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.

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.

Deco Design

Just down from Cambray Baptist Church, standing solidly at the end of Cambray Place, is Cambray Court. The building is from the 1920's and, although not screamingly so, is Art Deco in design. The building is still split into the original apartments as it was nearly 100 years ago and is a very popular residence in the heart of town. I'd like to get beyond those gates sometime and see if its a bit more Art Deco inside.

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Elegant Fanfare

It always pays to look up. I'm getting better at it but I'm sure I miss out on some great potential photos by only taking shots at eye level. This bugle playing lady is high up on the front of Que Pasa bar. Before that the building was a pub called Toad At The Olde Bank, I guess that name comes from the building once being a bank. I'm not really sure how old the building is, I'm guessing old though! This lady, and her equal on the opposite end, look Art Deco to me. Any ideas?

I really like the shadows and curved lines in this photo. Remember, look up and you could be pleasantly surprised.

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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!