Chequered flag supper

After a long day on the keyboard, I drove to Leicestershire this evening via an Essex M25 traffic jam. When I arrived, belatedly, supper had already started, but the long dining table looked wonderful with its chequered flag fabric right down the centre. It was a very apt scene-setter for the day ahead.

We're staying at Kilworth House, a 19th century country mansion turned posh hotel, set in 38 acres of parkland. It is like stepping into a Jane Austen film set, with decor to match. We're here with Seat for the launch of the Leon Cupra, ahead of a driving day tomorrow that will include a session at Mallory Park race circuit. I'm looking forward to a few fast laps of that. It will bring back happy memories of a couple of saloon car races I competed in there, long ago!