We just got back from a weekend away to celebrate my birthday, and it was absolutely brilliant. Well, honestly, the celebrations started last Sunday afternoon, when we went to the Grosvenor Hotel on Park Lane with some friends to have the traditional English High Tea. We were treated like royalty and everyone really enjoyed it. It started with champagne and then a choice of teas (most of which we have never heard of), and an unending supply of finger sandwiches, scones and cakes. We thought that it was just a snack, but there was really so much that no-one needed dinner that day.
This weekend was a continuous surprise for me. We (Lawrence and I) started by taking the day off on Friday and went for breakfast at our favourite place in Kew Garden. We then set off for the Peak District (which I thought was on the cards, but I was not 100% sure). We checked into a beautiful B&B on the border of the Chatsworth Estate (think about the movie, The Duchess) which I have wanted to visit for ages. I was then told that we had dinner reservations, so off we went. We stopped in a random town, and there was my mom and sister, Bronwyn, who came down from Manchester to join us. We all went to dinner at a beautiful, Michelin star Country House Hotel/Restaurant called Fischers. Dinner was a 5 hour extravaganza as we went for the taster menu, of 7 courses. The fantastic meal was finished off with the worlds best chocolate birthday cake which my mom brought with her.
On the Saturday, we spent the day wondering around Chatsworth House and then went to get a cup of tea…surprise number 2, a pre-booked high tea at the restaurant. It was much appreciated and delicious. We had to walk it off in the garden, which was massive. The autumn colours were really spectacular. Mom and Bronwyn made their way back to Manchester after that, and Lawrence and I spent the rest of the weekend chilling in the peace and quiet of the Peak District. I think that we will be back soon, with out bikes.
Thank you so much to everyone for the birthday phone calls, messages, cards, texts and wonderful gifts. You all made my day very special and I really appreciate the kind thoughts and good wishes, I am a really lucky girl. Wish that I could have spent the day with all of you, but you were in my thoughts!
Love
G
