Staying local

Don't you sometimes find yourself with no plans for the weekend? You can stay in, catch up with your friends on facebook, read the papers, watch that film you downloaded weeks ago, call your friends. The list goes on and on.

Like all of us I too find myself waking up on a Sunday, no plans, faced with this list. I decide I will go out and read the papers over a cup of coffee and maybe a bite to eat. Thing is I just want to be able to go somewhere within walking distance. No trains, buses, cabs, just walking. I head out, aiming for one of my many, I'm lucky to say, local places. I ask for the papers and settle down. Having, ordered coffee, I browse over the food menu. In spite all of my best intentions and the fact that I am of course dieting, I decide to order something. What harm can it do anyway, seeing as I have no lunch or dinner plans. If I'm feeling extremely guilty from the previous night's food and alcohol intake I just might opt for a fruit salad, otherwise it's something sweet. You know the sort, something with a healthy twist: a ricotta cheesecake.

After I've skimmed through every page of my chosen Sunday paper and have very thoroughly read through the travel section, I ask for the bill. If the sun is out I will keep up the healthy start and take the scenic route, which is also the long(er) way home.
As I get up to leave, my phone alerts me to a message. A friend, who also lives locally, asks if I am free for lunch. Well of course I am free, which is why I am local! A couple of texts later and we are meeting up in 20 minutes at our local pub. Take note: we stay local, which makes it ok!

Three hours later I am finally walking home, having consumed infinitely more calories than originally intended. I take the short route. As for the original morning list I have at least been successful in reading the papers. Till the next 'free' day then..
On this note, one of my favourite locals worth a mention is a Moroccan restaurant/bar called Doukan. They serve the loveliest coffee and in the morning sweets and pastries. The decor is of course Moroccan but not overwhelmingly so. The service is very friendly- just the way a local should be. Even if you are not local but find yourself in the area I do recommend it, the food is also excellent. Coffee and sweet for one will cost around £6.
If you have any favourite locals then please share.

Doukan, 350 Old York Rd, Wandsworth, London SW18 1SS, Tel: 020 8870 8280