29 Jun 2015
On 12 June 2015, the SCI London Group held their annual social event; a visit to Chiswick House Gardens and a guided tour of Fuller’s Brewery for this year.
The gods were smiling down on us when we met our guide, Sonia, on the hottest day of the year so far, at Chiswick House and Gardens.
The Gardens were full of Italian reproduction statues of Roman architecture and although smaller than some large houses, much was made of the space, and there was always something to surprise you around each corner. The resident heron sitting in a tree was certainly a surprising sight and our noses were pleasantly aroused by the classic smell of a rose garden in full bloom. A beautifully renovated conservatory housed the camellia collection, a Ha-ha kept out the now long-gone herd of deer and a widened brook with gushing water feature bounded the other side of the garden.
After our enlightening and entertaining tour we had a brief wander before regrouping and taking the short walk to the Mawson Arms for lunch. Several people commented on how good the food was and attention to detail such as homemade chips, proper pies with short crust pastry lids, bottoms and sides and a poached egg in the salad nicoise were appreciated.
The tour of Fuller’s Brewery set off at 3pm from the Mawson Arms. Attired in obligatory high viz jackets, the hour long informative tour proceeded. Perhaps the heat of the day was less appreciated in the hot factory and the source of the mini cheddar smell on the breeze was located. What was appreciated was the cool of the cellar where the unlimited beer tasting was conducted. The day ended at 5pm with the ding of the bell at the bar and everyone teetered off home.
Claire Skipper
Chair, SCI London Group
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