The weekend and friends are free to frolic. We began with a pint and bubbles at the German Gymnasium where Ruth joined us. We first met at Highfields where we taught, and we had caught up a couple of times since in London, but it was a few years. It was wonderful to see her and as we chatted the years fell away. Max and Paul had bought along a friend from the Midlands, Anne, who fitted seamlessly into our little group of six.

There was absolutely no resistance when someone suggested we abandon the upmarket restaurant for a burger at some place nearby and Ruth had just the place-The Big Chill was just what we needed.  Ruth had family commitments and we said our goodbyes, but the rest of us agreed to explore just a little of Coal Drops Yard before moving on and there was a call for a pint at The Drop. 

John had booked two places at Searcys for five thirty. When we arrived, John asked if we could add three to our party. Max was very dubious. No way would they have people just rock-in but Max had forgotten how charming John can be. They had to wait in the foyer while we negotiated with the concierge on the top floor. Thanks to Anton who worked his magic we were all together at a table enjoying cocktails, bubbles and snacks under the conical glass ceiling at the top of the Gherkin. 

We had hoped Karen would join us and she eventually did after Searcys. We met at the Wethspoons pub, The Crosse Keys, which was a few minutes’ walk for us and a tube for her. It was huge and it was heaving!!!! Well firstly it was Super Saturday for the Six Nations Rugby which was being broadcast live on the massive screen and more importantly, it is has the cheapest drinks in the city.

According to the Mayor of London website, shocking data reveals that the number of pubs in London fell by 25% since 2001. The mayor pledges to make it more difficult for pubs to shut. I cannot imagine how horrible it would be for a Londoner for their local to close. The 192 museums, 800 bookshops 911 cinemas and 241 theatres just would not cut it. This is a city about people and attracting people from across the earth. More than 300 languages are spoken, more than any other city. It is all about the people and Max and Paul were willing to share and explore their wonderful city with us and we appreciated it greatly. Our time together finished as you might guess at a pub. Well two. We spent the afternoon enjoying Bluegrass music at the Cask a bespoke Craft beer pub which actually had bottles of Westvleteren 12 which John bought and we shared. We finished off at The Constitution with a wonderful pub meal of steak (surprisingly good!) and chips. It seemed fitting.