This was going to be the year my sister & I spoilt our Mum spoilt rotten for her birthday. It passed with the blink of any eye last year with my granddad being in hospital so it was time to celebrate, albeit a year late (& another year older!) So off we pottered in to York on a brisk, January day. We laughed and giggled and pondered wondering how long it would take for us to get in to Betty’s. For those who don’t know this delicate, Yorkshire privilege is that there is normally a trail of winding around the tall, grand windows of Betty’s as far as the eye can see to eat a Fat Rascal or macaroon. But boy, is it worth it! We only queued for 15 minutes or so & once we got inside we were met with warmth and the decadent smell of coffee beans and all things sweet.
We were taken downstairs to another room & immediately my sister & I piped ”I feel like I’m on the Titanic” & it really did feel like we had time travelled back to 1912. The wood panelling and the boozy, dim lights made it feel more intimate than the large room upstairs with tourists staring at you. Of course, upon handed the menu’s we all opted for the afternoon tea. I, of course, went for a glass of champagne (as one does!) And what a feat we had. The delicate little sandwiches were just divine, I could have eaten a mountain of the smoked salmon sandwiches & I think my sister would have joined me in that too. A scone with jam & clotted cream was next on the agenda. By this time I was nearly bursting at the seams but it was my mission to tackle the ”third course” of a selection from the patisserie stand. A fruit tart, a decadent chocolate cake & an almond macaroon, all of which were yummy in their own special way. We sipped team laughed & giggled some more. I felt so happy in that moment spending time with the dearest woman in my life, Mum, Nana & Jessica. We vowed we needed to do this more often!
No visit to Betty’s is complete without having a little wander round the shop upstairs. I was desperate for some chocolate macaroons which were so amazing, they just melt in your mouth. I also, picked up a cute little chocolate heart to take back for Mr C, yes, it may sound cute but of course I made him share it.
Did you have a lovely weekend too? Have you been to Bettys, if so what was your favourite sweet treat?
Rebecca xxx
I don’t know about you, but every now & then I like to have my husband all to myself. No dogs, no friends & no in-laws in tow. Thanks to Vue Cinema who kindly gifted us some tickets to watch a film of our choice I was going to get that night with my husband (oh, and maybe Liam Neeson too?)
In true cinema style we headed to Frankie & Benny’s to fill our tummy’s with some scrumptious food beforehand. It’s something of a ritual that we must go to one of those big food chains and pig out on as much food as you can so you can then sit in a food coma during the film.On arrival it was a little busy so I ordered my favuourite cocktail, a ”Woo Woo.” It had to be one of the best versions that I have ever tried, full points to F&B’s for an awesome cocktail & James had a Stella to clear away the cobwebs. After being seated in our little booth Icouldn’t help but find myself singing/humming along to the American Italian music that was filling the air. The atmosphere at Frankie & Benny’s is second to none, especially when the Birthday Boy or Girl has to stand on the chair and have a resounding chorus of ”Happy Birthday” sang to them.
As I perused the menu I just could not decide what to have, everything sounded too tasty! I finally decided upon Garlic & Cheese mushrooms for my starter & the New Jersey Chicken for my main course. Both of which were spot on. The New Jersey Chicken isa whole fresh chicken breast topped with crispy bacon and pulled pork, smothered in their famous BBQ and jalapeño cheese sauces. Served with spicy onion rings, corn on the cob, coleslaw & fries. James had the meatball starter & the Black Pepper Mayo burger, which he struggled with mainly because of the bread but he said it was delicious all the same! Service was a little slow but it was a Saturday night & truth be told we were happy just taking our time as we were a little early for the film. So of course desert was needed & we opted for the decadent Peanut Butter Cheesecake with peanut butter ice-cream. I am sure some of you saw the photos on Instagram & it really did taste as good as it looked. Thankfully Mr C & I shared as it was a masterpiece but very sweet!
Now, Mr C & I bickered all day about what film to go see. He wanted to see Taken 3 & I wanted to see Theory of Everything. Of course, he bloody won but on the contraire he picked up the tab at F&B’s so I will let him have this one, this time! And you know what, I’m pretty glad we did go see it as it was so fast paced & action packed I did not want to move my eyes from the screen. For those who don’t know what Taken 3 is all about have a little read here! After being assigned seats closer to the back (I didn’t know you couldn’t sit where you liked anymore with Vue. This was a bit of a pooper as it felt like everyone was sat on each others knee’s!) I got comfy in my corner & then I slowly gauged my way through a large popcorn, which is a must when you go to the cinema right? The thrill of the film was just too much to bear, (spoiler alert coming!) was Liam Neeson going to catch who killed his ex-wife? Who was going to get there ass royally kicked next? You just didn’t know. Even though it was a later screening it was jam-packed with Taken die-hard fans who ”Oh’ed” & gasped in the right places.
It was pretty late when we got out of the cinema & terribly icy, after a debate of whether or not we should meet some friends at the pub we decided against it & headed home. We’d had a lovely evening & it was time to get in our PJ’s and get ready for a nice, lazy Sunday!
Have you been to the Cinema recently? What did you go see? Let me know your suggestions for next time!
Rebecca xxx
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