Half Term Escape 3 - Bad Choices

Today we visited the Bluebell Railway.  We arrived at Sheffield Park station in plenty of time for our train and had a wonder around the yard. Our engine today is number 80151.  We are in a third class carriage, in a single 12-seat compartment.  Although it has been refurbished, the seat is almost completely unpadded, making the 40-minute ride less than comfortable.  There are two stops and a tunnel before we get to East Grinstead.  Almost as soon as the door is shut behind us, I notice that there is no handle on the inside.  So, to open the door, you must lower the window and use the outside handle.  The lights are switched on before we enter the tunnel, they are very dim. As we go in and our eyes adjust, all we can see is the blackened brickwork of the tunnel walls.  The ride through the tunnel is bumpier than the ride we have had so far, which makes the walls just that bit more threatening.

We arrive safely in East Grinstead, having played eye-spy for a lot of the journey to keep the grandchild entertained.  We make our way into town looking for somewhere to eat.   As we walk along a path that is below the road level, we pass a box of Bonios (dog biscuits) and Thomas falls over as he turns to look at them.  He is not really hurt, so we continue on our way.  We find the shopping mall and a place called
Carlo café bar.  Lunch beckons.  Inside there are games to be played, and scrabble is chosen.  This proves rather challenging for the six-year-old, and also for me, as my first set of letters contains no vowels, and it is the fourth time round before I can place even one of them!  Never have I lost so badly. 

I suspect the games help to cover up the slow service.  When the food arrives it is hot, but not everything is delivered, one thing because they are out of it and another because it is forgotten.  No one is enthusiastic about their food, but it fills a hole.  They are apparently part of a chain that uses different names for all their café bars.   We won't be going back.

I had read several very poor reviews of the Bluebell Railway, talking about grumpy, disinterested staff.  None of that for us, all the staff were pleasant and helpful.  Especially the lady in the buffet at East Grinstead - we were her only customer.

Back to Sheffield Park, in a different, more upholstered carriage, it was a more pleasant journey.  A quick (sadly) visit to the museum, and it is closing time, so we leave for the house.