Ice Cold in Morecambe!

Friend Chris and I had the biggest catch up today!  Chris had spotted an off season rail ticket offer to Morecambe so we donned several layers and boarded the train at Bingley.   We departed in to a biting wind carrying with it icy sleet and hurriedly rushed to our destination, the fabulous Midland Hotel where we were booked in for afternoon tea.  The lovely chap on the front desk took our coats away to be dried and directed us to the lovely woman on duty in the restaurant who seated us in the Sun Room with a panoramic view of the sea and the showers of sleet passing through!

The Midland Hotel was built in 1933 and is a fine example of the art deco era.  Apparently, it was beloved of Coco Chanel, Sir Laurence Olivier and Noel Coward amongst many other 'stars' who were performing at the Winter Gardens in a time when Morecambe was a popular holiday resort.  It was used as a military hospital during the Second World War.  The architect, Oliver Hill, had a reputation for using innovative materials such as glass, chromium, vitrolite, marble and 'exotic woods'.  There are several works of art commissioned inside the building and sculptures of seahorses on the exterior walls.  The Midland fell into disrepair and closed in 1998 until 2006 when it was bought and restored by Urban Splash, opening its doors again in 2008. 

Chris and I enjoyed a delicious spread with an added treat of prosecco.  The service was excellent and we felt able to relax, chat and enjoy the ever changing scene outside the windows, in the warmth!

We decided to take a walk on the prom before going for our train, alas the sleet returned and cut our wander short.  However, it did not spoil what was a lovely day in excellent company.  Thank you Chris.  I only wish I had remembered to switch back my settings from blipping the blood moon, then this blip might have been sharper!!  What were we saying about memory today?!