tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post3167582714413330007..comments2024-03-29T11:52:29.453+00:00Comments on Positive Letters ... inspirational stories ...: Lunch with a Victorian Botanist ... Hilary Melton-Butcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-51571931824915531592015-11-22T08:24:49.713+00:002015-11-22T08:24:49.713+00:00Hi Jeffrey - it was such an interesting place to f...Hi Jeffrey - it was such an interesting place to find out about - clever marketing ... and delicious too - cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-57033029840640669542015-11-05T17:59:08.792+00:002015-11-05T17:59:08.792+00:00What an impressive lunch. What an outstanding rest...What an impressive lunch. What an outstanding restaurant. The building looks gorgeous! Thanks for sharing.Jeffrey Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06973104877310669196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-89930069740999638492015-10-22T18:37:32.387+01:002015-10-22T18:37:32.387+01:00Hi Lynn - I wouldn't mind going back!! It was...Hi Lynn - I wouldn't mind going back!! It was a special day - about to have clotted cream tonight?! It looks like it's not imported - perhaps to v expensive places!! Sorreeee - you'll have to visit?! Cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-35073132115976200112015-10-22T10:56:45.724+01:002015-10-22T10:56:45.724+01:00I would love to go there! What an amazing place. ...I would love to go there! What an amazing place. So glad you had such a nice lunch with special people.<br /><br />Clotted cream - I still dream of it. I never see that around here (probably a good thing.)Lynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13984802196897920610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-84892488742597046542015-10-19T07:09:05.623+01:002015-10-19T07:09:05.623+01:00@ Beste - what a great comment ... so appropriate:...@ Beste - what a great comment ... so appropriate: "if we could repeat the formula in all corners of the world and never fight" ... that would make a lot of difference.<br /><br />@ Jean - it's a fun concept isn't it.. and the food was great.<br /><br />@ Theresa - I know - raised above the bustling floor, overlooking the cashiers in the distance ..<br /><br />@ Gail - good to see you .. and wasn't the menu fun .. delicious tasting too. Am happy to have you along when I travel away ....<br /><br />@ Dianne - yes the themed around is a clever concept too - but creating a character is genius ... especially a botanist for a restaurant.<br /><br />Thanks to you all for visiting .. lovely to have you here sharing my lunch venue .. cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-20116631841136069822015-10-19T06:06:20.239+01:002015-10-19T06:06:20.239+01:00Although I've heard of restaurants themed arou...Although I've heard of restaurants themed around fictional characters: Sherlock Holmes, Doctor Who, etc ... I've never heard of a place that invents its own fictional botanist!Dianne K. Salernihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16459839567235304842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-57713996975923017992015-10-18T21:24:16.520+01:002015-10-18T21:24:16.520+01:00Definitely enjoyed the lunch menu, especially the ...Definitely enjoyed the lunch menu, especially the vegetable taster and lemon meringue pie! Also loved taking the vicarious trip with you.Gail M Baugniet - Authorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11543343067963247963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-29943400902886193022015-10-18T20:50:18.333+01:002015-10-18T20:50:18.333+01:00how cool to eat in an old bank!how cool to eat in an old bank!TexWisGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13641962051044162710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-30631784430133676232015-10-18T17:46:12.684+01:002015-10-18T17:46:12.684+01:00What an interesting place! I love the whole décor ...What an interesting place! I love the whole décor based on a fictional person twist, and the food looks great. Jean Davishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02047709505502621618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-45113226736653763492015-10-18T17:29:37.778+01:002015-10-18T17:29:37.778+01:00When the world is in the right mood, people behave...When the world is in the right mood, people behave so very cleverly and creatively. Wonderful architecture, imaginative food, young and bright students, experienced grown ups making delectable choices...... I wish we could repeat the formula in all corners of the world and never fight. Salut!beste barkihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15002530133068046229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-53229397022424017032015-10-18T08:41:30.483+01:002015-10-18T08:41:30.483+01:00@ Jess - it was an interesting interior, good food...@ Jess - it was an interesting interior, good food and good service ... and to find Hettie was a contrived character for the bar/restaurant was an interesting take on naming a food and cocktail venue. <br /><br />@ Donna - ok I'll try and send the meringue across ... might get a little wet and become soggy!! Changing the courses around could be a good idea - there's no reason we should have savoury first ... and then you'd get your dessert. I try not to eat them! <br /><br />Cheers to you both and thanks for visiting .. HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-4369090933923286112015-10-18T03:36:48.891+01:002015-10-18T03:36:48.891+01:00Oh awesome. Yes please, send the desert my way. I ...Oh awesome. Yes please, send the desert my way. I always have to skip desert when I'm out because I'm so full from dinner. Sometime I'm going to have desert first and dinner to go, lol.dolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-58067546931714661542015-10-18T00:18:54.568+01:002015-10-18T00:18:54.568+01:00What a beautiful place to have lunch! It looks and...What a beautiful place to have lunch! It looks and sounds delicious! I am hungry now! :) So interesting that Hettie is fictional. Glad you are having such fun. :) <br />~JessDMShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04202502753961748992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-50631144204731425352015-10-17T20:51:20.764+01:002015-10-17T20:51:20.764+01:00@ Annalisa - I agree with you .. it's the clev...@ Annalisa - I agree with you .. it's the clever way designers convert our old buildings. I was bemused by the tale of the fictional Hettie - but couldn't find out much else than what came up here ... I'm sure if went back to the restaurant I'd find more ... but from down here ... it amuses and is such a clever idea ... <br /><br />@ Robert - they were all good ...and the day was fun ... <br /><br />@ ACIL - yes a proper fish .. the cod looked succulent when it was cut into ... but I'm glad I had my starter. Thanks so much - I aim to please everyone who cares to read, and all who care to comment. My first visit to Birmingham was a happy time - but I'd like to go back at some stage ... other areas to see and explore.<br /><br />Cheers to you - Birmingham is a good place to visit .. HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-58922768223437509012015-10-17T20:07:22.205+01:002015-10-17T20:07:22.205+01:00That fish is... well... a proper fish. :-) You hav...That fish is... well... a proper fish. :-) You have the most fascinating stories ever. What a lovely place.<br /><br />Greetings from London.A Cuban In Londonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16423293358605007539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-45974247413953625082015-10-17T19:36:17.085+01:002015-10-17T19:36:17.085+01:00That all looks so good! I can't decide what lo...That all looks so good! I can't decide what looks tastiest.H.R. Bennetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01462784064936801201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-29609170603682752732015-10-17T09:58:01.008+01:002015-10-17T09:58:01.008+01:00I love old buildings being revamped for use today ...I love old buildings being revamped for use today - and with such an interesting twist. I love how much detail has gone into the fictional life of Hettie.Annalisa Crawfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14943610814274794998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-49742801040461525492015-10-17T07:44:49.571+01:002015-10-17T07:44:49.571+01:00@ Joanne - it certainly was a unique interior - my...@ Joanne - it certainly was a unique interior - my poor dessert seems to be disappearing fast, now the bloggers are reaching over with their spoons! Thanks ...<br /><br />@ Susan - it was a really good choice wasn't it ... the food was very good - sad Birmingham is up there, and not near here! We were good at sharing ... so we'd have been happy to share some more ... it was all delicious.<br /><br />@ Susan - I know it was a fun place to 'crash' out in on such a hot day. We had such a fun time chatting away and thinking about the future - it was a perfect get together. Reminded us of South Africa - as we'd met out there.<br /><br />@ Murees - they are being quite inventive with new restaurants .. so eating out can be in fascinating places. Another dessert lover!<br /><br />@ Deborah - we had a lovely time - and the Victorian Botanist gave us extra things to think about .. thanks it'd be fun to meet up. <br /><br /><br />Cheers to you all - Hettie too would love you to visit! HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-81568674062269266522015-10-16T22:57:14.945+01:002015-10-16T22:57:14.945+01:00What a fun outing - I'd certainly like to have...What a fun outing - I'd certainly like to have lunch with a Victorian botanist. And you too, of course. :-)Deborah Weberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05971869506007671786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-80288021579646846722015-10-16T19:55:11.375+01:002015-10-16T19:55:11.375+01:00The lunch looked delicious. What a interesting res...The lunch looked delicious. What a interesting restaurant. It definitely sounds like you had a wonderful day. Those desserts look especially good. Murees Dupèhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11781339206465690961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-84796220738805291902015-10-16T17:47:46.087+01:002015-10-16T17:47:46.087+01:00O I am positively salivating Hilary thank you! Wha...O I am positively salivating Hilary thank you! What a delightful day and company and surroundings! All looks very grand and perfect!<br />Thank you for this ... my tummy is rumbling!Susan Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12041548718544123557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-12154269751495964322015-10-16T17:02:00.125+01:002015-10-16T17:02:00.125+01:00What a fantastic place to eat! Heck, I would have ...What a fantastic place to eat! Heck, I would have been happy just to visit, and look around... they wouldn't have even had to feed me. However, it is entirely possible that I could have been persuaded to try some of those desserts. They look delicious!<br /><br />Happy weekend!Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-32780913049610611462015-10-16T15:40:55.325+01:002015-10-16T15:40:55.325+01:00what a unique lunch experience. I thoroughly enjoy...what a unique lunch experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the tastings and I would have stolen your dessert. Excellent adventure and nice picsJoannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11604494404874408870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-29436507359503097632015-10-16T14:51:28.666+01:002015-10-16T14:51:28.666+01:00@ Patsy - the food was good - I guess that's t...@ Patsy - the food was good - I guess that's their way of serving the fish and chips up - I quite liked the greaseproof paper lining!<br /><br />There definitely were women like Hettie .. but I loved the concept of the fictional heroine of the Old Bank .. and the way the idea has been crafted into the concept.<br /><br />@ Steve - it was a fun day and we needed some sustenance.<br /><br />@ Diane - we had a wonderful couple of days and I saw Birmingham (a bit of) and we had a good catch up - before the god-child went off to China.<br /><br />@ Kittie - I hadn't had beetroot hummus either .. and it was good, as too the white bean puree .. it was a good platter mix. My god-daughter has done really well with her Chinese studies - she got a first at Uni ... and they had more tuition when she was out there working. Now we'll see what happens!<br /><br />@ Christine - it was a fun time and the idea of the secret botanist was just lovely ... the various places had little snippets of interest attached to them - so one could almost imagine the botanist's garden out back. Pud - is not my favourite .. but these were enjoyed!<br /><br />@ Teresa - I had a lovely couple of days north of London and our trip to Birmingham was a great meet up with my goddaughter. Food wasn't bad either!<br /><br />@ Holly - the food was delicious. The concept is great isn't it ... and the idea behind the Old Bank - giving it new life as Hettie's secret botanical hideaway - was great fun to see.<br /><br />Thanks everyone - it was a very good choice of my goddaughter! HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-50104962614805801662015-10-16T14:19:23.098+01:002015-10-16T14:19:23.098+01:00The food looks good, but the architecture! The bui...The food looks good, but the architecture! The building and what they done with it is gorgeous.H. R. Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06715450637785127208noreply@blogger.com