Hello  everyone,

Just another update on what me and Jeremy have been up to. It s all been a bit crazy, and every so often it feels like we're still in the competition and every task we have to complete to get the restaurant ready is a challenge thats been set by Raymond! But things are coming along really well. The builders and decorators have finally handed the building back and its looking amazing - we are so pleased with it. All our staff are recruited and are starting tomorrow morning with their training. Jeremy and I will do a bit of an ice breaker with them and try and make them all feel at home and then Raymond and ourselves will have a chat to them about what our hopes are for Eight At The Thatch, then the rest of the day will be dedicated to training.

The next four days, before we open on Tuesday, we will be concentrating on staff training, menu tasting, and getting the restaurant looking lovely. Jeremy and Raymond are putting final touches to the a la carte menu (which will be posted on the website as soon as they have it ready - hopefully this weekend!) and the Christmas menu too, as I know a number of people have beeen enquiring. Jeremy and Raymond want it to be perfect and I'm sure it'll be delicious!

Our time at the Fishes in North Hinksey was really useful and quite a few people came in to say hi and congratulate us which was really nice.

The BBC have been following our progress closely and are hoping to make a follow up programme in the Spring about how we got on in the next phase of this journey.

I also, managed to fit in a trip to the midwife this week and the babys doing well...great news! Will have my 20 week scan in the next week or so.

Well, thats all for now, I have to work on the Induction programme and finalise it for tomorrow morning. We're really looking forward to meeting you all personally and opening the doors of Eight At The Thatch to the public!

Jane