Barter Books, Alnwick

It may seem a little odd to include a bookshop in this list of eateries, however, it is not here by mistake.

Barter Books can be found housed in what until the late 1960s was Alnwick railway station and is a famous secondhand bookshop with a huge range of titles in all genres. I also had a model railway running around part of the shop, above head height which adds to the immense charm of the place.

We were told that it wasn't until some renovations were in hand that the owners discovered the old station waiting rooms concealed behind an interior wall. This is now a café, although there are also some tables in the larger spaces between the books at which customers can enjoy some refreshment.

Two Northumbrian Rarebits (one gluten free), one four-rasher bacon baps, one fishcakes, all accompanied by thrice cooked chips. Pots of tea all round.

Great lunch, fabulous environment and, of course, excellent company.

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The Artichoke, Amersham

This record of Old People Eating began on 17th February 2022 with atrip to the splendid Artichoke in Amersham. That was a celebration of our 15th wedding anniversary and today was a birthday treat. I am very happy to report that this restaurant remains an excellent choice. We once again had the tasting menu (the full one, of course, rather than the lunch version) and it was thoroughly and deliciously enjoyable from start to finish. Perhaps the hand-dived scallop had been cooked for a few seconds too long, but that was easily forgiven and forgotten as the meal continued. I posted the menu in 2022, so feel I should do the same here: For special occasions and a real treat, we will return.

The Craster Arms, Beadnell

We spent the morning walking along a truly beautiful Northumberland coast, to the east of Bamburgh. Wide stretches of clean, soft sand and mudflats with a wide variety of shore and sea birds. This sharpened the appetite and we found The Craster Arms in the seaside village of Beadnell. Two pork belly with mashed potatoes, crackling and seasonal vegetables, followed by one bread and butter pudding with custard and one Cointreau Irish coffee. And a bowl of water for the dog we had borrowed so that we could talk to strangers.

Pedyr's Bake House, Polperro

After a pleasant coastal walk from Talland to Polperro on the south coast of Cornwall and a wander around that charming harbour town, we called in to Pedyr's Bake House and bought a traditional pasty for each of us. Pasties had been taken three times already on this trip, but this one felt deserved as the path along to coast had some steep sections. It was only a mile and a half from point to point but felt longer. Lovely views, a memorably close encounter with a chiffchaff and kind weather in both directions. The pasties were consumed on a bench overlooking the harbour where the resident gulls were kept under close observation by us and we by them. Only one raid was attempted and this was partially successful. The pasties were excellent. Fresh, not too hot and filled with softly cooked beef, potato and swede. Crusty short pastry and enough moisture to avoid any hint of heaviness. A trip to the roof garden of the Three Pilchards rounded off the lunch before a final tour of the vi...

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