Romy Sommer

Not strictly the UK, but on Friday 12th June I flew to Dublin to meet up with fellow Minxes. These ladies are not only my writing friends and critique partners, they've become like family. We stayed up late every night, drank copious amounts of wine and coffee, and talked, talked, talked. But all too soon it was over, and  I can't wait until I get another chance to meet with them again - one weekend was definitely too short a time!  

My next big day in London, Donna (who has been my friend since we were the tender age of 3 years old) and I travelled back into London from Bishops Stortford. We wandered the area around Oxford Street, New Bond Street and Regent Street. While Donna shopped in Whole Foods, I made a phone call home to check on my father, who had been admitted to hospital earlier in the week. Then while Donna attended a training seminar, I met with author and honorary Minx Zara Cox for tea at Fortnum & Mason. It was a really warm day and after climbing five storeys I was feeling hot and sweaty, so not exactly fitting the ultra-elegant interior, but it was a superb afternoon tea and we had a wonderful chat. After braving the crowds in Hamleys and around Piccadilly Circus, I re-joined Donna in Leicester Square where we enjoyed a couple of glasses of Prosecco and people watching while the Minions arrived across the square for the premiere of their newest movie, to the screams of their adoring ...

And Ireland too (I am aware the Republic isn't part of Her Majesty's Kingdom!) I arrived in London around midday and it took a few hours to get across the city and out to Bishops Stortford, so I was pretty finished by the time I finally arrived. My first evening was spent quietly with my childhood friend Donna, catching up over steak and wine. The next day I travelled back into London for lunch with my editor, Charlotte Ledger, at the lovely Rooftop Cafe , across the road from the new HarperCollins offices. Hidden behind a nondescript office building entrance, this little gem was a wonderful surprise, with a great view and even better food. We enjoyed a delightful yet healthy lunch (really yummy asparagus!), accompanied by Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) and lots of chat. We didn't talk much about business but it was wonderful just to get to know each other. The Rooftop Cafe near London Bridge The view from the Rooftop Cafe towards The News Building After lunc...