- Momo Restaurant, 25 Heddon Street
Words by Isabelle Wright.
Christmas is certainly upon us and it’s not even Halloween yet. In anticipation of visiting the Muzungu Sisters pop up shop at Momo’s, we wandered through the Liberty’s Christmas department, desperately trying to forget our cynicism (bah humbug) and allowed ourselves to be seduced by yuletide spirit. We have admit, it did get us in the mood for presents and the impending cold weather. We may even write to Santa when we get home.
Holding court at the Mo Café (Momo’s sister establishment also located on Heddon street) the Muzungu Sisters (a brand created by Dana Alikhani and Tatiana Santo) have collaborated with Mourad Mazouz to produce an ethically sourced selection of items from around the world. Open to the public on Monday, the store will run through to the end of December.
Walking into the Mo Café on any day, we decided, might inspire Christmas spirit. Velvet cushions, Moroccan lamps, golden tables and steaming green tea seemed positively festive – and despite our sudden desire to embrace Christmas this early, we felt it was much more celebratory than a grotto complete with fake snow. Add some silk pashminas and it seemed only right that this would be a perfect spot for some Christmas shopping (and a cocktail or two) – much more our cup of tea. Located just off Regent Street it will be a perfect antidote to the mayhem that engulfs the West End in December alongside the often hideous Regent Street Christmas lights. Anyone remember “Merry Christmas, You’ve Been Tangoed”? Or the Narnia billboards, which more recently adorned the street? Save us.
The pop up store itself is not so much a store but more a treasure trove of items on sale that perfectly complement the decor of a bazaar like Mo Cafe. The items for sale range from jewellery to bags to clothing, and are all fair trade, allowing the artisans who crafted the pieces to receive a fair price for their wares. The shawls are woven in India, the bags hail from Colombia, and other items have been sourced from as far away as Peru to Indonesia.
The Muzungu Sisters have also provided an incentive for Mo Cafe to open at the earlier than usual time of 10.30am, for which a special breakfast menu has been created (if you are an early bird that is).
So if you are searching for a little more soul and little less commerce this Christmas (and who wouldn’t want North African high tea and champagne whilst browsing?) head down to Mo Café.
For more information [click here]
