Bus Pass Walkers on tour!

3 buses today from our village and via Bradford then Leeds to Harrogate.  Had reserved a table at Mama Doreen’s for lunch as locals had told us that it was better (and cheaper!) than Betty’s.  A lovely tearoom with lots of choices on the menu.  Resisting the afternoon tea which looked wonderful (but too many cakes and cream for my liking), decided upon a savoury platter.  Very tasty and a lovely variety of items.  Walked from there to the hotel and luckily all our rooms were ready even though we were early.  Off out for a walk around Valley Gardens seeing the lovely floral displays and stunning dahlias.  After a short while the heaven’s opened so we had to take a break in the cafe.  The rain didn’t ease up so it was a very wet walk up to the Everyman Cinema.  Saw the film “Respect” - Aretha Franklin’s life story.  Wasn’t sure what to expect but it was amazing, and thankfully the settees in the cinema were very comfortable as it was quite a long film.  The rain had eased off as we came out, and we walked to our dinner venue The Cattlemens Grill” - Tex Mex and steakhouse.  A nice meal with a new to me lager - Brahma Brazilian lager - very nice so had to try a second!  Back to the hotel and into the bar for a nightcap.  Got chatting to 2 very nice chaps who were the backup team for a group of walkers doing a sponsored trek for a charity raising suicide awareness. Very interesting to hear all about their work and the complicated logisitics of organising such an event.  Turns out they are walking through out local area tomorrow. A very good day and great company.