We had a good run down to kent stopping off for lunch at Cherwell Valley service station. For a motorway service station it has a rather good selection of food options. We both had a Turkey and Stuffing roll off the carvery bar. We arrived in Lenholm around 3pm where we quickly popped into the medieval town to pick up some flowers for our hostess. When then retraced the short distance to  my brother in laws house which was our destination for the weekend.

We unloaded our bags from the car and had a tour of the house then took a short walk into Lenholm for coffee and cakes. In my case it was Elderflower water and Lemon Polenta cake which was delicious. We were then given a brief tour of the quaint village before returning to the house for the evening. Not long afterwards my niece and nephew arrived followed a little later by our hostess and her two boys.

With a glass of pre dinner gin in hand we sat and chatted whilst the evening meal was being prepared. After dinner the youngsters went to bed leaving the older generation to sit and chat a while before it was time to retire for the night.

PS:I am getting ahead of myself, the services we stopped in on our journey down south where Beaconsfield. It was Cherwell Valley on the way back

Earlier in the day I had noticed a perfect shop for morning coffee, but I was overruled and told that it wasn’t the right time for morning coffee.  I did however manage to work my way back there for afternoon tea

The shop is associated with a hand made chocolatier of  over 30 years. The drinks are served with home made chocolates and the hot chocolate drink is served with real chocolate too.

I have to confess to succumbing to a cup cake, although it did have meringue on the top rather than butter sugar cream

PS: The days walking tallied up to 9 miles and I ended up with sore feet, I think the treat was well earned Later in the day everyone else was in bed by 10pm!!