Summer Scoops

Sprinkles & Treatz

Despite a break from last week's record-breaking temperatures, there are three heatwaves and above average temperatures predicted in August. Here are two ice cream parlour* chains where you can relax and cool off:


Sprinkles Gelato This dessert parlour features over 20 flavors of gelato and sorbet that are used in 30 different sundaes, 'desserts in a jar', shakes, smoothies and floats. Other sweet concoctions include cookie dough, crepes, cupcakes and waffles. They have 16 locations, including two in London and one in Reading, Surrey.  Take a break visiting attractions in Balisdon (Balisdon Park), Brighton (Royal Pavilion), Portsmouth (Historic Dockyard) and Salisbury (Salisbury Cathedral).
www.sprinklesgelato.co.uk




Treatz Treatz dessert parlour creates shakes, smoothies, sundaes and waffle baskets using 40 gelato flavors.  Their 'epic' desserts include American pancakes, cakes, cookie dough and more. They currently have 16 locations, including London, Woking along with High Wycombe, Luton, Slough and Wembley. You can also order via Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats and they even provide gelato, crepe and waffle or cold stone ice cream carts for off-site catering events.
www.treatz.co.uk


As much as I enjoy all the boutique artisan creameries abound, there is something nostalgic (and gluttonous :) about visiting these over-the-top dessert parlours.  Sweet dreams!

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Five Ways to Beat the Heat

With temperatures set to soar, here are five ways to cool off:

While the London Underground and double-decker Routemaster buses can be warm . . .

...Take to the air
Emirates Air Line — The air conditioned cable car 90 metres (300 ft) is higher than than the O2 Arena Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks. The 10-13 minute (5 minutes 7 am - 9 am Monday - Friday) ride offers birds eye views of London and starts at £3.50 / adult and £1.70 / child (lowest prices for Oyster and contactless card travelers). If you are still hot, you can even go cable wakeboarding, stand up paddleboard (SUP), including yoga / pilates and even hydrofoiling (think kitesurfing without the kite and wind) on the Royal Victoria Dock waters.
www.emiratesairline.co.uk
www.wakeupdocklands.com+44 2039 503951
Wakeup Docklands, 1 Dock Road, London E16 1AG

...Travel by water
London Waterbus — The traditional narrow boat on the Regents Canal has is celebrating 60 years of service and stops at Camden Lock, Little Venice and London Zoo. The Waterbus and one way fares from Camden Lock and Little Venice start £12 / adult and £9 / children and one way fares into London Zoo (including zoo admission) start at £30 / adult and £22 / child. Booking online is suggested - especially on the weekends.
www.londonwaterbus.com+44 2037 639881

Thames Clippers — The MBNA Thames Clippers is the fastest and most frequent boat service on the River Thames with 17-stops starting at Putney Pier to Royal Arsenel Woolwich Pier. Major attractions along the route include Big Ben, London Eye, Shakespeare Globe, St. Paul's Cathedral and Tower of London to name a few. Similar to Emirates Air Line, discounted fares are available for Oyster and contactless card travelers. A 'hop on hop off' ticket is available along with a combination ticket offer with Emirates Air Line cable car.
www.thamesclippers.com

If you have fond recollections of running through the sprinkler like a kid, here is your chance to . . .

...Play in the fountains

King’s Cross : Granary Square Fountains — With 1,080 jets that cam be controlled and lit individually, this is one of the most popular attractions at King's Cross - especially on a hot summer day. At dusk the fountain is lit by multicolored lights for a colorful light show.
Bonus : In the winter, arrive between 4 pm - 5 pm the fountains become a video game and can be controlled using the Granary Squirt app via your smartphone.

www.kingscross.co.uk/fountains-granary-square
1 Granary Square, Kings Cross, London N1C

Southbank : Appearing Rooms — This cleverly designed, seasonal attraction sprays walls of water. You can time your entry in a way to stand in the ‘room’ without getting wet - unless of course you would like to or guess wrong! The fountain is on Noon - 9 pm Monday and 10 am - 9 pm Tuesday to Sunday.
www.southbanklondon.com/south-bank-centre-appearing-rooms
Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

While you probably know that one of the coolest places in a home is the basement, but you may not know where you can . . .

...Eat underground

Cafe in the Crypt — Across the street from Trafalgar Square is St. Martin’s in the Fields Café. This 18th century building with its brick-vaulted ceilings is a great place to stop in and escape from the summer heat and stream of tourists. They offer a basic afternoon tea minus the fancy cake stand and have an affordable ‘cafeteria’ style lunch.
www.cafe-in-the-crypt+44 2077 661158
Ducannon Street, London WC2N 4JF

And if all else fails, enjoy a frozen treat at Chin Chin Labs, Milk Train, Gelateria 3Bis, Gelupo, La Gelatiera, Snowflake or Udderlicious.

Stay cool!


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4 Top Wimbledon Tips

Queuing for Show Court Tickets

‘Expect the unexpected’ should be the motto of the Opening Day of Wimbledon. First round unexpected upsets included:
- Naomi Osaka (2nd) defeated by Yulia Putintseva (39th)
- Venus Williams (44th) defeated by Cori Gauff (313th)
- Alexander Zverev (6th) defeated by Jiri Vesely (124th)
- Stefanos Tsitsipas (7th) defeated by Thomas Fabbiano (89th)

If Opening Day is any indication of the rest of the championships that runs until July 14th, it will be full of surprises. Four top tips on getting to see Wimbledon champions - old and new:

  • Rainy or Hot weather = Faster Queues and Better seats - With the option to camp overnight and queue early (beginning at 5 am), the weather plays a part in how fast the queue moves and how quickly Show Court tickets become available. Basically if it is wet or hot, morning visitors will likely leave early and you’ll have a good shot at prime seats.
  • Avoid going when British players play - Despite Andy Murray not playing singles, you can still expect long queues whatever day he does play. Other British players that may impact queues are Kyle Edmund (31st) and Johanna Konta (19th).
    Tip : Avoid Saturday altogether since Murray is slated to play a mixed doubles match with Serena Williams.
  • Go later - After 3 pm you can purchase returned Show Court Tickets (£15 for Centre Court and £10 for Court 1 and 2) from the Ticket Resale Kiosk (north of Court 18 near top of St. Mary’s Walk). We have been fortunate to see some of the top players in both quarter / semi-finals games.
    Bonus : The proceeds from resales are donated to Wimbledon Foundation.
  • Go big or Go home - If you queue for Show Court Tickets, go for Centre Court or Court 1. These courts both have retractable roofs (the latter a £70M addition this year), which means games will not be suspended due to darkness or weather. Not to mention, If matches conclude more quickly then expected an additional one may be added.
If all else fails, with a Grounds Pass (£8-£25 per person, less after 5 pm) you can watch the action on big screens from iconic Henman Hill. To complete your quintessential Wimbledon experience, add a glass of Pimm’s Cup and a serving of strawberries and cream.

Game...Set...Match!
www.wimbledon.com ✆ +44 2089 441066

Church Road, Wimbledon SW19 5AE

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