Cafe Opera, Salts Mill

Following a visit to the National Media Museum in the morning we were looking for somewhere for lunch. After driving aimlessly for a while, we happened across Salts Mill, which, because there were signs advertising coach parks, we thought might have something to see. We had a great afternoon there; the David Hockney gallery was tremendous, the bookshop excellent and lunch at the Cafe Opera was an unanticipated pleasure. We both had the Italian Fisherman's Stew:

Plump and juicy Prawns and Mussels in a rich tomato sauce with potatoes and big chunks of garlic toast, it was just what we wanted. The best of all though was the fact that just as we sat down an early music orchestra began rehearsing in the auditorium space next to the cafe. They were gathering for a concert due to begin at  4pm. It was an unforgettable experience, sitting in a restored mill building eating rustic italian stew listening to 17th Century music, The Indian Queen by Purcell - 1695. I asked the waiter if this was a regular musical accompaniment, but he said it was rare. More like well done I thought.