After a very soggy December and January, we have been really struck by the very frequent ringing of the phone – and for the right reasons! There have been a plethora of bookings since the New Year. It looks to us that 2023 will be a bumper one, despite what we are hearing on the dreadfully downbeat news channels.
ookings around the Bank Holidays are going particularly fast, and don’t forget we have an extra one this year, with the Coronation on 8th May.
Also, on the Bank Holiday on the last weekend in May, Torquay sees a new Music and Food festival, being held over the three days. UB40 are headlining on the Saturday evening, and there are DJ sets etc. If you are interested in coming the website is here.
Just For The Research!
We are always looking for somewhere new to eat – not for our own pleasure you understand, but purely so we can inform guests what’s worth a visit!
Over December we took the train (which is a delight in itself, all along the coast) to Exeter and dining at The Ivy. I, as it were, took careful note of some of their creative ideas on décor for The Somerville. However, I didn’t manage to get a photo of the ladies which Helen said was quite outrageously pink.
Besides all this, we have to say the food was amazing – along with a wine list to burn the hole in a credit card. My favourite dish was the cheese souffle which was the ultimate for a cheese lover like myself. And I must mention the melting Chocolate Bombe – definitely one that’s worth sharing.
Winter Walking
I couldn’t write this update without mentioning two local walks. Firstly, there’s a nice short one of two-and-a-half miles from Dartmouth town centre to Dartmouth castle, at the mouth of the estuary. It was originally built as an artillery fort protecting against both pirates and the French from invading and/or looting the riches of the town. It’s a pretty walk passing many beautiful homes, and there’s a fab view out to sea once you’ve reached the castle.
Moving slightly further along the coast, there’s a the wonderful stretch of open beach called Slapton Sands. This too has a famous-ish history in connection with the D-Day landings. However, the photos, below, were taken right at the far end of the beach, going away from Torcross and heading towards Blackpool Sands and Dartmouth.
There is something lovely about walking along the coast path on a winter’s day – and it offers the additional advantage of being so much quieter than in the summer months.
Our Builder Knows Best
Lastly for this update, we have been having problems with an outside wall which was causing damp on the inside and condensation. But then our rather wonderful builder did his stuff with a stud wall and insulating Celotex, we came up with the idea of artificial panelling in the form of wallpaper, and – result! We’re delighted – and no more condensation in the room.
And that’s it for this update. We hope to see you in the coming months.
Peter and Helen
