An impromptu meal out!

Day 21 of kitchen renovation.

Work was quieter today, and I refreshed Sheila's memory regarding the box office returns, so she can do them while I'm away in September. While answering the phones I had some strange calls from people who asked many, many questions, so much so that I began to suspect they were mystery shoppers!

At 4pm I couldn't wait to get home and see what progress had been made today! Keith had taken Sophie to the station today as she was meeting Zain in London for his birthday, but before she went she got to see the bench seat made up! Now we just need a comfy cushion!

At the moment, its role is a general dumping ground, but I'm going to choose some fabric and get a long cushion made. However, as Sophie pointed out, it can have various uses and we could put a buffet or drinks there if we have people over for a party!

Jordan had finished putting the tiles on the wall, and had made a start with the flooring. I loved the colours and can't wait to do a real proper clean when it's all finished!

Keith had bought drinks for the men who had been working on the kitchen for the last three weeks and they were all delighted. They have been brilliant, and so helpful, friendly and efficient.

As we were child-free this evening, Keith suggested a meal out. Before we got ready to go out, though, we had a visit from a local decorator, Will, who lives in Walgrave. He arrived at about 5.30pm and his first word when he came into the kitchen was, "Wow!" which is what I'd been hoping he'd say! That's the kind of reaction I like! He had been recommended on a local residents' Facebook page and said he would give us a quote in a couple of days. We have decided on white for most of the walls and ceiling, but we're having an accent colour on the wall surrounding the new window. We've also decided to get the same colour paint as the doors made up and used on the under-stairs cupboard door and the doors leading into the lounge to tie it all together.

Keith and I headed for the Royal Oak, but as we suspected, it was closed. I did remember seeing something on their Facebook page about them closing Monday and Tuesday! We decided to go to The White Swan in Holcot, which has recently undergone refurbishment, and was in the process of being re-thatched. It's a pretty little pub in the middle of the village, and we were pleasantly surprised by how it had been brought up to date inside without losing any of the character.

An old acquaintance from when we ran the business was standing at the bar, and looked shocked to see us! We haven't visited The White Swan in ages (decades, probably) so he was asking why we were in! It was simple... our local was closed! Unfortunately, they weren't serving food, so after one drink we left and sat in the car park pondering our next move. We are blessed with a variety of pubs nearby, but we chose to go back to The Griffin in Pitsford.

We rang and made sure they were doing food - it was a steak and tapas night - and drove over. First impressions were brilliant as the young lad behind the bar queried our booking, and said there were only two of them working. Thankfully he returned and confirmed we were booked in! The pub was very quiet with only a handful of people in, and we elected to sit in the restaurant, along with one other couple.

Despite our apprehensions, and the slight eccentricity of the two staff, we had a delicious meal. The restaurant was only serving steaks, so we both chose the 8oz Sirloin, served with triple-cooked chips, mushrooms, rocket salad and a grilled tomato. We were both hungry so also ordered a side of onion rings and garlic ciabatta. The food was very good indeed, and the normal menu looked very interesting as well. We will go back!

Back home we were both weary so it was an early night!