Saturday 19 March 2016

Now is the Wetherspoons of our discontent

Well, that's what Vix and I thought when Curtise turned up, scandalising us with news of a bad review of one of the three Wetherspoons we had to choose from on our inaugural tour of Leicester. If there was a bad one, we missed it. And we gave it a fair shot, visiting two thirds of their offering during our few short hours there.

Must have been someone with higher standards than us.
I love this picture of these two giggling away
In the Victorian era, Industrialisation happened in Leicester, with textiles, hosiery and footwear bringing wealth to the city. These grand buildings of the time are so impressive. On the left, the white building looks like a chateau with its external staircase, and the opulent copper door on the right is definitely meant to be seen

Leicester is one of the oldest cities in England, dating back to Roman times, and unlike many other cities, has managed to retain a large number of its historic buildings. The first one we spotted was this amazing Art Nouveau building, built in 1901, The Turkey Cafe.
Vix looked like a Russian Princess with her huge furry hat, whilst Curtise and I followed in her wake as ladies-in-waiting. My favourite example of the Vix effect on this occasion, was when one fellow came up to us and said, 'hold on, didn't I just see you...at London Fashion Week?' We had to laugh.

When we saw this road sign, we knew we were in exactly the right place. Cheap: our motto and our byword.


When this day out was in the planning, Curtise sent me a text: 'Your mission - should you choose to accept it - is to research chazzas, vintage shopping and Wetherspoons in Leicester. Yes, I know - homework.'

Back in the early to mid 1980s, my boyfriend at the time was at Uni in Leicester, so we used to go to this market to get our fresh veg. There's Lineker's, good old Gary's family business.

One foot in the grave? No, we've got plenty of days out left in us.


Well, I'm not one to shirk my responsibilities, so I set to. Turns out Leicester has rather a good vintage selection, of which we visited three.


Our favourite was Dolly Mix Vintage. Three floors of frocks, from antique to the 1980s. The interior was rather inspiring too, with a loft style room, filled with quirky props and plenty of windows for light. I noticed a definite Eastern influence. We agreed we could happily live in a space like that.
I absolutely loved this little corner which was set up as an artist's studio with a poster of a Thai Prince above it



No day out is complete without a lunch break at the aforementioned Wetherspoons. We've become so predictable. Mexican bean burgers all round. They had a pint, I had a glass of wine. Because, as my companions like to point out, I'm a lady.

In case you were in any doubt.






Shopping fix sated, we decided to have a bit of a mooch around. We knew we wanted to visit King Richard III, who has found his forever home in the Cathedral after spending a frankly impolite amount of time kicking his heels beneath a car park.
We paid our respects, and all agreed we love the smell of a church. That mix of history, wood polish and incense.


So, what did I manage to find? A couple of 1970s German cotton cushions, with a really cute print and a fabric box were my favourite purchases. But I also came home with some great gifts from the girls. The funkiest pair of vintage Wellies from Vix, plus a zip pull for my dodgy shoulder and an enamel pendant. From Curtise, my very own Skirt Supplier, a fab 70s midi skirt and a 70s does 40s top which fits me to perfection.
In a nod to my Irish roots, I wore green and a shamrock for St Patrick's day



Such is the success of our trademark days out that my sister and I are going to do one soon. Coming to a town near you?

15 comments:

Vix said...

Brilliant title, love!!
Didn't you do your homework well, even knowing that that incredible Turkey Cafe was built in 1901. Top marks, Lady Tania!
Dollymix was amazing, I keep thinking of a couple of maxis I really should have tried on.
Cheapside indeed, Curtise head first in the bargain bin and me being hesitant over spending £4.99 and having to go back. Imagine if that house white really had been £14 instead of £7, we'd be teetotal rather than cackling like a pair on loons.
Loved Leicester and can't wait to go on another adventure. We ought to franchise these trips!
See you soon. xxxx

Connie said...

Oh I would just love it if you and your sister decided to visit my town. Alas the vintage shopping around here is slim to none. The Mexican food, however, is in full supply. I can just imagine what a fun day it is with the three of you giggle pusses together. I love the history tour of Leicester, by the way. Such a beautiful town. Gosh, I hope your shoulder unfreezes soon. Those shocking pink tights should help warm it up. Slainte, my Friend!

Lynn Holland said...

You gals have the best days out. Lots of happy smiley pics, I can imagine you all giggling as you went round Leicester.
The shop looks like an awesome place, a bit like the Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill, Stockport.
It's so nice that you make the time to see each other and then share it with us all.
Lynn X X X

Anonymous said...

Can't say I've ever thought of Leicester as a must visit location - but reading this I really might give it a try!!!💖

Vronni's Style Meanderings said...

Well, it looks like you had a fab day out! Lovely, gifts, too.

Loved the pun as well!

Thank you for posting the photo of King Richard's tomb - I had wondered what it might be like - and now I know!

I love Leicester and went regularly for meetings and training between 2004 and 2006. I loved it's chazzas as well, but never noticed any vintage shops although back then I wasn't looking for vintage shops. Leicester's only an hour on the train from me so if you ever fancy another trip I'd be up for it!

Just about to watch the new Scandi thriller on BBC 4. I shall miss being 'Trapped' on a Saturday night...

Kylie said...

Hello Tania,
that is a really beautiful photo of Curtise and Vix.
Gosh they know how to pour a glass of wine at that place! They are very careful here - not a drop past that little white line which adorns the wine glasses used in most pubs and bars - this equates to about a thimble full because the glasses are enormous. Should go back to old-fashioned sized wine glasses I reckon - at least it looks like your getting your money's worth ;)
I hope you are well. You look well (you look gorgeous actually)
It is Harmony Day at our school tomorrow so yesterday I hit the oppies for the first time in yonks - I bet if I'd gone shopping with you I'd be wearing the Flamenco dress I left behind instead of 70's batik muu-muu - nice, but admittedly, boring.
x

Anonymous said...

Leicester looks like a great place to visit on a day out. Will have to add it to our list!
Really looking forward to our day out xx

Curtise said...

I am so pleased we managed to squeeze in a day trip; our schedules may be bonkers but it's important to make time for friends, chat, chazzing and a 'Spoons or two!
You get Top Marks for your homework and go straight to the top of the class, Tan! I liked Leicester, I think most cities have something to offer if you remember to look up and keep an open mind. Drinking in the Corn Exchange, all that sumptuous vintage in DollyMix, interesting architectural details, and going home slightly tiddly makes for a great day out!
Glad the blouse and skirt are up to standard - we always do well for pressies, don't we? And now I have my lucky spotty dress, yippee!
The Vix Effect was in full force, as usual - it makes me chuckle every time!
Hope that shoulder unfreezes soon, you've got aces to serve.
Ooh, where are you and your sister going to go? Take plenty of pics! xxxx

Polyester Princess said...

Hi there, it's my first comment on your blog, although I have been following your blog for a while. I've recently started blogging too. You ladies seem to have had a great day out. What better way to spend a day than vintage shopping with some like-minded friends! Love your hot pink tights, which I've already been able to admire on Vix's and Curtise's account of the day. Also love the lady of Lourdes in your blog header. I spotted her immediately, as I've quite a Lourdes collection of my own. xxx

Lally said...

You girls always look like you have so much fun. Very jealous that you visited Richard. The vintage shop looks brill - I love it when they set up room scenes! Fab tights, I have a pair in that exact shade. XX

Mim said...

Oooh, I love your green dress! It's such fun seeing your day out with Vix and Curtise.

Cheap is from 'ceap', the Anglo-Saxon word for market. Just think how long things have been being bought and sold on that street!

Fiona said...

Hey Lady Tan, top marks for your homework effort, you certainly did your research and visited some wonderful places. Brilliant post title by the way! Don't you all look splendid as usual and I am LOVING those pink tights. The bean burger and chips look so appetizing, not to mention the pints (you know I'm no lady)... glad Spoons and Leicester did not disappoint. xxxx

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I love all of the photos and I really want that burger!!!!!!

Witchcrafted Life said...

Adore the pun-ny title and this whole fabulous day out adventure. Thank you very much for taking us along with you, sweet lady.

♥ Jessica

Sue said...

Of course you are a lady!! I would have a beer with the others. My god that is a huge plate of food to get through, I would want a nap after that. You three always have a good day out when you get together, giggling is a must. Vix does look like a Russian princess in that hat, and of course she was a Fashion Week, weren't you all??
How I wish I lived closer and could join you three on a day out.