We're back in England for a short while. Below are a few of my favourite things, which I've added to as the days have gone by (getting markedly warmer as they have done so):

-- Breakfasts. Big breakfast, with the big British works. Or a more modest bacon bap with HP sauce. Or porridge. Or a fat, juicy jam doughnut.



-- Pub lunches. A stellar stand-out was a wonderful roast at The Bromley, by the river in Fiskerton. Succulent lamb; a fluffy Yorkshire pudding; delicious gravy in a separate little boat; rosemary-crusted roast potatoes; hot, creamy mashed potatoes; and an innovative array of vegetables, including turnip and red cabbage. Magnificent both in quality and quantity. Also out of the top drawer was the Cumberland sausage from the Riverside Pub and Kitchen in Farndon. This came with a roast Bramley apple, sage mash, bacon, long beans, and a light jus. Delicious. And not at all far behind was the beef and ale pie from The Staunton Arms (in Staunton). Thin, crispy pastry, and a right-up-to-the-top filling, served with tasty mash, cabbage and snow peas, and a supplementary jug of gravy.



But the more homely fare has been good, too. Yorkshire pudding filled with braised beef and mushrooms, for example. Or the classic cod and chips (slarted with salt and vinegar and accompanied by mushy peas). Or Stilton sandwiches...



-- Snacks. Toasted teacakes from Stray's. Or fruit scones from The Bean and Vine, a new cafe on Newark's beautiful marketplace. Or traditional fudge. Or ginger nuts with a cuppa.

-- Birdsong and blossom. Despite the snow. Yes, snow... In April...













-- The University of Nottingham's gracious UK campus.





-- The family garden, with the spring springing.