We live in Sheffield UK, the home of the Crucible Theatre where the world snooker championships are held. About 100 Metres up the road from the Crucible is our favourite restaurant, Mama’s and Leonie’s. It was opened in 1968 the same year my old classic car was built. But the best thing about Mama’s and Leonie’s is apart from now taking card payments and the prices, it hasn’t changed, it’s like walking into a time bubble, indeed there is a preservation order on the interior, and one of the founders still works there in a helping out capacity. Us older folk need this kind of refuge from a world where we no longer fit.
I used to frequent it with a friend in the seventies, then it was part of the courting ritual for my now wife and I.
As well as the crucible The Lyceum Theatre is close by, so many well known actors frequent also.

Two for one today, the first a little verse that came to me in bed last night.
I didn’t think I would have time today to write anything off length. I have Ann’s permission, and she has actually lost weight since those early days.

MAMA’S, LEONIE’S and LITTLE ANN.

It’s the best restaurant in the world
That’s where I met my little girl
She was a little girl back then, but now she’s a little bigger
All them pizzas gone and spoiled her lovely figure.

MAMA’S and LEONIE’S

Take a walk back in time with me, step through the aged door
Into a place that time forgot, history built into its parquet floor
The waitress will lead you to a table, fashioned from an ancient sewing machine
A menu waits there for you featuring lasagna and pizza both supreme

Make your choice, sit back, take in the history of this place
Imagine James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, some famous face
Joanna Lumley could walk in, I’ve seen her here before
Stop dreaming now your food has arrived, food like you’ve never had before

You’ll not want to leave, extend your stay treat yourself to dessert
Please don’t try the tiramisu though it tastes so good it hurts
You can always have another coffee, there’s no rush for you to go
Take one last look around, this is real not some plastic show

Your heart is heavy, time for you to go then
“ We’ll see you soon, we know where, you know when”
So the sign above the counter says,
May this place be forever there a reminder of those halcyon days.

All words Meadowhead Bard.