Yesterday, we had an exciting morning, shopping at Sainsburys and M&S. In the afternoon, as an antidote to all this retail madness, we popped up to Sweet Times in Langley Park for a slice of cake and a coffee. Not just any cake you understand…

It’s a lovely little cafe, run by Suzanne, one of my Mum’s friends…

Today, we’d arranged to meet our friends Malcolm and Margaret in Bedale for lunch. Our choice of venue was Upstairs at Institution Last year we encountered the charming team that runs the cafe by travelling on the tea train. Refresh your memory here ‘Pardon me boy, is this the chive and chutney choo choo?’ Naturally the cafe is every bit as good as the train (though without the gentle sway of the carriage and the rolling countryside past your window).

The food is as good as it looks, just delicious. We were even tempted to take home some slices of cake. Service is impeccable and the decor and atmosphere enchanting. We’ll definitely be back.

We called into Durham to collect a cake for my Mum’s party tomorrow. If you equate quality with weight it should be exceptional……