We felt like before the first time meeting the girlfriend’s parents, a bouquet of white oriental lilies and roses in one hand and a bottle of Gewürztraminer in the other – we had a couple of glasses from a second bottle before we got as far as the door and knocked.

The door opened and we were greeted with open arms, got offered crumpets with slightly burned edges with butter and strawberry jam and pretty strong espresso which packed a punch. Water brought out bonfire toffee and fruity strawberry fudge before we all relaxed with a Mai Tai in the conservatory.