As we finished up the specific London activities that had to get accomplished, we started checking off more “Matt-ish” destinations, as this started with the Ace Cafe. Admittedly, the night we went here it was pretty slow, just a few motorcycles outside, but on certain evenings there was evidence that there are hundreds of motorcyclists and car enthusiasts who frequent this place. This is a long time meeting spot for motorcyclists, dating back to when there was actually a rockers vs. mod culture here. Mind you, now, and for the last many years, it’s really just been a cafe. Now, not to bore you with a ton history on the establishment, as that information is readily available anywhere on the internet, I do want to say that this place has oddly good fish and chips. In fact, I guess I haven’t been to a place in London yet that has what I’d call “bad” fish and chips. No Long John Silver’s here!
Next stop was to Harrod’s. Now we arrived a bit early at this well-known shopping destination, the crowd was gathering outside like it was some type of show or concert, not just a fancy department store. As the doors (flood gates opened), people shuffled in, us as well, and we saw what all the spectacle was about. Everything you could possibly want, albeit at inflated prices, was here. We browsed several of the floors of the store before deciding we could live without most of the things here except for maybe some coffee/tea and a small snack before heading to our next destination. Here’s where things get a bit crappy for me. I purchased a donut as I tend to, one in every destination we go to, and promptly walked literally five steps to their coffee and tea bar to order a mocha and revel in my 4 pound (about 6 US dollars) sprinkle donut. We ordered tea and coffee and waited. As our server brought my coffee to me he informed me that unfortunately the pastries sold at the counter (literally less than five steps from his bar) were not for consumption inside the store and that I could not consume them while drinking his $8.00 mocha. Get bent. I was inexplicable angry at this poor guy who, although was probably just following some bureaucratic rules made by someone in a suit who flew into their helicopter pad (yes, there is one on top of Harrod’s) from time to time made up on a whim. This was insanity. I angrily finished my coffee and we went outside (this explains the donut photo from MIsty’s last post). I finally got to eat my donut in the shadow of Harrod’s. I’d love to complain about the donut, I’d love to say it was the worst donut I’d ever purchased and that the $6.00 price tag was inflated nonsense, unfortuately, I cannot. The donut was spectacular. I think it was more akin to a Bavarian cream filled sprinkle cronut. It was awesome, but still, screw Harrod’s rules. They don’t sell cars or motorcycles, so they won’t be missing much business from me anyways, but it’s still a stupid rule.
Our next destination was much more accommodating to my tastes, as we went to the Brooklands Museum. Brooklands in the oldest purpose-built racetrack in the world. They have many exhibits ranging from old open wheel cars to Formula 1 and an aviation section documenting the aircraft built here when the field turned to aircraft manufacturing during the war. They even have a Concorde exhibit. Next to Brooklands is Mercedes-Benz World. This place seems to be more of a branding exercise for Mercedes as they do have multiple dealerships in London, so I think it’s more about the racetrack and skid pad in front. They have several classics here including a pristine 300SL and a Grosser. The last stop this evening was Rules restaurant. I’m still not clear if it’s just a Bib Gourmand or actually has obtained a Michelin Star Rating, but I’d think between the level of service, the history, and the food, it probably deserves one if it doesn’t have one. The restaurant is the oldest in England, originally an oyster house, now serving “Authentic British Cuisine” including the venison I ordered. I must point out this was the best venison I’ve ever eaten, albeit the only venison I’ve ever eaten. If all of it tastes like this I do understand the frenzy that happens back in Oklahoma when bow season opens! Since we were in England we had to sample the sticky toffee pudding. It was also something to behold. I’m sure I’ve gained 10lbs on this trip and I’ll be back on eggs and chicken when I get back, but for the moment, I couldn’t pass up the pudding in the oldest establishment in England. It was worth it, but that’s not ice cream in the photo, it’s cream cheese. It took me a bit by surprise, but the velvety sourness of the cream cheese mellowed out the rich sweetness of the pudding quite nicely. Deliciously good, all of it, including that damn Harrod’s donut.
Our last day in London wouldn’t be in London at all, but in Castle Bromwich at the Jaguar manufacturing plant. If you happen to drive a Land Rover or Jag, chances are it was probably made in either this plant or very close by. Unfortunately, I don’t have any photos of this experience as they do not allow photos on the tour, but I can say it was seriously impressive. Between the amount of aluminum used in the new Jags, to the levels of lean six sigma automation in their factory, this place runs like a well-oiled machine, much like the ones they roll of their assembly lines every day. Well, with that, we’re off to Iceland, the land of fire and ice…and probably more ice…and snow… We’ll see!
