The Rising Phoenix

My visit to the Phoenix bar and eatery in Romsey today was music to the ears. The company was good, the menu intriguing, and the atmosphere welcoming.
But this guy sitting at the entrance to one of the dining areas, was a trifle disturbing.  Yet any fears we might have had about having to face a lengthy wait for our food were quickly dispelled, .
There are those in the family who would say I could lose a little more weight, despite having successfully been on a diet and exercise regime for some months.  But this much? That’s a trifle ridiculous!
Re-assuring, this guy sitting  at a grand piano was much more to do with the promotion of the pub’s musical associations.
We grew to like the place the longer we lingered over our food. Firstly, the moment I stepped inside the door, I heard my name called, turned to find a dear female friend I had not seen for a while, eating alone and hence welcomed with an embrace, before joining my wife and her niece in the restaurant .  Niece Nicola, visiting from the Australian capital, Canberra, struck up conversation with the barman, to discover their homes back in Oz were only a few miles apart!

A small world, as they say.  But I am still worried about this chappie sitting at the piano!