Work Christmas Party

Last night was our work Christmas party, this year in Brasserie Blanc, pretty convenient to me, but which I'd never tried. And with the day to get ready, of course I was rushing.. Could have taken a bus, except they were all delayed, so I took the Tube - where the Jubilee Line entrance was moved to coincide with the Northern Line entrance, and there was a sea of people again. Unfortunately, this time, most of them were joining me on the Jubilee Line..

Anyway, I was a few minutes late, but at least I knew the way, I've passed it so many times! Inside, it was glittery and Christmassy - I asked at reception, she directed me to the rear and to the right, and I found our group in the private dining area - the perfect size! Three long tables were laid out for us, and there was also a reception area, with fizz laid out on a table. Which I made for - one of my co-workers was kind enough to hang up my coat for me.

When we were called in to dinner, I picked up my placecard, with my chosen menu items on the back - handy for the servers. I plonked myself right in the middle. Wine had already been laid out. For starter, I had the grilled trout - I have to say, it reminded me of some places I've had fish n chips.. not for the size of portion (all portions through the evening, I have to say, were on the small size), but rather for the variety of things on the plate that I could add to it! Last night, I discovered a very moreish mango chutney, and stuck with that - the others were indifferent, and one was too cold.

For main, I had turkey - lovely and succulent, although it came with a blob of some sweet sauce on top, which I just don't like. I scraped off as much as possible. Served with sprouts, carrots, and potatoes - again, not much of any of them. For dessert, I'd gone for the chocolate feuilletine - now, I'd been expecting something wafery - but not here, it's a really rich chocolate praline sponge, and I was delighted with it. Afterwards, a quiz - we were split into teams of four or five. We did pretty well on one round.. and well, we didn't come last.. And all night, I have to say, conversation was great. Very much enjoyed myself.

Next thing I remember, I was standing at the bus stop in Lancaster Place. What gets me is, that's completely the wrong direction! No idea what led me there. So I walked back across the bridge - on what was a cold and damp evening - got the bus.. and yes, fell asleep again. At least this time, I woke after two stops, not the 30 I slept through last time! Way too late to blog by the time I got home, of course.

Now, it's looking like two more days of film. Tonight - well, I'm finally going to get to see Frankenstein, as per Guillermo del Toro! Looks to be a supremely gothic epic, with Jacob Elordi as the monster, Christoph Waltz, and Charles Dance as the father of the scientist, Oscar Isaac, who brings the creature to life. Well, I've seen the exhibition, it's about time I saw the finished product! Showing in Hackney Picturehouse - and since everywhere was full the last time I was there, I've made sure to book for Pizza Express beforehand.

Tomorrow, I'm thinking of seeing L' Atalante, the story of a newly married couple, he the captain of the ship L' Atalante, which is now their home. Apparently a newly restored version, this is also showing in the Curzon Bloomsbury.

Saturday is our monthly ex-colleagues' meeting - the only day James could make, and Martin swears he won't let anything get in the way this time. Mind you, poor James has a clash - a friend's 40th that evening - so he'll gave to leave early, which I've warned Martin about. Ivan is still AWOL - but I've asked a friend from my film groups along. I've made a series of bookings at The Phoenix - hopefully that goes ok!

On Sunday, heading with CT to a Christmas carol concert by Mosaic at All Saints' Church in Notting Hill. Tickets also from Eventbrite.

On Monday, heading with 45+ Not Grumpy! on Paul's Christmas Pub Crawl - starts in the Lion & Unicorn in Waterloo, where we'll be eating, and heads towards my home, lovely!

On Tuesday, heading with my sometime travel companion again to Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes, at Sadler's Wells - eating in The Wilmington beforehand.

On Wednesday, back at Winter's Night Wonder Tales, at The Palmerston, as told by Alys Torrance. Always so atmospheric..

And then, three nights of Meetup. Next Thursday, I just could not resist accompanying The Hideout to the re-released The Nightmare Before Christmas, by Tim Burton. Showing in the Cineworld Leicester Square, and we're meeting in Victory House beforehand - and finally, that means I get to book Bella Italia before that! Phew - I have vouchers, and it'd be nice to use one of them before it expires!

On the 12th, back with London Social and Cultural Meetup, who are doing a Winter Walk with Hot Chocolate - and heading in search of some mulled white wine, I hear! I'll have to leave work early for this one..

And on the 13th, our Christmas social with The Hideout and Movie Roadhouse London is back, happy days! Unusual to have it on a weekend, that's just the way it went - but it was very lucky this was my only free Saturday before Christmas. In the Main Bar at the BFI - and again, I've booked The Archduke for beforehand.