Lunch with Philippa

On the 19th of December I went to Wentworth Garden Centre to meet up with Philippa for lunch. We have been to all kinds of pubs and cafes and definitely have our favourites, but I thought that as it was Christmas it would be nice to go a bit fancy and have afternoon tea at Wentworth. It's not that far from my house; I think technically it's in Rotherham but I could be wrong there. But it wasn't far for Philippa to travel either. 

Lee and I had afternoon tea there before a couple of years ago, in the Bothy, after my mum had bought us a voucher for it for Christmas I think. Back then the Bothy was a tiny glorified shed with about five tables in it out the back of the main restaurant. So I assumed it was still there! I asked Philippa and she was happy to go there. As it was just before Christmas they had a special festive afternoon tea, so I booked it.

We met outside as Philippa hadn't been before so didn't know where she was going. But then as I was following the signs I realised the Bothy has moved! It's not behind the restaurant anymore, it's off to the left, and it is HUGE. It is now three different rooms, really busy with a bunch of tables and a lot of staff! The restaurant was always too busy so I'm glad they've expanded! 

We got seated at a lovely table. Inside the Bothy is decorated all dark greys and leather, but I think they've stolen some decor from Betty's cafes too. We were quickly served with our afternoon teas; they were so gorgeous. I had decaf coffee and it was plentiful and so was the milk. As I'm vegetarian I had veggie sandwiches - there was egg mayo, cheese and pickle, red pepper and hummus, and mozarella and pesto. They were all really nice. The cakes were gorgeous! There was a scone with jam and cream, a meringue, a Viennese mince pie, a piece of ginger cake and a piece of chocolate brownie. I ended up bringing the meringue home as I was so full. I don't understand how you can get so full on tiny sandwiches and pieces of cake?! 

After lunch and after we had chatted a lot, we both headed home. At other times I would have had a wander round the shop and the garden centre, but it was so busy that I just couldn't be bothered. So I headed home. I was wearing my Christmas themed skirt and on top a t shirt (can't remember which offhand) but I had put my ridiculous Snag jumper on top as it was cold. I love the strawberry and cherry pattern and it's so cosy and warm. 

Look how cute the plate looked when it arrived

And a close up of the cakes on top. Pippa had slightly different cakes, I assume that one of hers had gelatine and wasn't suitable for vegetarians

This map was in the toilets and I thought it was really cute 

And here I am when I got home in my Christmas skirt and my very cheerful jumper

Afternoon with Friends

On the second Sunday in December Lee and I went across to Manchester to meet up with college friends of mine. There are four of us who are still close from 6th form college, and we try to meet up at Christmas each year. Between them they have a lot of small children, so wrangling them can be difficult. Because of that, we decided to go to Amy's house where the kids (six little girls - the only boy, R, is still a baby so not mobile!) can just play with stuff and we can chat. Amy's family is vegan so she asked us all to take some vegan goodies to share, and she and Mike made mulled cider and apple juice. 

Lee and I decided to set off earlier and call off in Glossop which is about halfway between us and Manchester. We know there's a bunch of charity shops there which we like looking round, and we thought we could get some brunch type of food as we knew we would be eating a bit later at Amy's house. We set off and were soon into the gloom over the moors, but it was fine. We got to Glossop and parked by the Marks and Spencer and went for a wander. Quite a few shops were open so we had fun looking in them. I think I bought a quiz book but nothing else. 

We wanted a drink and some food, so Lee suggested a chain cafe but I thought something else would be open and I was right, and it was SO CUTE. It was called About Thyme and it was absolutely cute inside. There were a bunch of vegetarian choices which was good for me. I went for crumpets with cheese on, and we both had ridiculous hot chocolates too. Lee had forgotten his hoodie so I ended up giving him my cardigan (as I had my coat too) as it was raining. We bought some bits in M&S and then set off to Manchester. 

We chatted to Amy and Mike and the kids for a while and then after a while we were joined by Gillian and Tom and their girls, and Michelle and Sam and their girls too. We had plenty of food and drink and we were able to just chat and enjoy each other's company. It was a lovely time with old friends. I'm glad we still do it! I got to cuddle some babies too. 

Lee and I left about 6.30 I'm guessing, and had a fine drive home over the tops in the dark. I was wearing my rose print dress - it's a nice dress for winter and warm enough. I love the pattern of it, I have been wearing it a lot. 

It was really foggy over Woodhead Pass as we set off

Lee in the cafe wearing my cardigan and looking very hipster. Amy and I should meet up in that cafe as they had a fair few vegan choices too 

Ridiculous hot chocolates

And crumpets with cheese

Three of the six little girls playing with something, not sure what. We ended up putting music on and having a bit of a disco, too. They're so much fun

I took this photo of Lee and I in Amy's bright sunshiney kitchen 

Me and Gillian

Me and Amy and baby R

And fin ally here's my outfit when we got home