I was in Guildford to visit the nearby Watts Gallery and Artists’ Village for the Peter Brookes Exhibition of Political Cartoons, having been delighted by the gallery and the exhibition I drove to Mandolay to check-in.
The helpful receptionists was a little nonplussed when in response to her ‘are you visiting Guildford for any special reason?’ enquiry, I responded with ‘’yes, I am here to see an exhibition of political cartoons’.
Check-in was quick and straightforward and the same receptionists asked if I needed any help with my luggage. I was staying for just two night’s but such is my appalling packing technique, and a fruitful visit to the Watts Gallery shop, I had what looked like enough bags for a much longer stay.
I gladly accepted the offer of assistance, and was shown to my room by a charming young man that I later learned was called Louis, the bar manager.
I was delighted to find the room well equipped and spacious, so many town centre hotels are cramped but room 67 had everything I needed including a fridge, lots of snacks, plenty of tea and coffee, some fresh milk (hoorah) and a great big window.
A quick shower, a bit of TV, a nice ‘cuppa’ and a packet of flavoured popcorn later, I was ready to sally forth into town. It was a five minute stroll into the heart of the centre and I was delighted to find a really great selection of shops and all the usual eateries. I must mention a wonderful little bookshop called Paper Moon, the owner? told me that it was newly opened and I have to say, any town would be proud to have such a lovely shop, well-stocked but not overcrowded and lots of helpful advice when asked.
Further into town I happened across the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, and joy of joys I managed to buy a ticket for the following night’s performance of Consumed, a play about an Irish birthday party. The box office lady even asked if, as a lone attendee I would like to join a group of other ‘singletons’ for the evening, an offer that I gratefully accepted!
After a good old mooch around town I returned to the hotel for a well-earned (in my opinion anyway) drink in the bar and a look at the dinner menu.
Louis (that man again), poured me a delicious glass of excellent Merlot and I made my dinner selection, which I chose to be served in my bedroom. Half an hour later my tray arrived and I tucked into the most delicious homemade (the menu did not lie), burger with chips and ‘trimmins’. A bit more TV, and so to bed
Despite my best efforts at packing ‘everything but the kitchen sink’, I had of course neglected to pack a toothbrush and toothpaste. A quick call to reception resolved this matter so I didn’t need to pop back into town.
To be continued…spoiler, I had a great night’s sleep and headed down to breakfast ahead of another ‘busy day’.