Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 25, 2018 21:54:28 GMT
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 25, 2018 21:35:29 GMT
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 25, 2018 21:06:11 GMT
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What's the actual schedule for opening weekend? MrsSE and I may both be off work on one day or the other... We open tomorrow at 8am through to 4:30pm. Same hours on Saturday, then 9am to 3:30pm on Sunday. It'd be good to see you, but you'll need to introduce yourself. You might even get a complimentary coffee or two!
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Last Edit: Jan 25, 2018 21:06:25 GMT by Geordie
CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 25, 2018 21:04:34 GMT
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Thanks guys. That's me home after the final day of preparation. Not without stressy moments either, but could I expect anything else? Today's issue to sort? Initial Wasre Management, a big company who either own, or are owned by, Rentokil I believe, dropped it on me today that the electric hand dryer (which was supposed to arrive last Thursday but landed today) wasn't going to be installed by them after all. Because I'd bought it outright (on their recommendation) rather than rent it, that meant they wouldn't be installing it. Of course, they never mentioned that at the time. So luckily, the sparky who did all the electrics in the early stages of the shop fit had an hour free and came over to dig me out the poop.
The refrigeration engineer who was supposed to be arriving at 9am, to fix the patisserie fridge, still wasn't there by 11am, so I chased him up, and I was told he'd been called to a school job, which took priority. Fab, despite us opening the shop tomorrow, we had still been shoved down the pecking order by some snot-nosed munchkins. Anyway, he arrived at half one, and had it up and running by half three. Phew!
Bread ordered from the bakers (just along the same street as the shop) and I collect it at just before 8am. Patisserie order dropped off, as was the gelato ice cream. Jeez, that stuff is gorgeous. Panini machine tested again, all good there. The gourmet pies come in frozen, but we've tested out the procedure for serving them, and that's ok too. They come in cooked and frozen, so three and a half minutes in the microwave, then an hour in the pie warmer to crisp the pastry back up again. Beef Balti was tested yesterday, Hotshot Chicken today. Both gorgeous.
Most things are now tidy, cleaned, and in their place for the morning. I'll be there about 0630hrs to put the cakes in their displays and set the tarts/mousses/scones out etc. The artisan scotch eggs are being delivered about 0930hrs. Let's hope nobody wants one for their breakfast before then!!
To paraphrase X Factor/Pop Idol/Dancing on Ice...."it's been a journey", but we're there. A new door opens tomorrow. A new chapter begins. Working for ourselves. Can't quite believe it's happening to be honest. I'd like to thank each and every one of you guys who've contributed to this thread (so far), giving support, advice, sometimes criticism. All welcome, believe me. I've enjoyed compiling this thread, a record of progress that I can refer back to when a nostalgic desire takes me. I'll keep adding to it, documenting the next chapter. Hopefully it will be of interest to some. Thanks again!
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 24, 2018 20:45:22 GMT
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Out of interest how much are you selling the photos for? I've been offered 'wall space' at the holiday cottage we stay in, in Exmoor, for some of my images of Exmoor (I'd need to print and frame them though). Like the Dog Friendly sign! The photographer has them priced up at £79 for the framed photos, and £89 for the canvasses. We get 10% commission on them, but it's not about that for me really. I like having quality images down there. He's also left some greetings cards with us, which we get about 30% commission on.
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 24, 2018 20:39:46 GMT
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A couple of problems to sort just before opening. 1. We are using organic milk from a local farm/dairy, and they advised I ordered through a local distributor. I spoke to them before Christmas, to introduce ourselves, and all seemed well. I rang them yesterday to remind them that we will be putting an order in for opening, and they told me they wouldn't be able to sort an account out as I'd only be ordering milk from them, which isn't a major runner for them (they do food more than milk). Great. So, I've spent a bit of time sorting out another way to get the same milk, and it's sorted for Monday. That means we'll have to buy our first few days stock of milk from supermarkets probably, but at least we have a plan. 2. The second issue was the patisserie fridge. We bought it second hand back in early December I think. I started it up at the time, and all seemed ok. It got down the temperature. Smashing. Trouble is, it has somehow lost all it's gas in the weeks since, and when I turned it on yesterday, it wouldn't get cold. Fab. Two days to opening. Could do without it man! Anyway. A local refrigeration company came out today and diagnosed the leak and a kinked cold pipe. Should be sorted tomorrow. Gelato freezer is now looking the part with the Napoli pans in. Just need some ice cream, which comes tomorrow. We mistakenly believed the freezer we bought was a nine pan capacity, but it turn out to be six pan max. No biggy, just another slight hurdle to think about and get over. Polo's have arrived... Stock... I think downstairs is properly finished... Pies and lots of ambient stock came today. Scotch eggs, patisserie items and ice cream tomorrow. Menu boards arrived this afternoon, but I'll get them written out to some degree in the morning, then put them up. The lock still needs fitting on the bathroom door, and the shelving unit needs moving up 6 inches and securing again to the wall. The main guy from the coffee roasters is coming over as well for an hour to check the coffee machine is working well, and we know what we are doing! Wow, nearly there.
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 23, 2018 21:15:39 GMT
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 23, 2018 19:57:33 GMT
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Good to get sorted. As it looks smart and definetly not 20 years old. Thanks Matt. I agree, it definately doesn't look 21 years old. Aged well. A bit like me haha
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Last Edit: Jan 23, 2018 19:57:59 GMT by Geordie
CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 22, 2018 20:17:38 GMT
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Hmmm, something not quite right here... Culprit? Bottom ball joint popped. Sorted now.
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 19, 2018 22:41:52 GMT
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They are kind of middle sized cups mate. I can't please everybody all the time. Some want big mugs, others want small dainty china teacups. But you serve by the tea pot ? If so could I get a couple of your mid sized cups out of it ? (Very important information this) Confirmed. Two full cups of tea out of a pot for one.
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 19, 2018 22:08:04 GMT
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I trust / hope that you have a strongish 'Earl Grey' amongst that lot ? no milk and the slightest dash of sugar served in decent size mug - Thanks They are kind of middle sized cups mate. I can't please everybody all the time. Some want big mugs, others want small dainty china teacups.
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 19, 2018 21:14:27 GMT
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Working lunch....testing the bread for toast, marmalade and Earl Grey tea. I thought using hooks would help organise things and save workbench space... I think I'll use more hooks to hang the tea cups from. Same reason, to save space. Mat for customers feet, and to help keep mess being tramped through... Panini maker arrived today... Initial installed the toilet roll dispenser, soap dispenser and sanitary bin today. The hand dryer comes on Monday... All our takeaway cups (all compostable) and packaging is now here, with the arrival of our white paper bags. We have all our big cake items now (they actually come from the maker frozen, so we will get them out on Wednesday evening). Orders are ongoing with: 1. Patisserie chef for desserts (mousses/chocolate tarts/brownie etc) and scones 2. Artisan scotch egg producer 3. Artisan pie maker 4. Catering supplier for drinks/fresh produce for paninis/butter portions etc 5. Preserve/chutney maker
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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I can see at least three teas there I want to try. Tell me more mate, I'm interested.
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 18, 2018 21:02:26 GMT
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 18, 2018 20:50:50 GMT
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Magazine racks put up today, one upstairs, one downstairs... Good choice of magazine That's a 'Practical Classics' I think
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 17, 2018 19:47:08 GMT
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Oh, and I wired up the sound system for downstairs today.
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 17, 2018 19:44:33 GMT
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 16, 2018 20:09:35 GMT
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100mm shelves up above the hand washing sink... Added the bolts to the new under stairs cupboard, then filled in the gaps and painted it... First two round tables built for upstairs... then had to disassemble the square ones downstairs, take them upstairs and re-assemble... I think we're getting there.... We bought three more round tables to go with the tub chairs downstairs... Still on course for 26th.
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CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 15, 2018 18:43:05 GMT
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Last Edit: Jan 15, 2018 18:44:03 GMT by Geordie
CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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Geordie
North East
Course I'm out of my mind...........it's dark and scary in there!!
Posts: 2,518
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Jan 14, 2018 19:18:23 GMT
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Lots of tidying up today, and loaded the car with stuff/tools that are not needed anymore. Ticked off some little snagging issues with some paint, some wallpaper and a wood plane. It's nice to start putting up some finishing details.... This is a heavy curse word...
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Last Edit: Jan 14, 2018 19:18:54 GMT by Geordie
CURRENT FLEET '95 Rover 623SLi (65k miles) '99 Renault Laguna Executive '55 BMW 318i (52k miles) for sale '06 Audi A6 (18 year old 'modern' daily)
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