Blog ≫ 2016 ≫ Lovely birthday trip to London
Free birthday day off from work so Jim looked after the boys and we went up to London. Thought we were going to struggle to get there, got on the first cheap high speed train of the day at 10am, and we all got hoofed off at Ashford. Train manager missing, so the train could go no further, everyone out. Then waiting at Ashford there were multiple "Inspector Sands to the control room! INSPECTOR SANDS!". Everyone knows this is an emergency code, was it a fire or was it a bomb? Suddenly felt vulnerable on the crowded platform. Then we saw Vic Reeves and his wife Nancy Sorrell which was a distraction. He was dressed in double denim, like a bearded Shakin Stevens. Next train arrived, and though it was standing room only the rest of the way we got to London in one piece.
Our only plan in London was to meet Emma for lunch in The Gate1 up by Angel. We stopped for a cheeky prosecco in The Nags Head:
... then walked to the restaurant. And it was nice. Lots of vegan choice, I had the lentil terrine pate for starter, aubergine teriyake for main and no room for a pudding really, but I had a bit of Clare's (vegan) banoffee pie, very nice. Emma is doing well, looking forward to meeting her new arrival within the new few weeks.
Back home again in time to do the boys' tea.
Oh also Dawn of off Hollyoaks a long time ago was at Folkestone West station. She is a neighbour of ours, though we don't actually know here. It still counts as a celeb spot.
- Removed old thegaterestaurants.com/ link here.
💬 Looks like Vic Reeves was off to Richard Herring's podcast show