Before the World went wonky I used to look forward to weekends and going out and about.
Vintage Fun
Whilst I didn’t spend every weekend looking for vintage events to attend, this year was supposed to be the year I experienced many more of them. As readers know, the highlight of my year is Twinwood; held over August Bank Holiday, it is a fun filled weekend of dancing, drinking and hi-jinx.
Vintage Friends
Talking to many vintage friends, they recommended other vintage events such as the Festival of Vintage at York, Rockabilly Rave, Atomic and days at The Black Country Living Museum.
This was going to be my year. My intention was to do them all.
Twinwood Times
Of course, it all went pear shaped and everything got cancelled and we spent weeks locked down, unable to go anywhere.
When lockdown released I still didn’t have much inclination to go out and about. Apart from walking the boy in the countryside, I wasn’t too fussed to spend my time in enclosed areas, with masks on and such.
Masks On!
I have to say it was then a lovely treat to go out for afternoon tea this past weekend, to celebrate my Mums birthday.
Baby Bear suggested picking her up and taking her to a local place, Beckworth Emporium. An upscale nursery with unique gifts, fresh produce, locally made breads and cakes and even the odd bottle of gin or two.
They also have a delightful restaurant which offers everything from coffee to burgers.
The restaurant is in the middle of a massive rebuild, with a new look being opened in 2021. In the meantime they have made a massive open area with socially distanced tables, in a heated glasshouse.
Brilliant Beckworth
It is absolutely brilliant and a lovely environment to spend an hour or two in.
We went with the intention of having the Afternoon Tea selection; sandwiches, crisps, cakes, tea and scones.
Absolutely delightful.
Fab Foliage
Mum had a glass of Prosecco to go with it, whilst I relied on a good old cup of Earl Grey.
The grey slate arrived and on it there was a selection of sandwiches; ham, chicken, cheese and tomato, egg mayo, smoked salmon and a delicate cucumber one.
Afternoon Tea
Lemon drizzle cake, raspberry pannacotta, strawberry tart and a fruited scone with clotted cream and strawberry conserve.
The whole thing was delicious and I have to admit I struggled to eat all of it. Mum didn’t manage all of hers but they were happy to box up the items she didn’t eat, for later.
Already tucked in….
One of the things I love to do most in the world is people watch. Just watch the comings and goings of the general public as they chatter, eat and pass their day. It has always fascinated me and I could spend hours doing it.
Sitting at Beckworths was no different; it was such a large restaurant and it was absolutely filled with diners. My attention was grabbed by a beautiful little boy with a head of blonde curls. He was absolutely transfixed by the helium balloon that was on our table.
Birthday Balloon
It certainly raised a smile on both his and my face.
Mum was keen to give him the massive helium balloon, but baby bear said it was for her birthday so we carried on with our tea.
We spent a pleasant 90 minutes dining and relaxing before it was time to take Mum back home. Thankfully when we arrived the sun was shining brightly however it was now absolutely hammering down with rain.
Delicious Desserts
A quick dash to the car got mum in. There was one massive issues though.
That balloon!
It was so big that we were struggling to get it in the boot without putting the seats down. In the meantime we were getting drenched to the skin.
Polka Dotty
By the time I got in the car, I was soaked from top to toe, Baby Bear wasn’t much better!
At least it was the end of the day, not the beginning. Either way we all had a lovely time and the tea was superb.
Till next time,
SPSG xxx