Mindfully Stylish 🌷

White and blue paper skies with wisps of aeroplane smoke in the air. A Monday. I came here.

Resolute in the knowledge that I may never feel any better than I did in that moment, two days before New Year, I stood outside for a cigarette clutched between pale fingers and waited for the Eggs Royale I’d just ordered to be served on the little round table by the door.

It was cold but clear, with that hazy, slightly lazy start-to-the-week-promise that so often afflicts Soho in Winter. It lingered on Old Compton Street, as delivery trucks unloaded their wares, hastily lifting boxes of fruit and veg over jumbled-up tables and chairs.

Patrons lounged above coffees on the banquette seating inside, quietly absorbing the distinct 19th century vibe of this bistro-cum-bar in the heart of Soho, which serves up the classics ~ steak-frites and live jazz ~ at lunchtime.

Sitting with my friend in comfortable silence with nothing important to say, conversation floated to the surface ~ about Christmas just gone and New Year’s to come ~ until the words fell below again, the enveloping warmth of the meal was done, and we left.

Despite my cloudy mood, footsteps felt festive, jaunty even, as though buoyed up by the Christmas lights along the railings, mulled wine and market stalls in Trafalgar Square. I could have levitated if I’d wished, perhaps beside the statue of the lion with its back to the frosty fountain or towards Nelson on his column up there…

Engulfed by the neon and noise of Charing Cross Station, I headed home. If you’re struggling this Christmas, I find a hot meal at atmospheric French retreats like Cafe Boheme and some musical company, even if it is with strangers, can make us feel less alone.

Wishing you every joy for 2026.

In Love&Light, FS XOX