Dull day, duller blip.

Mrs FP expressed a need for a jam maker (following a blackcurrant mishap that has turned our kitchen purple). So off through squally showers to Lakeland in Stirling where they are half price! Ever the one for a bargain we decided the money saved would furnish us with lunch at nearby Blairmains. Having lunched there before in the restaurant (very very good) we opted for their express option (less than very very good and certainly not express).

The staff were very nice but kitchen and front of house service shambolic. Two snacks, a tea and a coffee and a glass of water involved four different waitresses . The table next to us fared little better, coffee going cold before their cakes arrived. Lack of organisation and training as the owners swanned in and out thinking everything was perfect.

"Yes yes" you cry, "We know you are a grumpy curmudgeon, but what did you have?"

A haggis and cheese toastie. I accept it is a little off piste but it was actually very nice and with a very generous haggis filling. The tea however was a mug of hottish water and a tea bag in the saucer. Wrong wrong wrong.

The shop is ludicrously overpriced but I did find their furniture very nice and at reasonable cost for the style and quality.

From there followed a wet dog walk.

Hopefully tomorrow will find the two o'clock club (dog walking pals) less soggy.