Orchid festival, Kew

Early start to Richmond -  we try to explore a new area of/near London each time we visit and settled on Richmond this time. Very cold, dull and overcast, so it probably wasn't looking its best, but it was very pretty nonetheless. We had a lovely walk along the river and a tasty lunch in an independent cafe near the station before heading to Kew Gardens and the Orchid festival. Kew was also not looking its best - we'd visit again further into the year next time. The orchid festival was nice to see but not sure I'd make a special trip from afar to see it. Back to Islington for a quick dinner with the boy and his girlfriend in a wee Vietnamese place across the road from his flat then onwards to the Regent Arms for the Thursday night pub quiz - a good time had by all if no prizes won!