Sunday Roast

Yesterday, we watched the boats crossing to Portsmouth Harbour and noted how they got later and later during the day. I think I said on Friday that the smaller boat in use this weekend isn’t as fast as the regular boat, and I guess the delays must add up. As we had an advance train ticket for a train at about 11:30am, we didn’t want to risk a delay and decided that the 9:45am crossing would allow for any problems. I am glad we did. A considerable crowd was waiting, and we were not sure we’d get on board. I started checking the hovercraft timings, but that was all booked up for suitable sailings. Portsmouth were playing Leeds at noon, so this was one of the crossings supporters would need to take. It added to the number of people trying to get on board.

In the end, there was room for everybody, but I think this might be the closest we’ve ever been to not being able to get the boat we wanted. Although it was marginally delayed, it wasn’t too late. That gave us an hour to pass, and we had a second breakfast in the Pret at Gunwharf Quays before returning to the station to take the train to Hedge End.

T met us at Hedge End, and we went to his house. We had an hour and gave him his birthday present – the Isle of Wight goodies we’d picked up yesterday – before heading out to the pub for lunch. Trevor had found a new pub for us to try, which had excellent reviews. We were, therefore, stunned to find it empty when we went there. Apparently, it was very unusual not to be packed for Sunday lunch. It did get busier.

The menu is simple: a couple of starters and roasts for the main. T went for the beef, and PY and I went for the roast lamb. A full plate of meat, potatoes, vegetables and a Yorkshire pudding was served. Then, a vast gravy boat was placed on the table, followed by another plate featuring cauliflower cheese and more vegetables. There was a lot of food, and we can see why the reviews are so good: the food was excellent value. The Pear Tree on Winchester Road, Botley, is recommended.