Social

Yesterday was when I tried to catch up with all those ex-colleagues.. Ivan couldn't move his rehearsal from that day, so three of us met for lunch in Cambridge Heath, so he didn't have to lug his equipment too far. The Approach Tavern, to be precise. 

I stayed up a bit late the night before - blogging - so cut it fine to get ready. The buses cooperated nicely - mind you, Buses Due was still out of action all day; I hope it comes back, it used to be so useful! Well anyway, I was a few minutes late - arriving at the same time as James, as it happened! Our table was over the side, and it wasn't long before Ivan joined us.

Wow, this is really a neighbourhood pub - with the same name as a local estate, it's obviously a lot of people's local! And wow, as the lunchtime rush started, was I glad I'd booked - the place absolutely filled with people, babies, and dogs. Great to see a place that's friendly for all comers. Having said that, we were pretty happy with the noise level - apart from being sat right beside the coffee machine..

Ivan, of course, didn't eat. Never really does. He was very happy with both the Guinness and the whiskey, though. I had the soy and cajun marinated chicken - which I had to wait ages for. Ivan remarked that that meant it was fresh - James remarked that that meant it was cold! What it actually meant was that it was burnt on one side, which rendered that bit inedible.. and as I remarked, they could have skipped all the things they marinated it in, I couldn't taste one of them. The roasties, however, were lovely. I really should have had the fish - it looked lovely, and was evidently popular - I saw several plates being served. That also took ages, of course.

Service was friendly, although weirdly, when I went for my second glass of wine, she gave me a medium instead of the large I'd asked for. I didn't quibble - wasn't sure how much longer we'd be there anyway, with Ivan having to leave. In the end, he was still there when I finished it (of course, it was just a medium!). So I went back for another - and when I asked for a large, the barperson had the cheek to double-check whether I wanted a medium instead. Jeez, I've never had such trouble getting served..

Well, in due course, Ivan took off - it was great to see him, though! and it's ages since he met James. We're thinking a Friday next time, so it won't clash with rehearsals. James and I then took ourselves off - by Tube - to Victoria. We didn't have anything booked - and ended up not going very far, ending up in The Beer House, in the station itself! Upstairs, for a bit of quiet.

And we had dessert there, as we hadn't in the last place - this time, I was the one who made the better choice, as James remarked; I had the waffles, two on the plate, with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on each, and a little pot of maple syrup. Oh mama.. my plate fairly dwarfed James' sad little brownie.. ;-) Sadly, Martin - who'd thought of joining us there - couldn't, in the end. Ah well, it was great to see the others.. and despite being home early enough, I was too tired to blog last night.

Today, I booked with London Walking Tours, Art & Culture Explorers for Jane Austen's London Walk.. and it was great to have a lie-in, for once! Although it should still be over by the time the storm hits - it did rain last night though, and is supposed to again this evening. My, temperatures have really improved! What a relief.. Now, the group has cancelled the event because of wind warnings - but apparently the actual walk (organised through Eventbrite) is still going ahead, so I've said I'll risk it. I can always pull out if it seems too risky.. and what's nice is that she's offered me another free walk some other time if I don't finish the walk. Very generous!

Tomorrow, back with North London Friends for the first time in ages! They had one remaining ticket for Cold War, at the Almeida - otherwise completely sold out! So I bit the bullet and bought theirs - albeit above my normal price range, including a Paypal fee, and with a Meetup fee on top.. it was that or not see it at all! It'll be good to see them again, too..

On Tuesday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Blood on Your Hands, at Southwark Playhouse - for which I used the second of my theatre vouchers, bought under their Pay as you Go scheme, where you get them at a discount.

On Wednesday, another CT ticket - this is for The Gorgeous Diva & Katie Norris Double Bill, at the Pen Theatre. Somewhere else I've never been, hmm..

Helen is in town on Thursday - and suggested we have dinner, and head to the Canary Wharf Winter Lights! Excellent idea - I was thinking of seeing them, but didn't have a specific date in mind. We're heading to Amerigo Vespucci for food. And hopefully, we'll have higher temperatures - but not so much wind and rain.. Funnily enough, 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners are also heading there that day - for the princely sum of £6, for a free event and a trip to the pub. Drinks not included. Think we'll avoid that. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

And on the 29th, I'm headed to The Hills of California, at the Harold Pinter. Another of those great value Seatplan vouchers..