What a very lovely day I had.  Sadly not the best day on a diet but lots of fun.  I just had tea for breakfast so I could save calories for lunch.  I was meeting Laura early in central London at a Japanese noodle restaurant.

I had read about Koya recently and was keen to try it.  There is a Koya Bar next door which is a noodle bar but we sat in the restaurant. Apparently these are authentic Japanese Udon noodle dishes.  I haven’t been to Japan (yet) so can not say how authentic they are but this place was definitely very popular so it wasn’t just us that enjoyed them. We sipped Hoji tea while we read the menu. We still couldn’t decide what to have so we sipped some sake. We eventually both went for the daily Udon special which was cod, spinach and broken egg.  It was very good.  The broth was full flavoured, the textures an excellent consistency and the egg, spinach and cod were tasty too.  It was a very light but filling meal. Having enjoyed our lunch we strolled through Seven Dials to Endell Street where we found the Hospital Club.  We went up to the 4th floor – I like this sign in the lift. I have never been in here before and it was great.  Lots of different rooms and bars to hang out in and if the weather was warmer, there are several rooftop seating areas too.  This place demanded a cocktail, it really did.  I found one without sugar. We were here for Crafternoon Cabaret.  You sit at a table, are provided with materials and an instruction sheet for making things, have waitresses bring you drinks (and food if required) and watch comedy cabaret.  One of the most enjoyable afternoons I have had for a long time. We were making drinks charms.  I am not much of a sewer on a good day and under the influence of sake and cocktails I was not having a good sewing day.  But I managed a little bit of drinks charm bunting and a drinks charm bag. Laura rather rudely thought it would best be suited to Ken, Barbie’s boyfriend.  She makes a good point.

I had a wonderful afternoon.  Thank you Laura for your lovely company and thank you Hannah for creating such a wonderful event.  I am looking forward to the next one.I walked back to the station past China Town and on to Piccadily as I wanted to go to WholeFoods Market.  It was so crowded I cut short my visit.   After several drinks this afternoon I was in the mood for something forbidden. I managed to battle my demons.  I didn’t eat as healthily as I should have done but I followed my rules so didn’t go crazy.  This rice salad was very edible and I enjoyed it on the train home. No calories were provided. I also ate these and a Bounce Ball with Macadamias and coconut.  At home I ate some more coconut pieces with raisins and mixed nuts. 

I would definitely have been way over my calorie allowance today so tomorrow I must be very good indeed and go on a long walk. A very long walk.