Monday 18 August 2008

Art Deco Daffodil

Today's photo is by a guest photographer - Phoebe's Mum P. This is the interior of The Daffodil restaurant. AJC and DJ Groin Strain were down from Manchester for the weekend and the four of us were very kindly treated to lunch at the posh restaurant by P & B (Phoebe and AJC's Mum and Dad.)

The restaurant used to be one of Cheltenham's six cinemas and The Daffodil Cinema opened on 5th October 1922. The cinema remained open until 1963 when it closed its doors for the last time. The art deco building was left to crumble until 1977 when it was converted into a bingo hall and then into an antiques emporium. In 1997 the building was lovingly restored to its art deco glory by new owner Mark Stephens, who opened his restaurant The Daffodil. More recently the buildings interior was redesigned by TV interior designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Although the design is relatively modern it still has a 1920's feel, with grand sweeping staircases, dramatic lighting and original features. The kitchen is open to the restaurant and sits in the place once occupied by the cinema screen. And, most importantly, the food and service are fantastic.

Thanks again P & B for lunch and the photo! It was good to see AJC and DJ Groin Strain too!

And finally - its my birthday today. Happy Birthday me!

12 comments:

Christopher said...

love the descriptions on your photos. keep up the good work!

magiceye said...

love these places with high ceilings!

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Love the art deco decor. I guess it was your birthday lunch. Hope you all had a great time.

Jane Hards Photography said...

A big Happy Birthday to ya!

I am a huge art deco fan so this while post was a treat. Not a fan LLB, but credit to him thi shas turned out rather well.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Marley!

brian stout said...

i love art deco, and the staircase does seem grand... happy birthday (again!) =)

Knoxville Girl said...

Happy birthday marley! I'm glad they saved this lovely art deco building; sounds like you had a great birthday dinner there.

Neva said...

Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...happy birthday dear Marley, happy birthday to you!!! (music is added in your own head!!!!) hope all was well and good on your birthday...what are you....35? hope you have many many more!!!!

Kate said...

Your birthday brunch!...and, I missed it. Hope the day was happy and full of joy!!

Jim Klenke said...

Happy Birthday, sorry I missed it.

Ming the Merciless said...

Belated Happy Birthday.

Hope you got nice presents.

Quincy School Libraries said...

Belated good wishes from me too! What a great place to drink your celebration lunch . . .

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