Surprise Visits

The week before Alan was admitted to hospital I met up with an old friend from the States who was visiting over here. The chosen venue for an evening of dining and chatting was Ma*ryg*reen Manor about 5 miles away. This hotel and restaurant has lots of history and a lovely atmosphere so I knew it would make an interesting post.

 

The Manor is a fine example of early sixteenth century architecture and was initially the home of Henry Roper, gentleman servant to Catherine of Aragon. In 1535 Robert Wright son of a local nobleman, took up residence and named this lovely house his Manor of Mary Green after his young bride.

A pleasant half hour was spent here while the chef was preparing our meal. Note the stairway on the right.This leads to private dining.

Beautiful oak panelling and ceiling

The restaurant is situated in the old baronial hall

Our choice of desert was certainly worth a picture. Various forms of chocolate, sauce, cake oozing with chocolate, salted caramel ice-cream with a decorative spoon made of sugar. These days chefs need to be artists too or maybe someone else decorates the plates for them.

The back of the house curtesy of the brochure.

I did not take a photo myself not wanting to invade the privacy of those taking refreshment outside

That same week we had a visit from some old friends from Holland. We had not seen them in almost 30 years when they had stayed with us with their then young family.

Having had Chuck from Ohio visit recently, who again had spent many visits with us in the early 70's it was interesting to hear people's stories and experiences over the passage of time.