The weekend was dominated by the Chiswick based ' Bedford Park festival'. Now in its 40th year, the festival raises cash for the maintenance and restoration of several churches and other sites in and around the Bedford Park suburb. The suburb is mainly comprised of Norman Shaw built houses and is pretty expensive to live in even by Chis standards.
The festival was opened by Mary Nightingale on Saturday, but we wandered along on Sunday. when we arrived, a children's talent show was under way, and I have to say I blame the parents. Many of the little Nicola, Tristan and Chloe's who performed, did their best, but should have confined their singing to their bedrooms, where, armed with a hairbrush mike and a radio 1 backing track they could bang out their repertoire to their hearts content.
Fair play though to Brenda Edwards, ex of the X-Factor who was one of the judges, she took the stage for half an hour to inspire the little wannabes.
After wandering round the fair, we finally arrived at the tombola stall. Interesting prizes this year. 40 top Chis restaurants (and a few not so top) had been coerced into donating a meal for two as prizes. We had a couple of tickets, but no cigar I am afraid.
Mores the pity as I like a good lunch, particularly on a Sunday. Nothing beats the good company, good wine and large portions of roast food, in an atmosphere filled with the gentle hubbub associated with a room full of people enjoying themselves. You know the lunch is going well when the waiting staff ask you if you would mind moving to the bar while they set up for the evening!
We are a bit stuffed in Chis now as our standard venue, Southey's, closed down a year or so ago. John and Sally are off around the world a few times as they enjoy their well earned retirement. It was the venue for my 50th and did us proud.
The 'better' restaurants in Chis, namely Le Trompette, Sam's and High Road House have tried to fill the void, but nothing really has hit the spot yet. There are many more eateries to try so I am confident one will eventually score big. In the meantime the local hotel restaurant has introduced its own Sunday lunch, and as the hotel hosted big burly rugger players, I would anticipate the portions to be substantial. I feel a trip coming on.
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