So, 2024 sees the remarkable, almost unheard of celebration of 50 Glorious Years of marriage of the deadly duo behind this blog. Married so long ago it was before we knew the earth was round. It was a Saturday, and the anniversary will be on a Saturday too. How’s that for Proper Planning, eh?

Well, how to celebrate? It all seems too momentous for a single event. 40 years saw a gathering of friends at home, catered by the most excellent Yorkshire Party Company (albeit a year late) and 45 years saw dinner for two at Murano in Mayfair – we love Italian food.

We’ve got a few things in the diary, but Event 1.1/12 in January saw us venture south to London to see Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands at Sadlers Wells – you can catch it at regional theatres too. So to kick off a year of events we returned to a couple of favourite haunts – Murano and J Sheekey. 

We stayed right next to the British Museum (yes, we looked at the Elgin Parthenon Marbles – magnificent) and walked to Murano – 2.57km (1.6 miles) on the coldest night since 2010, even in London. Now, prices have gone up a bit since 2019. Then it was 3 courses for £55, and now that’s £95. Still the overall bill wasn’t that much different – must have been more stingy with the wine this time. At 19:00 we were the second group to arrive and by 19:30 the place was packed. Recession? Not even here on a very cold Wednesday in mid January. According to Hardens it’s the best value Michelin Star restaurant in London.

Thursday saw a visit to (1) The London Review bookshop, buying Alan Bennett’s Pandemic diaries followed by (2) lunch at Caravan in Exmouth Market, before the theatre (old people’s matinee). Great small plate/large plate offering with some brilliant orange Sauvignon. Must buy some.

Thursday night sees a revisit of J Sheekey (Event 1.3) at a very civilised 19:30 – when we’ve been before it’s almost always been after the theatre – often at 22:30. But we’re old now and that’s past our cocoa/camomile tea time.

Restaurant Murano, London