A short break in September to Stockholm, we managed to dodge the showers and get some sunshine.

First stop the Cathedral – well worth a look with the brick built pillars

Next stop the Royal Palace, but I didn’t take any photos. Then the big one – the Vasamuseet.

Followed by the Nordiska Museet – a general, huge collection of everyday things

Walked back via the Ostermalmshallen, a rather splendid Deli hall

Friday was a bit inclement but we ventured out to the Skansen open air museum

And of course, we had to do the Abba museum

Here’s a few pictures of the hotel

Saturday we visited the City Hall

and then on to the Modern Art Museum

.. and some pretty pictures from the aeroplane

September holiday break to Stockholm saw some very expensive restaurants and eateries, so we were down with the pizza and pasta for most of the trip. Here’s where we went

Wednesday 16th  – Mid Afternoon beer stop at the Engelen Restaurant.

Wednesday evening – Tutto Bello.  Tucked away Italian, no reservation so we sat outside. Superb pizza and excellent risotto

Thursday – Mid afternoon stop at the Sturehof Restaurant. Impeccable service, prices to match.

Thursday evening – Da Peppe Due – terrible name but decent Italian. Food was a bit ordinary, pizza not a patch on the previous evening.

Friday- Belgobarren  – very popular Belgian style restaurant. The Reeindeer was special, the salmon very good.

Lunchtimes we mostly snacks at the attractions, Friday we had a ‘proper’ lunch at the Riche Restaurant. Food very good but we got tucked away in a side bar and paid a high price for a non street view perch.

With James home and Evie visiting, it was a family gathering locally at The Red Lion in Overton for a Birthday Meal. With the White Hart opening recently,  the Red Lion has really upped its game

Starters – a chicken skewer and an expensive but very good Charcuterie platter

Mains – Cod with Mussels, Beef Tenderloin, Sirloin Steak and Mushroom Sauce, Fish and Chips

Puddings – Raspberry and white |Chocolate Creme Brulee, Chocolate something and Gin and Orange Trifle

Early morning round with Dave Stevenson, having gone close on the 9th got that extra bit of luck on the 13th at Test Valley. First one ever. Cheers

Meeting up with friends Barry and Maureen for a meal at the Eagle Tavern and a National Trust House

One of several trips to the National this year.

Too tired to cook at the end of the week, so Northbrook Arms, East Stratton

Steak Pie and Fish in Chips. Get In !

Great Concert

A couple of trips out. First a long ride out and a convenient Beer Festival at the Northbrook Arms, East Stratton.

Then a day at Twickenham for the Aviva Premiership Final – Bath v Saracens. A few beers first and then up to the stadium

Then a few beers after while we watched the Cup Final – Arsenal v Villa, and then a curry at the Gurkha Inn.

and then a sleep on the train, missing getting off at Basingstoke, so home via Winchester !