Just a few miles south of Cambridge in the pretty village of Whittlesford, Oxbow & Peach is a veritable treasure trove for vintage lovers, many of whom make a special journey here from far and wide.

Set in what used to be the village school, and only open Fridays and Saturdays, the quirky building itself gives its customers the impression of having made a very special discovery as they follow the pretty path to the back.

Owners George and Lizzie are childhood friends who share a lifelong passion for vintage. Whilst one scours local fairs hunting for precious stock, the other welcomes customers into the shop with a freshly brewed coffee and a wood burner when there’s a chill in the air. Their expertise and attention to detail is obvious throughout.

Tables, adorned with Georgie’s handmade posies, are piled high with the prettiest china, linen, glassware and perfect little trinkets. Everywhere you look, a beautiful and intriguing object catches your eye. It’s a place to take your time and browse at leisure; the likelihood is that you’ll be taking something home!

Images by Fatima Malagueira

The post Perfect posies and trinkets at Oxbow & Peach vintage shop in Whittlesford appeared first on This Is Your Kingdom.

Linton is a picture-postcard village with a thriving independent high street; home to the wonderful Linton Kitchen, a place I recently discovered and fell in love with. It’s one of those home from home kinds of a cafe; pretty, comfortable and welcoming with great food and conversation.

Stocking flowers from the gorgeous florist up the road and bread from the village artisan baker, it lies at the heart of the Linton community. Locals linger over their mouthwatering homemade cakes and light lunches, whilst strangers like me are left planning their next visit.

Despite being run off their feet, the lovely staff were happy to stop and share their local knowledge with me, and I couldn’t help but be drawn to the large pine dresser filled with interesting foodie gifts and a lovely selection of local handmade cards and crafts. It was impossible not to take something home with me.

 Images by Fatima Malagueira

The post Great food and conversation at local favourite The Linton Kitchen in picture-postcard Linton appeared first on This Is Your Kingdom.

Poppy’s Place has the look, feel and menu of a cafe that I’ve been craving for years. From its panelled walls, scrubbed wooden tables and vintage shop counter to its shelves of books, cute tea cosies and jam jars filled with pretty flowers; it ticks all the boxes for me.

The brainchild of Scarlett Guess, whose family runs Rowley’s in Jermyn Street, I love the fact she is very present in the cafe, serving customers and making time to chat to everyone that crosses the threshold.

It’s the kind of place one is not rushed and made to feel at home; you could easily pop in for a coffee and read of the papers, then find yourself staying for lunch or dinner.

Better still, the food is beautiful. Their motto – ‘from farm to table’ – clearly shows. The husband and I both had the all day breakfast which was superb, featuring best quality bacon and sausages and perfectly poached organic eggs. Our accompanying coffee was excellent, but the best bit of all has to be the bread station. Basically you can help yourself to as much gorgeous fresh bread as you desire, then pop it in the toaster and help yourself to a nice selection of homemade jams.

On Wednesday through to Saturday evenings Poppy’s caters for a different crowd when they open for candle-lit dinners. The menu looked every bit as delicious as their all day offerings so I can’t wait to return. Fulham welcomes you with great big open arms Poppy’s Place, we love what you’ve created!

Images by Fatima Malagueira

The post Superb food and serious coffee at Poppy’s Place in Fulham appeared first on This Is Your Kingdom.

Time has stood still at the Dimbola Museum and Galleries, perched high above the picturesque Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight. The multi award-winning museum occupies the former home of the pioneering Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. She was one of the earliest photographers to promote photography as an art form, made even more remarkable because she was a woman. Women of her social standing were not often allowed a voice, though it would seem she fought against all sorts of preconceptions.

This rambling house has been lovingly restored and is now home to temporary exhibitions, a Victorian dressing up room, a dedicated Alice in Wonderland space, as well as a museum shop filled with unique handmade gifts, and a creaky, pile-them-musty-high second-hand bookshop.

Dimbola lies at the heart of this small bohemian community made up of lively artists, actors, writers and designers, who together are committed to keeping the Freshwater circle spirit alive today. It is run by a dedicated team of local volunteers who give up their time with a passion.

Don’t leave the museum without visiting The Mad Hatter at Julia’s Tea Room. So delightful it was, that we couldn’t tear ourselves away from a whole sunny afternoon spent in the front garden lingering over the delicious lunch until we also gave in to a large slice of a perfect Victoria Sponge.

If you find yourself on Wighty, do take a detour (you never too far from anywhere on the island) to this magical Bay and discover its natural beauty.

Images by Fatima Malagueira & courtesy of Marc MacNab 

The post Pioneering photography meets Alice in Wonderland at Dimbola Museum and Galleries appeared first on This Is Your Kingdom.