Keeping Cool in the sudden heatwave!!

[sejintenej]

Dear "Angry" from France

c'est la vie monsiuer!!

Ah, Non, madame, non, non et encore un non.

aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!!!! when oi was in charge of Trades they did the job proper loike - no disgruntled customers allowed. Not loike this half trained imitation of a scatterbrain. We ensured that every boy could carry 5 plates full of slops at the same time - otherwise he had to clean his own coat - they had to complete with the Nippys and beat them or risk getting beaten.

(Nippys - famous service ladies the like of which we are unlikely to see again)

[Jude]

I was going to say - what was a nippy - We carried 3 plates, and wore pinnies - obviously it was either deemed you boys should be punished for making your bluecoats dirty, or that we had to get used to wearing an apron! The only time I wear an apron these days is when I am potting with clay on the wheel!

[Richard Ruck]

Wasn't a 'Nippy' a lady who served in a Lyons Corner House?

[Jude]

Wasn't a 'Nippy' a lady who served in a Lyons Corner House?

I don't know I have only ever been in one Lyons Tea Shop - and I can't remember wether it was London or York.. I think it might havebeen York.. but you have 3 added years of learning on me RR..

[Richard Ruck]

Wasn't a 'Nippy' a lady who served in a Lyons Corner House?

I don't know I have only ever been in one Lyons Tea Shop - and I can't remember wether it was London or York.. I think it might havebeen York.. but you have 3 added years of learning on me RR..

I've never been to one.......

[Jude]

Wasn't a 'Nippy' a lady who served in a Lyons Corner House?

I don't know I have only ever been in one Lyons Tea Shop - and I can't remember wether it was London or York.. I think it might havebeen York.. but you have 3 added years of learning on me RR..

I've never been to one.......

All I remember was a quaint shop on a corner with tables (often set out for 2) you were seated, and a menu was given by a lady in black wearing a tradtional white apron (with bib), cakes were brought on a muti layered cake stand, and puddings were wheeled in on a portable glass cupboard thing! you paid for what cakes you ate, (the idea you left as many as possible I think!!)

I can't remember how old I was - but I know I thought it was a very impressive place.. so I was still impressionable - so it has to be over 24 years ago!

[Rory]

Why - what happened when you were 18 that stopped you being impressionable.?????

[Jude]

I was a nurse - and we were taught the truth - had been in nursing since 17 - so by 18 I knew about how you got pregnant and had been to the pub with mates etc.. never had a hangover however much I mixed my drinks until I hit 33.... Am dreading what will happen when I hit 44!!!

[Rory]

44's great - I did that 2 years ago!!

[Richard Ruck]

I got made redundant when I was 43 - that was a laugh!

[Jude]

I got made redundant when I was 43 - that was a laugh!

I already am!

[J.R.]

Wasn't a 'Nippy' a lady who served in a Lyons Corner House?

Yes Richard.

I remember going to Lyons corner houses with mum in the 50's when visiting London.

Very smart uniforms on the 'Nippy's, and a standard of politeness and service sadly lacking today.

[Richard Ruck]

Aaaahhh, we're discussing afternoon tea. That's better, isn't it?

What sort of cakes could you get in the '50s?

Battenberg, Custard Tarts, Eccles Cakes, Cream Horns..........?

[J.R.]

Aaaahhh, we're discussing afternoon tea. That's better, isn't it?

What sort of cakes could you get in the '50s?

Battenberg, Custard Tarts, Eccles Cakes, Cream Horns..........?

They also did a really respectable Welsh Rarebit, or eggs on toast.

[Jude]

I agree that the standard of service was above what is normally seen today - however, for those who like good food and good friendy service - I can recommend a small restuarant in Stroud called Tinto - it's run by an English Chef and his hungarian girlfriend (standards in Hungary for catering are much higher than in the UK!) the food is 5* prices are middle of the road - costly, but hte service, the friendliness and the fact you can stay there playing solitaire or reading for as long as you like pretty much makes it my fav place!