London Still Rocks!

On Sunday, I thought about heading back to The Lanesborough for sachertorte , this time with Mark and Martin.. our monthly catch-up. But Lordy, this hot spell continued, and both bailed! Never fear, The Hideout came to the rescue - they were going to see Passenger . Now, the trailer gave me some misgivings - but I liked the concept, and was delighted to be seeing the group again anyway. Booked Bella Italia for beforehand, and as usual I'd then be meeting them in Victory House before going to see the film in the Vue . Third Meetup in a row, therefore! I was apprehensive about the bus ride in - but the aircon was on, and it was deliciously cool. Arrived at the restaurant pretty much exactly on time - and as usual, in time to beat the rush! Sat well inside, out of the heat. I was thinking of doughballs to start - but was sad to see they only have the cheesy ones now! Guess that rules them out for me then - just as well I have another option: and the crispy chicken fries were d...

Last Tuesday, the end - for the moment - of a slew of Meetups - I was back with  Up in the Cheap Seats  (UITCS) for  The Comedy About Spies , from the excellent  Mischief Theatre . Playing at the  Noel Coward Theatre . And as that isn't very far from Bella Italia .. well, I didn't mind eating there twice in a row! Got there quite early for my booking - and it was packed. A lot of exam students and their families, I'd say - results are out around now. Anyway, the waiter who knows me best was there again, and asked with some alarm whether I had a booking - well of course! They usually have availability, but not always.. This time I had the chicken fries, with a spicy coating, for starter - it's been so long since I did, he'd forgotten I'd ever had them before, and started to warn me about the spiciness, but I reassured him that it was fine. I wasn't quite finished them when my main came, which was fine, and indeed worked well, as I was rushing to the theatre ...