Can you believe it? So soon! Another academic year has well and truly reached its Autumn and slowly but surely my seemingly-endless ‘marking’ pile has subsided into a boring pile of filing in a bunch of colourful cheap (collapsing) lever-arch files. I feel change is now well overdue and am having difficulty motivating myself with thoughts of potentially delivering the same lessons to (yet another) wonderful bunch of university-aspiring naive students in a few short months. Another 150-odd new names to learn? Mmmmmm…..

Anyway, whilst pondering (and waiting) for various ideas, suggestions and opportunities to (hopefully) raise their beautiful heads above the ground, I'd like to avoid talking anything 'footie' - apart from to show you how lovely my doggie looks in her new Football Bandana (handmade of course)
......................but now onto more serious matters and what ‘foodie’ things I have been up to lately….

J took me to Brum for my birthday (not YET ‘the big one’ – but getting frighteningly too close for comfort). It was that day over the Bank Holiday when it (inevitably, I guess) absolutely p***** it down - virtually all day. This was a blessing really as we were to be inside most of the day – firstly on the short train journey to New Street, then onto enjoying the culinary delights of Michelin-starred chef Andreas Antona at the now famous Simpsons restaurant. Later on to see a revised version of Barrie Keeffe’s 1979 classic and emotionally raw play ‘Sus’ at the Rep.

Simpsons was originally in the picturesque town of Kenilworth (convenient foodie town to escape to whilst I was at Warwick Uni), but the chef had higher hopes than a shop front and sold-up to invest in this lovely Georgian style place in Edgbaston – which was obviously the right thing to do as he’s won loads of awards since.
















We arrived a bit early as for once the train was on time. Although it’s only a 20 minute walk from New Street station it was raining so hard we took a cab. It was a little frustrating that we were a little too early to taste something from the bar (not being residents you see (if only)), but we enjoyed a comfy leather seat in the oak-panelled lounge and a fresh coffee with the papers. It was quite interesting to speak with the staff preparing for the lunch service and the bookings being taken.

Very soon however, others started arriving and we were allowed a ‘proper’ drink and a peep at the menu. There’s a choice at lunch of either the tasting menu (£70 pp) or the (very reasonable I thought) set 3 course lunch at £30 pp inc half a bottle of wine. If we’d had a ‘lazy’ afternoon ahead of us, we would have treated ourselves to the former option, however the play started at 2.45 so we had a schedule of sorts….

The setting is really wonderful at Simpsons. The light and airy ‘conservatory’ area, with rattan-style chairs and brilliant-white tablecloths was just so stylish without being pompous. The outside area looked lovely and green and inviting, but sadly we couldn’t really venture out as it was just too wet! I admired the vibrant Rhoddies though - through the floor to ceiling glass.

I won’t detail here everything about what we ate as I’m sure you can easily find specfic dish details elsewhere, however I will say a bit about what I can remember about the simply glorious food. Everything was perfect. the amuse bouche was a cube of cod which had been deep fried and served on a cocktai stick (may sounds awful but was actually delicious). I had the cod for my main (J had the lamb 'cooked 3 ways') and the desserts were lovely if a little un-adventurous - one passion fruit and pineapple sorbet thingy and mine was a (much better) Simpson's Knickerbocker special. Oh if only we had the time to meander through the cheeseboard! The service was attentive without being stressful or over the top. There was a good mixture of customers (amongst the highlights of the people-watching experience was a couple on the next table who were also celebrating HIS birthday and a large family group ordering lots of champagne because there was “no special occasion – just a get-together” (how wonderful). With almost a cover on every table at one point which made for a buzzing but relaxing atmosphere. The maitre-d was wonderfully experienced and very French of course and went out of her way to make all the guests feel comfortable.

We got to the theatre in plenty of time and it was fascinating to see the players so close-up in this intimate production. I was a bit worried when they were smoking so much on stage (I hate it when someone starts coughing during a performance) but the ventilation was obviously good and I hardly smelt it at all (what a long way we've all come since the smoking ban in the UK). It was a fab performance and very thought-provoking.

"We must visit the theatre again soon"! We always say that. But most importantly, let's go back to Simpsons. Next time we visit I would love to have a table either nearer to the open kitchen area – or - even better outside in the covered area on a warm summers evening...champagne on ice of course....

It's been MONTHS since I updated this. And now, here we are, in NOVEMBER! I can hardly believe that the evenings are so dark again all of a sudden. Soon I'll need to get organised for Christmas. Over a year has passed with Dizzy and walking her makes you so much more aware of the seasons passing. There's sloe gin in the cupboards and pickles of various types. Blackberry jam and jelly is lurking in the darkness next to the Kings Acre Pippin apples that have to sit for a few months before they're even remotely edible (by that, I mean cookable)!

Talking of Christmas, last weekend was spent in the shopping paradise that is Cheltenham Spa. My first ever weekend without my puppy. OOOohhh how I missed her :) But what a fantastic place! I wandered around the grand Georgian town house where Gustav Holst was born (accompanied by the Planets in the background of course) and then we had lunch in the Michelin pub "The Beehive". This was a bit disappointing in terms of venue - but the food and wine were excellent. Lots of 'shabby chic' nearby to browse...

Shopping was followed by dinner at the famous Art Deco ex-cinema "The Daffodil". I've never seen a place like it! The nearest thing I can think of is that weird and wonderful restaurant in Brussels which is like walking into a stage play. You know the one - with lots of statues and gold taps everywhere. The food was delicious and the service was excellent even if it wasn't silver service. No pretences - just good quality and honest. It was great to hear the banter going on from the kitchen which was fully visible at the 'screen'. The cocktail bar upstairs was brilliant fun too:)

Sadly 'rain stopped play' early the next day and so I'll have to go again to see the Art Museum and Town Hall. Dizzy scored the doggie bag that was madeup from the left over 'Full Englishes' though (proper sausage - yum)

Maybe Dizzy can come along next time too?!!

This was to be my first experience at Raymond Blanc's famous "Le Manoir aux Quat' Saison". We opted not to go for the valet parking (is J getting a bit precious about his BMW now?) and walked down the avenue of lavender to the old manor house. Greeting us on reception was not the man himself (I expect he had better things to do on Fathers' Day) but the "Ali" guy from the TV show. Obviously Raymond had realised that he had some talent - but I thought it was his chef partner, James, who was the real star of that show. I wondered whether it was him in the kitchen today....
J had been here a few times but was quite excited by the prospect of being seated in the dining room instead of the 'school hall' conservatory (or is it an 'orangery'? I never know the difference). I was a bit miffed that I had been told they couldn't fit in an extra guest at the last minute - but most of the other tables were empty! It was nearing 1.30 and surely more people would be here for lunch on fathers' day? The loud American voices were a bit annoying from the other table, e.g. "....and I find when I give them my title over the phone I always get people's attention...." Yawn yawn...

We had managed to persuade C&C to go for "Les Classique" menu - much better value than the "a la Carte" - at £95 per person (listen to me)! It's a set 5 course menu inc coffee (or their own 'unique' mariage Freres Teas) with the option of cheese for £10 extra. (later we heard the inevitable arguments from another table about whether to go the 'french' way with this or not)...

1st course was a small crab dish. Beautiful delicate flavour. Sorry - I didn't take photos of each course coz I can't help feeling that its a bit 'naff' -
2nd course was the risotto with fresh vegetables. I loved the peas!
3rd course was the lemon sole - Oh la la! !!! I found a little fish worm! Mulling over whether to tell the waitress or not, I decided to mention it. J (ever the joker) responded to her "is everything OK?" with a "Yes, but she couldn't eat that" (pointing at the little brown alien. Apologies followed and a swift race to the kitchen with the offending item. It did put me off a bit. But not for long.
4th course - Goosenargh Duck (served pink unless you asked). Embarrassingly, C&C both requested "well done" which was a bit of a nerve really. I trust the chef to know when it's done. It was perfect. So tender! In a orangey sauce but with a difference. So fresh!
5th course - the strawberry 'celebration': layers of fresh strawberry flavours, topped off with - wait for it - a piece of gold leaf! Amazing!

By this time the whole restaurant had filled-up. I was a bit disappointed that some of the poor people sitting against the wall had to have their table 'pulled out' for them to be seated (a bit like when you're at the local Indian). This was a sign that they had tried to fit too many tables into the room. It was a little stuffy. The sun had come out and a walk around his famous organic vegetable garden was calling us.


We stopped in the padded-walled bar for coffee (I went for the Tibetan Tea - superb!) and the hand-made petit fours(with more gold leaf).


I half expected an explanation or acknowledgement from the kitchen about my fish-worm, but nothing turned up - either in person or as a discount from the bill. Oh well, another piece of emailed feedback required!



A walk around the garden was lovely and it wasn't that busy. Apparently, there another few acres attached to the grounds that are going to expand the garden over the coming seasons.


I have to admit to being quite jealous of people retiring to their rooms with a bottle of something sparkly (he promotes his own champagne at a very reasonable price). The odd floodlight here and there and the realistic bronze sculptures hidden in the undergrowth must have looked fabulous in the evening light.
But unfortunately, we had to drive back home...

J asked me - so what's your favourite? Here? Or the Waterside at Bray? That we visited last year.
MMmmmmm there's a question to ponder....

I have to admit to this new 'Doggie' life being somewhat of a surprise. Especially in terms of restaurants and hotels. Amazingly, lots of the places that I would expect not to be at all accommodating of our four-legged friends, actually are. Our time at Piddletrenthide (see below)included a breakfast sausage for Dizzy for example!!!

You might think that places like Marco Pierre White's Yew Tree Inn for example, might be completely off the list. But no. We turned-up early thinking we would have to take DD for a run and leave her in the car, but actually she was welcome in the bar and the owner (assuming partner) guy was very friendly in offering nearby walks for the after-lunch stroll. It was a glorious day.



Inside the Yew tree - which disappointingly is quite far out of the village of Highclere itself - not far from the castle - is a lovely cosy place. Maybe a bit too cosy in fact. Although the service and food were absolutely excellent, I felt a bit claustrophobic with all the tables close together (one of which had no cover at all over lunchtime so could have easily been moved away) and it made the service a bit unnecessarily clumsy. Otherwise, beautifully done. Very subtle with the mis-matched chairs and old bits of antique mirrors everywhere. Not too much clutter but enough with the amusing prints on the walls to make it interesting if you happen to be with guests that are (at times) perhaps difficult to communicate with;)

The menu has the option of a set one for lunch, which is very reasonable £15.50 for 2 courses. It's not often you have the opportunity to try Michelin-starred food at these prices! The Fish and Chips was particularly good and my smoked mackeral starter was delish! I could be tempted to buy his new book - but that hair of his really puts me off him!!

Yes, the view of the Giant at Cerne Abbas. We escaped to this little dog-friendly pub a few weeks ago called the Piddle Inn. On the banks of the river Piddle (Trout season just finished, sadly)in such an idyllic spot surrounded by unspoilt hills and rivers and woodlands. When I say 'unspoilt' that is with the exception of the Giant of course. He's supposedly an imposter - not at all as old as the stone circles and other chalk things on hilsides up and down the country, but perhaps as new as 400 years old (!!!) Recently re-chalked and looking in his prime now, apart from National Trust won't actually let you get too near him for fear of the land slipping away.

Glorious landscape around - this was just before the weather closed in and we had to seek refuge in a nearby pub.



Cerne Abbas is a lovely little village with surprisingly quite alot of very nice pubs. Not at all the touristy place I half expected to see. proper pubs serving proper beer and pub grub at reasonable prices. It was lovely and quiet too. I love to escape to where there's not too many people. we had planned to eat at the nearby Michelin pub The Brace at Plush, but ran out of time. Fortunately, our own pub menu was full of lovely fish dishes and organic and/or local meat and veg. I met the chef, Simon. Very talented guy. We'll keep this pub a secret otherwise if they get in the Guide their prices will inevitably go up. As it was, we had a fantastic meal and a bottle of wine for about £50.

Dizzy thought the pub facilities particularly comfortable after a day-long walk on the hills... Must come back for the fly-fishing in the Spring....

Wow. It’s been nearly 2 months since I’ve posted anything on here. Its not that I’ve haven’t had the time – after all, I should have much more free time now – since I finally submitted my dissertation. Eight years of working and studying and being stressed with all the work I had to do for what seemed like every minute of every day. It feels very weird to have to remind myself that I needn’t feel guilty if I’m not reading something academic. But I really wasn't in the mood for Blogging much....



Over the summer I’ve read some brilliant books. Most memorably: Khaled Hosseini’s ‘A thousand Splendid Suns’ (scary to think that a guy could write so well from a female perspective – I’d love to meet him) and Sheila Hancock’s autobiographical ‘The Two of Us’ detailing her life with Inspector Morse actor John Shaw. A bit over the top and soppy in places I thought – but well-written and insightful. I also discovered Gillian White, and although her writing is no-where near the level of many quality writers (this is solid chic-lit type stuff), it was thoroughly enjoyable and cleverly funny. Holiday reading at its best.




Now it’s back to the never-ending lesson-planning and now (a new past-time) dog-walking. Despite the rain, rain, rain since we got back from Crete, it’s been rejuvenating to have the incentive of soppy-looking dog’s eyes as motivation for getting out and about.
Some of the public footpaths and reservoirs we explore we never knew existed until recently – and we’ve lived here for years now. We also discovered Holdenby Hall who held their second Food Festival a couple of weeks ago. Luckily the rain held off for long enough so that we could see the eagles flying from their Falconry and (of course) buy some olives and spices…






J spoilt us with a trip to the famous Waterside at Bray (regrettably, Dizzy was not allowed).
And the sun really did shine that day! It was fabulous to sit looking out to the Thames and enjoy the happiest service that I think I’ve ever experienced at a Michelin-starred place. The food wasn’t too bad either;)

From Yorkshire Scupltures to ones slightly further afield in Barcelona. This was one on the beach near to to the Michelin-starred restaurant at the top of a cable car tower (!) You would never guess to look at the surrounding area. It's strange to have a sprawling massive city right next to a sandy beach - and the sea breeze made the heat much more bearable..






There was all sorts of weird and wonderful sculptures and buildings. But the Gaudi Cathedral and Park were definitely the highlights. As K said - it was like being in a fairy tale! A bit of research revealed that before he was tragically run over by a local tram in his seventies (apparently he dressed so humbly, no-one realised that it was him until some days later - he looked like a tramp!) he regularly took some magic mushrooms to ease the symptoms of his arthritis. Hence the fantasy-like buildings and colours. Walt Disney eat your heart out!








This is a city you could walk around for hours. Hop on the bus for 20euros and jump off for a few minutes when you get bored of listening to the Spanish guy harping on about the wonderful shopping opportunities in the area - much better to look at the architecture instead!

I must've passed the Yorkshire Sculpture Park a million times on the motorway, on my way to or from somewhere or other... So while we had a few hours to spare in (awful) Wakefield the other day (necessary to collect the new BMW), we decided to stop in and have a walk round with the dog we had visiting (I hoped it would tire her out on the way back - but no such luck - she's inexhaustible)!



The park is alot less formal than I anticipated. Not many proper paths - just footpaths through fields. I was glad to have my proper walking boots.



Every so often you come across weird and wonderful sculptures like these. It's a bit spooky to be honest. Especially approaching dusk when there's no too many people around.



The Henry Moore is the highlight of course. The surrounding landscape and quietly munching sheep certainly add to the contemplative mood of the scupltures. Well worth a visit - especially as the famous Three Acres isn't very far away for a delicious lunch...

If my group of Beteckers are reading this again - a big THANK YOU for your lovely card and comments. I miss you too!!! Hope all the interviews and stuff are going well. Sorry I accidentally deleted your comments - so you'll have to send me some new ones to add to this post:)

Here are some pictures from last weekend and our visit to my home county - yes - I'm an ESSEX GIRL at heart;)

We were there to see 'ol' blue eyes' on tour
(and please don't go telling me he's dead - coz I've seen him - full size, in colour and walking on the stage):)

The Cliffs Pavillion - at Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex - a brilliant venue - especially on a wonderful sunny day like we had on Saturday.



Looking out onto the big, blue Thames estuary with a cold glass of white wine? Yep - very 'us' ;)



Unfortunately, the first performance was cancelled due to a technical hitch - but I managed to run to the box office (when all the oldies were reaching for their walking sticks) and got the last few tickets for the evening performance. Luckily we were there early as the stupid man had written 8.15pm on the tickets when actually it was an 8pm start. It was an excellent show - and I'm not even a particular lover of Sinatra-stuff (J is of course - born in the wrong decade)- but his story was really well told and the technology they use was amazing - he really came alive - so much so, that the dancers on stage we actually a bit of a distraction to watching him sing! fantastic choreograpy....



So, anyway, we had an unexpected afternoon walk along the seafront - along the pier (the longest in the world you know - 1.33 miles) - we took the train back as the wind was blowing a hoooley!
After a wonderful lunch (plus two bottles of wine) at the
Fisherman's Wharf restaurant we ended up at Leigh-on-Sea (which is slightly more upmarket that the amusement-park, candyflossy "saaffend"...



We found a good and friendly fishmonger cooperative (Mmmmm.. wild sea bass: mental note to stop there before we headed home) and stopped for a drink at the seafront bars. Shame that we would have to miss the reservation at the Boatyard restaurant (voted the best fish restaurant in the area) - but actually it didn't look that brilliant a place after all. And the reviews aren't very good. The woman at the reception was not at all friendly:( somaybe it was just aswell we weren't eating there. Its a bit of a Michelin food desert round here:(



Little did we know (and much to J's excitement) the international annual airshow was on and during Saturday there was lots of rehearsing in the skies above the cliffs and the seafront was beginning to fill up with all kinds of RAF and Army lads on roadshow-type lorries with banners. Shame the weather closed in on Sunday - but that's England for you (it was a bank holiday after all):)








Does he think he's in Crete or something? This is the Thames - not the Med' you know!!







Nice hat Dad;)