12th August 2010

My National Trust membership has really been worth its weight in gold over the last week! As a child I was taken (dragged?) to NT places and I swore never to do that to my children. Now I take (drag?) my children to NT places regularly because they are free (or at least our pre-paid card gets us in free), educational, wholesome, etc etc....! The easiest way to make a NT visit palatable to them though is to combine it with a get together. Today we not only met my parents and Grannie but also my Uncle, Aunt and two cousins who although technically are the the same generation as me are much closer in age to my children and thus great favourites with them.

Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire
Sneaky Coffee-ers: Anna, Ethan, Naomi, Edward and Susie; Mum, Dad and Grannie; Uncle Lloyd, Auntie Isobel, Mark and Tim
Bought: Our family had a cafetiere of coffee, two 'afternoon tea' for kids (carton of apple juice and a chocolate crispie cake), a glass of milk and a bottle of posh juice. Lactose intolerance has made cream tea a treat of the past.
Cost: Dad paid! Thanks Dad!
Cafe: In the actual hall - unusual and charming. A bit on the small side and we were lucky to get three tables on which to spread out.
And: I was on a table with Auntie Isobel, Tim and Susie. We had fun. Susie shared her drink and cake with her doll.

23rd May 2010

My Mum turned 60 on the sunniest weekend of the year so far (and possibly the sunniest weekend of the year in its totality judging by recent years) and the whole family were at Center Parcs. We were so busy enjoying the facilities, weather and necessary icecream that it took us until Sunday morning to make use of one of the many Starbucks outlets on site.

Starbucks, Sherwood Forest Center Parcs
Sneaky coffee-ers: Anna, Simon, Ethan, Naomi, Edward and Susie; Mum and Dad; Grannie; James, Heidi, Luca, Theo and Ellis; Paul and Angela
Served by: A slightly inpolite young lady - I expected that my Starbucks card (which is empty of credit but usually qualifies me for a free shot of syrup) would not be accepted but other similar outlets allow me the free syrup even if they don't accept the card as payment. She wasn't exactly impolite... but not apologetic either.
Bought: Our family had two flavoured spring water drinks (to share between the four children) a decaff coffee for Simon and a black coffee with a shot of almond syrup for me.
Cost: £7.20 - prices noticeably higher
Cafe: It was a nice place - spacious and well equipped with soft comfy chairs. However - we took advantage of the terrace area - mainly because the weather was stunning but also because we had seven children in our party and spilled drinks and noise matter less in the great outdoors!
Position: In the Center Parc 'village' which feels like an upmarket pedestrianised market town street.
Food: The others bought cakes etc. They were the standard menu items.
Complaints: No - all was well.

And? It was a nice time. However - such a big party does limit the feeling of 'having coffee together' as you can realistically only chat to a few people.