10-29 The gentry and decadence

I joined the Royal Oak Association a few years ago after visiting a couple of National Trust sights. Royal Oak supports the work of the Trust, helping to fund refurbishments and restorations of National Trust properties. We have access to all the properties, but the problem is that for the last few years we’ve travelled by public transport, not by car, and Trust sights tend to be out in the country. London has a few properties that are accessible by train and/or bus, but in the off season their hours are very limited. I was thrilled, then, when we found one that we could visit during our time here, Fenton House. It’s about a 40 minute tube ride and a short walk up the hill to the house. We arrived at our appointed time and took a quick walk through the side garden before gathering in the dining room for the welcome and orientation.

Fenton House is a 17th century house that has changed hands often, the longest ownership being that of Philip Fenton, a Riga merchant. It was donated to the National Trust by its last owner, Lady Binning, whose collection of Meissen and Asian porcelain is displayed there.

Also on display there are a collection of paintings, 17th century needlework and Georgian furniture.

A very unusual collection housed there is that of early keyboard instruments, including one that was originally owned by Handel and which had been donated by the Queen Mother.

There are also portraits of King William IV and others, including his brother, and two of his illegitimate sons (apparently there were many.)

Bruce liked this one:

At the end of our time there, a local musician arrived and gave a short recital on a virginal keyboard and a harpsichord. What a lovely experience.

At our fabulous dinner at Claude Bosi at Bibendum, Elio, the head sommelier, told us about a restaurant and cocktail lounge that was recently opened by Claude Bosi at the Peninsula Hotel, Brooklands. Though the restaurant wouldn’t be open any evening when we were available, he urged us to go to the cocktail lounge, if only for the view. (No, we go for the cocktails!) Anyway, he made a reservation for us which turned out to be akin to Willy Wonka’s golden ticket. We were treated like VIPs and given a fabulous table by the window, looking out over Hyde Park. The cocktails were wonderful.

We ended up staying for 2.5 hours and shared an appetizer of sliders topped with foie gras. So decadent!

At the end of the evening, we were given a tour of the restaurant, the ceiling of which features a model of the Concorde. We were also shown the cigar bar and its private balcony. To my surprise, Bruce asked if they had any openings at lunch on Wednesday. As they were looking, the hostess mentioned that we were friends of the chef (thank you, Elio!) so they managed to find a spot for us. Stay tuned…