Piggy's ressurrected in Chatham

Looking back toward Rochester

Arriving early in Rochester, we decide to walk toward Chatham and Piggy's Cafe where we ate breakfast several years ago.

We curve around the boat harbour, pass a synagogue, and admire the surviving pre-war buildings along the high street.
We look back and see the spire of Rochester Cathedral and the keep of Rochester Castle behind us.

The Old Piggy's of Chatham

New Piggy's of Chatham Cafe

To our surprise we come upon Piggy's re-located in a smaller venue.  Ted, the proprietor, greets us merrily and takes our order.  Turns out that two years ago he was forced to move from the larger premises by the Town Council -- and what's frustrating to Ted is that the building still stands empty, along with other spaces along the row of store fronts where several businesses used to reside.

Pizzazz in the Old Piggy's

He tells the story that initially no compensation was offered, and then denied when requested.  Finally "after a fight," he received some compensation.  But the other closed businesses, those that did not query the eviction and did not seek compensation, received none.

Giant pig at previous venue

The previous Piggy's of Chatham Cafe displayed numerous ceramic pigs; now there is room for only a few.  A sad turn of events for Ted and Piggy's.

But gratefully he still flips tasty soft fried eggs, and brews a strong cup of English tea.

The Piggy's Cafe we remembered

An interesting Breakfast in Britain.

Breakfast by the seaside in Hove

Up in the early morning light, we head to Hove on the Channel.  The 90 minute trip (by car) is quiet, as the commuters are still asleep. 

We beeline for Linda's Cafe on Kingsway, across from the working harbour, which we enjoyed once before a couple years ago. We remember, hopefully, that she opens early. 

Sure enough, the sign announces a 6:00 am opening time.  We appreciate the endless free parking along Kingsway, dash through the damp cold, and enjoy the toasty welcoming warmth of Linda's Cafe.  Two mugs of hot brewed tea soon warm our hands and palettes. We're welcomed by Linda and her daughter, Katie:  Linda cooks and Katie serves, at least this morning that's the arrangement.  With a broad smile, Linda proudly exclaims that she's been in business 22 1/2 years. 

Happy Husband orders the "Jack Size Breakfast," as opposed to the King Size and the Queen Size.  I stick to my two soft fried eggs on toast.  All delicious!

The atmosphere is homey and friendly with most clientèle being called by name.  And the place is CLEAN!  Super clean!  We peak in the kitchen, and it literally shines.  Linda proudly explains that she's received 5-stars from the "Food Hygiene Rating" board every year since she opened.  We can see why.  Even the back garden, where the loo is located, is loved and cared for.  Impressive.

The walls are free of artwork and clutter except for a cutlery clock -- remember those from the we'll-make-anything-from-anything craft era? 

After a meal, and a couple crossword puzzles, we walk into Hove.  Offering a model shop, numerous charity shops along a pedestrian street,and a long seaside promenade, Hove remains one of our favourite day-out destinations.  

On our way back to the car at the end of the day, we stop at the FISH shop and buy some seafood to enjoy back in the city. 

A great day in Hove, and we plan to come back!

1932 MB's Cafe & hidden Roman & Medieval treasures in the City of London -- celebrating Shakespeare's 450th Birthday Week!

Off we head to St George's Day celebrations at Leadenhall Market in the City of London just above London Bridge. We hop on the 21 Bus heading to Newington Green via London Bridge.  After crossing the Thames we decide to remain on the bus a few extra stops, finally disembarking at Old Street -- in a new section of London for us. We find ourselves in the business district of The City, people bustling to work. 

No cafes in site, and the espresso bars and franchise eateries we check out are charging double for breakfast (as much as £9.40!). We're tempted to duck into a Wetherspoon in an inviting old pub, "The Mask," but trudge on. Finally, about 45 minutes of searching, very-hungry Husband spots what looks like a Cafe sign board on the kerbside of a side street near Liverpool Station, and following our noses we find ourselves at MB's Cafe at 6 Harrow Place E17 DB. 


Definitely "can't tell a book by it's cover" experience at MB's!  The owner, Peter Baldacci, greets customers with a smile, and many by name. Turns out his father opened the cafe in 1932, and Peter's been working here for 55 years!  Today there's a second cafe nearby, and Peter and his son, Matthew, share the ownership and management of the two.  
Everybody seems to be a friend of Sam's -- those clad in business suits and those in reflector vests, as well as a group of London City coppers (who were happy to pose for a pic) and a local riding a wheelchair.  Already, we're feeling pretty chummy!  
The decor is minimal, a couple antique-looking metal beverage ads and two framed pictures of French or Italian piazzas.  But the eggs...perfectly soft soaking into "granary" bread.  Hot strong tea tops off the meal.  Worth the wait.

Sated, we bid farewell to our new friends, and visit the second MB's Cafe, just around the corner.  Sure enough, there's Matthew, Peter's son, and several photos of Grandpa and the original cafe.

Turns out we've found the centre of the City of London without knowing it.  Spitalfields Antique Market, though housed in a drab modern attempt to create a covered market, entertains us for an hour -- a place to find anything retro, WWII or iconically English. 

Then on to Leadenhall Market, a maze of arcade, filled today with English flag bunting marking St George's Day (patron saint of England).  Definitely a place to have the rellies bring us when they offer to take us out for a meal.

Next stop, Guildhall Library.hosting a "Shakespeare Week" to celebrate the 450th anniversary of the bard's birth.  A First Folio of Will's plays, printed in 1623 steals the show!

But that's not the find of the day...beneath the Guildhall Library lies the ruins of a Roman Ampitheatre -- unearthed in 1988 and opened to the public in the 1990's.  Seating for 6,000 they surmise -- where human death was the entertainment, so they explain on the sign boards.
And the cause of the downfall of the Roman amphitheatres in the 4th century?  The rise of Christianity, the curator surmises.  

On that positive note... it's been a pleasure to share another Breakfast in Britain!
One never knows what one will discover in London!