We’ve stayed in many, many different types of places over the
decades: from campsites to B&Bs; five-star hotels to hostels and everything
in between. They all have their qualities and often their charm is inherent in
their quirky nature and unique characteristics. So to find a place with a
mixture from two ends of the spectrum is unusual, for me personally, deeply
unsettling and in this case disappointing...

At first glance – or even after a few stays here, all is
well at the Alston House Hotel (AHH). The food is fabulous, prepared personally
by owner Michael with 30 years experience. The produce is mostly
locally-sourced and/or produced, unpretentious in nature and attractively
presented and priced. Michael’s wife Carole is an ever-present friendly smiling
face, always eager to help and very hospitable.

We decided to return to the AHH after an enjoyable one
nights stay some time ago. Knowing AHH to be a reputable, decent, dog-friendly
hotel in a quiet town with lots of walking opportunities, it seemed the ideal
get-away for a short break over New Year. Just the luxury we deserved to
recharge the batteries before returning to work and study.

We couldn’t fault the food. Lovely menu, beautifully cooked
and seasoned (although perhaps too heavy on the garlic for some palates). The coffee in particular a welcome speciality. Local ales and good selection of wine available at the bar. Breakfast was also a delight with everything cooked to order and very appetising (no kippers offered though – that was a disappointment). This is the main C2C cycle route, so many passing walkers and cyclists make a stop here. Its the perfect location. Unspoilt in many ways.

We thought it was strange that the TV didn’t work in the room, but we weren’t there to watch TV anyway - there are more than enough beautiful walks nearby - as you can see from the photos - my favourite was the South Tyneside Railway, now restored and running steam trains during the summer. We forgot to mention the TV issue to
Carole. However, upon check-out another guest mentioned this problem too, so I’m not sure whether this was a hotel-wide issue (?) Also worth a mention - the radiators go off during the day and at night. We were fully aware that there
were ‘additional heaters available if required’ (according to the guest information folder) and that actually the weather was unseasonably warm outside. However, I think in the depths of an English Lakeland Winter, it is reasonable to expect to have the heating on for most, if not ALL of the day and night (or am I being greedy?). Fortunately, our bed had the benefit of an electric underblanket,which was a God-send during the night – especially for Dizzy (but don't tell anyone)!!!

This was our fourth and final evening here and we thoroughly enjoyed New Years Eve dinner – served to the usual high expectations. It was a quiet, civilised evening with the company in the restaurant being mainly older adults, some of whom had obviously made an effort to dress formally in black-tie. The candles on each table were burning, the log fire was ambient and
the Christmas music was low. Everything seemed perfect.

Strange then, the sudden and dramatic metamorphosis that occurred after ten o’clock - just when we were congratulating ourselves on finding such a wonderful, relaxing place to spend celebrating seeing-in 2012.

This apparently four-star, classy, family-run hotel, with food of Bib Gourmand
standard and outstanding customer service, within half an hour, became a
setting of a teenage rave. A disco had been set-up and I was expecting some
loud music, but not on this scale! I did get slightly concerned when I saw the
Christmas decorations getting removed for what Carole said were “safety
reasons”. But within a few minutes, I saw what was reminiscent of the Youth
Club run at Woodnesborough Working Mens’ Club, every Wednesday night during my
schooldays - which involved paying an entrance fee and smuggling in a bottle of
cheap cider rather than paying the bar prices. Indeed, this materialised into
reality as I witnessed scantily-clad youngsters, queuing-up at the AHH
reception to pay £5 and have their hand stamped to enter the hotel’s disco.
Sadly for the owners, there were far fewer new guests that those leaving – and
I know what kind of customers I would have preferred to have stay! Many of
those leaving had (like us) enjoyed a lovely relaxing meal and would have
happily preferred to stay and spend additional money at the bar on champagne (even
though, like the white wine, someone had forgotten to put it into the fridge)
had the adult atmosphere been allowed to continue. Instead of that however,
most left to go to the more ‘grown-up’ atmosphere in the Cumberland Inn over
the road (also serving fabulous, honest food) where you could actually hold a
conversation without having to scream into each others ear over the thud, thud,
thud of whatever unrecognisable rubbish the ‘DJ’ was playing. Whilst on the
subject of the DJ – make no mistake he was useless. The best DJs, like any
presenters are always the most receptive to their audience. At one point he
actually said ‘well, it seems most people are leaving rather than dancing’ at
which the obvious remark came back “because all your music is crap”. Instead of
changing his choice of ‘music’ (and I use that word in its loosest sense), he
continued until it was nearly one o’clock (by which time we had escaped
upstairs) before I heard a Michael Jackson song (‘Dangerous’) which was the
first one with any identifiable lyrics! Oh dear, I must be getting old. But
surely this isn’t what others wanted either? The place was virtually deserted
by midnight with hardly anyone ordering at the bar.

If the owners really cared about their paying, staying
guests, then they would perhaps have been more responsive to their needs. We
obviously did not want to be surrounded by teenagers getting increasingly
drunk. As guests of the hotel, we were there for the main reason that we share
the owners’ philosophy in appreciating good food, in a stylish, relaxed
atmosphere in pleasant, quiet surroundings. None of these things are in line
with what occurred here on New Years Eve. I am truly bewildered. If the owners
felt that they needed to provide a place for the teenage children to get
together with their friends for a rave/disco, then hire the village hall which
is specially designed for such a purpose. Needless to say, many of the
youngsters did not want to attend the perceived ‘pretentious’ hotel setting,
preferring instead to hang around outside without paying the £5 entrance fee,
mixing with the smokers who had.

Two bottles of decent champagne alone would have easily
covered the relatively trivial amount raised through this thoughtless event. I
can’t understand hoteliers not wanting to keep their own customers happy first
– and increase the potential recommendations for profitable business. After
all, profits are definitely NOT to be found with drunk teenagers – especially
with all the cleaning-up required the following morning (yuk).

One last point. On Boxing Day there was a tragic car
accident where a young man was killed in the town – apparently after drinking
at AHH as well as other pubs. I have yet to read the full report, but
apparently he was drunk and deliberately drove his car into a house at a
junction. Of course, no-one can blame anyone for this horrific action, but the
local landlords do have some responsibility. It is no surprise or secret that
there is a huge teenage binge-drinking problem, combined with a drug problem in
this isolated area of the Lakes. High unemployment and little for young people
to do has had a polarising impact on local communities where more than half the
properties are holiday homes owned by wealthy ‘outsiders’. I would hope that
professional business people and conscientious parents would want to take any
opportunity they can to support their young people in a town like Alston and
provide a safe, responsible environment for them to socialise in – especially
when celebrating the New Year. What the AHH promoted did not fall into this
category and if anything only proved to further alienate the different groups
of locals and visitors.

My recommendations for the AHH for next year? Do what many
of the best hotels and restaurants do – charge extra for a set menu for dinner (easier
for Michael in the kitchen) guests can book in advance or turn up on the day
(and pay a premium). Formal dress only. Hire a professional musician – a
harpist or a pianist perhaps. Close the doors firmly at 11pm and let your
guests (and you and your family) enjoy a peaceful, grown-up and happy New Year
celebration, profitable and memorable for all the right reasons.

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?!!

Another Glorious Weekend in Dorset!

We stayed at the wonderfuly named "Piddle Inn" again. On the banks of the river Piddle. J's treat for my B'day and we couldn't have hoped for better weather. Dizzy was very glad of the cool, clear water running literally by the the side of the beer garden.



We walked for miles and miles. It is absolute heaven to get away from all the traffic and people. We didn't see another person all day!


We set off from the pub and walked in all directions (but always towards a pub of course). In nearby Cerne Abbas there are loads of good pubs, including the New Inn which is newly opened after a re-furb and has one of the nicest beer gardens...There is also the 'Brace of Pheasants' at nearby Plush, although annoyingly we never seems to be able to catch them when they're open. Never mind they have been taken out of the Michelin Guide anyway!


the views around the area are breathtaking!



Reminiscent of another wonderful weekend we had earlier in the year at Great Malvern....


Lets hope this Summer weather continues for us..

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....

Funny how it's always those places that you live nearest to, that you somehow never seem to get round to visiting. We've known about Ravensthorpe Reservoir since we moved here over seven years ago - but for some reason J's been all over the country with his fly-fishing rod, but never managed to go 5 miles down the road! Anyway - we found the time to stop by yesterday - and even though we weren't there at the crack of dawn (as many were apparently) we didn't come back empty handed (although it wasn't the 11 lb wopper that someone pulled out last week - and it didn't get a fly either (long story)).



Bryher and I walked all the way around the hundred acres of clear blue water and another halfway round to meet the fisherman. It was so peaceful - and the sun was lovely and warm, especially on the south bank where the dam is. It was great to escape the blasted dissertation for a day or two at last. This place is full of interesting original Victorian machinery and architecture. And the village is only a short walk away...(where maybe we'll live one day)


She is a mischievous little tinker - into everything and full of energy and particularly enjoyed running through all the muddy paths under the trees of the wood on the far side...


Lots of people were out in boats - but J never has any luck on boats so he stayed on the bank while I surreptitiously tried sketching them (not easy with an energetic little dog beside you)...



Nearby the well-worn Chequers pub was unfortunately closed (again)so it was back to our local for a quick pint. Needless to say Bryher needed a bath as soon as she got home - which she didn't particularly like - but it was worth it for all the mad running about the house that inevitably follows any doggie-bath... Why do they all do that I wonder???

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;)

Was it really three years ago we were here last? We had to check back in the old Visitors’ Book – but, yes, there we were…signed in 'Sept 2004'. Can you believe that three years have flown by…? Back then it was the popular annual Food Festival - but we were out of season now.

Lots of things have changed at 36 On The Quay, Emsworth – the décor for example is dramatically different. When they first opened their rooms in 2003 Paddy from the Telegraph visited (within a week) and published a glowing report . However, I think the décor soon became dated (frilly curtains and china vases everywhere) and after some considerable criticism from (amongst others) Jan Moir (Telegraph again), a full refurb was instigated. Tables are now given much more space and curtains have been replaced by the clean lines of cream blinds. Much more minimalist. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the owner, Karen's very frosty reception. Why do we always feel we are an inconvenience when we arrive rather than a warmly welcomed guest? I think she may be in the wrong business - (even if her chef husband definitely isn't).

It was mid-afternoon and it wasn’t busy, we were shown upstairs to our room. We had the smallest one this time; “Clove” at the back of the building – the best rooms are “Cinnamon” (which fortunately T&G had) or “Vanilla” which both have wonderful sea views).

It was blowing an absolute hooley outside so we postponed the brisk walk along the sea wall and went to the pub nextdoor instead. It’s a proper locals pub and we met the fisherman, Kevin, who supplies Ramon. He was anxious to tell us about how wonderful his catch of Brill was today. “You must be loaded ££” he said as we left, “being able to eat there!” (he was probably a bit worse for wear by this time) “Why’s that?” T asked. “It’ll cost yer about £100 each to eat there, yer know” Kev explained (as if we were naïve about Michelin-starred hospitality). “Seems very reasonable to me” T said with a wink and we left them to their astonishment and drunken gossip.

Strangely, there was no tasting menu on offer tonight (Saturday). Stranger still no Brill was on the menu, either (was Kevin just telling a tall story)? But lots of nice things anyway. We had one each of the five starters to share between us (we couldn’t decide), and the winner was the scallops. Mains included veal (delish) and I had the halibut (of course), of which there was loads piled-up on a gorgeous mash. Disappointingly, there was no 'Rhubarb Celebration' (Ramon's signature dish) for dessert. But lots of nice alternatives…but service was slow throughout and we had to remind the waitress more than once to bring us some more wine and water when it disappeared.

At the end of the evening, I was looking forward to disappearing behind the secret bookcase in the dining room (a bit like an escape into Narnia). Only one other table were left (it was about midnight) and they were all intrigued when I tried to open it. But it was locked from the other side. “I didn’t have time to unlock it tonight” explained the waitress. No apologies or offer to go round to unlock it for us (maybe she’s learning her (poor) customer service attitude from Karen). Reluctantly (and I have to admit, rather drunkenly) all four of us ran round the outside of the restaurant (it was very cold and raining and windy) to reach the other door and the stairs to our bedrooms. Only afterwards did I wonder why I hadn’t insisted that one of the staff simply go round and unlock the door for us. This is a strange place.

Next morning, as usual, there was fresh continental breakfast available on the ‘landing’. Lots of different types of fresh breads and croissants and fruits and lovely yoghurt. Those in the bigger bedrooms, can have breakfast served to them. I just can’t understand why Karen doesn’t set aside a part of the restaurant downstairs, so that everyone can eat in a bit more comfort.??

Anyway, another successful weekend donated to Kwik-Fit (will my reward be in heaven?) Now we’re on the final countdown to the Christmas break.

Last weekend we escaped again to Wales to the place where we were this time last year.

We visited the wonderful Harbourmaster at Aberearon again (I won't bore you with that again - but the food was just a good) and found New Quay where there's a beautiful quaint harbour - with a marvellous sandy beach!

Here we discovered a new game to keep the two lads occupied: "Here's a pound. Off you go to the Pound Shop (loads in these little rural Welsh towns as you will know) and find something unique/funny/practical as a present for each of us." What a laugh.


Prize for the most eccentric went to C who bought one of those in-flight blow-up air pillows (yes, exactly the same as the ones you see in the airports for about £10+). He said it was so comfortable he put it on and wore it for the rest of the day (mad these Welsh);) And the most creative went to C's friend who found a fluoresent-coloured car-washing glove that resembled a bath mat. Couldn't resist buying one for J (who's obsessive about keeping the cars clean for some unknown reason).

Copster Green is a quiet, rural Lancashire village. Not the place I’d expect to find a collection of Ferraris and Porsches parked up outside an unlikely roadside Chinese restaurant.

Yu and You’s is a funky modern restaurant with highly rated freshly prepared food and excellent staff. We stopped off late at night after a dinner at the Michelin-starred Eastcote Manor (conveniently, just up the road) so couldn’t sample the food (maybe next time). By then, the evening and the restaurant had evolved (or deteriorated, depending on your perspective) into a cocktail bar with a loud and busy dance floor. The DJ was very good – if not a little out of his depth here (e.g. the only Phil Collins he could find was 'you can't hurry love' (!!!) Drinking and driving seems to be an accepted and necessary method of socialising ‘round these parts – and I was glad we had a taxi booked - one of the younger celebs we saw departing in his sports car with three young ladies on his arms(s) definitely was over the limit. Other famous people at the bar included some motorcyclist (never heard of him)…

Dinner earlier at Nortcote Manor, by the way, had been very very good. Not as good as some other Michelin-starred places I’ve been (listen to me) but still very good. It's proud of the chef, Nigel's history of retaining his star for about 10 years. Michelin aren’t usually so generous. What makes the place special is the small, homely atmosphere. It’s a gothic Victorian buiding, so lends itself well to the oak panelling and red carpets, but it isn't dark.

It was almost like sitting in someone’s front room for pre-dinner drinks, a bit like Rutland Water’s Hambleton Hall. Poor Craig had quite a challenge to explain the (in my view a bit too complex) menus to everyone and take all the orders. He made an excellent choice of wine for us (it's always an interesting test to ask the sommelier to choose something appropriate for the dishes we've ordered). There were a lot of staff, but unfortunately no-one (apart from Craig) seemed to really know what they were doing. They spilled the wine, delivered too much bread and didn’t refill the wine as often as I would have liked. Why didn’t they just leave the cutlery where it was rather than faffing around with it after every course? I made the mistake of ordering the goat (yes, I know, maybe the champagne had gone to my head). Not sure what I expected – but it didn’t deliver. The better choices around the table were the venison - no lets get this right "Loin of Roebuck" (excellent - no 'seminal' says J) and the beef. Interestingly there were no “inbetweeners” (sorbets etc) that you quite often get offered at a Michelin-starred place like this, but the time delay between courses was about right (if only they’d got round to the wine). The truly worthwhile ‘inbetweener’ was (of course) the word from the kitchen letting us know the rugby score (at which a cheer from our fellow diners was heard)! This was even more worthwhile as the kitchen-staff were French (he he=). The dining room was far too hot; it was warm outside so the log fire and radiators were overkill tonight. So we quickly escaped back to the lounge where the doors to the fanous gardens were opened and the whiskys and ports were waiting. Overall, very good, not as slick or stylish as I expected, but a really informal, enjoyable evening with great company - thanks to M & C:)

Next morning, we got up quite early to visit the nearby designer outlet place and with proper Lancashire bacon butties inside us ( - after all, it was at least 12 hours since we had eaten!) take up the opportunity of some excellent retail therapy (essential on a Sunday with a hangover). On the way home we inevitably we had to stop at the best local Farm shop in the area http://www.huntleys.co.uk/ (currently undergoing a refurb/expansion). We bought some excellent wild boar and other bits and bobs and treated ourselves to some award-winning and famous local ice-cream (cointreau and orange was the winning flavour) before hitting the motorways again.... picture to follow....