Hive Beach Café … and finally

We didn't go for lunch but went twice for breakfast. Our gang chose the Chesil Smokeries kippers, the Hive Beach (English) Breakfast and the Vegan Field Mushrooms with melted vegan cheese on toasted sourdough – verdict – yum!

Honestly a week wasn't long enough. There are so many coastal paths to walk – we could have stayed in Hive Beach alone for a week.

A word to the wise … the beaches vary and get mixed reviews. Alot have large pebbles which are difficult to negotiate both for humans and dogs alike.

There are other “branches” :

The Club House

West Bexington

Watch House Café,

West Bay, Bridport

Check out their website – www.hivebeachcafe.co.uk

for comprehensive information

Just before I finish I should mention another gem – Felicity's Farm Shop – the perfect stop off on the way back from Hive Beach to Lyme Regis on the A35 at Morcombelake, DT6 6DJ. An Aladdin's Cave of fantastic local produce – the fruit and vegetables are as fresh as you can get, the bread too and the icing on the cake – this is a rare thing – the best flat white I've ever had in a paper cup! I'm sure you won't be surprised to know that we called in more than once and this is the view you can enjoy sat outside drinking your coffee!

not too shabby!

Www.felicitysfarmshop.co.uk

Hive Beach Café

If you like a relaxed, chill-out kinda thing, this is the place for you.

A small amount of planning is required, they don't take bookings so if you're not an early bird be prepared to queue.

Opening hours are – Sunday and Monday 9.30 – 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday 9.30 – 8pm.

They open for breakfast – 9.30 – 11am. They re-open for lunch – 12 – 3pm, Late lunch/dinner – 4 – 7pm.

They do exactly what they say, everything is sourced – or caught – locally. I realise you have to like fish, but if you're not that keen you can have poached eggs on toast for breakfast!

I have to say the best poached eggs I've had in years. No moulds or fancy kit, they'd been poached au naturel – the colour of the yolk was stunning and the flavour positively wonderful. I'd go back for the eggs alone. If however you're partial to smoked salmon, try the Smoked Salmon Benedict – outstanding and generous in every way.

I didn't want to let the side down and so couldn't leave without popping in to the shop. I had to buy Rose their home-made dog biscuits (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it). H's treat was a mixed carrier of the Hive Beach lager, beer and cider. My treat – no prizes – a copy of the Hive Beach Cookery Book.

you'd have been

disappointed had I not treated myself

It's been a while since I've been enthusiastic about trying out recipes – there are a few so hang on to your hats!

The Italian – stuff you need to know

There's a Two Course Special at £12.95, check it out :

There's a Children's Menu too.

If you're thinking of having a private party The Italian has private dining/function room facilities - it would be the perfect venue.

I think that just about covers it!

Oh, just remembered, an added bonus – we ordered a pizza to take home for Nathan – so everyone was happy. Nothing is too much trouble.

If you want good food in a happy atmosphere go see Julia – you'll be glad you did.

Spoilt for choice

There's all the favourites on the menu, plus a few new dishes too. Old habits die hard as they say – here are our choices :

Tagliatelli

Pasta ribbons cooked in cream, tomato, ham and mushroom sauce – without the ham for me, perfect for the vegetarian!

Pollo Pepe

Chicken breast cooked in a creamy peppercorn sauce.

One word – delicious!

Coming up, stuff you need to know.

Fancy a weekend away?

If you like the Autumn colours and enjoy a walk, or even a hike if you're really fit, then there's nowhere better than the Peak District. I admit to bias – it's my home turf. The Peak District National Park begins in South Derbyshire in Ashbourne, Matlock to the East, Buxton and then Glossop further North West. The Park spans 555 miles, mostly in Derbyshire but does extend into Staffordshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and South and West Yorkshire. If you should venture near Glossop then I've got the perfect solution for your evening dining.

I should explain that our favourite restaurant has been sold – a sad day. However, I'm thrilled to say that Julia Ballone has opened a new establishment The Italian in High Street West, Glossop. When I visit my Sis we always treat ourselves to supper out. We decided to go say hello – it would be rude not to!

Apart from trying to enter through the wrong door – never could get my bearings – we were greeted by Julia and welcomed into a contemporary yet at the same time cosy setting – not easy to achieve.

Here's what you see :

Food choices on their way!

The Tapas photos!

Check these out :

Champinones al Ajillo - Button Mushrooms in garlic and olive oil served with parsley and lemon

Queso al Horno – Soft baked goats cheese served with onion chutney and tomato jam

Tortilla Espanola – Classic Spanish potato omelette served with salad leaves and aioli

They tasted as good as they look.

La Estrella is definitely worth a visit – I should say that it doesn't have a large dessert menu but personally I went to sample the tapas. It's a small venue but I think that works in its favour – don't forget to book – they were turning people away who hadn't!

Before I go any further ...

… I thought I'd let you know about La Estrella Tapas Bar.

Early supper out on a Friday night with friends. La Estrella is located at the bottom end of the High Street in Rushden, Northamptonshire. To give you an idea how popular it is, we booked on the 25^th September for ten days hence and got the last table.

It is modern, bright and has a relaxed, informal atmosphere - café style dining.

It helps when one of the staff is Spanish - it gives a certain chutzpah, not wishing to confuse cuisines!

Mixed olives and bread are brought, along with pre-tapas drinks. I'm not a “fizz” drinker but decided to throw caution to the wind and chose a glass of Prosecco from the specials board, which was delicious and I'm difficult to please.

The menu caters for everyone - to cut a long story short here are our choices :

Gambas al Ajilio

King prawns cooked in garlic, virgin olive oil

and fresh chillies

Chorizos del Demonio

Spicy chorizo served with fire roasted red peppers

Whitebait from the specials board

Patatas Bravas

Twice cooked potatoes smothered in garlic aioli

and bravas sauce

Champinones al Ajillo

Button mushrooms in garlic and olive oil

served with parsley and lemon

Queso at Horno

Soft baked goats cheese served with onion

chutney and tomato jam

They were generous portions, so much so that we've decided that when we go back we'll order two tapas each and then may be a patatas bravas in the middle for all!

You must be expecting photos – and you'd be right – up next.

A breakfast treat

The kids wanted to take us to a fab place they'd found in Southport – only minutes from where they live in Birkdale.

First up, and most importantly, the establishment allowed well behaved dogs – gets my vote, off to a good start.

May I introduce you to Bistrot Pierre.

To say I was impressed with the décor is an understatement. I'm not going to waffle on, have a look at these photos, decide for yourself!

We chose Brioche et champignons – with or without Alsace bacon – veggie or not and Pancakes with Maple syrup, Mascarpone and fresh berries. £5.95 and £4.95 respectively.

One word – excellent. Not just the food, the surroundings speak for themselves – the staff were lovely, couldn't do enough. We'll definitely be returning.

If you're in that neck of the woods, I'd highly recommend it.

Ascoughs lunch - the pics

I will resist the urge to bore the pants off – this is just a sample.

Our starter was Falafel, Roasted Peppers, Charred Courgette, Grains, Soya Yoghurt Flatbread and Pomegranate Dressing, it looks like this :

Our main course was Twice Baked Goats Cheese Soufflé, Marinated Artichoke and Cucumber Salad and Toasted Sunflower Seeds, here it is :

I can hear you - “it doesn't look anything special”

It does now!

There are two desserts and here they are in all their glory :

Turkish Delight Cheesecake, Almond & Cherry Florentine,

Dark Chocolate Ice Cream, Rose Gel and Fudge Sauce

• or, if cake is your guilty pleasure :

Sticky Ginger Cake, Rum Raisins, Butterscotch
Sauce and Rum & Ginger Ice Cream.

A word of warning – you might want to wear clothes that have an expanding waistline, particularly if you want to indulge in the Intros before you embark on the following three courses!

A spectacular lunch.

August at Ascoughs

For those who are not familiar, Ascoughs is a bistro located at 24-26 St. Mary's Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7DU.

The last time I visited this restaurant for lunch was in May 2017 – a birthday present for a girlfriend and here we are again, a little later than we'd have liked but as we all know, life gets in the way.

These days you can view menus on line and I could have looked but resisted the urge. When I called to book our table I mentioned my favourite soufflé - a Twice Baked Red Leicester and Chive version - in the hope that I might be able to order two. Hold that thought – how delighted was I to be told that there was a Twice Baked Goats Cheese soufflé on the current menu.

I confess that after booking I couldn't wait any longer and peeked at the menu – it served its purpose – spoilt for choice and for me that's rare.

I've said before but am happy to repeat, Ascoughs' menus tempt you to try dishes with ingredients you wouldn't ordinarily choose.

The genius remains the same – the menu at the moment runs until 1^st September – 2 courses for £13 – 3 courses £17. Note to selves – you have to book, whether lunch or dinner.

Thought for the day … if you can remember how good a meal, or a specific dish was and that memory stays with you … pure joy.

Ascoughs Bistro – telephone 01858 466966

ascoughsbistro@aol.com

Chippy Quest – the photos

As is usual – here's the proof :

I don't think I've forgotten anything – oh and by the way – I'm not on commission – just reporting in for those out there who like good food, reasonably priced and the smile is for free!

My continuing chippy quest!

You'd think it remiss of me not to check out the chippy situation whilst on holiday.

Mission accomplished!

Scarlett's Fish & Chip Shop is located in the High Street in Rhosneigr, Anglesey. It has an area to eat in and your dog is welcome too. The shop is immaculately clean and the staff are lovely. Not a surprise they hold a Fish & Chip Quality Award – Five Star.

It is definitely what you'd call traditional – keep it simple is my motto and they do just that.

What I really loved was they use no plastic or polystyrene in their packing – they use biodegradable containers that are microwavable and feel like cardboard – even the forks are biodegradable. It's a long time since fish and chips were wrapped in newspaper – they seemed to taste better that way or may be it's just nostalgia – the bio version is fantastic – I hated the squeaky polystyrene containers - hats off to Scarlett's.

We visited twice during our stay – it was top class on both occasions. The best curry sauce I've had in a long time – excepting my own!

Photos next ...

Ascoughs – the birthday treat

I wouldn't normally go out to eat to celebrate a birthday – in fact the last “birthday treat” was an unmitigated disaster. Thank you Ascoughs for restoring my faith – but don't take my word for it.

I was impressed to receive a very polite message from Ascoughs on the day, asking me to confirm my booking – attention to detail.

Some useful information – the current lunch and dinner menus are available from 9^th January to 3^rd February so another change of menu is due. You can take a sneaky peak at the menus ahead of the game on line and ponder your ultimate choice – another smart move. If you tend to be a tad indecisive and then regret it later this is the perfect solution.

What did catch my eye was “Over Night Braised Hoggett, Champ Potato Cake, Confit Shallot, Red Currant Jellies and Pan Jus”.

For those who aren't sure what hoggett is, let me explain. Lamb is considered to be up to a year old. Hoggett comes next between 1 and 2 years old, mutton follows – over two years old. If you are a fan of lamb you might be interested to know that hoggett is considered to be the most flavoursome of the options.

Lets cut to the chase and borrow a well known phrase - “... here are some of the choices and results from the Stanwick Jury”.

Here's the hoggett :

... “excellent – very generous portion, melt in the mouth”

Next up for the vegetarians :

Winter Vegetable En Croute, Spinach, Spring Onion Mash, Baked Onion, Sauce Roti

… “delicious - it's rare for me to finish a plate of food but I gave it my best shot!”

Finally, the dessert choice :

Frangipane Slice, Cherry Gel, Glazed Baby Pears, Salted Caramel Almonds, Cherry Sorbet

… “all my favourite flavours on one plate – it did not disappoint”

There are two strokes of genius here – the cost is beyond reasonable and the menus are changed each month so you don't get bored. Out for lunch or dinner once a month at these prices – what's not to like.

Can't wait for my next treat!

Ascoughs – the return.

In May 2017 I mentioned this restaurant in Market Harborough, Leicestershire. (Travels with my friend 1-4).

If you are really impressed with a restaurant you are in two minds whether to re-visit for fear of disappointment. Never let it be said that I don't have your best interests at heart! I'm ringing the changes this time and sampling the dinner menu. Dinner costs 2 courses £19.50 and 3 courses £24.50 although some dishes attract an extra charge.

My first visit took place in December, just before the holidays – a good time to road test a restaurant – so often the quality plummets and the price rockets. I was more than impressed that the prices were exactly as stated.

I appreciate that December has come and gone but, to illustrate the quality of the food you can expect, here's a snippet from the starter and dessert menus.

To whet your appetite :

This is Cauliflower (charred, pickled, purée, crisp, beignet) with Golden Raisins and Mint Salsa

This is Butterscotch Mousse, Hazelnut Brittle, Chocolate Sphere, Truffles, Hazelnut & Caramel Sauce

Value for money – without question.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat – I've already booked!

Ascoughs Bistro – telephone 01858 466966

ascoughsbistro@aol.com

The Whitby Chronicles – Cosa Nostra

At first glance quite modern, spacious and pleasant. The menu was nothing out of the ordinary and a couple of us had antipasti – mixed meats, olives with Balsamic and olive oil followed by main courses of fillet steak, lamb and pizza.

We weren't over impressed by the “on the job training” of waiting staff. Not a great first impression.

In fairness there seems to be mixed reviews from one extreme to the other. It wasn't the worst meal ever but it certainly wasn't the best.

It's a great shame. As we know Whitby is famous for its fish and chips but holidaymakers can only take so many portions and need a change of cuisine – a little care and attention to the detail and, more to the point, the food at Cosa Nostra, would make for a lot of happy customers and a successful, profitable restaurant. Definitely a missed and potentially lucrative opportunity.

P.s. I can never finish a whole pizza – a small tip – take it home – roll each triangle from the widest edge, finishing at the point so it looks croissant ish and wrap tightly in foil. Part of lunch next day warmed in a hot oven for a few minutes!

Pps. The forecast looks even worse tomorrow – batten down the hatches!

Cosa Nostra, 161 Church Street, Whitby, YO22 4AS

The Whitby Chronicles – Sara's

Lets begin with a photo :

Here are a couple of examples - the Starters and Fish & Chips, followed by the Seafood and Salads choices :

Don't be put off if you'd prefer meat – you can get steaks and casseroles too!

I'm not going to drone on – take our word for it – all four of us – it's a great place to eat.

There are probably two highlights of the evening.

You may notice that “Moules Mariniere” is on the starter menu – fresh steamed wild mussels with white wine, garlic, cream and parsley. Pretty standard you'd say for a fish restaurant and you'd probably be right.

Here's the Before and After :

“So what – a bowl of mussels is a bowl of mussels”. Bear with me.

Shirl and John lived in France for a number of years and are more than qualified to offer an opinion on this dish. John said, “the best mussels I've had since leaving France”. Another big tick for Sara's.

It's what came afterwards :

As John enjoyed his starter he created this collage of shells – if I hadn't watched him create I wouldn't have believed it. Eat your hearts out – sorry for the atrocious pun – Carl Andre and his Bricks in 1966 and/or Tracey Emin's Bed in 1998 – this is my submission, on John's behalf of course, to Tate Modern!

Finally, when was the last time you went into a chippy and ate dessert? I don't think so. Personally I don't expect dessert - I'm not a fan and usually so full I can't make room anyway. How wrong can a person be. If I had a dessert weakness if would be for creme brulée – yep there it was and here it is in all its glory :

and for those who don't fancy the Brulée, how about Pavlova?

Sara's is like no other chippy I've ever been in – not surprisingly the Chef is French, Natasha and we'll be back!

A great night, with the best company and food too and I'll never forget those mussel shells!

P.s. By the way – we have been checking the weather forecast – I know we have a reputation for being obsessed with it. It's all beginning to come back to me - when holidaying in the UK everything you do is controlled by the weather. Guess what – it's all change tomorrow, the rain is on its way!

Sarah's Mister Chips 68-69 Church Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4AS – www.misterchipswhitby.co.uk

Travels with my friend – Part 4

To complete the picture, I should add that there are the usual bits and pieces – Intros of various breads and antipasti but in an understated way – keeping it short and definitely appetising.

There are steaks and salads and a selection of sides too.

There are many gluten free choices and if there's nothing that takes your fancy speak up, if there's a dish that you like the look of but isn't gluten free they'll try and change it for you so it is.

The staff are lovely – attentive without sitting on your shoulder, if you know what I mean.

I couldn't finish these travels without a couple of photos to back up my mouth, as it were, so here they are :

Grilled Baby Goats Cheese et al

Twice Baked Red Leicester & Chive Soufflé

I should have said at the outset – this menu tempts you to try dishes with ingredients you wouldn't ordinarily choose. A case in point – the dreaded piccalilli which is part of the soufflé – this is up there on my food hate list with sago. This condiment conjures up a vision, usually at Christmas time, of this bright yellow jar with huge lumps of stuff – I discovered later it was mixed vegetables – smothered in a strong mustard dressing, if you can call it that – ugh!

This piccalilli with the soufflé was delicious – I'm a changed woman!

Value for money? The best I've had in a long time.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat.

Ascoughs Bistro – telephone 01858 466966

ascoughsbistro@aol.com

Travels with my friend – Part 3

Please don't be alarmed – there will not be 50 parts to this trip!

Our lunch is at Ascoughs – a bistro located at 24-26 St. Mary's Road, Market Harborough LE16 7DU.

The lunch menu is priced at two courses for £12 and three for £16. In this day and age I'd call that better than good value – I can hear you saying “that's fine if the food is good” and of course you'd be right.

I'm not going to give you the whole menu – just a couple of options from the starter, main and dessert :

Starters

King scallops, English Asparagus, Pesto, Pine Kernels,

Endive, Parmesan, Parma Ham Shards

Grilled Baby Goats Cheese, Peppadew Peppers, Sauce Romesco,

Toasted Almonds, Olive Tapenade

Mains

Breast of Chicken, Goats Cheese, Stem Broccoli,

Charred Gem, Olive, Sauce Paloise

Twice Baked Red Leicester & Chive Soufflé,

Pickled Vegetables, Piccalilli, Pea Shoot and Baby Leaf Salad

Desserts

Dark Chocolate Mousse, Salted Caramel Bon Bons,

Praline Macaron, Peanut Butter Fudge

Warm Scotch Pancakes, Fig Jam, Sultana Emulsion,

Rum & Raisin Ice Cream

It makes you want to loosen your belt just reading it.

Part 4 is the last of these travels, I promise!

Easter treats - Check out … The Duke of Wellington in Stanwick, Northamptonshire.

After my recent disastrous birthday lunch I thought it was time to get back on the horse as it were – a strange choice of phrase from a vegetarian!

Anyway lunch at The Duke has restored my faith. This restaurant is definitely conducive to relaxing and enjoying good food.

Here's the restaurant :

Here's a sharing plate starter :

Baked Camembert with garlic focaccia, autumn chutney and green bean salad.

If I had one tiny criticism it is that it's too good and it's so easy to overdo it.

Here are two of the main courses :

Stating the obvious – Fish and chunky chips, peas and tartare sauce.

Seared calves' liver with mashed potato, caramelised onion, savoy cabbage and bacon.

Don't think I'll eat again for a week!

I apologise - I can't tell you about desserts – we were so full we didn't get that far!

In the immortal words of Mr. Schwarzenegger – I'll be back!

The Duke of Wellington, Church Street, Stanwick, Northants NN9 6PS telephone: 01933 622452 info@dukeofwellingtonstanwick.co.uk.

P.s. They have introduced new Spring Menus as at 11^th March.