Up early and we both took Bess out for a walk. I “pretended” I’d forgotten my phone and popped back inside… in reality to get the flowers, chocolates and bottle of bubbly I’d bought for Tash. Subtle.
The walk was good — we’re doing well keeping the routine going, which feels positive.
Back home, Tash was really pleased with her bits and gave me a card too. Then it was time to get ready for the day.
Charlotte and Miles arrived bang on time, with Miles driving as we headed into London. Quick stop at Beaconsfield Services where we used some of Jack’s Greggs voucher — repayment for covering his dinner the night before. Belgian buns, obviously. Excellent.
We parked on Bayswater Road with minimal fuss, grabbed some Boris bikes and cycled over to Oxford Street. Quick stop in M&S, then a very brisk march to John Lewis. I didn’t want to be late and apparently my determined pace caused some amusement — they’re not used to me striding out like that.
We weren’t late, but we were the last to arrive out of about 20 people for the Jamie Oliver pasta-making class at John Lewis. A glass of fizz on arrival (and Tash had pre-ordered a bottle for later too), then the chef talked us through the plan and did a demo.
It was actually very good. I was pleasantly surprised at how simple and quick it is to make fresh pasta — and equally how straightforward the sauces can be. We each had our own ingredients and station, so no one was left watching while someone else did all the work.
Genuinely great fun. Would definitely recommend it.
We ate what we’d made, grabbed our coats, said thanks and headed upstairs to the rooftop bar. Sat in one of the igloo pods, although I wasn’t keen — the acoustics were odd and a bit disorientating. Had a beer and a glass of champagne each before deciding to head off Oxford Street and find somewhere else.
Found a pub just off the main drag and went in. Busy upstairs, so we went downstairs where there was space — only to realise it seemed to be full of Japanese guests. We suspect we accidentally gatecrashed a private party. No one moved us on though, so we stayed put and carried on chatting and drinking.
We had train tickets booked for 5.45pm, and Charl and Miles were staying overnight, but they asked us to stay longer… so we did.
More drinks followed. We got properly merry — Tash especially.
As the evening rolled on, we decided we should probably head back. Quick stop in Selfridges to try some perfumes, then onto the gay pub (Quebec something-or-other) for a final drink.
Then it was time to part ways. I was more or less half-carrying Tash by this point.
We reached Marylebone at 10.10pm… and had missed our train by five minutes. Next one wasn’t until 11.05pm, and Tash was absolutely not prepared to wait that long. There was a train to Bicester North sooner, so we jumped on that and thankfully Jack agreed to pick us up.
Tash slept the whole way. I listened to music and sobered up slightly.
Jack got us home, we had some toast, and then straight to bed.
Such a fantastic day. Absolutely loved it.
End of Day Summary
A brilliant Valentine’s — thoughtful start, hands-on pasta fun, London wandering, too many drinks, mild chaos, and a late scramble home. Laughter, spontaneity and proper shared memories. One to remember. ❤️
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