70th Birthday

My mum turned 70 a couple of weeks ago and we took her out several times to celebrate. On her actual birthday, we had lunch at The White Post Cafe in Langford Budville which is little more than a large summer house and garden but very picturesque, in a rustic way. Their menu is limited but always fresh and seasonal.

Mum and my eldest enjoying lunch

We followed this up with a weekend away near Salisbury, spending the day at Heale House and Garden (whose cafe had a similar feel to The White Post). Both my sisters came too and we had a lovely (hot) time walking through the garden. There is a beautiful Japanese tea house in the garden but sadly you can't go inside, as well as a lovely Japanese bridge.

We discovered a lovely mint scented geranium with the most velvety leaves (later discovered this was indeed called peppermint geranium)! The kitchen garden was a joy to behold, especially a long arched walkway where they had trained apples to grow. A great place to visit. 

Our evening was spent at Howards House Hotel in a pretty little village off the A303 called Teffont Evias. It really was a special place. 

The food was absolutely exquisite with amuse bouche and a little palate freshener between courses. I had scallops with pea puree, salmon followed by creme brulee. I love creme brulee, but many places do not make it properly. This one, was perfection - I even filmed the crack! 

Me and Mum and the perfect creme brulee!

It was such a beautiful evening that we ate dinner on the terrace and watched a water vole going about his business along the stream. Thoroughly recommend it.

Love Mrs Jones x