The Scribbler likes 1#

A series of things and places which cheer your scribbler and warm the very cockles of his heart.
Predictably they are mostly food and drink based but there is a nod to my other passions en route.

Old Hat

Old Hat in Fulham is where Jeeves would encourage Betram Wooster to shop if he were not "rolling in the stuff". A shop for those that favour their vintage 'tailored-elegant' rather than 'retro-scruffy'. Inside awaits an incredible array of tailored Saville Row suits (£150 each for a suit which would have cost ten times that originally), tweeds, smoking jackets, waist coats, moleskins and evening wear.

Durham Cathedral and Palace Green

Sunday evensong in the quire of Durham Cathedral listening to one of the best choirs in the land is an oasis of beauty and calm in an otherwise vibrant student town. Palace Green sits loftily atop the bailey peninsular between the cathedral, Durham Castle, the university library and the debating chambers.

To declare my interest I am perhaps less than objective on this as I spent three years in the shadow of Durham cathedral as a student of St Chad's College (Durham University).

In the words of Bill Bryson

"Durham, I think, as anybody who has ever stepped out of the railway station and looked across the valley will appreciate, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

"The view of the cathedral is just absolutely stunning. I will never forget my first moment 30 years ago seeing it and it has been almost as exciting every time since.

"So there is all of that, a huge amount of history, a huge amount of beauty and a great deal of friendliness.

"If you have never been to Durham, go there at once. Take my car. It's wonderful."