York Day Two

We didn't book in for the hotel breakfast, fortunately. The hotel restaurant blasts out the most awful yelly screechy music. Even at breakfast time! But really, it's such a good idea to pop out, at one's leisure, to sample the local eateries instead. So it was really nice to take our time in the morning.

A beautiful sunny day, but with a biting wind in some streets. We are very impressed with the variety of independent shops and fantastic cafes. We had breakfast at Spring. Good coffee. Dog friendly too. No background music. Pretty perfect, actually. We couldn't resist the blueberry brioche breads. Then I saw the pancake stacks, so I informed them I'd be back tomorrow. But I don't think we can/should, as we've booked for Sunday lunch at a posh hotel near the station.

York is the birthplace of Guy Fawkes! Is there no end to York's claims to fame?

We're also very impressed with the quality of buskers. (Especially coming from Edinburgh with its wall-to-wall bagpipers...) This chap with look-a-like puppet was brilliant. He had so many strings (to his bow) and played divine cello music. I stood and watched him for ages (and gave him some money, of course).

We came back to the hotel mid afternoon for a rest and to watch the tennis. Then out again for an evening meal. But NO sherry this time! We chose well, a place we'd sussed out during the day - Filmore and Union. With, actually, brilliant background music - laid back jazz - no screeching vocals or twanging guitars!

Back home to watch the first episode of the new Bridge series. A pretty perfect sort of day...

PS We've had a couple of photos of Archie out with his coat on, playing with Duke.