Leaving this island feels a little bit like Russian Roulette.  Smells like a good idea but in reality, it’s like trying to put-up a tent on quicksand.   So, how does one escape?  Throughout the pandemic - travel photographers all over the world captured their best bits, some closer to home and some whilst stranded overseas. The winning photos are incredible and take you on a journey.  Coal Drops Yard recently hosted the winning photos from the Travel Photographer of the Year  Awards.  Plus, an open air portrait exhibition for Mentivity; an inspirational mentoring organisation providing support for young people, schools and parents.  Mentivity portraits by documentary and portrait photographers Adama Jalloh and Leonn Ward.   On reflection, whilst you can travel far without leaving your seat - I’ve discovered I quite like taking puddle photos in Kings Cross…. 

Words and photos: sarahhedges.london

Way back when, I went for a wander through the cobbled streets of London’s oldest market dating back to the 14th century ’Leadenhall’ in the heart of the City of London.  Originally a meat market, Leadenhall went on to sell; eggs, butter, cheese, grains, herbs and eventually became a hub for wool, leather and cutlery.  Today, Leadenhall features a range of independent shops including; a tobacconist specialising in Havana cigars, pipes and confectionary.    

Cheese with over one hundred artisan British and European cheeses. Plus, wine and cheese tastings.   

Viandas charcuterie featuring London’s finest Jamon Pata Negra along with a vast array of very well hung Iberico meat and Windsor Flowers a family florist established since 1982.  

The Lamb Tavern whose bar and dining has refreshed city dwellers and workers since 1780, is still going strong today serving the Great British humble ‘scotch egg’ a ‘substantial meal’ making a resurgence due to the governments mind-boggling pandemic rules.  Looking for extra sparkle?  The London City Shoe Shine Co, run entirely by actors can brush up your blue suede shoes, boots and leathers.  

London… if you look up, not only will you see the glorious roof but you may well catch a glimpse of the City’s most famous Goosey Gander ‘Old Tom’.  Old Tom, born in 1797 like most geese was destined for the dinner table.  Tom made a dash for freedom, evading capture he remained a fugitive at large.  Given a reprieve, the lucky goose was left to live in peace to waddle around the market until the ripe old age of 37, fed with scraps from local inn keepers.  

According to the latest government roadmap… non-essential shops are due to re-open for business on 12 April.  If retail therapy is on your ‘to do’ list, do support independent retailers and most important of all… next time you go for a Goosey Gander, don’t forget to look up!

Pictures and words by sarahhedges.london

In 2019, we were a nation divided; to remain part of Europe or go our separate ways.  Smartphone addiction hit the headlines.  We continued to share photos of ‘me-myselfie-and-I’.  Curry took the crown as Britain’s favourite dish.  The average age of people getting married went up, whilst the number of people getting hitched went down.  We asked Siri what to do.  You could choose to be male, female or gender neutral.  The two most popular world figures included the orange hued Donald Trump and the 17-year-old Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg.  Stormzy headlined Glastonbury in a bullet proof union jack vest designed by the anonymous graffiti artist Banksy.  Despite this backdrop of total confusion, the Great British Knees Up was still going strong, where the seemingly ordinary, leading extraordinary lives, came together ‘in real life’ to celebrate their incredible stories.  The Photo Booth.  

Words and photography SarahHedges.london post-production Simon Parrott Creative.