And so it came to pass that the Bengal Curry House (St James St, Walthamstow) were unable to seat 5 of us last night due to a large party of badly dressed, mouth breathers. We backtracked to Khans (also St James St, Walthamstow) where we got the last table. We always walk straight past Khans whenever curry beckons as it’s quite new to the block. Plus it doesn’t have lots of red velvet banquettes, chandeliers and murals of tea pickers so therefore always seemed ‘fake’. Khans proved to be a very refreshing change. Lot’s of blond wood, geometric modern art on the walls and new dishes on the menu that tickled our fancies. Sitting round the table with me and Darren (Darren and Dave 2001-) were Tom (Tom and Dave, 1985-1995), Lucio (Lucio and Dave, 1996-1999) and Martin (Darren and Martin, 1993-2000). A warm glow came over me (nothing to do with the chilli-chicken dish) as I looked around at everyone chatting, drinking and eating and I thought to myself "I love these people and I love my life with them". A kind of corny moment but one which made me feel good.
Tom stumped up for the bill which was nice. He’s in town for the weekend from Zurich so lock up your sons (actually, lock up their Dads too, just to be on the safe side).
At the local dump of a gay bar later that evening Crystal Waide attempted to entertain the masses but failed miserably. What a dump.
I’m off to Northumberland tomorrow on a big fast train. Haven’t seen my family for a few months so thought I better stick my head round the door. Then on Wednesday I’m traveling from Newcastle to Blackpool for 2 nights to do some property research. Time for a 2nd home by the sea we think. Blackpool? How common! How very ‘us’!