retiredmartin

December 26th 2025. Tonbridge.

Our boys were keen to get the grandparent visits done early on Boxing Day and head back North, and with no Christmas night entertainment in Waterbeach (they play charades and whist in Histon) we found ourselves on the M11 by 8 sharp.

Mrs RM was suddenly alarmed at being at her parents too early; the lads were in need of a proper feed after spag bol, stew and crisps on Christmas Day.

That’s the occasion Spoons are made for.

10 minutes from the in-laws, Tonbridge’s Humphrey Bean had unusually quiet trade at 9:30 compared to the Sodom and Gomorrah of summer.

Granny (my mum was always Nanna) is unlikely to repeat the Xmas Day roast and trimmings, cold cuts are the norm, so Matt and I go Big.

I do wish JDW wouldn’t put the calories on the menu.

I have fond memories of taking James and Matthew to the official launch of those American pancakes in Market Harborough.

In truth, it’s a pile of beige stodge, rather bettered by my Mother-in-Law’s homemade pate and brandy butter 4 hours later (why do folk eat so late at Christmas?).

With me the DES now, and the boys driving home later, only Mrs RM could have partaken in the Spoons cask, which all looks good.

But she was saving herself for the G & T and M & S Beaujolais. Tradition, eh ?

Two long trips back to Sheffield via Waterbeach later, a rest at last.

In the morning, Matt rustled up a quality cooked breakfast from Aldi’s finest.

What a gem.