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About
Welcome to Atlas and Appetite.
I’m Lara, originally from Cape Town but now living in London with my husband and our dog, Riley.
I love living in London, which is like an adult theme park. I also love travelling, food, nice things generally, and most importantly, Riley (who is the nicest).
Latest posts
How to get around London: a local’s guide
Whether you’re on holiday or moving to London, working out how to get around can be intimidating. But having lived here for a while, I think London’s transport system is one of the easiest to navigate – London is well connected, the transport system is well signposted, Tube lines have names rather than numbers, and…
Things you need: Iceland’s ring road in the winter
A trip around Iceland’s ring road is a once in a lifetime adventure. Iceland is the most unique place I have visited, and truly feels other-worldly. The 1,300km Ring Road winds through waterfalls, black sand beaches, glacier lagoons and active volcanoes, and makes for a truly memorable experience. To make the most of your trip…
How to have the ultimate long weekend in Franschhoek
A weekend in Franschhoek (“French Corner”), cradled in a valley in the winelands, is always luxurious – excellent restaurants, wine farms and spas abound. Known as South Africa’s culinary capital, Franschhoek is a foodie heaven, featuring a surprising number of fine dining options for a small town. The surrounding wine region, established in the 17th…
What to eat in Italy by region: the ultimate guide
My trips to Italy generally involve a strict regime of two pastas per day (a diet I break only when I swop one of my daily pastas for a pizza instead), wine in the sun (generally at both lunch and dinner), and gelato at least once daily (apart from when I have it twice daily)….
The best spas in South Africa for a luxury retreat
South Africa is well-known internationally for many things – stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, great weather, excellent food – but it is not generally thought of as a spa-hopping destination. Well, allow me to change your mind about that. South African spas offer beautiful natural surroundings, some of the best spa facilities and swimming pools I…
Five of the best hidden gem restaurants in Cape Town
Visiting Cape Town? Read on for five unmissable hidden gem restaurants which are loved by locals but which don’t make most “must visit” lists. Willoughby and Co, V&A Waterfront South Africa’s sushi and seafood is generally very good, and Willoughby’s, a veritable Cape Town institution, serves some of the best. Perhaps this one is not…