When we were invited to review Tom’s Midnight Garden in Cardiff, we realised we might as well make a day of it.
We normally bring our own food everywhere we go, but we decided to go out for dinner for a treat. Danny loves Sushi and would love to eat in a Sushi bar one day, however I knew that there wouldn’t be anything there for Caitlyn to enjoy.
We decided to compromise and visit The Red Hot World Buffet. We looked it up online, salivated over the menu, and couldn’t wait to eat there. I decided against booking a table as our arrival time would be dependent on half term traffic. It seemed like the best choice as Danny could have his Sushi and Caitlyn and I could have our favourite, Italian.
Unfortunately, Red Hot World Buffet was packed and there was a small queue of people waiting to be seated. I suggested to the kids that we try somewhere else, however when I saw their disappointment, I told them we would ask how long the wait would be and then decide.
We were optimistic when the first family were led in and told the wait would be a few minutes, then the young girls ahead of us were told the same, as were we.
The first family were given a table, then the girls and I felt reassured that soon we would be next to enjoy our buffet.
However, this was not going to be the case. New families were bought in from outside and they were being sent to the next available tables, while we stood there embarassed looking on. I thought maybe these were groups with a different number of people, so the tables were most suited to them, but no, other parties of three were being sat down before us.
The waiter, who I know was doing his best in a busy situation then explained that it would be about a fifteen minute wait. I was so annoyed that we had wasted a long time in there waiting for a table, then we were forgotten about and people who had waited for no length of time were being seated.
I told the kids we were leaving. They gave me their puppy dog eyes and I explained that we had been there for far longer than anyone else in the queue and were now at risk of being late to the show. We were a party of three as were two others waiting by us. I promised them that if we were next to be seated, then we would stay.
The kids were super excited again as the waiter came over, but of course the other family who had just came in were seated first. Their daughter did look behind giving us a sympathetic glance, however the adults quickly dragged her along with them in case they missed their table. I started to leave, the waiter came over again, he looked at us but as I went to speak, he looked away and took the other family to a table, so we walked out.
I’m lucky that the kids were so good standing for that length of time, especially as it ended up being for nothing. I now had to find something for us all to enjoy quickly before the show.
We realised we would no longer have time to eat in somewhere and I immediately pined for my homemade bread rolls and fruit that I would normally have been eating by now.
Danny still really wanted Sushi, so we decided to get a Yo! Sushi Takeaway for him.
Although they were busy in Yo Sushi, they were very friendly and helpful. We laughed as the waitress said “Table for three” to two young girls. They looked confused, then realised that it looked as if they were together with my Caitlyn who was standing next to them. I grabbed a Veggy Sushi box, so we just had to find some quick take-out food for Caitlyn.
At most take-outs there were huge queues or the food was too fancy for her, for example in a baguette, she would just like cheese or ham with cucumber, not lots of salad and sauces. We walked out of the food outlet and on our way towards the New Theatre, whilst also looking for food for Caitlyn.
We were pleased to see Bwyty Hayes Island Snack Bar. Caitlyn could have simple hot dog and chips and Danny could have a sit down, which I could see he needed as he was getting dusky and blue around the mouth.
We received more happy and friendly service here and Caitlyn enjoyed her food.
My sushi was lovely, although I felt self consious sitting by a snack bar attempting to eat with chop sticks. Danny loved this, of course.
My poor tired boy!
After filling our bellies we walked on to the New Theatre, stopping for photo opportunities (also known as much needed rests for Danny!) along the way.
We really enjoyed the show as you can tell from our review.
Then it was time to go shopping. I love The St David’s Centre, with it’s convenient parking, food, late night opening hours and lovely child friendly shops.
Well, you know how much I love Hamleys, so we went there first.
Dave has a Darth Vador Costume so this could be a family photo!
We love all the “Come and Play” stations and the staff were fun as always.
We bought the dolls from Frozen, but were still on the hunt for Elsa, so we went to The Disney Store.
A lovely chap in the Disney Store explained that the particular doll we wanted was out of stock, but gave us a card to order it online with free delivery. He asked the kids all about their half term and confessed that he also loved reading Tom’s Midnight Garden when he was younger.
We then went to the Lego Store.
Danny chose some Pick n Mix Lego. I love Pick n Mix which doesn’t rot your teeth!
As Caitlyn had already spent her money in Hamley’s she played at the Lego Play Stations.
Danny and I loved the instore “Digital Box” which bought the Lego sets to life on screen. Again, the friendly staff gave us all the assistance we needed and helped us to find sets which were compatible. Sadly, it doesn’t work for new sets, such as The Simpsons lego yet as it needs an update, but I can’t wait to try it when it does!
Talking about Simpson’s Lego…I wasn’t generous enough to buy him the Simpson’s lego set, but as I’m such a good mum, I did take a photo of him by it!
Danny chose a Lego Movie set in addition to his Pick n Mix (which seemed to have an orange theme).
Then it was time to walk back to the car and begin our journey home.
At home, the kids had a quick play with their new toys (they couldn’t wait), whilst I only had the energy left to write my review and drink wine!
Consequently, today I am knee deep in laundry which I need to get sorted so we can head off to the park!
Hope everyone’s having a lovely Half-Term ( and a good “back to school” week for those who enjoyed half-term last week)!
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