A TRIP THROUGH “METRO-LAND,” WITH A TASTE OF FRANCE! GUIDED BY SAVILIAN STEPHEN FITZJOHN.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the broadcast of Sir John Betjeman’s film “Metro-Land” – described by A.N. Wilson as “a television poem” – you are invited to join a jaunt on the Metropolitan Line, through the suburbs to the end of the line at Amersham for lunch, and return to the Savile in time for a presentation of the film.
The Metropolitan Line opened 160 years ago – originally from King’s Cross to Paddington but later much extended to the depths of Buckinghamshire under the watchful eye of Sir Edward Watkin. He had overseen the Great Central Main Line which ran from Manchester, through Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester, and Rugby, before fetching up at Marylebone. Watkins attempted to build, in the fields of Wembley, a structure to dwarf the Eiffel Tower (it never got beyond the first stage and, once demolished, became the site, first, of the British Empire Exhibition and then the Wembley Stadium). He also dreamed of building a Channel Tunnel, to enable his trains to travel all the way from Manchester, under the Channel and on to Paris…
Which allows a graceful elision to lunch. Several Members have already had the pleasure of meeting, and a few of sharing a cigar with, Eldad Rabinovitch. In Amersham he and his partner, Sandrine, have created “Darmon” – arguably the finest French bistro and patisserie in the Home Counties. Sandrine is a third-generation patisserie chef, and they serve a selection of traditional French cuisine, enhanced by dishes influenced by Eldad’s extensive travels around the world. His choice of wines changes each week as he selects them to complement the food he will be serving.
DETAILS:
We will gather at the Savile and leave the Club shortly after 11.30, in order to leave enough time to reach Baker Street in time for the Amersham departure at 12.04 (due to arrive at Amersham at 12.55). Members will be expected to purchase their own tickets – “Oyster” cards are valid as far as Amersham. We will then walk to “Darmon” – no more than ten minutes’ walk.
The cost of lunch (with wine) will be around £30, for which Members will pay separately.
(A selection of patisseries will be available for us to either consume there, or to bring back to the Savile for the film screening.)
After lunch we return to London – aiming for the 3.22pm departure from Amersham: we can change platforms at Finchley Road to the Jubilee Line (thereby avoiding stairs at Baker Street) and go direct to Bond Street.
The presentation of “Metro-Land” will take place in the Darwin Room, and begin at 5.30pm – to give everyone enough time to recover from the journey, and obtain sustenance in the Bar beforehand.
There will be no charge for this event – Members will pay for their own fares, lunch, beverages, and patisseries.
Numbers attending the lunch will be limited to 28, and is for Members only. Booking is required.
When booking, please indicate whether you wish to attend for (a) the trip, lunch, and film, or (b) the trip and lunch only.
Bookings/Cancellations must be received by Friday 26th May.