October in London

From surprisingly delicious pub food to even more surprisingly great weather, London delivered many close encounters with artistic masterpieces, memorable music, lavishly green parks, and way too many packs of tourists, all taking selfies and shopping like it was 1989.

Pub food was skillful, both rustic and yet more loaded with freshness and flavor than I’d recalled from a visit to London 5 years ago. Sweet shops, cake emporia, and sanctuaries of tea all offered expanded savory menus along with incredibly beautiful — and very sweet — pastries.

Fortnum & Mason, however old school and giggle-making, continues to make the world safe for exquisitely tasteful sweets, such as the almost Baroque pastry cream and fruit creation below.