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First of no doubt many visits to Cheltenham whilst Callum is here for University. As he celebrated his birthday in Freshers Week, we headed back over to take him out for a celebratory meal … and his best mate, Kian, came with us too.
We went armed with a printer, some more food supplies, birthday cards and whatever items he’d forgotten!
Cheltenham Park & Ride is a 5 mins walk away from Pittville Student Village. We unloaded the car and dropped everything in Callum’s room before heading over to the Park & Ride. Jon’s ankle is still sore, so we caught the bus from here into Cheltenham. It took about 10 minutes to get into town – and you can’t help but admire the houses as we passed (and the cars parked on the driveways!)
Callum’s not really had the chance to explore the town yet, so we were going to find somewhere to eat in the Brewery Corner. On our way there, there was a barbers with no-one waiting so we shoved Callum in the door to get a haircut (he had managed a beard trim!) whilst we hopped across the road for a coffee.
15 minutes and £15 later, Callum came across sporting a shorter cut and looking so much smarter!
Kian seemed quite impressed with the Brewery Quarter. Gyms, Cinemas, Escape Room and plenty of places to eat. Callum spotted Millie working in Nandos (he hasn’t yet told her that he won’t eat there after missing the start of his Jersey trip) … but Callum decided he wanted to try the Steak place – Son of Steak.
We had a couple of starters – nachos, chicken bites, prawns in an amazing sauce and Halloumi fries. Afterwards we all had burgers. Three of us had the Beaky Blinder chicken burger and Jon the Easy Cheesy Beef Burger. They were all really good.
The one thing that did surprise us was the bill at the end – I thought they must have missed something off the bill as it was £90 for the four of us – I was expecting it to be more.
We needed to stretch our legs to work lunch off – Callum’s campus wasn’t far from the town centre so we headed over to Francis Close Hall to show Kian where he’d be studying.
Francis Close Hall is a 10 minute walk from the Brewery Quarter and a 5 mins walk from Lidl! We needed to go around the back of the campus to get in as the side entrance was gated. There is work going on in the quadrant to renovate the clock tower but the autumn colours were starting to come through.
Afterwards, we headed back into town – Callum wanted some more shortie PJs as his room was really warm so we found M&S and managed to pick up a pair in the sale.
Shopping complete and we headed to the bus stop and popped into the Wetherspoons for a drink and hopefully get to watch either some football or the F1. Alas (and perhaps not unexpected), it was horse racing on the screens. You certainly cannot knock the drinks prices – Callum and I had a 0% cocktail (a spin on a raspberry lemonade). Huge glass for £2.41. Jon did have a look at the food prices – £2.99 for a small breakfast. Wonder how long it will before Callum heads over here for breakfast.
We caught the bus back to the park & ride and went back to Callum’s room to make sure his printer was working before we left and he showed us the birthday presents he’d received. Barrow and Newcastle cushions from us along with the Cornetto Trilogy on BluRay. In addition, a cookbook and stand, vouchers and money. Kian had bought him a Tottenham cushion to add to his collection.
I managed to find a Reading cushion on eBay in good condition so he is now building up quite a collection!
Before we left, we headed over to the Laurie Lee building. Callum was planning on doing the Gym induction. We also found the Laundrette – two rooms and got Callum to download the app so he can do his first batch of laundry this week!
It was really good to see Callum settling into Uni Life and embracing some of the activities available outside of studying. He seems to get on with his flat mates and has been out socially with some of them (he’s even been clubbing!!). Cricket social tomorrow lunch time – all you can eat buffet at an Indian Restaurant in town.
Callum was really pleased to see Kian again – and Kian did seem quite impressed with the set up at Uni.
A couple of weeks until we see Callum again … unless he wants to see us in the meantime!
