#Christmas Parties in Cambridge

[brookpub]

Christmas Party Venu in Cambridge |  Christmas Parties  in Cambridge

We are in the festive season, so it is time to start organizing the best Christmas celebration! Any excellent holiday celebration begins with a well-made Christmas Party Venu in Cambridge, a food menu, and attractive décor. Whether you are planning a big business conference or a small get-together for friends, considering the cuisine and décor will help to create a happy celebration. This guide will offer ideas for creative décor, a mouthwatering Christmas menu, and why The Brook Indian Gastro Pub in Cambridge, close to Mill Road, is the ideal venue for your 2024 holiday celebrations.

Designing the Ideal Christmas Party Menu :-

One of the most looked forward elements of any holiday celebration is the menu. Here are some crucial ideas to keep in mind so your visitors have a great experience:

Start with small plates and appetisers -

Starting with a range of appetisers will help you to get guests mixing and eager for what is to come. Consider including choices to suit a broad spectrum of palates. Some concepts include:

Mini Samosas or Spring Rolls:

Usually a crowd-pleaser, these bite-sized delicacies are easily consumed mixed with other foods.

Cheese Boards and Charcuterie:

Perfect for a holiday spin, combine cranberries, brie, and rosemary sprigs in vibrant hues.

Indiantapas Platters:

Chicken tikka, paneer skewers, or spiced lamb kebabs are just a few of the mouthwatering small dishes the Brook Indian Gastro Pub presents for your party with real flavours.

Salads and soups for seasons -

Winter calls for cosy, reassuring cuisine. Present a few soups and salads on your menu as a balanced alternative between courses.

Ginger-Coconut Butternut Squash Soup:

A cosy and creamy choice with a seasonal twist using subdued spice.

Festive Mixed Green Salad:

For a fresh twist, sprinkle seasonal toppings including roasted walnuts, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds.

Hearty Mains for a Feast in Winter -

Emphasise comfort and decadence in dishes for the main course. A dining experience is unforgettable when one combines distinctive Indian tastes with traditional holiday cuisine. Think of choices like:

Classic Roast Turkey or Honey-Glazed Ham:

For conservatives, these pillarstones never let down.

Lamb Chicken or Butter Chicken Rogers Josh:

Rich in spices and flavours, these Indian favourites give the classic Christmas menu a distinctive spin.

Paneer Tikka Masala, or vegetable biryani:

For visitors with dietary restrictions, these vegetarian-friendly meals provide a festive taste sensation.

Resilient Desserts -

Without rich desserts, no Christmas menu is whole. Finish the dinner with great flair using both traditional and unusual choices.

Either classic Christmas pudding or Yule log:

A must, traditional holiday desserts bring celebration warmth and nostalgia.

Saffron ice cream and gulab jam:

Deep- fried sweet dumplings mixed with aromatic saffron ice cream make a sweet fusion ideal for the holidays in this Indian dessert choice.

Chocolate fondue or tiny cheesecake bites:

Present a chocolate fondue including marshmallows, fruits, and biscuits for a more interactive dessert.

Celebration Drinks and Cocktails -

Your Christmas party menu calls for a range of drinks. Add festive cocktails capturing the holiday mood as well as non-alcoholic choices.

Hot Spiced Cider or Mulled Wine:

Classic selections, these warm beverages quickly provide a cosy touch.

Cocktails influenced by India:

Signature drinks mixed with spices like cardamom or saffron at The Brook provide a different sensation.

Mocktails and fresh juices:

Serve celebratory mocktails including spiced apple fizz or cranberry spritzers to non-drinkers.

Decor ideas for a festive environment :-

Just as important as the cuisine is establishing the correct ambiance. These decor ideas will help your party venue seem cosy and friendly for the holidays:

Go green using Evergreen Decor:

Festive touches and a wonderful scent come from natural elements including holly leaves, pine cones, and evergreen branches. Put them in wreaths, centrepieces, or even as table runners.

Holiday Lighting:

Lanterns, candles, and string lights radiate warmth and inviting brightness. Around the venue, arrange fairy lights; think about using candle-lit centrepieces to accentuate the holiday mood.

Traditionally Christmas colours:

To capture the Christmas mood, keep to a colour palette comprising classic reds, greens, and golds. For a more glitzy touch, accentuate the décor with metallic highlights like gold and silver.

Customised Locations:

Smaller parties could want to think about including personalised place cards. Each guest feels unique thanks to them; a little holiday ornament would be a perfect take-home present.

Holiday-themed tableware:

Festive table arrangements add that additional degree of appeal. Think about matching glassware, napkins, and plates to your general décor theme.

Why The Brook Indian Gastro Pub for Christmas Parties in Cambridge:-

The Brook Indian Gastro Pub close to Mill Road presents an excellent location for anyone in Cambridge searching for the perfect Christmas party venue. Here are the reasons this is a top choice for holiday celebrations:

Creative and Delicious Menu:

The Brook specializes in Indian cuisine and presents a distinctive take on classic Christmas food using real dishes including tandoori favourites, kebabs, and biryanis. Combining festive and Indian tastes distinguishes the menu and appeals to guests seeking something different.

Bright and cosy ambiance:

Perfect for both small get-togethers and energetic business events, the Brook's ambiance blends elegance and warmth. Customizing the décor will help to capture the Christmas mood and give the modern environment some festive appeal.

Extensive and flexible venue:

The Brook has the room to comfortably meet your requirements whether your event is small-scale or big. From private dining rooms to flexible seating, it's perfect for any kind of  Christmas Parties in Cambridge. 

Expert and courteous service:

The staff of The Brook is dedicated to provide first-rate service so that your event turns out perfectly. From decorating to menu assistance, their meticulous nature guarantees a flawless and fun experience for every guest.

Prime Location:

The Brook is conveniently situated in Cambridge near Mill Road, easily reachable for visitors from all around the city. Its central position also makes it a great venue for business meetings and events.

Brook Indian Gastro Pub Christmas Party Booking:-

Christmas should be celebrated at Brook Indian Gastro Pub! We are now booking for your holiday events; enjoy festive Indian cuisine, a friendly environment, and excellent company along with Karaoke and Quiz nights. To reserve your place, phone us or book online.

[houseofbrat]

such want and beautiful eyes! thank you for the close up of them. I’ll be using them :)

Oh, is it for your altar where you light candles at night? Okay then...

[kate-royal-style-world]

A Royal Recycling (part 323)

Miu Miu

[clarabowlover]

Audrey Hepburn

In A Production At the Cambridge Theatre

A Chritmas Party (1949)

[scribbles97]

The Nightmare Come True - Part 5 and The End

Thanks @loopstagirl for the original idea of this whole fic that spiralled far further than I think either of us expected. Scott's POV 1 | Part 1 | Scott's POV 2 | Part 2 | Scott's POV 3 | Part 3 | Scott's POV 4 | Part 4

Christmas had come and gone as loudly as it always did in their house. 

The best gift for Gordon was the day his oldest brother had turned up at a training session alongside Jeff, the kid hadn’t stopped talking about it for a week. Jeff had been confident Scott would soon be making his way into the pool himself, especially if his request for an olympic sized pool on their newly purchased island was anything to go by. 

John and Virgil had both returned home for the holidays full of stories and with open invites for their big brother to visit them at their respective colleges come the following semester. Scott had been keen, immediately opening his calendar and circling dates between appointments and other plans. 

Even Jen had paid a brief visit, greeting the younger brothers as old friends proving just how much Scott had spoken of them all to his squad at one point or another. 

By spring Jeff had noticed just how Scott had begun to fill out again, his time in the gym paying off and rebuilding the muscle that had been lost. He was starting to relax, to enjoy life as he once had and found the confidence he had always worn like a comfortable jacket. Gradually, he was becoming a version of the son Jeff recognised. 

March was spent in the air, racking up supervised flight hours after passing the required psych exams. It had taken time for him to be comfortable in the pilot's seat again, but Scott had said himself that being in the air was as natural to him as being in the water was for Gordon. All he had needed was a supportive shoulder, one that Jeff was willing to offer. 

By his birthday, Scott’s full pilot’s license had been reinstated, giving cause for a celebration alone without the news of John’s new Space Rated status. They had called Virgil on hologram, celebrating from their separate corners of the country louder than they had done over the festive period.

It had been late in the night when Jeff had found Scott out on the porch, a letter discarded but evidently not forgotten in his lap.

“I was going to tell you earlier, but the surprise party kind of distracted me.” Scott had smiled as Jeff had joined him on the step and poured them each a measure of whiskey.

“Cambridge offered me a spot to study English Lit, it’s all online so I’d only need to go over twice a semester so I’d still be able to--” He paused to glance over his shoulder, making sure no younger brothers were lingering in the kitchen.

Jeff had chuckled, glad that Scott was doing something for himself, something that didn’t immediately lead to any plans that had seemingly always been in place.  

“You don’t have to, you know?” He had pointed out, “If you want to take some time for yourself before joining the Project…”

Scott had shook his head, grinning as he sipped his drink, “I want to get in the air again, Dad, and that rocket? I’m not letting you have all the fun.”

Both had laughed at the implication, wordlessly reaching their glasses towards one another in a silent salute to everything they had overcome in that year alone. 

Things still weren’t perfect, Alan and Gordon were far from happy about moving to a boarding school away from their family. Scott still had a way to go before he was back at his full strength and fitness, but with the encouragement from Val and Lee, he was well on his way to outperforming them all. 

“This is what I need.” Scott had nodded, “Despite everything, I’m glad we’ve ended up here Dad.” 

Jeff had slung an arm over his shoulders and pulled him close, “Me too kid, me too.” 

Of course, it hadn’t lasted. 

A short eighteen months later, Jeff had been shot into the farthest reaches of their solar system. He had been sure that he would never see his family, his boys, again. It hadn’t mattered what he had tried with the engines, there had been no way for him to get home. He had tried, time and again to find a way to get through to them but it had eventually become apparent that all he could do was try to stay alive.

He had taken to sketching and writing when he wasn’t trying to keep himself alive, focussing on thoughts of each of his boys. How Scott was at least back doing something he loved, that John had made it to space as he had always wanted to, that Virgil was close to graduating with Honors on his engineering degree, that Gordon would have made it to the Olympics, and Alan at least had four older brothers to look out for him. It had been the thought and memory of them that had kept him going, the irony not lost on him that it had been the same things that had kept Scott going through his imprisonment. 

There had been little else to occupy him over those long years. 

He had never given up hope, not even as the planetoid had begun to separate beneath his feet, he had known they would come. 

Right at the last possible second, he had spotted Scott. 

Just like that, their roles were reversed. 

Scott had stepped up in the time Jeff had been gone, and the more he had seen of the man his eldest had become, the more his heart had hurt. 

He had dropped out of his Literature degree almost immediately after Jeff had gone, had taken up the role of commander in International rescue, and the role of Father to younger brothers that weren’t ready to be orphans. Once again, thanks to Jeff, Scott had lost sight of the man he wanted to be for himself.

Once again, Jeff had vowed to set that right.

There had been months of recovery, hospital appointments and physiotherapy, most of it familiar from the year before he had taken the unexpected trip. Scott had resolutely been at his side through all of it. 

“Alan asked how you did it…” Scott had started one night, sat out by the pool waiting for Virgil and Gordon to return home from a rescue.

Jeff hadn’t needed further clarification as he had trailed off. He’d had therapy that morning, had spent the day pulling his boys closer after talking about what the isolation had done to him. Of course, they had all picked up on it.

“I imagine much the same way as you did during the war,” Jeff admitted softly, “Thinking of your family, remembering all the good times.”

Before he had left, talking about the war had been coming easier for Scott. It hadn’t taken long for Jeff to realize that Scott had clammed up once he had no longer had his father to talk to about such times.

Scott snorted, looking out to the horizon, “Admittedly, it’s a good method.”

Jeff smiled sadly across to him, “It got us both a long way.” 

It had gotten them both back home, back to their family, to somewhere where they could find their feet again and work towards the version of themselves they wanted to be.

The man sat next to him was physically recovered from his time as a prisoner, but had never found a solid enough footing to find himself amongst all the chaos life had thrown at them.

“You didn’t end up where you were aiming, I’m sorry for that.” Jeff sighed after a moment, reaching out to Scott’s shoulder, “Because of all of this, I think you lost yourself again Scott.”

“I--” For a moment it seemed like he was ready to argue, before his shoulders had fallen and he had nodded in admission, “I became who I needed to be.”

They had shared a look, one that spoke of burdens that had fallen back on tired shoulders that had barely gotten free before being weighed back down again.

“You deserved to live life for yourself Scott.” 

Scott ran a hand through his hair, “I know that now.”

“I know it wasn’t my fault,” Jeff continued, “but I’m sorry I wasn’t here to help you see that, Son, I’m sorry that life has been so cruel and unfair.”

Scott’s arm wrapped around his shoulders, “I’m glad you don’t blame yourself.” 

Jeff would never admit to him that it was a concept he still sometimes struggled with, but something he was working on regardless. His son didn’t need any more burdens. 

“So,” He started, looking across with raised eyebrows, “Alan’s headed to college in the Fall, how about you take another look at that Literature degree?”

Scott’s laugh was full bodied against Jeff, “Yeah, I suppose that doesn’t sound like a bad idea.”

Laughing with his son, Jeff nodded to himself. 

They were going to be just fine.

[ladybegood]

Audrey Hepburn with the cast of Christmas Party at the Cambridge Theatre in London, 1949

[ifreakingloveroyals]

15 December 2015 | Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge takes part in some drumming 'music therapy' as she attends the Anna Freud Centre Family School Christmas Party at Anna Freud Centre in London, England. The Duchess joined groups of families in Festive activities designed to help pupils reflect on the positive progress in their social relationships and communication skills. (c) Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images

[clarabowlover]

(No.178)

Audrey Hepburn as a Christmas doll in A Christmas Party at Cambridge Theatre in London, 1949 🩰

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Do you know which BP Xmas Luncheon the Harkles left super early? Like almost immediately? Did they only attend 2017 and 2018 and then the excuse for 2019 was that they didn't want Archie to eat at the kids table and be separated from him (absurd to say that about a baby)? I don't trust my memory on all that but your Dec 2017 posts made me think back about it.

I could be wrong, but I don't think it was a Christmas luncheon because I think Meghan was wearing the MBS earrings.

I think it was Charles's 70th birthday party, actually. He or The Queen threw a private black tie gala for his birthday at Buckingham Palace in November 2018.

This is the photo I recall seeing of Meghan. (I remember it for the earrings and because she looks...zoned out, kinda like on the wedding day. Of course, YMMV.)

I did some googling and found this article that cited both couples (Sussexes and Cambridges) leaving early and how unusual it was.

I don't think it was that unusual for the Cambridges to have left early, since they had a baby at home, but it is odd the Sussexes left early.

They could've left a Buckingham Christmas luncheon early but this is the one that I remember a bit better.

[ourladyofoldgotham]

nightfall

j. robert oppenheimer x female reader

implied adultery, set during manhattan project

prompt by @forgottenpeakywriter

1.1k words

summary

You meet the illustrious Dr. Oppenheimer at the Los Alamos Christmas party. He asks you for a dance.

Los Alamos isn’t a socialite’s paradise, but looking around Fuller Lodge decorated for the annual personnel Christmas party, they almost could have fooled you.

A band was playing - turns out Los Alamos had a lot more musicians than you had thought - and the soft bustle of the room’s chatter rises up to the tinsel garland draped over the ceiling’s wooden beams. The electricity was always down in the evenings, and the water from the tanker trucks was in short supply, but for tonight, candles and liquor more than made up for it. 

You see him from across the room, standing at the counter. Doctor Oppenheimer is not a particularly loud man, nor a particularly imposing one. Still, there’s an air about him that seems to draw people in. He looks up and meets your gaze from across the room, and his blue eyes in the low light strike you like a bullet. You’ve heard about a million stories about him in the time that you’ve been here - you’ve heard he’s a genius of the highest degree, of course, but that’s practically a given. According to the rumors that flew through the town, he was also a Communist, a millionaire, a homewrecker, and a man that had left a trail of cultish devotion behind him in every university doing any real work in theoretical physics everywhere from Cambridge to California. You hadn’t believed a word of him until you’d met him in person. He seemed to be around every corner, in every lab, his brilliance the undercurrent at every turn. There was a sort of hypnotism that surrounded him, something that you had never seen before. You, like all the rest, were only human. Nobody could help falling under its spell. In the crowd, you lose sight of him.

It’s not until the night starts to draw to a close that you encounter him again. He startles you, tapping you on the shoulder. The light is low, scattering dim light across the wooden floor. The band plays some soft, pretty jazz tune you’re sure you’ve heard before. 

“Are you new to the Hill? I don’t think I recognize you.”

He extends his hand to you, and you shake it. 

“J. Robert Oppenheimer. I’m not sure we’ve had a chance to meet.”

You introduce yourself and his eyes glimmer with a slight touch of recollection. 

“I recognize that last name. Were you at Berkley? Caltech?”

You laugh and shake your head. 

“No, you must be thinking of my husband. He was one of Professor Lawrence’s graduate students there.”

“Of course. I don’t think I could have forgotten a face like that.”

He smiles at you over the rim of his glass. 

“Let me make you a drink.” 

You lean against the edge of the counter as you watch him make a martini, rimmed in lime and honey with extra gin. 

“So where did you go to school? I know your husband works in the E-5 group, but I could swear I’ve seen you in the labs.”

“Harvard - for chemistry, summa cum laude. I wasn’t able to complete my master’s, though - we moved out here just a couple months before I would have finished. I worked under Hornig in plutonium chemistry as a lab assistant for a while, but now I’m just a courier in the library group.”

“Ah, one of Lilli’s plutonium girls. It’s important work you do, you know.”

“What, to drive back and forth from a mailbox all day with a suitcase of old books locked to my wrist like a pack mule?”

He laughs in a way that’s almost disarming, the charismatic Oppie of legend. 

“A pack mule with one of the highest military security clearance levels in the country. It has to count for something.”

He hands you your drink. It’s strong, almost dizzying in the high altitude of top of the cocktails you’d already had. He’s quiet for a moment, his eyes studying you with an emotion you can’t quite decipher.

“Do you recognize this song?”

You shake your head.

“I’m certain I’ve heard it before, but I can’t quite place my finger on it.”

“Ah, of course. It’s quite popular, but it’s not as in vogue as it used to be. It’s called Nightfall - by Benny Carter. I saw him play live once, under Henderson at the Roseland in New York. Quite brilliant men, actually - I believe Henderson was a graduate student at Columbia in chemistry briefly.”

He pauses again, considering something. His eyes flit across the diamond ring on your finger as it wraps around the stem of your glass.

“Has your husband gone home yet? I don’t see him anywhere.”

“Oh, yes, doctor. Hours ago. He doesn’t dance - and he figured I could make it back home on my own.”

“I see. Do you? Dance, I mean.”

“When I can - which hasn’t been often lately. And where is Mrs. Oppenheimer tonight?”

“She’s… She’s visiting her family in Pennsylvania. Los Alamos has never suited her.”

You watch him rub the silver wedding band on his finger, a sudden flash of tension skimming across his face. 

“And what about you? Do you dance, Dr. Oppenheimer?”

The question snaps him out of his reverie, and he smiles softly. 

“Please, call me Robert. And as a matter of fact, I do. May I have the pleasure of this one?”

He extends his hand to you, and you take it. 

“You may.”

He leads you out to the dance floor. He’s old-fashioned, almost gentlemanly - his hand rests delicately on your waist, in classic ballroom fashion. The two of you are practically the only people in the room, now - he leads you in a slow foxtrot around the room. There’s something soft in his eyes when he looks into yours that makes you feel like the only woman in the world.

When the last note of the song rings out, the two of you are standing in the center of the floor. Your head rests on his shoulder, your clasped hands pulled in close. His hand is warm on your waist through the thin fabric of your dress. 

It’s hardly the picture of propriety. The scandal of an affair between the two of you would be enormous. Somehow, you can’t bring yourself to care. Not now - not with him, dancing like this in the cool desert night. The rising moon drips silver light across the floor. With a flick of his hand, Robert signals to the band for just one more song.

couldn't resist the chance to flex my very minor jazz knowledge

[brookpub]

Christmas Party Bookings with the Best Food Packages at the Brook Pub, Cambridge

To celebrate the arrival of the holiday season, why not have your Christmas party at The Brook Pub? Our facility will be open from November 25th through December 24th, turned into a winter wonderland fit for hosting amazing events. If you are looking for a venue for Christmas bookings with best food packages then the Brook Pub Cambridge is the place to host a party for your dear ones, friends, and colleagues.

Customized Christmas Party Bookings Packages at the Brook Pub:

Here at The Brook Pub in Cambridge, we know that everyone has their tastes and interests, so we do our best to accommodate them. If you want your Christmas celebration to be unforgettable, pick one of our carefully crafted packages.

Package 1: 

CHOOSE 6 - £18

Those looking for a lovely assortment of canapés to tantalize their taste buds will find what they're looking for in this package. There are six delicious choices, so your visitors may enjoy a wide variety of flavors.

Package 2: 

CHOOSE 8 - £24

The Select 8 package is perfect for individuals who can't decide between multiple delicious options. Your guests will never forget the symphony of flavors they experienced at your celebration, thanks to your expert selection of eight canapés.

What is the Christmas Festive Canape menu?

The term "canapé menu" is commonly used to describe a Christmas-themed assortment of small, bite-sized appetizers or hors d'oeuvres. These appetizers are frequently uniquely designed to reflect the Christmas season in terms of ingredients, flavors, and presentation. They are designed to be eye-catching, tasty, and simple to eat with your hands, making them ideal for holiday parties and gatherings.

A holiday canapé menu may include:

Savoury Canapés: 

Appetizers can be anything from small sandwiches and skewers to tartlets and even smoked salmon on crackers made from shellfish.

Vegetarian Options: 

Stuffed mushrooms, grilled veggie skewers, and bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella are all good examples.

Sugary appetizers: 

Miniature versions of seasonal sweets like mince pies, chocolate truffles, and gingerbread cookies might be shown.

Charcuterie and cheese: 

In addition to the usual assortment of finger foods, a festive canapé meal may additionally have cheeses, cured meats, and condiments like chutneys and crackers.

Presenting Creatively: 

Canapés can be artistically displayed on themed platters or serving trays to set the mood for the holidays.

Festive Canapés: A Delightful Culinary Journey

Our party canapés are made with meticulous attention to detail and inventive ingenuity, guaranteeing your guests will have a wonderful time. Our menu features a variety of delicious dishes, from tender meats to tasty vegetarian alternatives. Your guests will be treated to a symphony of tastes and sensations that will leave them wanting more.

Brook Pub Christmas Canape Menu:

Let us take care of the details so you can relax and enjoy the holiday season with your loved ones, friends, or coworkers, no matter the occasion!

You get to choose from our perfect Canape Menu along with drinks for your Party!!

Let’s check out what we serve for this Christmas Season:

ROAST TURKEY ON MINI-YORKSHIRE AND STUFFING

FESTIVE SLIDER: BEEF, BRIE, BACON AND CRANBERRY SAUCE

PORK SLIDER: BBQ PULLED PORK AND APPLE SAUCE

CHORIZO AND CHEESE PUFF PASTRY WITH PLUM AND APPLE CHUTNEY

SMOKED SALMON TARTINES WITH CRÈME FRAÎCHE, DILL AND CAPERS GARLIC AND CHILLI TIGER PRAWNS ON VOLA AU VENTS

PRAWN COCKTAIL ON BABY GEM, MANGO, AND RED PEPPER SALSA (GF)

MACARONI CHEESE BITES (V)

TANDOORI PANEER SKEWERS WITH MINT AND CORIANDER CHUTNEY (V) OKRA AND ONION BHAJI WITH MANGO CHUTNEY (VE)

APPLE CRUMBLE MINCE PIE (VE)(GF) MIX BERRY 

TRIFLE (V)

CHOCOLATE SNOBINETTE WITH WHITE, DARK CHOCOLATE GANACHE AND HONEYCOMB (V)

CRANBERRY AND STILTON ON BREAD (V)

Toast with Joyous Beverages:

A Christmas gathering isn't a success until the drinks are just right. We have a variety of Christmas beverages at The Brook Pub that are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Our drink menu includes traditional mulled wine as well as original twists on Christmas classics to ensure that your holiday celebration is complete. We at the Brook pub will help you choose the best food and wine combination for your evening.

Book Your Unforgettable Christmas Party:

Don't pass up the chance to throw a Christmas party that everyone will be talking about. From November 25th to December 24th, The Brook Pub offers appealing canapé packages, perfect for securing a date. Raise the mood with our celebratory beverages and spend quality time with those you care about.

We also provide a great selection of Wines, Whiskies, Gins, Pitches, Best Cask Ales, and Best Cocktail bar drinks to complement your meal. We'd like to know which food package you're interested in purchasing so that we can provide you with beverages that perfectly complement your meal.

If you haven't already done so, it's time to start planning your Christmas and New Year's Eve festivities. Join us as we celebrate the Christmas season at the Brook Pub, widely regarded as Cambridge's greatest Pub. Make sure your Christmas party is one they'll never forget by reserving your space with us today. Let's make Christmas at The Brook Pub one for the ages!

[bloodyknucklesforme]

Scotch | Restaurant AU

Kyle and Nina's relationship, aged for five years.

tw: angst, mention of sexual assault and aftermath, self harm, familial death, injury

June 2017

"You enlisted?" Her jaw was tight, keeping the muscles firm to stop herself from crying.

"Yeah... I just don't know what I want to do and I need more time." They'd just finished their A-levels. One last summer before University.

"You can take a fucking gap year, Kyle!" She sat down on his bed, head in her hands

"I just need to be doing something. You see all that shite on the news!"

"So you're going to stop Al-Qatala? Is that it?"

"Of course not!"

It felt like he put a knife in her belly and twisted it. He, out of anyone, should have known how that uniform makes her feel. That she grew up in fear of it, hid herself from it, resented it.

"You said we'd go to uni together." It was happening again. It was them against the world until it was due for the next life stage and he'd leave her behind. Like when they were kids and as soon as they hit double digits he didn't want to be friends with a girl anymore. He was turning eighteen and didn't want a girlfriend anymore. Didn't want her.

"I was never going to get into the same schools as you, Neen. You're incredible and work hard."

"So do you. It's not like I'm going to Cambridge. It's Queen Mary. You can get in. I'll go to a different school if I have to. I'm studying fucking English literature. It's not hard to find a program." She pleaded.

"I'm not going to hold you back."

"You're not." Her voice finally breaking down into a cry.

"Hey, hey. Nim. Look at me." he knelt down in front of her. "Nothing is going to change. You're still my best friend."

Friend

"Are you breaking up with me?" She looked up at him, trembling.

His reassuring smile was replaced with a more embarrassed look.

"I won't ask you to wait for me all that time."

Four years was the minimum. Once he enlisted they had him for four years. She'd have graduated by then. All her future plans turned to fantasy. She wanted to graduate together, move in together, date for a few more years, travel, get engaged, get married. She would have waited for him.

She got up, contorting uncomfortably to avoid touching him.

"I'm just gonna go." She started to gather up her things.

"Nina... I love you. That's not what this about. You deserve more than me being away all that time."

"You never had to leave in the first place." She slammed his bedroom door, ignoring his little sister's peaking from down the hall and his mum's calling to ask if everything was okay. She didn't slam the front door, she wouldn't do that to Mrs. Garrick.

She started to sob as she closed their front gate. She walked towards the woods. Trudged through the underbrush and leaf litter left from last Autumn.

They built a fort out here years ago. Saved up pocket money, raided rubbish bins. Built a little wooden box. She was sure only they knew about it. She never found evidence to the contrary. It still stood out there, hidden under old ivy and branches.

She crawled inside and pulled her knees to her chest. She never told Kyle this was where she always went to cry. Her father hated the sound of crying, would turn into a spectacle in front of the whole family for you to explain why you were so upset. She couldn't admit that Kyle had dumped her again.

She chewed at the skin around her nails till the blood stained her nails.

He was sent to basic training a week later. She never said goodbye. Her mum said he'd stopped by one day.

"Kyle said he'll write to you while he's gone and answer if you called."

September 2017 - June 2018

She went to London alone. It was fine until it wasn't. She met a boy that reminded her of Kyle until he didn't. It was a party for the return of term after Christmas holiday. He said he would take her home. She just wanted to go home.

She tried not to blame herself but all her new friends turned against her. He said that she lied about it because she was actually cheating on him. That she was slut. He was so much more popular than her.

She could call Kyle but they hadn't talked in months. She spent so many nights starring at her phone, her hand overing over his name in her contacts.

She stopped going to class. One of her professor's reached out, asked if she was okay, offered to let her turn in things late. She felt too ashamed to answer their email, letting it rot in her inbox while her assignments sat unfinished on her desktop.

She failed everything of course. She couldn't go home. Her parents wouldn't ask how class went, they'd want to see them. She told them she would buy her own train ticket home and then never did.

She packed her things and went to Price's flat. Showing up like a stray dog.

"You can talk to me, you know. I'm not your dad but I care about you, Nina. Whatever you tell me, it'll be between us."

She felt like she had an aura of victimhood around her. Was it that obvious?

She stayed the Summer, learning how to cook and bake. It kept her mind off things. Made the excuse that Price needed a flat sitter while he was deployed or at training.

August 2018

"I'm back for a couple weeks. I was wondering if I could stop by and see you." It had only been a year but he sounded so much more grown. She wondered if he looked different. She knew she did.

"I'm not at home. I'm still in London. I er... I'm staying with Price. Like housesitting, I guess."

"Would it be okay if I came to visit? I can get a hotel or find a mate to stay with. Some guys in my unit have families nearby and I just really want to see you Nina."

She clenched her jaw tightly. Would he be disappointed in her? She failed, she hadn't told anyone she hadn't registered for Autumn yet and most likely wouldn't. She wanted to see him.

She was incredibly lonely. More than ever. Price was wonderful but he was twenty years her senior and the friends he had over for dinner even more so. She wanted her best friend.

"Let me ask Price."

Price said he could stay. She'd moved to a cot in the unused second bedroom. Kyle could take the couch. As long as they behaved Price said he could stay.

Kyle looked grown. He looked bigger, muscles built up, he stood up straighter. He was so gorgeous standing out in front of building. She was a sailor seeing land for the first time in months. She ran down the front steps and threw herself into his arms.

"I'm sorry."

"No. I'm sorry." He hugged her to his chest. He smelled the same, his heart sounded the same, his voice calmed her the same. That's what mattered.

They went on a walk after he dropped his things off.

"I did it on a whim, you know. I never wanted to hurt you. I just panicked and that was it. I'm sorry I broke my promise."

"It's okay. I just... I always feel like I'm a second choice and I felt like I must have done something wrong to make you leave." She bit down on her trembling lip.

Kyle cupped her cheeks, using his thumb to pull her lip down from between her teeth.

"You didn't do anything, Nina. I thought you every day. I kept trying to write but I didn't know what to say beyond i miss you and it just never felt good enough. I didn't call because I was afraid you wouldn't answer."

"I'm sorry for not reaching out either. I missed you and I'd met this guy and..." She could tell him right here in this park. She'd just gotten him back. She'd been telling herself it wasn't her fault. What if he thought differently? He was already slipping from her grasp like water. She left her sentence unended.

"I get it...are you and him still together?" His gaze darted around, avoiding putting her on the spot.

"No." She shook her head. She was so small. She was small and scared and the ground was crumbling all around her. She made the leap into his arms, crying into his chest. Let him think that it was just her broken heart. "He wasn't you..."

2019

It didn't have a label. Too much time between seeing each other to really call it dating but neither would have sought out different partners when they were separated. It was nice honestly.

She liked being the thing he came back to. Despite his best efforts she was always waiting for him. She never minded. Picking him up at the airport was always the best part of any season.

She never went back to Uni. Told her parents she wanted a gap year or two or three. She fully moved into Price's spare room, got a job at a local cafe, paid him rent.

Kyle was allowed to stay with her in her room when he was around.

She cried the first time they tried to have sex again. Blamed it on hormones. The second time was better. Third they actually finished. Fourth time she cried again.

"You alright, Neen?" He rubbed his nose against her shoulder.

"Just in my head too much, I guess." He kissed her cheek.

"You can talk to me."

"I'm okay. I promise."

The fifth time was better.

October 2021

Price asked her to help him open a restaurant. His forced retirement left him without much to do during the day. He entrusted her with a lot. She felt proud of her work. She liked being proud of something, hearing Price's praise.

It was October 25th. They hoped to be opened before Christmas, preferably late November.

It was her, Price and Simon, the only other employee at the time. Nina was sketching out various layouts for front of house. Price was behind the bar, preparing another wine tasting for the three of them. Simon was making family dinner in the back.

There was a rumble and all the glass in the building shook. She looked up at Price.

"Explosion" he muttered. They sat in silence as sirens picked up, crying a cruel sad song. Simon came out from the back. Her heart sank hearing distant screaming.

Their phones went off in a buzzing alarm. Explosion and shooting at Piccadilly. Her hands started shaking.

She'd talked to Kyle only a couple days before. He said he was going to be working in London for a little bit. He could be there. He could be dead already. He could be dying right now.

She kept refreshing twitter, scanning photos and videos for him. Price sat down next to her, rubbing her back.

"He'll call you as soon as he can."

"What if he never does?"

His mum called later that night. He was hurt in the initial explosion and was in hospital. She and his dad were driving down but it would be hours before they got there. Nina was out the door within seconds.

She and his family took shifts watching over him. Burns on his arms and chest, broken wrist, ribs and femur but no brain damage. He was groggy, eyes opening to scan the room before falling back asleep. She held his hand as much as she could. Sometimes when he woke up, he'd see her and squeeze her hand.

He'd stay with her and Price while recovering and doing physical therapy. His military career was over though. He stared at their bedroom wall alot. Price did the same when he was medically discharged. Unable to think of what to do with himself, all structure gone from his life. Left only with pain, scars a leg that twitched.

"I don't think I deserve you." He said as she fluffed up his pillows.

"What do you mean?" She frowned.

"You're too good to me."

"I love you. When you love someone you take care of them."

"You're making me blush." He took her hand and kissed it. "I'll pay you back someday."

April 2022

"You have to move out someday." Kyle said, kissing her forehead. He'd gotten a flat with two other guys he met in the army. It was nice and they, surprisingly, had more privacy here than at Price's, where she still lived. He wanted them to move in together. They'd been officially dating again for over a year.

"I like paying very low rent." She kissed his chest, careful of his burn scars. He chuckled.

"Yeah but in our place I could fuck you whenever I wanted."

"Whenever you want?"

"Whenever we want." He gave her arse a squeeze. "My lease ends in August."

"I'd like to move in with you." She smiled. Her fantasies seemed within reach.

June 2022

She was working front of house. It was a grueling summer afternoon. She'd gotten into a fight with her mum earlier that week over not coming on the family vacation.

"You haven't been home in so long. Seb misses you."

"He can come to London."

"Your father doesn't like London, you know that."

"He should get over it."

"I just want you to come. Spend time with your family. We want you here."

"Didn't know we was singular now."

"Nina."

"Mum."

She walked around, checking in on all the tables. Kate came up to her.

"Price needs to talk to you in his office." She looked sad.

As she walked away she heard Kate tell Cleo and Nova to tell people they were closing early.

Price's office was in the basement of the building. Stuffy and dark but cooler than anywhere else except the walk in.

"Sit down, love." His head was in his heads, he didn't even glance up at her.

"Am I getting fired?" She joked, sitting down across from him. Price looked up at her. She'd never seen him cry before. Her stomach dropped, probably landing in some abandoned catacomb beneath them.

He got up and knelt down in front of her.

"I got a call." He took her hands between his. She was shaking and she didn't know why. "There was an accident down near Brighton."

"Don't..." She shook her head. They were just hurt. Nothing else. Just hurt, even severly maybe but they weren't...no...they couldn't be.

"They're gone, love. I'm so sorry, Nina but they're all gone."

Kyle heard Nina scream from the dining room. It made his blood run cold. He sprinted out of the kitchen and down toward's Price's office.

She was hunched over, head between her knees, wailing in pain. Price was knelt in front of her, rubbing her back and knees.

"Kyle's here, love." Price, moved to the side so Kyle could kneel in front of her. He pressed his head to hers. She blindly reached out to grab his arms, holding tight enough to leave bruises.

"I got you. I got you."

It was his turn to take care of her now. Because he loved her and that's what you did for the people you loved.

the time line might be a little fucky so forgive me, I'm bad at math

Tag List: @queen-ilmaree @macravishedbymactavish @gogh-with-the-flow @water-bearz @pvssytrux

[claireofluxembourg]

I have a PhD on Aristo Friends from the University of Cambridge lmaooooo

Can you share some of that knowledge lol? Do you know what happened to them after they all stopped partying and left the spotlight to start families? They're all so quiet I only thought Guy Pelly probably had to sell his nightclubs to be suitable to be Louis' godfather

Well, they're all married now, boring people in their 40's lmaooo

Guy and Lizzy are mostly in the USA.

I used to follow Zoe Warren on insta (because sometimes I do yoga for my menstrual cramps and anxiety) but she deleted her account a million years ago, however she has another site, Peachy with Zoe, I think she and Jakie divide their time between London and Hampshire, where the family business is (Jakie is involved in races, much like his grandfather, dear old Porchie was. They were the Queen's race managers)

Skippy and Lara are in the USA. He works as CCO of Afiniti. Lara is a Software Manager but idk where she works.

My husband Hugh is a Duke and a Billionaire and he does what Billionaire Dukes do. Billions. Soon to be married and not to me, how dare he.

Lady Edwina (Hugh's sister) and her husband live in London. She works on prison reform.

The Van Cutsems are all over the place. Edward married Tamara Grosvenor, Hugh's other sister (lol) and they have 3 kids, he’s King Charles' godson. Hugh married an Astor and their daughter Grace is William's goddaughter and their son Charles was Charles' page of honour. Nicholas is Louis' godfather and his daughter Florence is Henry's goddaughter. And last but not least William is godfather of George.

Thomas van Straubenzee (or Van) is in my honest opinion William's best friend. He married Missy Percy in what we consider one of the tackiest aristo weddings ever (her tiara was crooked and it was... well, interesting) but they divorced not long after. He remarried to one of George and Charlotte's school teachers and he's the godfather of Charlotte. Charlie as you know is Archie's godfather and possibly the only friend that's still on speaking terms with Harry. Their brother Henry had a car accident and died and they hold a Christmas Carol concert in his honour every year.

If you have questions about a specific Aristo let me know and I'll tell you.

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Leaked email: Harkles' aid negotiates their holiday visit with BRF. What other terms would you add to the list? [Satire] by u/cozymayo

Leaked email: Harkles' aid negotiates their holiday visit with BRF. What other terms would you add to the list? [Satire] From the Office of the Duke and Duchess of SussexHello Charles,I'm reaching out with regard to the open invitation implied to Her Serene Girl Boss Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and Dr. Prince Harold, Duke of Sussex, PhD. I am delighted to inform you that the duke and duchess have graciously agreed to accept your hospitality and are eager to plan their holiday visit to the UK, provided the following terms are met:The government of the UK shall designate the day of their arrival a bank holiday.A private jet from the royal fleet will be expected to transport the Sussexes from their home in Montecito, California to the UK. In addition to purchasing 12 carbon offset credits, the duke and duchess have generously agreed to offer the British people an opportunity to activate their collective environmental consciousness by refraining from taking hot showers for the month of December.The Sussexes will accept a formal greeting from the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge. They have agreed the following songs are permissible as they descend from the aircraft: Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys, Run the World (Girls) by Beyonce, and Independent Woman (Part I) by Destiny’s Child.The duke and duchess have agreed to be accommodated in the principal bedchamber at Sandringham House for the duration of their visit, pending the room being repainted in a satisfactory non-toxic paint (beige or greige with warm undertones preferred) produced in a carbon neutral facility. Please see attached PDF for a list of suggested eco-friendly paint brands, as well as recommendations for bed linens and toiletries.As a gesture of goodwill, the duke and duchess have agreed to lead the formal walkabout on Christmas morning.The duke and duchess will be formally acknowledged during the church service. The duchess will address the congregation for 25 minutes.The duke and duchess shall be referred to as Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harold, the Duke of Sussex by any and all parties for the duration of their visit to the UK.The duke and duchess have kindly agreed to have their pictures taken with you and your wife, Will and Kate, their children, the British prime minister, and Harry Styles.The duke and duchess shall wait 24 hours following the conclusion of Christmas festivities to commence a formal summit negotiating their progressive new role as part-time senior working royals.Please let me know if you have any questions at this point in time. We look forward to working with you and your team.​Warmest regards,Chief of Staff, The Office of the Duke and Duchess of SussexPlease consider the environment before printing this email***Auto-response:Thank you for your interest in contacting HRH King Charles III. Regrettably, he is unable to respond, as he is participating in a winter camping expedition with the Transylvanian van life community. The king will be unreachable by modern communication technology until the spring equinox. This inbox is not monitored. post link: https://ift.tt/91LnfyF author: cozymayo submitted: November 19, 2023 at 02:23AM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit

[world-of-wales]

𝕎𝕖𝕝𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕪 𝕓𝕝𝕠𝕘 ♡

☆ﾟ｡.･ ─────

𝐀𝐬𝐡 | she/her | xxi | Taurus

WillCat stan since always | blog est. 2021

Bibliophile | Astrophile | Chelsea + Mercedes

───── ･. ��ﾟ☆

ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 ♡

♪ ┆ Mainly a Wales Family account with special guest appearances from the rest of the family and foreign royalty.

♪ ┆ You'll find photo and gif edits of William, Catherine and their three little cupcakes on here along with series about Royal Engagements, Cat and Lottie's fashion, etc.

♪ ┆ My ask box and messages are always open for chat or if you want to send in anything.

♪ ┆Please be respectful to everyone and their opinions. You might not agree with everything that's what's said on here, but let's keep the conversation constructive and please be kind.

･ ｡ﾟ☆: *. 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℂ𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕥 ℂ𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤 .* :☆ﾟ｡ ･

★ ┆ 𝕎𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕒𝕞

⋆ photo edits (bf. apr11) - will windsor

⋆ photo edits (bf. sep22) - will cambridge

⋆ photo edits (af. sep22) - william wales

⋆ gif edits (bf. sep22) - will cambridge.

⋆ gif edits (af. sep22) - william wales.

⋆ royal engagements (bf. sep22) - the duke diaries

⋆ royal engagements (af. sep22) - prince of wales diary

★ ┆ ℂ𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕖

⋆ photo edits (bf. apr11) - cat middleton

⋆ photo edits (bf. sep22) - cat cambridge

⋆ photo edits (af. sep22) - catherine wales

⋆ gif edits (bf. sep22) - cat cambridge.

⋆ gif edits (af. sep22) - catherine wales.

⋆ royal engagements (bf. sep22) - the duchess diaries

⋆ royal engagements (af. sep22) - princess of wales diary

★ ┆ 𝔾𝕖𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕖

⋆ photo edits (bf. sep22) - george cambridge

⋆ photo edits (af. sep22) - george wales

⋆ gif edits (bf. sep22) - george cambridge.

⋆ gif edits (af. sep22) - george wales.

★ ┆ ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕝𝕠𝕥𝕥𝕖

⋆ photo edits (bf. sep22) - lottie cambridge

⋆ photo edits (af. sep22) - lottie wales

⋆ gif edits (bf. sep22) - lottie cambridge.

⋆ gif edits (af. sep22) - lottie wales.

★ ┆ 𝕃𝕠𝕦𝕚𝕤

⋆ photo edits (bf. sep22) - lou lou cambridge

⋆ photo edits (af. sep22) - lou lou wales

⋆ gif edits (bf. sep22) - lou lou cambridge.

⋆ gif edits (af. sep22) - lou lou wales.

★ ┆ 𝕎𝕚𝕝𝕝ℂ𝕒𝕥 + ℂ𝕦𝕡𝕔𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕤

⋆ royal engagements (bf. sep22) - the cambridge diaries

⋆ royal engagements (af. sep22) - the wales diaries

★ ┆ 𝕐𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝕚𝕟 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨

⋆ review of 2022 - catherine | william | the wales family's 22

⋆ review of 2023 - catherine | william

⋆ review of 2024 - catherine | william *under construction*

･ ｡ﾟ☆: *. 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕠𝕪𝕒𝕝 𝔻𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕤𝕞𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕣𝕤 .* :☆ﾟ｡ ･

❅ ┆ ℝ𝕠𝕪𝕒𝕝 𝕃𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜

❆ catherine's style files - 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015

2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024

❆ lottie's style files - 2022 | 2023 | 2024

❅ ┆ ℂ𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕖'𝕤 𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕕𝕣𝕠𝕓𝕖

❆ catherine's wardrobe - catherine's royal closet

❆ catherine's jewellery - catherine's jewel vault

❆ catherine's hats - hats of a princess

❅ ┆ 𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕒 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕤

❆ fashion details of 2023 - january to march april to july

❅ ┆ 𝔽𝕒𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝔽𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕙𝕓𝕒𝕔𝕜

❆ fashion recap - bafta awards | commonwealth service

st patricks day parade | easter service | anzac service

trooping the colour | royal ascot | garden parties

wimbledon.a | wimbledon.b | festival of remembrance

remembrance sunday | together at christmas concert

christmas at sandringham

❅ ┆ ℂ𝕒𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕖'𝕤 𝔻𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕤

❆ dresses - f.nav : 1

❆ coats & jackets - f.nav : 2

･ ｡ﾟ☆: *. 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℙ𝕒𝕘𝕖𝕤 𝕆𝕗 ℍ𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪 .* :☆ﾟ｡ ･

♚ ┆ ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝔼𝕟𝕘𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℕ𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕟 𝕀𝕟𝕧𝕒𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟

♔ parts - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

♚ ┆ 𝕎𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕒𝕞 𝕀 𝕃𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕒𝕘𝕖 𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤

♔ parts - 1 | 2 | 3

[misscrawfords]

Whiniest whinge in the world about getting older because I'm feeling ill and fed-up

The conductor of my choir just sent a recording to the choir whatsapp group of a party he's at taking place at the Cambridge college where he does some teaching. It's of the extremely prestigious college choir singing The Teddybears' Picnic in multi-part harmony after a black tie dinner, largely drunk, in an old wood-panelled room. It's brilliant of course. But it made me feel accutely sad and envious.

There's a video somewhere on facebook of a very similar scene from Christmas party of the slightly less prestigious college choir I was part of for a year. The drunken singing was not so perfect. But the enthusiasm and talent was. As was the wonderfully traditional and eccentric setting. Hashtag light academia or something.

My chamber choir is an excellent choir, especially as we are all amateurs and not based in London or another major city. It even has a few members who are not 50+. But it's not like these college choirs in any respect. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings and I'm usually too exhausted to do much socialising and when we finish at 10pm everyone just leaves as quickly as possible because it's a week night and we're exhausted. Well, I am. We rarely have socials and when we do, I don't find I have much in common with anyone*. I get on with pretty much everyone but even though we have some younger members, it still skews old, like all choirs outside of universities and I guess some London semi-professional jaunts. And I'm now too old to fit in well with the couple of guys who are early-mid 20s. But I'm also too young to fit in with the women with husbands and children in their mid to late 40s. Being single, childless, living alone, and in my mid-late 30s just feels so incredibly isolating. Especially since I also don't like going out and getting drunk in bars. I miss the energy and fun of being in a college choir.

*The last time I went to the pub with choir I ended up sandwiched on a bench I couldn't extract myself from between two women in their 40s who talked exclusively about their birth traumas (graphic) and relatives who had cancer pretty much over my head while I tried to nod and appear engaged. In hindsight it was funny - a great scene for a sitcom; at the time I was a bit worried about my own health and I was inwardly spiralling.

I miss having people in the same stage of life and same age to hang out with in big groups.

I miss Cambridge and being surrounded by so many people on the same wavelength who are all so, so talented and unashamed of their talent and using it. I also miss Cambridge because it is beautiful and old and there are so many opportunities for formal dinner parties. I'm awkward and self-conscious in a club or a bar. I feel out of place and insecure and weird. But I come into my own at a formal dinner. And I never go to formal dinners these days.

I know, I know, the tiniest violin is playing for me right now. "Oh poor Rose, missing her access to privilege at one of the world's top universities. What a hard life for her!" And yes, that's right. I know I'm privileged. But I did fit in there. And I don't feel like I currently fit in.

My school is wonderful. It's nerdy and it offers Ancient Greek. I have great friends among the staff. But I think I'm going to have to leave to move to London or somewhere like Oxford or Cambridge where I might meet more people "like me". I feel like in London, being single in your mid 30s isn't going to be as weird and isolating as it is in a small city.

And at some point, I do so want to meet a partner who is clever, kind, bright-eyed with interest in the world and with whom I have things in common. I literally never ever meet single men in their late 30s. Ever. I don't know where they are. Nobody seems to know where they are. It's so depressing. Maybe they are in London? I knew so many at Cambridge! None of them wanted to date me that I know of, but at least they were there, you know.

And in the mean time, I'm just constantly exhausted from school. I try to be as social as possible (I now don't have any free weekends until March...) but the thought of going to London for social events in the evenings is off-putting and I'm just so tired. I'm also ill and it's December so I'm unable to feel bright and positive as I usually try to be. Teaching is really draining. Maybe I shouldn't be a teacher. But then what? THEN WHAT, MY FRIENDS, THEN WHAT? What job should I do???????

Anyway, I'm done. I just needed to get it all out. Thank you tumblr.

Time to cook bibimbap and try to feel a bit more joie de vivre.