A long weekend in London to take in some cricket, sights and restaurants did not quite go to plan as the weather gods continued to plague our time away from Scouse.
We had rain in Barbados, more rain in the Seychelles and even more rain, but colder, in Mauritius. Why should we not be surprised then when the first day of the test match at Lords was rained off without a ball being bowled?
This was the first full day wash out for 17 years and I suspect we were there for that one too. 1963 seems a long time ago since my first visit. Next year the Australians visit in what will be my 56th year. I wrote this piece in 2013
So when it rains at Lords all roads lead to Crockers where we met old friends and got squiffy. Next day we got caught in the mother of all storms on the SouthBank and got soaked so all in all the sightseeing did not go too well either.
We did manage a couple of good meals though. The first was in the Quality Chop House at the Farringdon end of Exmouth Market, the other was at old favorite, Langans, where the food seemed better than I remember it.
The hotel was not up to much but we did end the trip with cocktails in The Booking Office in the Conrad Renaissance at St Pancras Station.
No time for Grandkids, London branch as they are in Bulgarialand at the moment, but hot off the press they are moving to Switzeland at the end of the month where Mrs Bulgaria has got a new job. Number one son is sticking in there and going as well, with his firm keeping him on as a contractor. Watch this space for more news of their new adventure.
