Introducing our feline friends Bandit and Fidel

Two new arrivals have stopped off at Roost - Bandit and Fidel, the curious kitties that will have your door propped open in no time, not to mention add a touch of fun to your décor.

Both humourous characters are crafted by Charlene Mullen, a London-based designer whom since graduating in illustration at the city's Royal College of Art, has become known for her quirky, sketch-like embroidery. 

Bandit and Fidel's inky lines epitomise Charlene's love of the drawn line. Plus, each feline is scented with of a hint of lavender too, making them a welcome addition to any home. Get them before they're gone! 

Charlene with her London Scenic Cushion

It's not often that we have time to read books, what with a toddler, a 7 month old baby and a business to run, but while looking for inspiration for Roost Living I came across a book all about fonts.

Fonts are all around, but when was the last time you stopped to think about who designed them and why.  What do the fonts we choose say about us? Simon Garfield's book, Just my Type, is a a fascinating look at the history of fonts from Helvetica to the horrific Comic Sans...and it is a really great read too!

Summer Markets: Fairs in London this weekend

The weekend is just around the corner, and there are two events in North London that will be full of beautiful handmade things and vintage finds.

This Saturday our lovely maker Fliff will be showing her range of elegant, beautiful wares at the Antique and Craft Fair at the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institution, 11 South Grove N6 from
10 am until 4.00 pm.  There will be an array of other local makers too as well as antiques.

And on Sunday Lovely Merchants Upstairs at The Victoria Pub, 2 Mornington Terrace, NW1 from 12.00 til 5.30 featuring products from None Such Things (we're a big fan!) as well as vintage finds from Christina Wilson and many other great local makers.

Spiced up stir-fry

If you’ve tried those ready-to-cook stir fry packs in the supermarket, you’ll know they’re nothing but beansprouts. 


Now, while we’re a fan of those little leaf-topped beans, there are so many more tasty ingredients you can add to one of the healthiest, quickest meals you can make. Better still, you really can throw in almost any old vegetable so it’s a great way to use up odds and ends, too.

Here’s how we make it (or at least, how we did the last time – it changes regualarly!)

Ingredients (makes enough for two):

1 large handful of curly cale (be generous; cale shrinks to nothing when cooked)
1 large handful of bamboo shoots (or beansprouts, if you prefer)
1 carrot
1 packet of pre-marinated tofu
4-5 stalks of asparagus
Half a pepper, any colour
1 medium onion
1-2 cloves of garlic
1-2 packets of ribbon noodles (depending how hungry you are)
A splash of soy sauce
Sprinkling of chilli flakes
The sauce of your choice

Method:


1. Add the onion, garlic, carrot and asparagus to a large oiled wok and fry for about two minutes.
2. Throw in the other vegetables, then noodles, then sauce. 
3. Heat through and serve while hot.


P.S. Our favourite sauce is rich Hoi Sin – but use whichever you like.

Fine wine's perfect complement (other than cheese!)

Nothing much beats unwinding in the evening with a glass of just-poured Shiraz, especially when it's decanted from one of these carafes that are too eye-catching to stow away. 

Crack out the crystal tumblers, dish out the camembert - it's time to up the ante on your evening tipple!

go for colour

Bright hues from Netherlands homeware brands Basiclabel and Bijzonder MOOI. 

be clear cut

Simple, timeless and utterly beautiful. From Dutch homeware designers Flinders, and our own vintage-inspired decanter available at Roost.

showcase statement styles

Ducks, dachshunds and banjos to decant your wine? Why ever not!