On a personal note ...

When you have a significant birthday with a zero at the end you can just keep on celebrating for the whole year.  Thanks Jon & Pauline for my fab day out at the House of Commons and House of Lords.

But let me back track ... firstly Sonali took me to see this beautiful statue in St Pancras Station. It's so lovely and all the intricate work around the base was fascinating to look at.

Then we went off to Baker Street, in search of a market that didn't appear to exist :-(   But we got to see Sherlock Holmes on route.







We'd set off early'ish so it was soon time for coffee and brunch. This may not look appetising but it was scrumdillyumptious. Toast with ham and melted gruyere cheese and a fried egg :-)  Sonali had melon and parma ham. 


Finally, off we went to Parliament.

Our tour was an hour and a half long and took us through the route the Queen takes when she visits parliament, including the Queen's robing room. We saw the House of Lords - amazing carving within the woodwork and much gold bling!  Then to the House of Commons. 


Our guide was very knowledgeable, lots of information about the history, the architecture and the artwork.  Sadly, we weren't allowed to take any photo - I guess the tour would've been twice as long if we did. But we also weren't allowed to sit down, other than a few designated places ... so in much pain by the end of the tour :-(

Included in my lovely gift was afternoon tea for two. There was quite a delay and some people got super grumpy and rude with the wait; I was just happy to be sitting down.  And trust me it was worth the wait  ...  possibly the most scrumptious afternoon tea I've ever had (and I'm well experienced in these things).

I didn't get this man's name. He had some official title and was the one who led us down to the dining area.  That's over £40k of bling around his neck!!

MENU

Cheddar cheese scones

with red Leicester mousse, carrot chutney and lambs lettuce

Pork sausage roll with English mustard

Flaked salmon

with lemon yoghurt cream, dill pickled cucumber and rye

Egg and mustard cress brioche roll

Plain scone with a hint of brambly apple

with strawberry jam and Devonshire clotted cream

Black Forest tart

chocolate cream, cherry, vanilla panna cotta

Blood orange shot

orange posset, orange compote

Miniature fruit cake

Almond macaroon

Selection of teas and coffees

food coma!!!!

  

One of the new things we were able to take a photo of is this new art installation entitled 'New Dawn'.  This discs of coloured light change in accordance with the tide. But don't ask me how it works.

All-in-all Sonali and I had a fantastic day out. Good food, good company  ...  what more could you ask for on the weekend :-)