Cathedral

These are the pieces for a simple board game for two players. Not the sort of TV game like Traitors, a spectator game that goes on for weeks, or Diplomacy; another long, brutal game that takes ages too and may end in tears.

Cathedral is an elegant, three dimensional, strategy game for two players. A game lasts maximum twenty minutes. It was invented by Robert Moore, a pilot in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. “Inspiration for the game was provided by Christchurch Cathedral and its environs in Christchurch, New Zealand. From the air, Moore was fascinated by the way the cathedral and neighbouring buildings intricately fit together, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.” (Wiki)

Basement tables in restaurants are to be avoided. They share space with the lavs and are Social Siberia. Franco’s in Jerrmyn Street and La Poule au Pot in Chelsea are good examples. Le Garrick, at the intersection of Garrick and Floral streets opposite a branch of Waterstones (nearest tube station Leicester Square), is an exception. Le G, like La P au P, is another French brasserie with a rustic atmosphere and menu to match, founded about forty years ago. Do not linger at the tables by the door. Dive downstairs to a piece of rural France, almost.

A bit of housekeeping: this is my 3,000th post and happy new year.