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Can I ask seriously for some suggestions please. I have a very dear lady friend from skool who has been diagnosed with the big C. 2-6 months if she has no treatment. Elected surgery from which she may not recover from and if she does the prognosis is not very good. We both cried when she told me personally last week and her husband left us alone for a while which was nice of him. So on Thursday I’m taking her out for a few hours to have a natter and something to eat. So having set the scene I’m wondering where I can take her for a late breakfast or early lunch that is outdoors with a nice vista and likely to be no to boisterous. God knows it could be the last time we have to meet if it all goes pear shaped with the surgery.

TIA.

ah shit, in sorry to read that LL.

are you Swindon area, and is she up to car journeys?

I'll have a think

I'm really sorry to hear your sad news life can be so cruel at times
Just a short drive out of Swindon is the lakeside restaurant at South Cerney over looking the lake

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1231795-d2639981-Reviews-Lakeside_Restaurant-South_Cerney_Cotswolds_England.html

Sorry to hear LL.

If in Swindon I would recommend Hall & Woodhouse at Wichelstowe (SN1 7DA).
Its near the Waitrose at Wichelstowe, the outdoor space looks out onto the wilts and berks canal.
Been here a few times, food pretty good :I'm a complete mofleakin Deak, could ring ahead to book a table next to the window and look out if the weather isn't great, plenty of parking, but if full you could park in Waitrose car park and cross the footbridge.

Ill have a think of other places mean time. :hmmm:

Take her to the Ivy in Bath or Cheltenham. Something she'll never forget.

To clarify we are in Swindon so not to far I’ll have about four hours with her so the less time travelling would ideal.

H&W is a good shout. If you get a sunny day it's nice and calm sat outside near the canal.

Sorry about that LL. Wife has just lost a friend who went through chemo with her. Ironically, she was well when my wife was poorly - Somehow makes it worse. Bloody awful illness and terrible decision to make. Genuinely sorry and upset for your friend.

I don't live locally enough to offer anything but my sympathies.  Really feel for you and your friend.

Thanks everyone. I’ll sleep on it and decide in the morning.

Sorry to hear that LL.

The Dumb Post at Bremhill (near Calne) has a lovely garden terrace with great views, if you don't mind travelling a little way. Good food too.

Another vote for H&W. If the weather is nice it's really gorgeous there and the food is decent.

Really sorry to hear that. I can definitely recommend, as others have done, Hall & Woodhouse. Best looking pub in Swindon and if the sun is out it’s delightful to sit outside taking in the canal. Can also heartily recommend Molly’s Tea Rooms in Marlborough, assuming it’s still there. Went a few years back and it was absolutely lovely

Polly, not Molly

When I read H & W I thought you were promoting Hereford and Worcestershire.

Sat with my friend at Ye Olde Swan @ Radcot. Pick of the outside seating right by the river with a bit of tree shade and an umbrella if needed.

Man, I have no words

I hope the setting gives you the best quality time you can possibly have together

It’s obvious that things are not good. Bit wobbly on the pins and the conversation whilst good and flowing is punctuated with silence whilst she has to think and and my prompting to help. Otherwise we are having a nice time, won’t forget today in a hurry. Taking a few pics for the album.

Cherish the moment LL

Glad you got to spend time in a nice place with the sun shining.

Told her husband on arrival at home that I had to bring her back she was causing trouble in the beer garden. 😁

Full marks to be able to do something like that.

Too many times I wished I had made more of it with friends and the like who eventually passed on, one of those difficult decisions as how much empathy to show.

Sorry man. Was going to suggest Bowood House but you've already dined.