Monday 30th December 2013

Wet on leaving Reading this morning, chilly, dull and miserable on reaching Leamington Spa mid-day. Same weather conditions at Derby, our home for the next couple of days as we celebrate the New Year. 
Staying at the Hallmark Hotel situated at Derby Railway Station.
We soon made up time after the failure of Berkshire Taxi's to turn up, within 45mins Trueman Tourline had organised another Taxi company to collect us so soon on our way. Good to meet up with Jill and Geof, been some months since we last met so plenty of catching up ahead.
A welcome lunchtime stop at Leamington Spa enabled us to try a welcome pint of local ale burger at a Wetherstone Pub.
Once rested we commenced last part of the journey to Derby, roads still pretty wet following earlier rain.
On arriving at the Hotel mid afternoon we were made welcome by the Hotel Manager with a glass of Bubbly with sarnies and cake. A good start to the break.
The hotel was well appointed, typical of the Railway Hotels of the Victorian era, full of character, all fully retained following the takeover by Hallmark Hotels Ltd.
After an afternoon zzzzzzzz it was time for evening dinner and a few pints of 'business AS usual', a local Derby brew.
Looking forward to tomorrow now and a trip to Bakewell, my old hunting ground.
Pictures 1 & 2 - Leamington Spa.
      "             3 - Hotel, view from our bedroom.
      "             4 - Hotel entrance.