Christmas Blues

Look at the pretty lights! Ooo! This tree, surrounded by artificial snow, is outside the front of the Daffodil Restaurant. Its a bit garish for me but it does make a lovely festive scene. Very Christmassy.

Christmas is a strange time of year. It means all sorts of things to different people. To some it is a Religious celebration, to others its about friends and family, to some its about the presents, and to others its the food, drink and all the seasonal trimmings that make Christmas. To most people its a combination of all these things. Christmas is also a time to look forward with optimism to the coming year, but at the same time remember with fondness those people that are no longer with us, those people that have left our lives. We can look back on mistakes made with wise eyes, missed opportunities with sorrow, and things to come with joy. At this time of year its fine to occasionally have the Christmas Blues.

Just Desserts

I'm short of photos so time to share a delicious dessert with you all. This is one of the very fine puddings at The Daffodil restaurant - green apple and calvados parfait with blackberry compote. So there!

Past Times

I must say that cocktail drinking at The Daffodil is not one of my regular pursuits, on the other hand pretending I'm Tom Cruise in the film Cocktail at home is! But last Friday we went there for lunch and having a cocktail in the bar was an essential part of the relaxed midday eating experience.

As I've mentioned before, The Daffodil is a former art deco cinema and this photo (which I have fiddled with slightly) looks like it could have come straight from a 1930's silver screen blockbuster.

Pull Up A Chair

Just a quickie today. Its Bank Holiday Monday here so I'm due a rest. This is one of the very comfy chairs in the cocktail bar at the Daffodil restaurant. The lighting in the eatery and bar is perfect for all sorts of arty photos.

Daffodil Stairs

We went to The Daffodil restaurant yesterday for lunch. It is a fantastic restaurant set in a former art deco cinema, and although it has gone through many refurbishments and renovations it still holds onto its wonderful style. There was so much to photograph as well as cocktails to be drunk and delicious food to be eaten. I couldn't decide which photo of the staircase to post, colour or black and white, so went with both. I'll leave you to choose your favourite.

Daffodil

I think its safe to say its officially spring. The trees are in bud, the blossom is flowering, the bulbs are bursting and the flowers are...well...flowering! I don't think anything says spring more so than the humble Daffodil. In Cheltenham the parks, gardens and roadside verges are beginning to wash over with a sea of yellow. Beautiful.

I wander'd lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

By William Wordsworth (1770-1850)

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!