Wigmore lite

That is to say a visit to the Wigmore Hall which was followed by lunch in the cafeteria near the top of John Lewis, rather than by something more elaborate. Mozart K465 and Dvořák Op.96, given by the Minetti Quartet of reference 1. I have no record of having heard them before - which is unusual these days.

Went for the 09:53 from Epsom, which gave us about half an hour for coffees and buns at Olle & Steen, just along from the hall. Discovering on the way that one can come down quite heavily on one's leading foot when crossing what looks like a kerb - but where what was the road has been raised to the level of the pavement. Quite unconsciously, the brain tells the foot where it thinks the road should be - but where it is not - resulting in a hard landing for the foot in question.

While on the way up from Bond Street tube, I was rather struck by the fluting around the entrance to the Botree Hotel, described as luxury boutique. Very effective. To judge by reference 2, the interior is very arty - and probably very expensive - too: boutique does not mean small in that department. Perhaps the Botox Suite with its stunning disc of fake (or perhaps dried) flowers fixed to the ceiling of the lounging area?

Then, while sitting outside Olle & Steen, there was a small party of young men, probably from somewhere in the Middle East, sitting around their table, some of them smoking what looked like rather serious cigars. Complete with box of same on the table. They assured me that it was never too early for a good smoke. I think the last occasion I noticed this sort of thing was outside the late lamented Aquavit, off the Haymarket.

Another fine concert, only very slightly marred by instant clapping at the end. I prefer a few moments quiet first. There was a short Mendelssohn encore: clever, light and jolly - although I forget now what it was, if I ever knew.

I came away thinking how loud & vulgar some television drama - the sort of stuff that we tend to watch in the evening when we are tired - can be compared to this sort of music. All those ego-filled, sweaty faces sounding off to a heavy background beat.

And so to the Place to Eat, the cafeteria on the fifth floor of John Lewis, very quiet this Sunday lunchtime, as was most of the rest of the shop. Perhaps the fine weather had taken people to the parks rather than to the shops.

I had some sort of mild chicken curry - very dark brown in appearance - with rice and chips - while BH opted for some kind of a salad. Both entirely adequate. One of the other things that I like about this place is the honest plywood tables. Solid, serviceable and not a hint of faking it up.

Downstairs to try and find a new drainer to go with our new kitchen, to find the choice limited to one rather overdesigned gray plastic affair. I suppose most people have washing up machines these days and so not much call for old-speak drainers, let alone ones made out of thick, chromium plated wire.

However, there is hope yet as Bing can find plenty of them, with the one middle row right being pretty much like what we have now, except that it is white, presumably plastic covered, rather than chrome.

On the way home we learned of a mosque to be installed inside the Trocadero and a light show to be installed outside the National Gallery. According to reference 3, the mosque is fairly old news, but reference 4 suggests that rather grander plans, not just the repurposing of the cinema in the basement, were approved last year by Westminster Council. A community space for all the many Muslims working hospitality in the area.

Home to capture the trolley already noticed at reference 5; an unusual trolley in that I am not usually allowed when out with BH. Followed by a little light refreshment at Wetherspoon's. Decent seats on the terrace were not to be had, but we did well enough inside, near the open doors to same.

The two new trees in front of the terrace, the second time around. There really does seem to be something wrong with this particular spot.

And nearer home, some more non-standard, new-growth ivy, just by the ceremonial arch leading onto our estate. One day I will get to the bottom of what controls the size and shape of ivy leaves.

PS 1: I have been reminded by a correspondent that I need to investigate the various babas offered by the Royal Opera House, in particular their famous honey rum baba. A bun that involves yeast and strong flour, so maybe all my bread making will provide some useful background. Also 150g of sugar, 100ml of double cream etc. So not a slimming bun. Having failed to make anything hot cross bun this year, maybe I should have a go at one of these? For which see reference 8. 

Also that I need to investigate the artist Rachel Lockwood, formerly of up north, now of North Norfolk. For whom see references 6 and 7. Sample below.

PS 2: the petals in the snap above are described as crystallised rose petals, but they look more like pansies to me. Maybe the head of hospitality at the opera house is not that strong on flowers; better on rum babas.

References

Reference 1: https://www.minettiquartett.at/?lang=en.

Reference 2: https://www.thebotree.com/.

Reference 3: https://urbanmuslimz.com/news/islamophobia/trocadero-prayer-centre-opposition/.

Reference 4: https://secretldn.com/londons-iconic-trocadero-will-be-turned-into-a-mosque/.

Reference 5: https://psmv5.blogspot.com/2024/05/trolley-685.html.

Reference 6: https://www.redharepublishing.co.uk/?s=lockwood&post_type=product.

Reference 7: https://pinkfootgallery.co.uk/artist/119326/landscape-prints-by-rachel-lockwood.

Reference 8: https://www.roh.org.uk/visit/eat-and-drink.