Spontaneous dinner, spontaneous show, spontaneous doughnuts

A quick trip to Italy

Our planless bank holiday Monday got a major upgrade with a spontaneous reservation at Circolo Popolare in Marylebone, a spot we've been dying to check out. This place is a part of the famed Big Mamma Restaurant Group and absolutely nails the lively Italian vibe.

Stepping inside Circolo Popolare is like walking into a party. The ceiling is draped with vibrant flowers, and every inch of the walls is decked out with bottles upon bottles—it's just pure fun. The energy is contagious, with a buzz that makes every meal feel like a celebration.

We started with some killer appetizers: crispy calamari and deep-fried mozzarella that oozed with cheesy goodness. These dishes set the stage for the main event—a carbonara that was literally served out of a wheel of cheese right at our table. It’s not just food; it’s theater. Tossing the pasta in the cheese wheel infused it with creamy richness, and despite the predictable stomach rebellion (thanks to my love-hate relationship with dairy), every bite was divine.

Dessert was a sweet affair with two show-stoppers. The GELATO AL PISTACCHIO was a dream, topped with chantilly and crunchy nuts, while the COPPA DI FRUTTI ROSSI mixed up vanilla chantilly with fresh berries in a delightfully spiced jus. Both desserts were as delicious as they were Instagram-worthy.

Circolo Popolare isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. From the flower-filled ceiling to the wall-to-wall booze and the bustling atmosphere, it captures the essence of an Italian feast right in the heart of London. The service was spot-on, keeping up with the lively pace without skipping a beat. Even with a bit of a post-carbonara stomach ache, I wouldn’t change a thing—it was the perfect way to spend a bank holiday, and yes, it was absolutely worth it.

Spur-of-the-Moment Spectacle at Phoenix Arts Club

While we were cruising up to London, I pulled up the Central Tickets app on a whim—looking for a little evening entertainment. Lo and behold, I snagged a couple of cabaret tickets at Phoenix Arts Club for just £5 each. At that price, it was a no-brainer—we figured if it was a bust, we could bail without any regrets.

Post-dinner at Circolo Popolare, with my stomach doing somersaults but heart full of satisfaction, we made our way through the bustling Oxford Street to the Phoenix Arts Club. Tucked away from the high street hustle, this place is a true throwback—an old school underground bar that’s exactly what it promises to be, no more, no less. The vibe is quintessentially eclectic, with a charm that pulls you into a different era.

Right off the bat, the staff at the Phoenix Arts Club were super welcoming. They noticed our enthusiasm (and maybe my slight discomfort from overindulging) and upgraded our seats to prime spots that would have cost £60 normally. Talk about feeling like VIPs!

The show? It was everything a cabaret promises and more: hilarious, a bit risqué, utterly fabulous, and downright impressive. The host was a riot, cracking jokes and keeping the audience hooked with every act. They had a knack for warming up the crowd, making sure every performance received the grand introduction it deserved.

The lineup was a parade of spectacular talent: a burlesque dancer who captivated everyone with her allure, a fire breather who lit up the stage (literally), and a sword swallower who not only had everyone on the edge of their seats but also hung weights from hooks in his eyelids—an act that was as gruesome as it was mesmerizing. Adding to the awe, an aerial performer showcased the "Iron Jaw"—spinning and performing breathtaking stunts while suspended only by biting onto a mouthpiece, a feat that had the crowd spellbound.

It was an absolute spectacle, filled with laughs, gasps, and applause. The Phoenix Arts Club delivered an unforgettable night of entertainment, proving that sometimes, the best plans are the ones you don’t make.

A Sweet Ending at Donutelier

Just when we thought our day couldn't get any sweeter, we made a final stop at Donutelier before heading home. Known for its incredibly premium doughnuts, this place was the perfect capstone to our evening of delights. Kelly opted for the Vanilla Raspberry—a heavenly creation with vanilla cream, frutti di bosco varigato, a raspberry sugar crust, and topped off with a fresh raspberry. It was as delicious as it was picturesque. I went for the Banana Caramel, an indulgent treat filled with so many delectable goodies that I lost track after the first bite.

While we decided to save our doughnuts for home, I couldn't resist the temptation of a Pain Au Chocolat right there in the shop. It turned out to be one of the best I've ever had—flaky, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness. It was a perfect treat to munch on during our journey back.

Reflections on a Day of Serendipitous Joy

Reflecting on the day, from the spontaneous cabaret show at Phoenix Arts Club to our final treat at Donutelier, everything fell into place perfectly. It was a day filled with unexpected pleasures and gastronomic delights, showcasing the magic that can happen when you let the universe guide your steps. Each venue brought its own unique flavor to our day, and the array of performances at the Phoenix Arts Club was nothing short of spectacular.

This unplanned day turned out to be a fantastic celebration of food, entertainment, and spontaneous adventures. As we enjoyed our gourmet doughnuts at home, we couldn't help but feel grateful for such a perfect ending to an unforgettable day. It was a reminder of how the best moments often come when you least expect them, crafted by the mysterious hands of fate.