A white rose of York on Lendal Bridge
It was a rainy day in York and the River Ouse was swamp brown and near to bursting its banks. Was I downhearted? Not at all! I was on my way to a cosy rendezvous with my daughter and her partner, in Betty’s famous tea shop.
I don’t drink tea and the smell of it has been known to make me wrinkle my nose in disgust, but I soon had a small pot of coffee wafting soothing vapours at me.
Coffee a la Betty’s!
Lisa and Leo had been spending a few days in York to celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary and were homeward bound. Just time for me to catch up with them for a breakfast brunch to send them on their way. I know that some of you are interested in such things so here’s the evidence.
Complete with Swiss rosti!
While Lisa was studying the menu I couldn’t help but point the camera in her direction. “Oh, Mother!” I can’t help exasperating my offspring. Or of being very proud of them.
Contemplating food!
Remember that “selfie” challenge last week? The above was almost an entry. Only fair that Leo (who hates having his photo taken) should appear alongside his lovely wife. I got the photo shoot out of the way before they settled down to eat.
The happy couple
A close up of the wedding and engagement rings, made by their friend Kay
Refined, resplendent and reserved- that’s us!
We sat and talked about what they’d seen and done for a couple of hours. Fairfax House got full marks. The Quilt Museum was pronounced a little expensive unless you were a real enthusiast, but Lisa enjoyed it. Places they’d eaten and highly recommended included the Hairy Fig and La Vecchia Scuola, whilst the House of the Trembling Madness sounded right up their street! By this time they agreed that they had just enough space to share one of Betty’s delectable cakes.
This was Lisa’s choice and it looked delicious!
All too soon it was time to walk them back to their hotel, Elmbank Mount. Undergoing renovation, it still retains much of its original splendour, and Lisa was very happy that they’d been allocated a four poster bed. One last smile and a hug and they were on their way. I wandered disconsolately through the damp York streets, taking a photo or two.
Not a day for sitting by the riverside!
The riverboats were going nowhere
Huddled together for comfort and warmth
A dank day for the lions, too
I made my way back to the railway station with time to spare. Feeling distinctly damp, I ventured into “The York Tap”, adjoining the station, and was delighted to find a warm fire. I stripped off my soggy gloves and settled in for half hour to enjoy my surrounds.
Nothing like a coal fire to dispel the blues!
And the ceilings provided a wonderful burst of colour.
My gloomy spirits lifting, I stepped out onto the platform to discover that the sun had finally made an appearance. It was time to head for home.
This reminds me of my rainy day in York back in 1991. Nice photos.
Thanks a lot for returning the visit, Rosemarie 🙂 Nice to stir some memories.
What a great day! Cheers !
It’s Saturday- red wine night! Cheers to you, too 🙂
Ahem…that would be Chardonnay : )))
So glad to see that they are happy … even if times hasn’t been the best for them. My regards to them.
Not a tea person neither, but that cup looks really inviting and I can feel the smell coming through the screen. Betty’s – looks like a place I would enjoy – love the layout of their menus, very romantic. Fantastic gallery as always … and even if it was a rainy sepia day you manage to catch the colors.
Today I woke up to soft white snow … love it.
A glass of Sauvignon Blanc for me too, please.
I was just admiring our bright blue sky! I should be out walking but it’s nearly time for tea. It’s taken all day to get here. Shall I have a quick sprint out?
Cheers, Vivi 🙂 I will raise a glass to you this evening.
I love York. Aren’t we lucky to have such massive variety of everything here in the UK? I was there last year for a trip to the races, which was a marvellous treat. But your day was clearly very special, Jo, and very wet! I must get back soon – having seen your photos, the York Tap is calling me!
A glass of Sauvignon Blanc for me, please 🙂
Those beautiful smiles say it all, Jo! 🙂 Such a lovely outing with very special people. ~Terri
It was, Terri 🙂 A very happy day, no matter how soggy.
They look so happy, Jo! I’m sure you had a brilliant time. Impressive rings and nailwork! 🙂
Are there many Betty’s Tearoom in England? I went into to one in Harrogate, it was magnificent and extremely popular, couldn’t get a seat.
Big hug to you from Bonn
Dina
I bet you appreciated that fire. Lovely post.
It was a very welcome sight, Dale. I hung my gloves over the fire guard to dry 🙂