Thursday evening. About half past seven. The Bath Arms near Longleat....
"Err.... We have no booking in your name, Mr Baker." "You are joining 9 others for dinner ? We have no booking for that number"....
Not a great start. Am I in the right place ?? Am I on the right date ??
A couple of nervy telephone calls - and I establish that I am in the right place at the right time. Which is a bit of a relief...
"We have no rooms left. But there is the gatehouse down in the park..."
And so it came to pass that I spent Thursday night at the end of the Longleat drive, with the most fantastic views of the stately home and grounds. The only marginal downside being the pitch black walk "home" after dinner through the Park, tales of the "Longleat Lions" ringing in my ears. Each hedge that I strode past seemed to rustle and shake as if a giant cat was about to leap out. In all probability, it was no more than a couple of slugs munching on a leaf - but I was relieved to reach "home" unscathed.....
To London this evening for the Fitzdares ("probably the finest bookmakers in the world"...) annual Breeders Cup dinner. Always an eclectic and interesting gathering - and great fun. And hopefully another good time in the Californian sun for the Europeans.
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