“Of course we won’t have to book anywhere,” I said as we left the house.

It was 4.30pm on a Saturday. We were off to a surprise 40th in Newport and had to be in situ around 6pm.

“Come on,” I said. “We’ve got time for a quick bite if we go now. The kids are being looked after. When was the last time we went out just the two of us?”

We parked up – not an easy feat in the West Port/Old Hawkhill area with its through-road currently closed.

Back in October, the side of a building started to bulge and scaffolding was erected to stop its collapse.

The Tinsmith pub, located below, has been forced to close until further notice, and dozens of residents evacuated.

Necessary, but it can’t be good for business.

Quest for food in Dundee

Our go-to, buzzy tapas restaurant Gallery 48, would no doubt be dead.

As the door swung open, I did a double take. Every table was occupied.

“Sorry,” the waiter said. Completely full. “You could try the West House down the road.”

We did and it too was full.

Scratching our heads, we crossed the road to Molly Malones, home........

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