Classic Cars and Classic Brunches

I have a small confession to make. I can’t drive. In fact I can’t drive spectacularly- I failed my driving test 4 times, to which I threw my hands in the air and cried I was giving up. That was oh gosh years ago?

However recently I’ve been considering trying again. Why? Well for one, it would just be nice to have the option, but also because cars are such a huge part of my boyfriend’s life, so it’s a tad embarrassing when I can’t even set foot in the driver’s seat.

This fact was made even starker when we attended the Classic Car Boot, a vintage car boot sale from the back of gorgeous classic cars. Dan’s parents had travelled down to showcase one of their classic cars, plus sell their wares, so we knew we had a long day ahead of us, so first, we fuelled up.

Brunch was at No 11 Pimlico Road

A gorgeous, light, airy casual dining restaurant that was perfect for us hungry lot.

Before we’d even looked at the menu, a round of coffee was ordered- black of course. The car boot didn’t finish till around 5:30 so were in need of a little energy boost. 

He went for Blueberry Pancakes with Maple Syrup and Crème Fraîche. Whoa I did not know crème fraiche was so sour though! Why has no one ever told me? I think I’ll stick to clotted cream.

Light, fluffy with a tang from the blueberries. Lovely, but as a 6 foot 5 man, he could have done with a few more pancakes. 

So when mine was produced, I sensed food envy.

The No 11 Bacon Sandwich with Roasted Portobello mushrooms and taleggio

Just look at that. You can’t fault a good, messy bacon sandwich can you? Delicious, plus extra points for toasting the bun too. Bravo.

The brunch menu is quite limited, and there are no big hearty affairs which we were both craving, but the food is quite lovely. It's perfect for a leisurely light bite rather than a devilish brunch spot. 

Seeing I wasn’t the one driving I treated myself to a cheeky Champagne Bellini- can’t have this if I learn to drive eh?

Soon though we were on the road, heading for the east and all the way out to Stratford for the Classic Car Boot.

Rows upon rows of the most spectacular cars filled the Olympic Park. From old classic camper vans, to dream vintage rolls Rolls Royce's.

Pouring out the back were the most incredible vintage wears, from clothes, to furniture to books and toys. 

Quite a few people made the effort to dress for the occasion.

Including this handsome man. 

I just wanted to jump in the back and cuddle him.

Of course the star of the show was this beaut *Winky Face*

Dan’s 1974 Mk1 Escort sat proudly on display, holding its own against the others. He’s been working on this for years and year, to fully restore it. Last month it made the front cover and centre article of Classic Car Magazine.

Partly for this beast. I could attempt to explain the inner working to you, but I’d probably fluff up spectacularly and get in trouble for not listening enough, so instead his Blog; Bytes and Bolts does a much better job. If you are into detailed posts about how to turbo boost your engine, and know what a megasquirt is then you’d better head over sharpish.

Sadly I have no photos of his Dad’s amazing Ford Corsair. I remember taking the photos, because typical me, I caused a scene moving railings, but when I loaded up my SD card, nada. 

We wandered around cooing at the cars, and rooting through the rows of records and coats, until it started to filter out and it was time to help pack up Dan's parent's stall.

All this talk of cars has really got me thinking about driving again.

So maybe see you on the roads soon? Tips gratefully welcome in the comments!

http://no11pimlicoroad.co.uk/                 
11 Pimlico Rd
London
SW1W 8NA

http://classiccarbootsale.co.uk/

bacon, brunch, calssic car, classic car boot, Eating Out, London, no 11 pimlico road, pancakes, retro, Vintage