Now what better way to have a mid-week lo-cost birthday than to go for a sit down meal at the local chippy.  Never mind that twenty pounds a head and can we have another bottle of red. Not when you can have pie, chips and mushy peas for a dozen diners at thirty plus quid. It's the company you keep that makes any event. Bring your own alcohol and a Swiss Army penknife for a bottle opener. I tend to favour Rioja with chips but some say Chardonney is better. Glasses, plates and forks are provided with the condiments...... 
 

these pics are deliberately blurred to protect the victims

behind the range and into the oil

After the carbo-loading diet, retire to the nearest pub. Excellent comfort food and great service. You can still have an early night. Didn't get an early night but that's for reasons of not being able to leave licensed premises before English drinking time is halted at 2300 hours. Well it was The Beech, it was my birthday. Weekends get a bit busy at the chippy so a mid week night is better.