An evening treat!

As Sophie was working from home today, she didn't go to the gym. We sat with our coffees and watched Come Dine With Me and this particular lot are a little strange, to say the least!

Because Sophie was at home all day, I was able to take Olive to work while Keith went shopping in the VW. I had a good shift and the time flew by as usual. At 2pm, I sped home to have lunch in the conservatory with Sophie, read the paper and relax. I seem to be always having to go somewhere on a Thursday afternoon, so it was a real treat to not rush about!

I should say that today, Keith and I have been together for 37 years! 37! Where has the time gone? He had bought me a bunch of lilies in the shopping, and a chocolate cake for Sophie and me to enjoy with a cup of tea!

Sophie had booked a table at The Royal Oak this evening and we arrived at about 7pm to a raucous lounge full of people celebrating the birthday of one of the staff. The noise was tremendous, and the place was so packed we could hardly get to the bar to order our drinks. There was also a man sitting at our reserved table!

I suggested to Keith we go to the room at the back of the pub where it was much quieter! I couldn't remember how long it had been since I'd last visited, but there had been some changes made to bring the pub into the 21st century. The back room (where Keith stands with John on a Friday night) had been re-decorated and had a pool table in the middle of the room. We sat and perused the menus and I was in two minds about whether to go elsewhere. I have very fond memories of the pub as Keith and I  have been visiting since 1989 and we made lots of friends there. Sadly, most of them are no longer with us.

We decided to stay and make the best of it and by 7.30pm our table was free and the noise had lessened considerably. We shared two starters of crispy chicken and halloumi fries and I chose the gammon as a main course. Sophie opted for one of her favourites, lasagne, while Keith settled for the steak and ale pie, which looked delicious. Sophie and I shared a beautiful bottle of red Portuguese wine and Keith stuck to beer, although he had to take one pint back as it looked horrible!

The food was very good, the service was great and by 8pm the pub had emptied out, which was lovely. It was more like the pub I knew of old! Sophie and I indulged in panna cotta for dessert which tasted great but there was no wobble!

By 9pm, we were all done and it was time to head home and see what the cats were up to!