Back in the Smoke visiting friends. Decided to take a trip to Eltham Palace - I lived just a few miles away for years and never managed to make the visit, so had it as a priority now I'm back as a tourist.
I'd heard about the tea rooms; I'd heard about the art deco and the courtaulds; I'd heard about the gardens.
It all sounded very lovely.
Friend Jo & I trotted off with expectations of a picturesque reminder of bygone years. Well - it was certainly a reminder of bygone years. We were directed down a pea green corridor that looked very much like a school gym; went into a tiny room where people were packed into every corner; and sat down, bemused.
The waitresses were pleasingly dressed in little black & white uniforms with pinnies and head wear; and cakes were piled up under glass covers.
We expected Trevor Howard to walk in any minute.
We shared a very ordinary ham sandwich; and a piece of Victoria Sponge that would have met with WI approval.
Eltham Palace itself is fantastic and the gardens a delightful place to wander - but the tearoom? Well worth going in for tea & cake and it's an experience! Though one that we felt could be very much improved without losing that authentic feel.
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