It’s just over a year since I first blogged about the Horniman Museum. Last Saturday we were there again. It couldn’t have been more different, even though so much was still the same. William is no longer a cheerful little bundle to be toted about in the arms of a willing aunt or granny. He’s a running, jumping talking live-wire of curiosity, demanding to be taken to see the ‘dugong’ (yes, really), or the owls, insisting on commentating, as far as he can, on everything he spots.
Last year, after our museum visit, we enjoyed strolling outside in crisp winter sunshine. This year there was heavy mist, obscuring the views of London. Instead of strolling round the gardens, or visiting the farmyard creatures, we settled for the small farmers’ market that’s there on Saturdays. 
There were stalls selling vegetables, and cheeses, or locally cured meats. There was street food. Tom and Sarah bought a goose for Christmas. We sampled spicy Iranian tit bits. And best of all, we had an early lunch. Look at this from the Smeltery. Tasty, chewy sourdough toast, topped off with melted raclette, bacon, chimichurri and some onion chutney, together with a handful of toasted walnuts. It’s perfect winter picnic fare.
But all the same, enough was enough. Next time, we’ll go when the sun is shining.
That lunch sounds absolutely gorgeous. And William is adorable! x
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was and he is xx
LikeLike
It’s looks rather as though you also had pea soup for lunch … Brrrrr – it’s making me shiver just to look at it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually it wasn’t as cold as it looks …. but yup, southern France it wasn’t.
LikeLike
Oh but you were with family. The weather doesn’t matter one jot. Bet you loved every moment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We did. It was brilliant. And the weather wasn’t half as bad as the pictures made it look. Atmospheric rather than nasty. Happy Christmas – I hope you’ll be with family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we will be. The fun starts tomorrow. I am very excited!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The last photo has a strangely Victorian look until your eyes focus in. Must be that atmospheric fog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I quite liked it that it takes a while for the eyes to catch up with the bright colours of the stalls.
LikeLike
Sorry about the weather though the food sounds delicious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The weather was OK actually. Mild and mysterious. Happy Christmas!
LikeLike
The sourdough toast dish sounds just up my street.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very tasty, and perfect winter food. Have a great Christmas.
LikeLike
I agree with you heavy mist/fog doesn’t usually do much for photos, but actually being in it, especially somewhere a little unfamiliar, adds to the drama and experience. Sometimes a bit creepy – makes you think about those London smogs.
I love the way young children respond to faces. It’s particularly special when they react to animal faces in that enthralled way, like William – great capture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s always enthralled. How lovely to be 17 months old and finding everything so thrilling.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These really are interesting photos! What a nice thing to do for William as well as the rest of you. Too many little ones unhappily dragged to the mall this season – lucky William.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shopping mall? Uuuurgh. We’ll stick to more old-fashioned shopping thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never had raclette and I really want to. We were in Montreal a couple days ago and I saw lots for sale but I don’t really know what to do with it. Your outing looks great–William is at an age I adore!
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s excellent company. You can do anything with raclette that involves melting it – simple toasted cheese would be great. Have a great Christmas, Kerry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those smelters sandwiches look delicious.
LikeLike
Ah, we love the Horniman, not far from us! I knew about the market but now I know they have raclette, I think I might venture there soon. They have a wonderful kitchen garden too; probably a bit drab at this time of year but amazing in the summer for an allotment-geek like me.
LikeLike
I used to live five minutes walk from the Horniman in the very early 80’s. I can’t remember spending much time in the gardens and only visited the museum twice (I think) and I certainly don’t remember the view of London! There was no farmer’s market either but then I was a very different person too! My grandparents lived in Forest Hill in the 60’s but I don’t ever remember going with them to the museum – just the shops!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, my earlier Horniman memories didn’t include the gardens either, or the view. And who had farmers’ markets back then!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Farmer’s markets? In a town?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re all over London, Harrogate has one, Knaresborough has one, Richmond has one …. need I go on? 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person