Valentine's Day - not something I've ever really celebrated (even when attached), but on this particular one, I decided to take myself out for lunch and get an easy tick off the list. Because you know, you're worth it Jules. Mindful of the budget, I set off to the Victoria and Albert Museum (or as it's better known, the V&A).
I've been here several times before and it is a great museum (and free - unless you want to see one of the special exhibitions), but on all my previous visits, I'd never gone to the cafe and I had heard that it was worth visiting.
So after a stroll around the museum, it was off to the cafe to partake in some light refreshments. And sure enough it is stunning, as befitting of the world's oldest museum restaurant. The original "Refreshment Room" (as it was called) was built in 1856 and described at the time as 'hideously ugly' by a leading newspaper. Settle down, can't have been that bad, but apparently it was as it was knocked down in 1867.
The current cafe is made up of three rooms – the Gamble, Poynter and Morris Room and were opened in 1868, although the gorgeous decorating continued for many years. Anyway, after a look around, it was time to peruse the food offerings. Not being overly hungry, I decided on a rather fancy sounding Early Grey fruit scone (prefer without the fruit, but it was all they had) and a nice pot of tea. How English have I become? Lovely V&A tray clutched in hand, finding a table proved a little difficult (I can see why it would be a popular choice), but shared one in the Poynter Room with all its beautiful Dutch Blue ceramic tiles. On the walls, the painted tiles represent the months and seasons, as well as the signs of the zodiac and looking up, I was sat under October - perfect. A very pleasant spot for afternoon tea - scone was average, setting was lovely. Mission accomplished and a tick off the list.
I must mention that before I headed over to the V&A I had a quick stroll around the new garden at the Natural History Museum next door. Another fabulous museum here in London, this is also one that I've been to several times, however, I'd never stopped to take a look at the new garden that was opened recently. It's been really well done and I can now say I've seen the dinosaur I see from the bus window up close.
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