Day trip to Stow on the Wold

We are still waiting for the service/MOT/tax disc etc. to be sorted on Kevin (the Kon Tiki) so while we were in Stratford we thought we would catch up with one of GJs old school friends who lives in Stow on the Wold.  Something in my mind made me think that it would be a quaint little village with thatched cottages, a village green/pub and possible a post office.  In reality it is quite a big town (bigger than Windermere but smaller than Kendal for those who live where I used to), which has a thriving tourist trade and lots of coaches.  Pretty tho' the centre may be, within a stones throw is a big Tesco which somewhat brings you back to reality.

Our friend Nigel took us for a look round the village/town and right in the centre was the church with an unusual doorway..

Were the trees or church here first?

 

After we returned to our cottage and ablutions done, we ventured into Stratford to a restaurant that had been recommended by the cottage owner.  Loxley's.  We had booked which was just as well because even though Stratford is full of eateries, they all seemed to be bouncing even on a Tuesday night.  We had a Tapas sharing platter to start which even though it sounds Spanish, contained the following: Hot spicy chorizo (Spanish), Salt and pepper squid (Chinese!), Olives (Spanish, Italian or Greek), Aioli (Spanish), Almonds (from anywhere), Sun blushed tomatoes (Italy) and Pitta bread strips (Greek).  Very nice though.  Next I had lamb done two ways (rack & braised belly) with dauphinoise potatoes & veg whilst GJ had rib eye steak with peppercorn sauce and skinny fries.

All washed down with a decent Shiraz

Having not been out for this type of meal for a long time, it was an eye opener to see the prices (old lady speak) nevertheless, we did enjoy it.  We got a taxi back and GJ enjoyed talking to the polish taxi driver who had the same moans and groans that he experienced at Windermere.