7 May - Wine & Tea

On the delights of Kennington gay dinner parties and the discussion about opening a wine bar or two which seems to please gorgeous BA purser M. who’s got a way with people and my Toph who imagines what life he could have just sipping and serving loyal customers. It tell both that I’d never want to be front of house, am too moody for that, but I could be counted on to be a super bitch to staff who let us down – one strike and you’re out - or try to steal from us. Believe me I say, everyone is out to fleece you and scam you.

Tbc.

Next day I meet a friend who last year opened a cafe’ to pursue his dream. He’s lost 3 stones and falls asleep cycling home as he does 6.30am to 8pm days most days and on some he has to stay later and has had no holidays, nor can he plan one. This is partly down to problem with staff. You know, you can’t find the right chef and if the chef doesn’t turn up and you have to step in and do all the prep, then when you’ve cooked 70 meals you have to deal with all the ordering/admin because you can’t find the right assistant manger etc. This is not what he had envisaged at all. He was looking forward to being front of house and making friends with interesting regular customers. The location is opposite a major TV channel. Turns out also that his devoted g/friend leaves her office job at 5.30/6ish to go help with cleaning, and more. So, she’s equally stressed. I tell him to give it a bit more time and don’t crack yet but he doesn’t look healthy and no matter how nice the place is, it’s not making him lots of money and it’s causing him grief.

Not ... fun! Must tell the wine bar dreamers...