Strolling along the Thames

Lorraine and Richard came into London to meet us today, so after breakfast we checked out of the hotel and met them at Borough Market.  We wandered through the market savouring all the wonderful smells, and then walked along the South Bank, crossed Southwark Bridge, walked to London Bridge and crossed back over to the South Bank as there's a very old pub that Lorraine wanted to take us to.  The George Inn dates back to 1542 and is hidden in a courtyard behind some big wooden gates so if you didn't know it was there, you could easily miss it. As we arrived they were literally just opening the  gates so we were the first visitors of the day, however we only had a diet coke and a coffee, it was a bit early for wine!

We then walked along the South Bank towards Tower Bridge and stopped at Hays Galleria and went into Cafe Rouge - by this time it was 12pm, so Lorraine and I had a glass of wine, Alan had a beer, but Richard was driving so he had a coffee.  It was nice just sit and chat and catch up on each other's news.  I'd booked a table for a late lunch at Raymond Blanc's restaurant Brasserie Blanc overlooking the Tower of London, so we walked across Tower Bridge and past the Tower of London.  I love this part of London and this tree lined cobbled walkway, but everywhere looks a bit colourless due to the grey sky so it was difficult to choose a blip.  However Lorraine & Richard were just in front of us and are the couple in the foreground of this image so I decided on this shot.  The restaurant was amazing and I'd certainly recommend it, all the staff were very pleasant and we were met with a smile.  I had two voucher codes, one for 50% off main courses and one for a birthday bottle of Blanc de Blancs fizz, and although I didn't think I'd be able to use both though, they said it was fine!  The food was outstanding and although I didn't want dessert, they brought out a large plate that had been decorated with Happy Birthday, and a little coup of ice cream with a candle in it and they stood and sang happy birthday to me, with other diners joining in.  

We parted ways after lunch as L & R had to make way back to St Pancras to catch their train to Bedford, and Alan & I walked back along the South Bank to our hotel to pick up our bag, and managed to catch a train an our earlier than planned which was good.  The only problem was that by the time we got back to Brighton it was very windy and by the time we got off the bus it was raining heavily so we got soaked walking home.  It was so bad it went through out coats so we were wet through!

Charlotte the doggy sitter had looked after the boys and they'd obviously had a good time as they've been flat out all night!  We were both tired too so it was nice to get our onesie's on and chill out in front of the TV.  I'm really enjoying The Voice and tonight there was an amazing Welsh singer who Sir Tom Jones got up and sang with, she was over the moon!

I've had a lovely birthday weekend, and it's not over yet, hope you're having a good weekend too!