LEON

I visited John Lewis two weeks ago hoping to find a nice mug which I can make my own in the house. 

I saw this ‘Leon’ mug, and although I thought the design was very peculiar and the price very affordable, I couldn’t decide if the colours would compliment the palette I used on my computer desk. 

Leon Coffee Mug

Also, what was this brand that I’d never seen in JL before? It didn’t really belong there with Emma Bridgewater and Villeroy & Boch. I googled to no avail and without having bought anything I returned home. 

The next couple of days, not a single night went by without me thinking about the mug. 

It had the most beautiful design with the right angle on the handle for a firm grip, smooth surface everywhere except the bottom part where the texture feels like concrete, the ideal volume..

Eventually, I ended up going back to JL to buy it. 

After a week or so, when I went to High Street Kensington station to run some errands, everything fell into place. 

The same logo on shiny white tiles on the wall. Why, it was a restaurant chain!

Leon High Street Kensington Branch

But no! More than that, it was a healthy fast food restaurant chain. 

So I swiftly get in line and order the most exotic sounding dish on the menu, a Caribbean Plantain Curry.

It was ready in a jiffy. It only costed £5.75. I was baffled because this was the price range for Waitrose’s ready meals. I didn’t know this taste for this price with this branding would be possible.

Like they state in their vision, indeed their food is healthy, of good quality and delicious but affordable.

The following week, on my way to the park for one of my solo book-reading picnics, I stopped by Leon again. This time I ordered Home-Style Thai Curry, Chargrilled Chicken and Banana Bread. Incredibly, thirty seconds after I touched my credit card for the payment, my order was ready.

I left Leon with a puzzled grin on my face, only to be back again.