London 5th November 2010                      

Up for it were:

Yup, Granpop Bill, Keithee’s up for it, Jaycee, Dasher, Pedro, Richee-Lionel, Craigee 50/50, Stevey 60/40 Phone a friend - Sid, DCeen, McCeen, Bolt from the blue (Downsize Dave?), Scott ee Free, Jacko, Matt Silver Bear, Ax, Tatee.  (Mid Week Tone, Helen and Zolette joined us in London)

The ever popular trip to London was as popular as ever this year with 18 kicking off from Stoke, joined by Mid Week Tone and Helen at lunchtime, and Zolette at 'tea' time.  Not the best of weather forecast for this year's trip but what the eck, we'd survive.

The train left Stoke at 11.11am (returning from Euston at 21.40).  The trip was smooth and on time arriving in London in less than an hour and a half; 'tempus fugit' as they say. 

Richee was sporting the latest fashion in darting wear.  Checking his RBS share prices on line he realised they'd dropped to '180' so he'd have to wait before buying matching darts.

There were just one or two comments thrown about, such as 'Lets see what you could have won', and 'He's like Bobby George with bangles'. 'Now then, now then.' 'Oh no, that's Jimmy Saville youth.'

At Euston station, Granpop Bill jumped off without his coat but the ever observant DCeen had thankfully rescued it before nicking the wallet.

Scott-ee Free had taken a flier by not buying a ticket, and miraculously got off scott free!! 'He's not with us yer honor.'   

The time purchasing underground tickets was speedier than on previous occasions, with several now having realised the benefits of pre-purchasing an oyster card.  McCeen topped up DCeen's bankrupted oyster, whilst John Sargent was spotted shuffling through the turnstiles.

On the tube, Silver Bear was desperate for a leak and sympathy rang round the carriage, as you'd expect, whilst Jaycee had another spasm.

It was to be Scottee's day financially. Yup slipped him a £20 refund from some previous event, which was unexpected, making it one of the most successful days Scottee had ever encountered.

As we strolled through the Borough Market area, the sights of paella put Dasher in the mood for Benidorm.  Only dasher it must be stressed of course...

The pageant ale amongst many more could be highly recommended at the Market Porter. Having waited a while for Tony to appear it emerged he'd been standing on the other side of the pub with Helen.

Before we left, a revelation - but keep it to yourselves..... 50/50 and Scott ee free on a recent date, both believing they were holding a lasses hand, but unbeknown were apparently holding each others hands ............. Could this be true??? 
 

Helen tripped off back to the office and we sauntered off in a north westerly direction over the Thames to pass St Pauls and a load of bollards, to enter Fleet St.

Sadly, we missed out the Old Dr Butlers Head due to time constraints and moved straight on to the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a Sam Smiths outlet, with Granpop Bill on hand to point out the way.

Down in the depths the 'hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil' threesome took to a corner before time was called too quickly.

We trouped off to the Mitre in Ely Street, a hidden gem down a passageway.  For a great review check this out:  http://www.timeout.com/london/bars/features/1614.html

Dasher found a lass whose father was from Stoke in one of the intimate snugs, whilst a platter of pork pies was purchased by Yuppers to keep the troops topped up.  Now I like lasses from Stoke, and I like pork pies, but which do we prefer; there's only one way to find out .........

The Cittee of York, another Sam Smiths pub, was to be our last call before the indian, where Zolette finally caught up with us after a hard day in the office.

The Golden Oven in Bateman Street, Soho, was booked for 6pm.

20 of us squeezed on to a table, taking up the majority of the restaurant.

A few disgruntled words were uttered when cobras were provided instead of the beers requested and Pedro assured the other customers we weren't always this loud. (fibber).

For a centre of London indian, the meal was average, particularly the recommended kebabs, but when the bill arrived there was a sheer look of horror on one or two faces as the prices of the drinks, in particular the wine, had inflated the total cost.  Yup had a few words with the friendly staff and the bill was reduced and settled.

There was nowt left but to return to Euston, where we sheltered under cover with a Bishop's Farewell, at the Bree Louise in Coburg Street, before catching the return train back to Stoke.

Another fab day in the smoke

Yuppers

(Enjoy yer baltis)