The other 2 of our party met us at the restaurant. I shouldn't have been concerned about my reservations, as they weren't that busy when we arrived for 1:30, although by the time we left at 3:30, it seemed to be getting busier. We weren't rushed at all, so we just had a very long and enjoyable meal and caught up with each other.
We all ordered various starters and mains, to which I asked our waitress to add two portions of pulled pork for the table, and enough assorted nibbles (scratchings/pate and toast/pickled veg/olives...) for all of us. We probably didn't need the nibbles, but they were all fantastic, so I am glad we got them.
We got through a mountain for food, and at the end there was a tiny bit of pulled pork that no-one could manage.
However, after another half hour, we decided we could manage deserts!
My personal choices were the baby back ribs - I keep saying I am not a rib man, but if I could cook them to that standard, I might change my mind - and the pit beef, with duck-fat chips, and a taste of the various sides we ordered. Oh, and a good bit of the shared pulled pork. Pannetone bread and butter pudding to finish, then we all went for a walk around St Pauls, before ending up in the pub.
Everyone *really* enjoyed it, and I noticed that all of my friends picked up cards from the reception desk. Staff were excellent and cheerful, which always makes for a nice atmosphere.
Couldn't have wished for a better start to this week - my birthday is actually not until Wednesday, and I have the whole week off work, ending with another meal with my family on Friday, in Cambridge. Hopefully by then I'll be ready to eat again!
