Little haven of opulence up the coast.

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After a number of dreadful hotel/restaurant meals recently I was persuaded to take my wife and daughter to a hotel up the coast for lunch. I was quite prepared to be underwhelmed once again, but was pleasantly surprised. The hotel in question caters for a lot of weddings which doesn't bode well: we frequently see scantily clad damsels with butterflies in their hair wobbling on stilettos outside the hotel. But few wish to have their nuptials taking place on a cold, wet, windy day in December, especially by the sea, so we had the place almost to ourselves. The dining area and bar are spacious, with the tables set at a reasonable distance from each other. I do enjoy to be at a distance from other patrons while I dine. I had the traditional turkey and ham because I thought that might be successful, not because it's what I wanted, but I thought it best to play it safe. It was okay, but not good enough to merit a florid description on Mylot. However the salubrious aspect was just in sitting at the very comfortable chairs looking out across the bay with a glass of exceptional Merlot in my hand. It was all very opulent, with plush furnishings and a log fire. Lovely waitress. I finished with Christmas pudding sitting on a spill of warm, slightly spiced crème anglaise. The music was discreet but there was a problem with it. Quiet piano is good, but why oh why would a hotel restaurant be playing 'Abide with Me' at Christmas lunch time??? I was jolted reluctantly back to the grave side, not having conducted a funeral since last January when I retired. It conjured a strange atmosphere of sadness and nostalgia and I had to focus to quell the little lump that began to form in my throat. I didn't share that with my wife because it would have spoiled her dinner. Now I'm in the public library at the computer (obviously) and the man at the computer next to mine is tapping loudly in time to the music that is leaking from his headphones. I'm out of here before I lose it.