Brunch

Camila came to get Archie today. She hasn't been for ages, having been to Tanzania over Christmas and New Year to visit her parents. Archie went crying crazy, and she loves his full-on beardy welcomes.

JR and I had planned to go into town and avail ourselves of our two free breakfast vouchers at a new joint in town. Except by the time JR got up and we arrived at our destination, it was no longer serving breakfasts. So we had lunch/brunch. It's an Indian restaurant, rave reviews in London, so we wanted to try it. Not that I'm overly keen on curry for my brunch. Very nice crispy squid and vegetable pakoras. And fabulous nan bread! But the weirdest soundtrack ever.

We wandered along to the next new establishment - these places were absolutely mobbed last time we were here - queues along the pavement. It was immediately more our style - excellent and varied menu, big comfy chairs, blankets and hot water bottles on the outside seats, charming waiters in jeans and white shirts with the obligatory beards, with a soundtrack that suited the place. Saw Tom Kitchen having a meal - he was probably checking out the opposition. AND - it's dog friendly!

Walked along Rose Street, where we noticed a new upmarket Danish design furniture shop. Very sleek and cool. Except, from the shop opposite came head banging muzak. Their speaker was placed outside their shop! They are a well known family in Edinburgh who own numerous 'tartan tat' shops and blast bagpipe musak from every one of their establishments. This is not actually allowed, but this family seem to get away with it. I spoke to the staff inside, who were most sympathetic. They hate it too, but have to listen to it all day, and can do nothing. As soon as I got home I rang the Council to complain. Let's see if something will be done about it. I may need to go down there tomorrow again to investigate.