Sentimental Journey
Jun 4th, 2016, 11:07 AM
#41
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" we discovered the café at the Daylesford Farm shop on Westbourne Grove and had tea and toast for “elevenses”."
Our neighbourhood Cotswold branch of Daylesford (the mother ship of the sprawling nano-empire) is sort-of the local convenience store.
I noticed this morning, when scurrying round to stock up on organic labaneh, that its own-label gin is now £35 for a 70 cl bottle (against £9.99 at our local Lidl) and borlotti beans are £11.99 a kg (against €4 in early June at most Roman markets).
I'd be fascinated to hear what foreign visitors make of Lady Bamford's - erm, heroic - attitude to competitive pricing. Oddly, the beer in the nearby pub she owns is roughly the standard (~£3.50 a pint) local price.
Our neighbourhood Cotswold branch of Daylesford (the mother ship of the sprawling nano-empire) is sort-of the local convenience store.
I noticed this morning, when scurrying round to stock up on organic labaneh, that its own-label gin is now £35 for a 70 cl bottle (against £9.99 at our local Lidl) and borlotti beans are £11.99 a kg (against €4 in early June at most Roman markets).
I'd be fascinated to hear what foreign visitors make of Lady Bamford's - erm, heroic - attitude to competitive pricing. Oddly, the beer in the nearby pub she owns is roughly the standard (~£3.50 a pint) local price.
Jun 4th, 2016, 04:24 PM
#42
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annhig, love the story of your son's shopping skill. He should be able to sell that coat on ebay for a nice little profit.
Glad I don't drink gin flanneruk. Don't think I would be a regular shopper at Daylesford but I would have to buy toasting bread regularly if I lived nearby.
Glad I don't drink gin flanneruk. Don't think I would be a regular shopper at Daylesford but I would have to buy toasting bread regularly if I lived nearby.
Jun 4th, 2016, 11:44 PM
#44
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Scootoir and annhig- we stay in Muswell Hill when visiting London and that is the pilgrimage area for the Kinks even down to the school where Dave was expelled from. The Clissold Arms (our local) has a Kinks room - site of 1957performing debut of Ray and Dave Davies. Fun to see.
Your account of remembering your father was very moving - Scootoir.
Your account of remembering your father was very moving - Scootoir.
Jun 5th, 2016, 02:39 AM
#45
annhig, love the story of your son's shopping skill. He should be able to sell that coat on ebay for a nice little profit.>>
that's a good idea scooter but actually I've offered to have it cleaned and to put it in his wardrobe for the time [which must come eventually] that he needs it for an interview.
Daylesford hasn't made it down here yet, Flanner and to judge by those prices wouldn't find many takers - the cornish are renowned for having short arms and long pockets - though I suppose that it might find a place in Wadebrigde where all the nobs with second homes in Rock go to shop. [channelling my indoor CW there].
that's a good idea scooter but actually I've offered to have it cleaned and to put it in his wardrobe for the time [which must come eventually] that he needs it for an interview.
Daylesford hasn't made it down here yet, Flanner and to judge by those prices wouldn't find many takers - the cornish are renowned for having short arms and long pockets - though I suppose that it might find a place in Wadebrigde where all the nobs with second homes in Rock go to shop. [channelling my indoor CW there].
Jun 5th, 2016, 08:08 PM
#49
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Saturday May 14
This morning we rode the Underground to Lambeth North then walked to the Imperial War Museum. When I asked Mr. Wonderful at which museum we should spend the day he chose this as it went along with the earlier purpose of our trip. We concentrated on the World War I & II exhibits as well one called Secret War which looks at spying. Moving through the displays we found a case containing a U.S. Airman’s leather jacket. As I moved around the case to the front I saw it had the “Can-Do” motto of the 305th Bomb Group painted on the front—yes my dad’s group. On the back was the aircraft’s name “Leading Lady”. I took a complete set of photos so I could share with the families group.
There was a colorful carnival or fun fair in the park adjoining the Imperial War Museum. We walked through on our way to the bus stop and watched parents and children enjoy some of the rides. One of the signs read “Carter’s Famous Steam Fair”. When we first saw the fair from the window of the museum café we thought we saw steam coming from the carousel and wondered if it was steam-powered.
Across the street from the steam fair we waited for the bus then rode toward Piccadilly sitting up on top for the views. Of course as we crossed Waterloo Bridge we thought of the Kinks’ “Waterloo Sunset”. At the Criterion Theatre we bought tickets to “The Play About a Bank Robbery” then walked in this area near Trafalgar Square and back towards our hotel. Later in the evening we went to dinner at Spaghetti House on Sicilian Avenue. Sicilian Ave is a courtyard of shops and restaurants we discovered in 2003 walking from our hotel on Montague Street to Covent Garden. It was now covered in scaffolding so we could not enjoy the beautiful building.
This morning we rode the Underground to Lambeth North then walked to the Imperial War Museum. When I asked Mr. Wonderful at which museum we should spend the day he chose this as it went along with the earlier purpose of our trip. We concentrated on the World War I & II exhibits as well one called Secret War which looks at spying. Moving through the displays we found a case containing a U.S. Airman’s leather jacket. As I moved around the case to the front I saw it had the “Can-Do” motto of the 305th Bomb Group painted on the front—yes my dad’s group. On the back was the aircraft’s name “Leading Lady”. I took a complete set of photos so I could share with the families group.
There was a colorful carnival or fun fair in the park adjoining the Imperial War Museum. We walked through on our way to the bus stop and watched parents and children enjoy some of the rides. One of the signs read “Carter’s Famous Steam Fair”. When we first saw the fair from the window of the museum café we thought we saw steam coming from the carousel and wondered if it was steam-powered.
Across the street from the steam fair we waited for the bus then rode toward Piccadilly sitting up on top for the views. Of course as we crossed Waterloo Bridge we thought of the Kinks’ “Waterloo Sunset”. At the Criterion Theatre we bought tickets to “The Play About a Bank Robbery” then walked in this area near Trafalgar Square and back towards our hotel. Later in the evening we went to dinner at Spaghetti House on Sicilian Avenue. Sicilian Ave is a courtyard of shops and restaurants we discovered in 2003 walking from our hotel on Montague Street to Covent Garden. It was now covered in scaffolding so we could not enjoy the beautiful building.
Jun 6th, 2016, 06:46 AM
#50
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Sunday May 15
Mr. Wonderful and I have both been to London quite a few times over more than 35 years so on this trip we wanted to include places in and around London that were new to us. We had never been to Kew Gardens and when it looked like good weather for Sunday we planned a visit. We caught the nearly-empty underground on Sunday morning and settled in for the ride. From Kew station it’s an easy walk to the Victoria Gate entrance of the gardens and we were able to use the 2for1 again. Inside we strolled to the Waterlily House—the humidity immediately did a number on my hair but I am sure was good for my skin. The lily pads were enormous. Our visit was after the bulbs like tulips and daffodils were mostly done blooming and before the roses were out so there wasn’t a lot of color. Despite that it was lovely to stroll through the trees, see the goslings and covet much in the garden shop. I did go home with a mug. We also went up to the treetops on the Treetop Walkway which is a bit of a thrill.
This evening we had tickets to “The Play About a Bank Robbery” which was pretty good but the ending fell flat almost as though the writers didn’t know how to end it. It just wasn’t up to the plotting of the group’s other play.
Mr. Wonderful and I have both been to London quite a few times over more than 35 years so on this trip we wanted to include places in and around London that were new to us. We had never been to Kew Gardens and when it looked like good weather for Sunday we planned a visit. We caught the nearly-empty underground on Sunday morning and settled in for the ride. From Kew station it’s an easy walk to the Victoria Gate entrance of the gardens and we were able to use the 2for1 again. Inside we strolled to the Waterlily House—the humidity immediately did a number on my hair but I am sure was good for my skin. The lily pads were enormous. Our visit was after the bulbs like tulips and daffodils were mostly done blooming and before the roses were out so there wasn’t a lot of color. Despite that it was lovely to stroll through the trees, see the goslings and covet much in the garden shop. I did go home with a mug. We also went up to the treetops on the Treetop Walkway which is a bit of a thrill.
This evening we had tickets to “The Play About a Bank Robbery” which was pretty good but the ending fell flat almost as though the writers didn’t know how to end it. It just wasn’t up to the plotting of the group’s other play.
Jun 6th, 2016, 08:31 AM
#51
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Monday May 16
Our last day in London. During the planning stages I looked at places to have afternoon tea knowing that Mr. Wonderful would go along with me to at least one tea if he didn’t have to dress up. While researching I learned about B.B. Bakery in Covent Garden and their Afternoon Tea Bus. Mr. W was game so I attempted to book it online. I would get through a lot of the booking process but then kept getting a message that the table I wanted was not available. Hm? After a few attempts I emailed them and they were wonderful to work with. I was able to reserve the upper deck at the front and they even called me to secure my credit card (we moved last year and lost our landline and found out the hard way that we could no longer make calls abroad).
The tea bus, a classic red Routemaster, leaves from just off Trafalgar Square so we planned to visit the National Portrait Gallery nearby in the morning. When we arrived we chose to focus on the Victorian, Edwardian and 20th Century Rooms and enjoyed our time there. We visited the loo before leaving the museum as there are no facilities on board the bus and we would be drinking tea!
We walked across the Trafalgar Square to Northumberland Avenue and found the bus stop. There were a few others waiting with printed confirmations in hand and finally the bus pulled up. After a few minutes we began to board and were directed to our seats at the front. I wanted these for the view and also to have our own table. What I didn’t realize is that the windows right around us didn’t open so it became a little stuffy during the ride.
Our table was set with two tiered trays each holding 3 sandwiches, a small quiche, a slice of a savory sort of cake and 3 petite desserts. In front of that we each had a plate holding a full-sized chocolate cupcake and lemon meringue tart. We had a bottle of orange juice at our place and our tea order was taken. They served the tea in a covered reusable cup which we could keep as a souvenir. We didn’t keep ours, I would rather have been given a copy of the little book that outlined the sights we passed along the route.
It was fun to drive along watching the changing view of London and having tea. As we passed Buckingham Palace the servers lead us in a round of Happy Birthday to Her Majesty. We also ended up in many other tourists’ photos as people on the street snapped pictures of the tea bus. We selected the desserts to eat on the bus based on what would best survive being boxed and taken home. We ate the cupcake first and it was moist and chocolatey.
Mr. Wonderful described the experience as similar to eating on an airliner but with a bigger tray table and better food. If you’d like to try it here’s the link: http://www.bbbakery.co.uk/afternoon-...-tea-bus-tour/
If there’s one thing BB Bakery could improve it would be the choice of music played on the bus during our tour: 1950s American rock ‘n roll. What no classic Beatles? Bus Stop by the Hollies!? Need I say the Kinks?
Sorry, I hope that wasn’t too many paragraphs on the tea experience—moving along now. When we returned to Northumberland Avenue and got off the bus we spotted the beautiful Shakespeare pub across the street and took some photos. We walked toward the Thames and through the small parks along the embankment toward Westminster. We planned to visit Westminster Abbey since it had been a long time since we made an inside visit. Alas it had closed early (something to do with celebrations for the Queen we think) and we had not checked online the night before. We stopped in the gift shop then decided to take a taxi back to our hotel. There were a few waiting for fares near the Abbey so we were soon on our way.
Back at the hotel we packed then walked to Holborn Underground to cash out our Oyster cards. Uh oh, as we approached employees were not letting anyone into the station. Now what? We waited in the area and looked at some small restaurants and talked about whether we should try to get a bus to another station. After a short time the station reopened but the machines we needed were not working! We spoke to an employee who advised us to travel to Tottenham Court Road station and cash them out there. Now it would cost us money to cash out our cards. We had a couple of sandwiches at Paul’s (we didn’t need a big dinner tonight) then traveled to TCR and took care of the Oyster refunds. Finally we walked back to our hotel.
Our last day in London. During the planning stages I looked at places to have afternoon tea knowing that Mr. Wonderful would go along with me to at least one tea if he didn’t have to dress up. While researching I learned about B.B. Bakery in Covent Garden and their Afternoon Tea Bus. Mr. W was game so I attempted to book it online. I would get through a lot of the booking process but then kept getting a message that the table I wanted was not available. Hm? After a few attempts I emailed them and they were wonderful to work with. I was able to reserve the upper deck at the front and they even called me to secure my credit card (we moved last year and lost our landline and found out the hard way that we could no longer make calls abroad).
The tea bus, a classic red Routemaster, leaves from just off Trafalgar Square so we planned to visit the National Portrait Gallery nearby in the morning. When we arrived we chose to focus on the Victorian, Edwardian and 20th Century Rooms and enjoyed our time there. We visited the loo before leaving the museum as there are no facilities on board the bus and we would be drinking tea!
We walked across the Trafalgar Square to Northumberland Avenue and found the bus stop. There were a few others waiting with printed confirmations in hand and finally the bus pulled up. After a few minutes we began to board and were directed to our seats at the front. I wanted these for the view and also to have our own table. What I didn’t realize is that the windows right around us didn’t open so it became a little stuffy during the ride.
Our table was set with two tiered trays each holding 3 sandwiches, a small quiche, a slice of a savory sort of cake and 3 petite desserts. In front of that we each had a plate holding a full-sized chocolate cupcake and lemon meringue tart. We had a bottle of orange juice at our place and our tea order was taken. They served the tea in a covered reusable cup which we could keep as a souvenir. We didn’t keep ours, I would rather have been given a copy of the little book that outlined the sights we passed along the route.
It was fun to drive along watching the changing view of London and having tea. As we passed Buckingham Palace the servers lead us in a round of Happy Birthday to Her Majesty. We also ended up in many other tourists’ photos as people on the street snapped pictures of the tea bus. We selected the desserts to eat on the bus based on what would best survive being boxed and taken home. We ate the cupcake first and it was moist and chocolatey.
Mr. Wonderful described the experience as similar to eating on an airliner but with a bigger tray table and better food. If you’d like to try it here’s the link: http://www.bbbakery.co.uk/afternoon-...-tea-bus-tour/
If there’s one thing BB Bakery could improve it would be the choice of music played on the bus during our tour: 1950s American rock ‘n roll. What no classic Beatles? Bus Stop by the Hollies!? Need I say the Kinks?
Sorry, I hope that wasn’t too many paragraphs on the tea experience—moving along now. When we returned to Northumberland Avenue and got off the bus we spotted the beautiful Shakespeare pub across the street and took some photos. We walked toward the Thames and through the small parks along the embankment toward Westminster. We planned to visit Westminster Abbey since it had been a long time since we made an inside visit. Alas it had closed early (something to do with celebrations for the Queen we think) and we had not checked online the night before. We stopped in the gift shop then decided to take a taxi back to our hotel. There were a few waiting for fares near the Abbey so we were soon on our way.
Back at the hotel we packed then walked to Holborn Underground to cash out our Oyster cards. Uh oh, as we approached employees were not letting anyone into the station. Now what? We waited in the area and looked at some small restaurants and talked about whether we should try to get a bus to another station. After a short time the station reopened but the machines we needed were not working! We spoke to an employee who advised us to travel to Tottenham Court Road station and cash them out there. Now it would cost us money to cash out our cards. We had a couple of sandwiches at Paul’s (we didn’t need a big dinner tonight) then traveled to TCR and took care of the Oyster refunds. Finally we walked back to our hotel.
Jun 7th, 2016, 09:21 AM
#55
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What a lovely, moving trip report! I so enjoyed your account of paying homage to your father and meeting the daughter of the woman who saved his life.
And yay for the Kinks!
I love the idea of the Afternoon Tea Bus - definitely something to try next time.
And yay for the Kinks!
I love the idea of the Afternoon Tea Bus - definitely something to try next time.
Jun 8th, 2016, 12:49 PM
#58
Both of course! Cream first topped by jam unless there are fresh strawberries in place of jam.>>
noooo - the proper cornish way is jam first then cream [topped by strawberries if you have them]. That way you get an even covering of jam on the scone and can really pile on the clotted cream - cornish of course!
noooo - the proper cornish way is jam first then cream [topped by strawberries if you have them]. That way you get an even covering of jam on the scone and can really pile on the clotted cream - cornish of course!
