B is for Brooklyn

Have you been to Brooklyn? Gosh it’s a charmer, with
a laid back creative vibe and littered with restaurants and independent
boutiques. I was amazed by the relaxed atmosphere in Williamsburg, it felt a
bit like Shoreditch 10 years ago mixed with Brighton.  There was no stilettos, power dressing or blowouts to be seen here,
just plenty of bohemian residents. If I couldn’t see the New York skyline I
think I could have duped into thinking I was someplace else.

With jetlag and a 1 year old we had early starts on
our (very) brief trip to New York and on the day we popped over to Brookyln we
were actually there before 9am. ON A SUNDAY! We found a great coffee place Konditori and
had a gentle start before heading to the Williamsburg flea and crisscrossing
the area’s streets in search of little bits of retail and foodie heaven. If you
haven’t come across SuperFutures City Guides I highly recommend you take a look, as this formed the backbone to our day.


In terms of design I saw a lot of “rust” treatment for the exteriors on commercial and residential properties. Intentionally done, I might add and some of it done really well. I was taken with two examples
particularly (see below pics), the two door tavern and shelter pizza (from the guys behind Rosarito fish shack). Both executed very differently but very striking industrial style. I was quite taken with the vintage Americana vibe at shelter pizza.

I had so much fun at the Williamsburg flea Market, whilst I didn’t come away with anything for my home I saw some
great kids toy and fashion vintage. Plus the food there was soooo good. I can personally vouch for dough donuts. Puts
the markets I go to here in the UK to serious shame. AND the biggest plus point
of all was the killer view of Manhattan.