From Portobello Road to Brixton

Saturday was another big day out with Tom and Jo. This was also the last day they would be spending in London before heading off to the beaches of Malaysia. :(

We wanted to make a big day of it and Marg has been dying to go to Portobello Road markets in Notting Hill so we killed a few birds with one rock. We all met up in Notting Hill early (well 9ish is early to us) and went to a local cafe for breaky. The breakfast place happened to be across the road from the famous Travel Bookshop from the film 'Notting Hill' so we ducked in for a sticky beak.

(1) Arriving in Portobello Road. (2) The Bookshop from the film.

We wandered around the markets until the crowd became unbearable Tom and Jo had to go and spend time with their family so Marg and I headed home for some lunch and a power nap. Whilst in the markets we did run into some people Marg knew from Australia, believe it or not, some very welcome others... not so.

(1) Tom posing. (2) Why we got there early.

Fast forward to about 7pm and We are heading to Brixton (South London) to Ratty's (AKA Andy) house for a low key farewell dinner.

Marg and I actually beat Tom and Jo there so Ratty and his lovely Girlfriend Jools took us to their 'front room' or 'the pub across the road' as it's also know. We met Tom and Jo on the stairs on the way down and all headed over for a quick pint.

Afterwards we were all pretty hungry so we decided we would order some food. We ordered from local Indian takeaway place and seemed to buy one of everything on the menu. The food was fantastic (the "Exceptionally Tasty Lentils" were particularly good) and the company was better. Ratty played us a couple of tracks from his band's record "Lummox" which I subsequently stole a copy of as it is fantastic. The band's name is 'Idiot Son' go buy the record here, you wont regret it.

Before we knew it, it was time for Marg and I to leave.

(1) Ratty & Jools in the agony of indecision. (2) What happens if you buy two of everything on the menu.

We had a great time with Tom and Jo visiting (as the blog will attest to) and we miss them already. Thanks for showing us such a great time guys and keep in touch!

We're going to miss them