The Abbey Tavern

Yesterday, was supposed to be heading with my companion from the Swiss trip to a classical concert in St. John's Waterloo - booked with Eventbrite. Booked at The Archduke beforehand. But of course, I couldn't go.. happy to see the group used my reservation. My mother passed away in the late afternoon, which did give closure - at least we could now plan.

For today, was planning film - unfortunately, London Net was down temporarily! Checking individual film sites - and finding there was a bit of a lack of choice - I came across Riefenstahl, a documentary about the photographer and film-maker that propagandized the Nazi regime, among other things, and afterwards claimed to have no knowledge of what went on. Looks interesting. Showing in the Curzon Bloomsbury - and was mostly sold out already, so I booked. Again, couldn't go. Instead, my cousin & his partner offered to take me to The Abbey Tavern - great, I hadn't been there in years! And TBH, they're great company.

Parking was easy enough, on a Tuesday evening. I wasn't going to have a starter - until my cousin decided he wanted the mussels, which prompted us other two to have spring rolls - she vegetable, me duck. Which were lovely, I have to say! For main, I went back to an old favourite, the chicken supreme - and was reminded why I kept choosing it, as it was very moreish. We shared a bottle of very nice Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - after which, I had some of their other Sauvignon Blanc by the glass, as they don't serve the Marlborough that way. Sweeter, also nice. For dessert, the chocolate fudge cake - some consternation was caused upon hearing I wanted it non-heated! I insisted, and it was gorgeous.. all in all, a lovely evening, and very nostalgic, I used to come here so much.

Tomorrow, booked with London Literary Walks - for the Alan Turing walk, about the man said to be the father of theoretical computer science. Meeting at The Prince Alfred, where I booked to eat beforehand. But with the funeral now scheduled for Thursday, I can't go on that either, and have cancelled. Have to say, everyone's been really sympathetic.

The funeral is scheduled for Thursday morning - and happily, Aer Lingus is providing a flight at a suitable time! So I can make it - should be packed, and should have my case in the car in preparation. Because that evening, I'm back with The Hideout - for The Lighthouse, lovely! A psychological horror directed by Robert Eggers, who so recently blew all of our minds with his new version of Nosferatu, and co-written by him and his brother, Max, this stars Robert Pattinson, and the always-excellent Willem Dafoe, as the sole occupants of an isolated, 19th-century lighthouse - where the occurrences might be down to the supernatural - or to their fevered imaginations?! Interestingly, my taxi driver loves it, although he describes it as a comedy - but then, he never was into horror.. Always wanted to see this, and never quite managed it - but now it's showing at The Prince Charles, excellent. This showing is sold out already, so the cinema has arranged another showing in its other screen, starting a bit after this one on the same evening! Also now sold out.. 

As usual, I booked at Bella Italia beforehand - or did I? because I can't seem to find the booking to cancel it - there's no way I can make it now, I'll be looking to eat on the plane. Now, the group is meeting for drinks at Victory House before the film - Google Maps assures me that the fastest way from the airport is the Heathrow Express, followed by the Tube - I should make it for most of the social. Will be flying hand luggage only, and taking my case with me to the film - don't have time to go home first.

Then I was supposed to be back to Ireland, but I won't bother, with just being back in London.. Ivan has suggested a blow-out at some point over the weekend, he just has to let me know when he's free.

And on Monday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for How to Fight Loneliness, showing in the Park Theatre.