Silverwood Gardens, Howick Hall

Turned up at Wallington House and Gardens this morning all ready to see what was on offer and partake in a much recommended 1940s tea only to find that the house was shut on Tuesdays and only the garden was open. Ha, should have checked.

After much deliberation and consultaing of maps we decided to go to Howick Hall gardens as other people had recommended the place.

It was OK, but had a largly naturalised feel to it, nothing special but the Silverwood garden was quite good with its displays of rhododendrons and azaleas. A fairly nice soup but with small bread portion in the cafe. Scone was OK though, if a little small.

Then back to the Hall for our turn to provide dinner for 10. A beef stew had been in the slow cooker of the Aga since 9.00am this morning so all that remained was to boild potatoes and carrots and cook peas, open cheese and let it breath. Then that's our cooking over for the week.