Happy Birthday Agnes!

Another leisurely morning.  

It's Agnes's birthday so after singing Happy Birthday, David and Adrian made us all a full cooked breakfast.  Lovely :-))

The forecast had been heavy rain but thankfully that didn't arrive.  Instead it was dry / drizzly with patchy fog.  We decided to pay a visit to Wallington Hall, which is not far from where we're staying.  If the weather had been nicer we would've toured the gardens but instead we went round the house, which has some very interesting architecture and wonderful furninshings. It was even lovelier than usual as it had been decorated for Christmas.

We toured the downstairs (upstairs is closed in preparation for renovation work starting in January) and all the volunteers at the house were so friendly and keen to impart their knowledge.  It was also fully accessible, which makes for an enjoyable and stress free visit.

Of course we couldn't by-pass the cafe so a pit stop for coffee and cake (cookie for me) was a must before popping into the gift shop where more Christmas gifts were purchased.

Back to the cottage for a cat nap before it was time to get ready to go for dinner at The Treehouse Restaurant at Anwick Castle Garden.  There was  a light show in the gardens but sadly tickets were sold out.

What can I sat about dinner other than it was absolutely superb!  One of the best meals out in a long time.  Agnes said her vegetarian choices were some of the best she had ever had in a restaurant -  pumpkin and roasted butternut squash risotto, chilli, sage to start followed by Mushroom and tarragon gateau, sauteed greens, truffle velouté. David and Adrian had Craster kipper pate to start and I had scallops then David and I had venison and Adrian duck.  For dessert Agnes and Adrian had Madagascan vanilla pannacotta, bramble compote, David had Chocolate orange brioche bread and butter pudding with custard, but all I could manage was a scoop of honeycomb ice cream.  All enjoyed in stunning surroundings (you really are in a tree house! :) with very friendly staff.  We left full and happy.


Back to the cottage for a night cap and discussion about what to do on our last day.  It's bedtime and no decision has been made :-))