Lunch in Borough Market pt 2

So it is true that it is difficult to sit down and eat lunch in Borough Market, a lot of standing up and shovelling down meat filled rolls goes on. Which is all well and good but we were looking for somewhere to sit and chat and recover from the rain. We tried the French Patisserie but were told we couldn't just have coffee but that we all had to eat, 'It is a patisserie' we were told rather snootily. So we decamped to shipp's tearooms and were welcomed with open arms, even told that they only did tea but we were welcome to go and buy a coffee and bring it in! Needless to say we didn't, we all had tea, served in retro little tea pots with floral china on freshly laundered table linen. It was fantastic and old fashioned but quite clearly styled that way, with china cups suspended from the ceiling and girls with rose bud complexions serving. Service was friendly, tea was delicious and the cakes were moist, buttery and everything that we hoped they would be. This all does not come cheaply, but then you are in Borough market so presumably you have already left your financial sense at the gates. I can't say exactly how much it cost because my Aunt kindly paid, but I did notice that she had to reach into her purse for an extra note when the bill came. However it is a great place, friendly, tasty, and extrememly well dressed.

Lunch in Borough Market

is actually farily tricky if you don't want ot eat standing up, outside or in a pub. I may be picky but all I ask for is a nice sandwich, good coffee, fine cake and a seat to sit on with a roof over my head. I realise space is at a premium but I would pay extra on top of the extra I am already paying just to be able to sit in at, for example, Konditor and Cook. Anyway I am off there to meet my mother and aunt and to pick up some bread at DeGustibus. Will report back...

Groats

Tonight we had groats made from oats. It was a risky shopping choice but we were feeling adventurous and it paid off. Joff cooked them while I occassionally tried to boss him around. He ignored me and the groats were really nice, cooked in water and with onions added they were soft on the outside but with a bit of bite, very comforting. Like barley but nicer. ANyway we had them with tofu burgery things, peas, broccoli, spring onions, red onion and a cucumber and sprout salad. Very vegtastic and I realise not everyone's cup of tea but it was delicious and meant that here was room for plum crumble afterwards...perfect.