Our server was very helpful and recommended a great South African wine - Springfield Estates Wholeberry Cabernet. I have searched in vain to find it in the US. There were many other interesting selections on the wine menu, and the location is wonderful. Across the street is St. Bartholomew's the Great, the setting for one of the weddings in Four Weddings and a Funeral and for scenes from Shakespeare in Love. The churchyard provides a restful view while sipping one's wine.

We weren't very hungry, so we split a small cheese board. We were presented with a generous selection of five kinds of cheese, walnut bread, biscuits, fresh fruit, and cranberry chutney. It was heavenly with our cabernet. I enjoyed a bowl of pumpkin soup, and my friend raved over her salmon cakes.

Cloth Fair is a magical street, and we had a wonderful time sitting across from the oldest parish church in London (it survived the fire of 1666), enjoying the church bells marking the hours. Since the oldest residence in London is next door (also a survivor of the Great Fire), it is easy to imagine yourself transported back a century or two.

I revisited Betjeman's three times during my most recent visit to London in late November 2005. The wine, food, and ambiance were as wonderful as I remembered, and my time at Betjeman's is the best memory of my trip. I became acquainted with Roland, the manager, and Mark, the chef, who were gracious and kind hosts, and I will always consider them special friends. I hope Mark will cook my first meal in London next year, and that I get to share a glass of Malbec with Roland. Thanks to you both for taking such good care of us, and for the great memories.