Christmas is only :-

[Pigmy Pony]

Glad that was the case, but it'll be mostly because of the time of year, as generally it (not just that restaurant, but any one in the town) is pretty quiet. I'm going there tomorrow to do some shopping and get some stuff for Del's birthday, which is this Thursday. I'll let you know if the weekday factor makes things any quieter



Nice one. Did you pop into Tanners? Defo try and get to the Lion next time, as I think you'll like it, not necessarily for lunch, but for Afternoon tea. Their homemade scones are superb!

So what did you think of the shopping in Shrewsbury - was it worth the trip? Hopefully you saw why I like it. For me, it's got a good mix of traditional and modern shops, along with some great indoor markets, which gives it 'soul', unlike so many other towns these days, which sadly the Internet has killed...



Lol... Even if it wasn't, the chances of you catching my mobile phone being switched on would be almost nil!

Anyway, no worries. Would be good to meet you

Marco.

The trip to Shrewsbury took two hours and was just under 100 miles, so we will not be making it a weekly thing! Even so, we thought it was well worth the time it took to get there - as I said before we perhaps got round about half of the shops. Next time we visit I'll want to spend more time with the record shops

We didn't go into Tanners, as I only drink wine on occasions, and Anita is currently riding the 'Gin wave' which seems to be sweeping the country! At the moment it's Whitley Neils Rhubarb and Ginger.

For me, what appeals as much as the shops themselves is the ambience of the architecture, and sitting outside while enjoying a coffee and taking in the surroundings (as well as people watching) is one of my simple pleasures. Some of the buildings around the market square must date back many hundreds of years and its's heartening to see that they are being kept in good order while still keeping their original features.

It would be nice if everyone who is able would get out and use these businesses, as so many towns these days all look the same with the usual suspects on the high street - no wonder people shop online.

[Marco]

The trip to Shrewsbury took two hours and was just under 100 miles, so we will not be making it a weekly thing! Even so, we thought it was well worth the time it took to get there - as I said before we perhaps got round about half of the shops. Next time we visit I'll want to spend more time with the record shops

Cool, as there are a few to see!

We didn't go into Tanners, as I only drink wine on occasions, and Anita is currently riding the 'Gin wave' which seems to be sweeping the country! At the moment it's Whitley Neils Rhubarb and Ginger.

Lol - is she influenced like that by trends, or has she always liked gin? Trends don't influence our drinking habits one iota. We drink what we like, regardless. And btw, Tanners sell some really nice gin, whisky, vodka, beer, all sorts - they don't just sell wine!

For me, what appeals as much as the shops themselves is the ambience of the architecture, and sitting outside while enjoying a coffee and taking in the surroundings (as well as people watching) is one of my simple pleasures. Some of the buildings around the market square must date back many hundreds of years and its's heartening to see that they are being kept in good order while still keeping their original features.

It would be nice if everyone who is able would get out and use these businesses, as so many towns these days all look the same with the usual suspects on the high street - no wonder people shop online.

We're in complete agreement there, in all aspects... It's one of the things I like about Shrewsbury: it still has 'soul', and a thriving town centre, full of all sorts of great shops and markets - even though there is a large retail park on the outskirts of the town.

So if they can make it work, with the challenges today of the Internet, why can't other towns manage the same...?

Marco.

[Pigmy Pony]

I suppose she may be influenced by the gin trend to a degree, but not in the way you might think - she's always been partial to the odd G+T, or vodka, but not in a big way (neither of us drink much at all, I had a pint with my Sunday lunch last week, but I usually have a soft drink).

Her son, who is landlord of a local pub, got a few flavoured gins in earlier this year (by popular request) and got his mum to try some, and rhubarb and ginger was the clear favourite. No doubt she'll tire of it by spring.

As for the online shopping thing, it's sad, but it's just the way things are going. I don't believe the shops themselves create the demand for high streets filled with the same businesses you see everywhere, rather they have been edged out by them. Now that these big chain shops have an online presence the buying public would rather buy online than endure traffic congestion and the difficulty and expense of town centre parking for what has become a rather humdrum and uninspiring shopping experience. Now the big stores are going too.

I don't think for most towns/cities there will be any going back from this. All the more reason to show our support for the few places that are still 'hanging on'.

[Marco]

I suppose she may be influenced by the gin trend to a degree, but not in the way you might think - she's always been partial to the odd G+T, or vodka, but not in a big way (neither of us drink much at all, I had a pint with my Sunday lunch last week, but I usually have a soft drink).

Her son, who is landlord of a local pub, got a few flavoured gins in earlier this year (by popular request) and got his mum to try some, and rhubarb and ginger was the clear favourite. No doubt she'll tire of it by spring.

Ah I see, no worries. understandable then. Aside from a good malt whisky (or some burbon), or the odd cocktail, I'm not really into spirits, neither is Del. Beer, cider, and anything wine-based is our thing

As for the online shopping thing, it's sad, but it's just the way things are going. I don't believe the shops themselves create the demand for high streets filled with the same businesses you see everywhere, rather they have been edged out by them. Now that these big chain shops have an online presence the buying public would rather buy online than endure traffic congestion and the difficulty and expense of town centre parking for what has become a rather humdrum and uninspiring shopping experience. Now the big stores are going too.

I don't think for most towns/cities there will be any going back from this. All the more reason to show our support for the few places that are still 'hanging on'.

Chester is largely the same as Shrewsbury. Although as it's a city, there are more commercial chains, as opposed to privately owned shops, but it's still a vibrant, thriving city, as is York and various other places I could mention, 'oop norf'.

What I've noticed, is that the further south you go in the UK, the worse it gets, in terms of what you're describing, and I have some theories on that.

Marco.

[struth]

Bro and his wife especially drink G&T all the time...damn lush cant stand the stuff; like perfume

[jandl100]

[struth]

had most of mine already

[Pigmy Pony]

You were right Geoff, the Stills/Young record turned out not to be crap, in fact better than I remember it. Admittedly when I last played it, it was on my BSR deck with Bush Arena amp and Wharfedale Dentons.

Been over 40 years but I remembered 'Fountainebleu' like it was yesterday. Who said 'never go back?' Some things are always right.

I could seek out 'Electric Storm in Hell' by White Noise next, but I have a feeling that WILL be crap.

[jandl100]

[jandl100]