September 22nd
Now, we know from your comments that many of you have been thoroughly enjoying Henderson's recent forays into the world of the arts - the plays, the paintings, the music, the poetry. What we didn't expect however was that some of you would be so inspired you'd be moved to have a go yourself. However, Elizabeth Wyatt from Staines, who has been a regular at Henderson's now for thirty years, was so impressed on her most recent visit that she committed her thoughts to verse.
ODE TO HENDERSON'S!
Henderson's is a veggie heaven, found on Hanover Street,
In the city of Edinburgh, it truly is a treat,
They opened their doors originally in 1962,
Soon it just got bigger, I'll go on to give you a clue!
Along then came the restaurant, the bakery, bistro and deli,
Lots of wholesome and lovely food, to fill up the hungriest belly,
You might just like to sample a Mexican wrap or curry,
What are you waiting for, Get off there now, hurry, hurry!
Or perhaps you would like the veggie haggis, the pie or seasonal stew,
There's savoury crepes and nut burgers, not forgetting the nut loaf too,
And to finish perhaps some chocolate mousse, or even some cherry pie,
So many delights to choose from, I hear you say with a sigh!
And even if you aren't a veggie, you will enjoy a visit here,
With foods of choice for everyone, there's also a great atmosphere,
You can order yourself a glass of wine, a juice or a coffee or tea,
A wide and varied choice is available, please check out the menu you'll see!
During your visit to Henderson's, good music you are likely to hear,
Guitar, piano and jazz, in evenings throughout the whole year,
This all just simply adds to the enjoyment of your food,
You'll leave this healthy restaurant, uplifted and in a real good mood!
Is Elizabeth perhaps descended from the great 16th century sonneteer and translator of Petrarch Sir Thomas Wyatt? If so, the poetic strain is still strong, evidently.
Now, at the risk of opening the floodgates, has anyone else out there felt the stirrings of the Muse while sitting in Henderson's?
September 18th
Some of you may remember that back in July Henderson's received a visit from a party of journalists from Beijing. They visited the restaurant, the bistro, the shop, the gallery, Roddy Martine gave an introductory talk, Cathal and Duncan played for them and they all got to try Henderson's delicious, wholesome food. Just an average day in the cultural hub that is Henderson's really.
Well, the article is now in, and boy did they like us. At least I think they liked us - to be honest, my Chinese is a bit rusty. And by rusty, I mean non-existent. If anyone out there can help translate you can find the article here I tell you what, though, even if you can't read Chinese, it's worth checking out for the pictures alone - rarely have we seen the old lady looking quite so resplendent.
September 7th
Euan Stevenson and Jonathan Cairney's spellbinding 'Days of Wine and Roses' last night brought the curtain down on the Festival for another year - well, Henderson's part in it at least - and what a tremendous few weeks it's been. Wonderful audiences, fantastic performances and that unique feeling of excitement in the air that only Henderson's at the Fringe can provide. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all the artists and performers who took part and delighted audiences and critics alike.
So, well done Euan and Jonathan, David and his talented cast from 'The Lasses, O', Cammy and David, Cathal and Duncan, Will Pickvance, The Bicycle Thieves and Simone Caffari, John Squire and Robert Powell, Arnold Brown, and Roddy Martine. Thanks too to all the Henderson's staff who worked tirelessly to make it happen. Above all, a huge thank you to everyone, friends old and new, who came along and made August at Henderson's the triumph it undoubtedly was.
We hope to see you again soon, and roll on 2011!
