Afternoon Tea at Grand Café, Southampton

Does anyone else think that going out for afternoon tea sounds so decadent and such a treat? It's always been something I've associated with days out and holidays but nowadays it's much more accessible with so many options available.

Last month we celebrated a special birthday so we went with family to Grand Café Bar, Bistro and Restaurant, Southampton for their afternoon tea. Now I have wanted to go here for the longest time - so much excitement!

Firstly - location. This whole area of Southampton is steeped in history. From the Titanic to modern day, there's a story in every building. Grand Café is located in the lower part South Western House, a grade 2 listed building adjacent to the old Terminus Railway Station. Originally built in 1865 as a hotel, it's still an imposing Victorian landmark as you drive in and out of Southampton. I've driven past for years and always wandered what it was like inside.

Secondly - the afternoon tea. We started off with a choice of teas from the menu (I'll admit, I wasn't adventurous - I like my breakfast tea!). Then the main event - a selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes and petit fours. Dietry requirements were easily catered for such as gluten free and if you didn't like tea? No problem, plenty of filter coffee available.

There was no risk of feeling hungry at the end, we were so full! And if you couldn't finish it all? You were given a little tin foil bag complete with it's own handle to take some goodies home.

And of course - did you really visit if you didn't get your photo taken on the silver thone outside the toilets?

It really was the most lovely afternoon. There are so many hidden treasures in and around Southampton and I'm determined to discover more.

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Snow Queen at The Point, Eastleigh

Christmas is a time for traditions and one which I love to do every year is a trip to the theatre. Whether it's the panto or ballet, the feeling of excitement as you're sat in your seat waiting for the show to begin never gets old.

This year I was invited by The Point Theatre in Eastleigh to come along on the opening day of their Christmas show Snow Queen by the theatre company Tutti Frutti. An adaption of the Hans Christian Andersen tale written by playwright Mike Kenny with music from composer Ivan Stott.

Advertised as a 'wintry whirl of magic and mischief packed with physical storytelling and catchy songs suitable for all ages' I was expecting a lively show and it didn't disappoint. A really nice touch was the personal interaction from the cast who came into the audience before the show and were in the foyer afterwards. The Point is a small local theatre which helps make shows like this so much more accessible and hands-on for younger audiences.

On arrival we saw an igloo in the foyer and it wasn't long before it was being put to good use by a lot of the children attending the show (complete with flying snowballs as well!).

The story revolves around friends Gerda and Kai. Without giving too much away, it explores the themes of friendship, grief, loyalty and growing up. After Kai is pulled under the spell of the Snow Queen and his heart turns to ice, Gerda bravely sets off on a quest to save him. Along the way she encounters a number of characters including robbers and a talking reindeer.

I wasn't sure how attentive such a young audience would be, but the sheer energy of the cast of three kept us all mesmorised, young and old! Some of the songs were still in my head the next day.

Thank you to The Point for this gifted experience and the production photos used in this post. If you want to see The Snow Queen for yourself, it's on until 30th December at 11am and 2pm.

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Christmas traditions - new v old

Hello there,

One thing I really enjoy this time of year is seeing photos of other peoples trees and how they decorate their homes and prepare for Christmas. But it started me thinking, how many of you use the same decorations year after year?

As much as I'd love a rose gold themed tree with beautiful white twinkling lights, our tree in reality is a right old hotchpotch of decs from childhood, first homes and holidays.

These have to be the oldest decs on our tree. The Angel is 29 years old (from Woolworths of course!) and the boot was from the other half's childhood, so that's a good 50+ years old.

There's also a selection from holidays and special places. Every year it's become a tradition to buy a new decoration from places we've visited. Previous years it's been America, Bath and this year was a traditional tartan bauble from York.

So although our tree won't win any prizes for coordination or themes, it's full of memories and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Thanks for reading and Happy Christmas!

Cathy
xx

Day trip to London and the Cutty Sark

Hi everyone,

It's been a busy few weeks lately but I always manage to find time to sneak in a day trip or two. Last week we had a family day in London and decided to visit the Cutty Sark.

It was a lovely sunny day with a fair bit of walking. After my recent ankle op, comfort was the order of the day. Although, let's be fair, anyone who reads my blog will realise how much I love my jeans.

Here are a few piccies from the day

 I'm only 5'3 - these are low ceilings!

Top - Primark (old) size 20
Jeans - M&S boyfriend style size 20
Shoes  - TU at Sainsburys

Bag - M&S (old) but holds the kitchen sink

I love the sky in this shot - it didn't rain but just looked so threatening

The work involved in restoring the Cutty Sark is amazing. Being able to see underneath like this is breathtaking

The obligatory silly shot

 I was told to stand by the door for scale - so I did

My favourite shot of the whole day

I love days out and I'm so lucky to live only a couple of hours away from London. I used to go there regularly in my previous job and it's nice now to be a tourist again.

Thanks for reading

Cathy

xx