Egg tarts and Flowers. Portugal plus Chelsea.

drron · May 25, 2023

After a nap I wentout on an afternoon stroll. Originally set out for the Princess Diana fountain but wandered off the track. Lots of interesting buildings. The first picture is of our building. and our apartment is on the first floor of building 19.

Cardogan Hall/

Flyfrequently · May 25, 2023

drron said:
Monday and basically a day off. In the planning stage we were intending to get the train out to see RHS Wisley but with the way we are at the moment that is possibly not such a great idea. So we ended up doing a leisurely stroll down the King's road to Marks and Sparks. Most of the retail establishments have put on a floral display to celebrate the Chelsea Flower show. some truly magnificent.
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Still lots of Union Jacks flying.
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The flower displays are beautiful, hope Mrs drron is on the improve

drron · May 25, 2023

There are several green areas some quite large. However most are private and just for residents such as this one Cardogan Gardens. It runs for 2 long blocks and a fairly large block in width.

So onwards I go.

drron · May 25, 2023

I'm not sure of any practical benefit for this project.

And this is the "forest".

drron · May 25, 2023

Yet another private garden.

drron · May 25, 2023

And a pub providing some OTT seating.

The Michelin Tyre building in past years with some wonderful "art" along it's walls.

drron · May 25, 2023

The last of the walk.

We jut had some takeaway sushi for diner. I prepared myself to have a good night's sleep as Tuesday was going to be a big day.

And this was the reason for Tuesday's big day.

We were there just before 0750.

But unfortunately we made a rookie mistake. We went with the least crowded way rather than follow the hordes to the show gardens. If that is really what you want to see arrive early and go there first. By 1000 it was virtually impossible to get a good look at those gardens.

But we did see some great ideas for dressing at the show.

Cossie · May 25, 2023

Private gardens mentioned above, I floated in and out of a flat on Cromwell Road in the eighties. As it was a ground floor flat we had access to Stanhope Gardens via a patio over looking the gardens, it was very nice, but a lot of those in the upper stories and surrounding streets weren’t happy, apparently you had to be a member of the “Garden Club” to have access. Another one of those silly English class things, I believe.

drron · May 26, 2023

So off we go. Lots to see. A lot of it being commercial.

Some very good ideas.

Now about 10 am and the crowds are building.

drron · May 26, 2023

Cossie said:
Private gardens mentioned above, I floated in and out of a flat on Cromwell Road in the eighties. As it was a ground floor flat we had access to Stanhope Gardens via a patio over looking the gardens, it was very nice, but a lot of those in the upper stories and surrounding streets weren’t happy, apparently you had to be a member of the “Garden Club” to have access. Another one of those silly English class things, I believe.

There was a nice garden out the back of our apartment. But times have changed from the eighties.

drron · May 26, 2023

And here is the throng coming through the gates at 11am.

And someone can't leave an old pensioner alone.

And I couldn't let the opportunity to hassle a couple of Cunard employees slip by. so we are entered in a competition to win a cruise on the Queen Anne next year.

Thereappeared to be some good food options around the grounds.

At about 1130 we were exhausted and sat and listened to a Royal Marines brass quintet. 4 were retired marines but they were very good.

Quickstatus · May 26, 2023

@drron do they have show bags like the Easter Show?

mrs.dr.ron · May 26, 2023

Quickstatus said:
@drron do they have show bags like the Easter Show?

There were a few " show bags" but they were very expensive ! LOTS of stalls selling all sorts of stuff, not just general garden gear. Lots of high end clothing for both men and women, lots of stuff for home etc.
I bought a shawl for £70, and a small velvet shoulder bag for £170 !!

As i said to ron " i will be here only once"
But even though it was a members only day - The crowds were huge !

drron · May 26, 2023

Another mistake. We thought having a restaurant lunch there would be a good idea though at 106 GBP it wasquite expensive.
But this was the venue.

All told probably seated 2-300. A complete shambles. Tables were numbered out of sequence. Waiters wandering around trying to find the table the meals they had should be delivered to. The menu looked alright.

So the snacks.

The next problem was the wine. A half bottle of wine was included. Mrsdrron went for a white and I a red. Turns out no half bottles and there was only 1 white and 1 red. Obviously cheap South African wines. Thye white was Viogner, the red pinot noir. Our waiter was very miserly with the pours and it was only going to be 3 glasses. Fortunately he disappeared and we hit it off with one of the other waiters. He gave twice the volume of our original pours.

Yes that is double the amount in our first 2 glasses. Helped that the second fellw also couldn't count.
For starters Mrsdrron had the cured salmon and I the chicken terrine. Both good.

For mains Mrsdrron had the lamb loin and asked for it to be well done. Bleu would describe it better. I had the salmon and it was quite overcooked.

For desserts Mrsdrron had the Chelse mess and I the cheese.

So don't bother getting lunch through the RHS.
As I have said some of the concessions look realy good. The only problem is that there is not enough seating for the numbers Ihen understood why people were bring mats and rugs into th show. But go early or have a late lunch.