Having discovered Elsie’s on Thursday, it was almost more than I could manage to keep from blathering about it to Teresa. But I wanted to treat her to a surprise.
So Saturday morning we I drove us to Fotheringay, near Oundle, Northamptonshire, where we stopped at the funky little bridge over the River Nene, to enjoy the idyllic weather and beautiful views.
I’d booked us a table for 1pm. And we were rather early. I very nearly blurted out where we were headed several times. But Teresa was enjoying the scenic B-road trip. We had a flask of coffee. All was well!
Nassington village, like many in this neck of Northamptonshire, is gorgeous. Fashioned in local stone. It seems to have sprung from the ground.
The view above is more or less exactly what I first saw, when I took a wrong turn on Thursday, and espied a flash of my favourite shade of green!
As I parked Teresa saw a signboard outside the tea room. And finally twigged. I’d suggested we get all togged up, smart and a bit ‘40s-ish. She thought we were off to a ‘40s show, or modelling or wargaming event!
I was pleased to see she was as gobsmacked by the exterior as I had been. And like me, she wanted to photograph the fabulous exterior. A regular patron spotted us, and popped out, offering to photograph us (see above).
Graham, one half of the husband and wife team who run the place, had reserved us a table in a perfect spot. And attended to us in an unhurried manner, befitting the relaxed mood of the place (great period music playing in the background!).
As Teresa and I basked in the ambience of the place, we chose baked potatoes from the humble and affordable menu. And a pot of tea for two; a blend of Earl Grey and Lapsang Souchong (what Teacock’s Pearoom call a ‘?’).
It was very gratifying to observe Teresa’s rapt and enthusiastic response to the place. She, just as I did, was entranced, and blown away by the attention to detail.
The food was hearty and delicious. As well as the baked spuds, and fillings (tuna mayo’ plus cheese, for; ditto for the mrs, but with added beans!), there was a small ‘slaw, and a nice salad, with vinaigrette dressing.
The tea was lovely, as was the bone China service. And the water came in a gorgeous period set that I covet deeply!
Although we were both snapping away merrily, once the food came I forgot all about that, and tucked in. So no pics of the grub by yours truly!
But I wasn’t going to omit getting pics of the famous knickerbocker glory dessert!
As well as chatting with the very sociable chap, who lives just a few doors away – and, he told us, met his wife at Elsie’s – we talked with Graham (I’ll come back to that!) and several of the other customers. The whole thing was wonderfully peasant, facilitated by the exquisite and meticulously curated ambience.
It turns out Graham, the patron, was formerly a DJ, and gigged with many bands I love, including Thin Lizzy. Even taking tea with Phil’s mum, Philomena! We had a good chinwag about music.
Wow!