very well price the shop is small and crowded stuff everywhere but the guys and girls that work there are amazing they know where everything is and the have so much passion for making you feel and look the part you want to play at your party.. If only it wasn't so far away they could dress me for all fancy dress parties..

I have stayed at Coach & Horses Hotel twice now. Both visits (one in 2024 and one in 2025) were…read morejust perfect. If you are visiting The Royal Botanical Gardens, the hotel location is ideal. The rooms and the staff are both beyond lovely. The food at their restaurant is also fantastic and there are many vegan options including several desserts. It is a very special place to visit. I highly recommend Coach & Horses Hotel.

Coach & Horses is a delightful accommodation within easy walking distance of the beautiful Kew…read moreGardens (Elizabeth Gate). Getting to C&H can be a challenge with luggage or young children in tow unless you drive or Uber. The Kew Bridge train station just across the Kew Bridge from Kew Green/C&H and the Kew Gardens Underground station when coming from London have many steps to negotiate so as to make them impractical options. That said, a kind local woman told us a clever trick for avoiding the pedestrian bridge steps of the Underground Kew Gardens station--stay on the train to the Richmond station (which has a center platform) and then ride the train back to Kew Gardens. Upon returning from Richmond (a short ride), you are now on the C&H side of the platform with no need to cross over the pedestrian bridge with its many steps. You will walk about a mile from the station to the hotel or you might just Uber the remaining distance. The staff members of the C&H are very friendly and helpful. The room (in our case, Room 7) was clean, bright and well appointed. Ours was a ground floor accommodation, but there is an elevator for higher floors. The room was quiet and dark enough for a good night's sleep. The bathroom has a toilet, sink and shower with overhead and handheld options. There is a television, a small, well-stocked refrigerator and a radio. Lighting and electrical outlets are plentiful. The double bed was quite comfortable. We had dinner at the C&H restaurant which operates on the ground floor in the front of the establishment (you actually walk through the restaurant to get to the reception desk of the hotel). After sitting at an outside table for a bit, I went back inside and ordered drinks and food. Our food was quite good (fish and chips for her, chicken for me) with an excellent selection of drinks from their full bar. I recommend the Camden Hells as a solid local beer option. Our stay came with breakfast. The C&H has a full breakfast menu and we left satisfied with the options available. We asked for (and received) a late check out so that we could spend the morning at Kew Royal Botanical Gardens before our departure. Kew Gardens opens at 10 am and is a 10-minute walk from the C&H. The Elizabeth Gate of Kew Gardens is located behind the church across the road from the C&H. We spent two hours in the gardens, but could have done much more. Do not miss the Palm House (scheduled for renovation in 2025). There's an ATM next to the Sainsbury's grocery just across the Kew Bridge on the left-hand side as you approach from Kew Green. As an unexpected added bonus, there is a recent Banksy artwork displayed on the side of a building in Kew Green next to Kew Bridge. It is a five-minute walk from the C&H. If I have any compliant, it would be the rate. The hotel says that you will receive the best rate by booking directly through them. I did, but later discovered a better rate. As with most things, it's best to shop around. As you might have guessed at this point of my review, I highly recommend the Coach & Horses for your next stay in the greater London metro.

This is a Toys R Us for adults! I went on the hunt today for mini cup cake liners and went in my…read morelocal bakery to ask where I should go. Head straight to the source was my thoughts. My baker lady said, "Party Party, just in Dalston market" so off I trotted. As I approached this vast store firstly I was shocked that I have lived here for 3 years and never actually seen this magical place. Down stairs as you walk in you are greeted by sales staff in themed waist coats, this time of year they have pumpkins all over them. The head fella wears a fez - that automatically gave these guys an extra star, it's not often I get sound advice from a fez but this guy knew his stuff. Downstairs there is this wonderful area filled with party accessories, from balloons to costumes (pretty basic but good value for money) and hats, masks, tinsel, tablecloths, candles the lot! But this wasn't the best of it... anyone who loves to bake needs to come here. Upstairs hidden away is a shop that sells cake accessories, from cutters, to edible glue, to silver balls, cake stands, plastic bride and grooms and more. I was in a rush and only meant to spend a few minutes picking up the liners but walked out with 2 silver cake trays, silver edible balls , cake liners, vanilla extra and icing caps. I want to go back and buy more right now. If you are making a cake, you must spot by here, it's everything you need all under one roof!

This place is for all the celebrations, birthday, wedding, anniversary, christening, holy comunion,…read moreballoons, banners, beautiful cakes that you can order and every thing you need for craft. Their balloons are absolutely unique, I didn't see the models anywhere else. The staff is very patient when you have to try or open the different items to see how it will look after.

Fantastic little shop! So small and narrow with picture frames and prints lining the brick walls…read more Shelves on either side with bits and bobs - mugs with hilarious slogans, pill boxes, frames, and little poster prints. They have huge selection of posters from movie scenes, adverts, comics and music bands. I bought the most gorgeous photographic mixed with paint - it was one of 200 and it is my pride and joy! They always have new and fun pieces and the lady who owns the store is fantastic! Don't forget to scroll through the copious quantities of cards outside the shop! You will end up buying a few.

This is a super sweet shop that specializes in all things collectable, well maybe not all, but cool…read morecollectable things. they also have a huge selection of aromatic candles, you can tell you are approaching Mundo when the scent of essential oils, or patchouli, or some of that stuff they use on incenses attacks your nose. I like the store in general, some of the merchandise I find to sweet and slightly to romantic, if you know what I mean, but they have some good stuff in store, its worth a quick browse.

Hi The whole experience was excellent. I looked up online,…read morefound something I thought would be good and I could tell from the pictures and detailed description and size details that it would fit in our space and be suitable for what we wanted. I ended up calling to book rather than doing it online because I had a couple of questions and at the time it was just easier to call rather than email. I had a confirmation email and an email when was passed to dispatch so I knew what was happening. The guys who delivered it were on time, polite and got on with the job very quickly and the same when it was collected. The children loved it and we had a great open day. We will definitely see if it's available another time. Thanks Fiona