Author: Bob

Popped down to Pembrokeshire again, this weekend. Nice one day, thunder the next.

Although no rain on Sat, it still wasn’t quite nice enough to sit out and beer. So sat in and went to Hazelbeach in the evening to the Ferry House Inn, which was disspointing. It needs a little tlc, the staff were confused and not great, and unfortunately nearly all the food was overcooked. Won’t return.

I used to go down here on the BMX’s many years ago, to go “mud surfing”, when you would run along the mud flats and dive into the mud and skip across the goo. Seemed fun back then.

On the way back we used to be so thirsty we would look for a farmers irrigation pipe with a hole in it, and drink from the pipe – gawd knows where the water came from, but we didn’t die – well not all of us.

Managed a quick run down Clay Lanes and through town, and got very confused with the new round-about they are building – but got back just before the weather went nuts. Thunder and torrential rain. On the way back the road into Port Talbot was rubbish, stupid 50 mile an hours “warning signs” and a tail back for about 6 miles. Not fun.

Wasn’t raining when we got back.

Kate was off out, so we decided to take a spin up to Cheltenham and have a look at Art in the Park. It was some pictures, hanging in a park, and a closed street with stalls. It was “fine”.

Had a little look around, and tried to find a nice village to stop for a drink – didn’t find any – even the pubs on the edge of the Cotswolds were not any good – one, I had passed many times had actually shut, and another didn’t seem to want to serve us. So we ended up at the Air Balloon, which used to be the only pub with no smoking, now its just a pub on a roundabout. We had a swifty, almost in sun.

Then we came home and had a drink in the Rose, it hadn’t got much hotter.

Down the sarf coast this weekend – and it was full of cockney barra-boys.

We wanted to get away for a couple of days at the end of half term, so after looking to see where we hadn’t been, we settled on Bournemouth. Decided that as we didn’t need the car when we got there, we would let the train take the strain, and eighty quid for the three of us – which wasn’t too bad.

Set off from Severn Tunnel Jnt on the commuter train at 7:55, dropped off by Becs we headed to the carriage we *may* have a booking on, only to see that no booking tickets were out, and it was packed. So for the first half hour into Bristol we hovered around the corridoor. Once in Temple Meads we found a four seater and relaxed a little bit. One change in Southampton which had a big train with loads of seats and 3 and a bit hours later we were at Bournemouth, and it was drizzling.

Got a taxi the mile or so to the hotel – a fiver, bloody cabbies must be rolling in it, we tried to check into the Premier Inn. No joy, but at least we could drop our bags off, with a promise to return around 2. We hadn’t realised that the Wheels festival was on, but we headed into town first for a beer and some nosh.

After a little walk around and up and down we found nothing much, but a slightly worn shopping place – we got a paper, and went for a beer in the standard – Slug and Lettuce. Couple of pints later we headed over to the burger place for some nosh – one hour wait! So we walked back to Wagamamma’s on Kate’s insistence, and after a 15 minute wait in the wind we gor a bench and had some decent noodles. Once sated we headed back to check in.

After another queue we got our room, and bless my soul if we didn’t manage to get a “sea view with balcony” – which was nice. After a view of the pier and a little unload, we headed down to the sea front – to see what we could see, by the sea. We walked by the sea, and the fun sounded like it came from the top, loads of noise and screeching. We walked the front and watched Kangaroo Joe do a wheelie on a quad bike on the sand, then up to the fun.. It had finished, we saw a formula ford car, and some go-carts and some lawn-mowers – the sun was shining.

Back down into the town, and a search for a decent pub – we failed and went into the Brasshouse – which is like a Wetherspoons, only not quite so nice – quick beer, then back to the hotel for a real drink and a sit in the biiig window. It was after seven now, so it had to be supper time. We headed on back down the avenue, and tried the burger place again – hour wait. So went to the other burger place – Longhorn, which was quite a nice place, had some stags in and a queue for the toilet – but slightly different beer and a really good burger – moist and pink, and a real tasy burger.

Into the shop to get some provisions, which didn’t get eaten in the end – and back to the hotel and very quickly to sleep – except for Kate who busied herself with the Sims…

Day 2

Up early for a quick run from one of the piers to another, the main one was open, so got to go on for free. Back, cold shower to cool down – then over to Weatherspoon’s for a quick sausage roll…

Walked over to the train station – about a 20 minute walk from the hotel, and onto the quick train to Poole. Out of the train station and it didn’t look great, but once we got down to the “old town” things picked up, and we had a look at the million pound boats outside of the sunseeker factory, and snuck in a little beer in the sun (and wind) on the front. We walked to the end, and saw the old lifeboat station, then back across the old town to lunch.

We stopped in a place recommended by tripadvisor – the Crown Hotel, which did look a little dodgy as we entered, and had a big fat dog on one of the benches – but we stayed for a drink, and then decided on lunch here – it was grand. Had free breads to start, then a massive “starter” of mussles, and a great beef suet pie. We sat in the courtyard, and it was a little breazy, but pretty good. Then we walked some more, and found another decent pub – Rope and Anchor, which had a pleasant fruity guy running the show.. After all this fun, we headed back up to the station and the train back to Bournemouth.

Was pretty tired by now, and took the longer way back to town, walking past all the food and drink shops – back in the hotel, we had a quick beer, and decided on the Indian Lounge – which was a pretty good find – we sat in the “window” which had a great view of all the stag dudes and dudesses walking passed. My Vindaloo was good, Madras not so much.

Went back to the hotel, Kate queued for a Pizza and I listened to some SKA from the main stage on the beach. For 45 minutes, it got cold, but then they came back. Tired – bed.

Next morning we had the Premier Inn breakfast, and due to being so honest we had to pay for it, too many queues and too hot. But I loaded my plate and it was sufficient. Dossed in the room, then hiked to the station for the return. Got back a little early, so had to lift and was screwed over by £8.50 for a taxi home.

Good time, but doubt I would go back, unless it was to specifically see the Wheels festival..

Hotel: 8/10 (sea view / balcony)

Longhorn: 8/10

Indian Lounge: 7/10

Ma and Pa came up this weekend, it was Mothers birthday and a Bank Holiday, so they could take advantage of a spare room and kip down with us.

Friday was as normal, but just for me, as Sian stayed at home and mowed the lawn and took Kate to the pictures. Not too much had in the pub, and an early night.

Up on Sat and out for a wee cycle, it was windy again, and a little rainy. I took the bike out and as soon as I got on it the rain began, just a “light drizzle” but enough – and that wind, it is never ending. Just a quick 17 miles today – I say I am on a taper, before CarTen next weekend, but in reality I was just tired and lazy. Folks came about 11, and we headed off after waiting for daughter for an hour. Up the M5 to the first sop off, Eastington and a nice place called the Old Bagers Inn. Looks a little dodgy from the outside, but I did my research, and although the car park was packed, it wasn’t and we got a good seat and a couple of lime and soda’s and a decent burger (if a little dry). After nosh it was onward to the main event.

Woodchester Mansion is part of the National Trust, and is in Woodchester, I think. We stopped off before to look at the view, then down a tiny lane to the car park (£3) before walking down the track to the mansion. I had quite good expectations on this place, which were unfortunately largely unfounded. It is a big house that was nt finished, and you are supposed to be able to see how they built it. It was fine, if a little on the expensive side, at £7 each – but you could see stuff. They have “the builders in” which as part of an unfinished mansion gives the impression it is unfinished because the work is still happening. That’s not the case, but with scaffold all over it is a little “hmm whateva”. Toilets out the back, which Sian noted that there was a bloke having a wee with the door open – which turned out to be pops..

We had a mooch, and a tea, which we were overcharged, but pops pushed our refund, then we had a lift back which was “no charge” – which was nice.

Jst a short hop home, and even though we had a big lunch, we managed to get a big, fat Indian down our necks.

Next day mother was booked into the Celtic for afternoon tea, so we went down Chepstow for a look around – which as it was Sunday morning consisted of looking at closed shops and having a tea in the Lime Tree. Then over the normal place for a Sunday – the garden center and farm shop – we made our way back and they headed off for tea. We had arranged for some flowers to be put on their table, which weren’t which is disappointing from the Celtic Manor, we never got an excuse.

Monday was a niceish morning, so I took the last ride before CarTen, and squeezed in a 40 before the May fair, and a couple of Stella’s.

Good Bank Hols all in all…

Had an extra day off after the Bank Holiday, so the two of us went to Bath. We’ll we parked up int he station with the intention of going to Bath, but its too far, so we just stopped off at Bristol for the day. Caught the “just before 10” train to Bristol, and barely got a seat – its always too full on the train, the excuse is no “rolling stock” because of the electrification happening next year – so we’ll see.

Got there quite early and walked around the “back” of the station and around to the Mariott and the new arcade. Lovely sunny day, and hardly anyone around – just perfect for me, so we ambled around and picked up a couple of pamphlets from the market and looked for a place in the sun to have an early beer. Decided on the Hole in the Wall, and had an average Star and a crap coffee thing – was fully charged up now through for the uphill walk over to Clifton.

Clifton is a couple of miles from the center of Bristol and starts a little up-hill, but it is a pleasant enough walk, and given the day it was fine. Took us around the same amount of time that it takes a pint of Star to beg to be released to get to the pub by the bridge. Arrived and thankfully it was a lot quieter than the last time, but the bar staff still don’t have a clue about serving in order – they really need one of those voucher systems the cold meat counters used to have.

Great spot though, no grass, just tables and concrete, but a pretty cool view over the Avon Gorge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge – life was good, Sian seemed to be happy with the no alcohol approach, so I took advantage and nailed a couple of Heineken – it was great.

After a while thoughts turned to lunch, so we ambled off back down to the town, and stopped off at Browns for a quick one – I had plenty of beer in my belly by then, so didn’t get any food, just a final beer in the Hole in Wall to complete the circuit for the day. Got the 4:25 and I think I stood up.

Great day.

Went to see Stewart Lee this weekend, booked tickets ages ago, and nearly forgot it was this weekend. Was originally going to go to Bristol, but by the time I got around to booking it was only Cardiff free. So we booked a night in the Parc, and headed on down.

Well, we headed on down, after an initial false start as we got in the car to catch the train with only 6 minutes to go, and I um’d and ar’d and in the end, got out of the car and waited 20  mins for the next one – so we got the train, bloody 17 quid one way – you cant get a “return” that is over night, and by about 4 we were in Cardiff.

Straight to the station with a really heavy bag, which Sian said she’d carry, and then to make it even heavier we bought a couple of bottles of water ready for later, but we checked in and had a “quiet” room on the 4th floor, with the creakiest floorboards and the worse TV in a hotel I have seen since 1994 in a Beefeater in Bracknell. But we weren’t there for the TV, so we left and headed for some of the new pubs on Westgate Street. We didn’t pass them so ended up in Zero Degrees, or the hardest sofa ever. Quick pint and Phil turned up, and cried about walking over to us, so we set off back to the hotel and the place opposite.

We ordered a beer, then finally Phil came, and then after some more time Jess arrived – seems Phil had told her to wait in the room until the coast was clear or something.

After a couple of expensive beers, we got the train to the Bay, and as time was of the essence, we had a quick bit in the American Diner. Which was quite cheap.

We got to the “gig” at 7:30, as it said in the ticket, only to find that there was no one around as they were all in, and it actually started at 7:30 – which to be honest we should have guessed. So we snuck in when the usher said it was okay, and with full bladders we set out to enjoy the show. He was okay.

The “gig” consisted of some stuff about UKIP, and Urine, and being nasty to the audience – Stewart Lee freaks laughed at everything, as people tend to do at these things, I did laugh a little, I think Jess had a dose. Intermission and a quick 10 minutes to waste money on a beer which you don’t really want, then another hour or so. It was pretty good all in all, he is an odd comic, and I would imagine some people really don’t get on with his humor.

Afterwards we met a couple who knew Phil and Jess and went back to the expensive bar for four rounds of 25 quid drinks. I think it was prett enjoyable. After we got kicked out, we decided to go and have a mooch around Cardiff, at 2:00 in the morning, which was to be honest maybe a little early. We bagged a kebab, and wandered back through the people and swearing, and skreeching and blue light to nosh on the food, and fall asleep.

Rained the next day, so we got the train home.

Many years ago, when games took 15 minutes to load, there was a magazine called Zzap!64, it was based in Ludlow, and the team there seemed to have a really good time, playing games and probably boozing – I loved that magazine and the reviewers and the excitement that was computers at the time. It shut down after some time, but I always remembered that little town, and one day I would visit it.

So we did. Nearly 30 years later.

Set off on the Thursday, as it was half term, and it poured down. Its been pretty nice through Feb, but the one day I can take a day off it rained, alot. We zoomed north passed Monmouth, and Hereford and Leominster, and a hour and a half later we arrived at our home for the night, the Cliffe Hotel, and couldn’t check in. So we drove up the narrow hill into Ludlow and parked up, outside it poured.

First stop was to have a wander around the castle – this was great, if a little wet. Mostly outside, but a lot still standing, and you could go up to the top of the tower – which made me scared. Spent about an hour here, and it was great. After the castle we had a little stroll around the town, trying to get some bearings, and popped into the Marches, which we expected to be a pub, but wasn’t for a really nice Tuna Panini and a San Miguel. Read half the paper, then it was time to check in.

We had the “cottage”, at the hotel, which was okay, two bedrooms and a kitchen and a hospital bathroom/wetroom, but we had no time to lose, so we brought the things in and walked along the river to a pub my the river.. Once we arrived, the best table in the house was taken by some folk drinking coffee, but we eyed them up, and after a short while, we were in the window seat, with a great view of the river. A couple of pints and a read of the paper later, we moved on and up to the Wheatsheaf Inn, it was still raining.

Been to a few Wheatsheafs, around the country, and this was nothing special and I had to have a 1664, which reminded me just how much taste it has – tried to do the crossword, and find the WiFi password, but then it was time to get into the town proper, in the dark and the rain. It was “proper wet” by now. I directed everyone over to a pub, but it was shut, so we finally spilled into the Rose and Crown looking a little bedraggled. I was so wet, that I thought the Grolsh tap was a Hieniken one, so we played some cards, and braved the outside loo.

Just by here was King Street, and No. 1 and 2 where Zzap 64 offices were many moons ago, no plaque, no mention (unsurprisingly) so I took a photo, as you do, and that was it.

After this we headed over to an old building, that looked less old inside, they had a fire and San Miguel, so we sat and dried off. It was slightly odd here, as one side was brand new and kitted out in a very modern way, the other side was a little more traditional – in that it was older. But a good seat and a decent place.. Next stop was the Crown, where they had lots of beers, but not many lagers – I had a Dortmund, which was quite nice – it was pretty full here, and we didn’t know where to go for food, so we went back to the old pub – the feathers to sort out where next.

After the second visit to the feathers, we went to get some water, then decided on a curry. It was pretty busy, but we found a table and the menu was fancy curry, so I just asked for a simple Vindaloo, and fair play – they were happy to provide. Then it all went a little odd.

I spend the next 20 minutes talking to someone sat next to me, whilst I ate my curry – slightly odd for me, what was odder was that there wasn’t actually anyone sat next to me – I must have been hallucinating – must have been the Dortmund? Anyway – it was quite tasty, and I didn’t fall over, I dont think.

Nice walk downhill to the hotel, and I fell straight asleep with my clothes on, wasted with no serious intent.

Next morning we had a great breakfast, although Sian’s poached egg wasn’t poached enough, then back into Ludlow to have a final look around. We went into the church there, and paid a little extra to go up the bell tower and to the top. This was frightening. Tight spiral staircases make me scared, and half way up I had to take my jumper off because I was sweating buckets. When I finally emerged from a little doorway off the spiral staircase, by feet were aching from trying to grip the stairs so much. It was quite high, but inside, was just a narrow staircase I have no idea why it worries me quite so much..

Getting back through the little doorway and on to the stairs was an embarrassment, it is just so irrational, now that I am sitting here typing I just cannot see why I was so scared of it – stupid stupid stupid.

So after a little walk around we got in the car and came home.

Quite like Ludlow.

11 2 11 is not the number for directory enquirers, its in a pub, and not leaving from door opening until 11 (should be last orders but not any more)

Got down the shop at 10:55 in a hurry to get to the pub in time – had a couple the night before, but not too many, so once timsed it was over to see the door opening. Unfortunately at 10:58 the door was already open, so we closed it, had a picture, then at 11:00 on the dot we were in and ordering our fist drinkies…

Hour 1.

The longest hour, 11 to 12, normally you would fire down a couple of pints in the first hour of being in a pub, so it was a little tricky getting the pace right for a single one. We ponced around and read some of the paper. First present for Paul was a Happy Birthday badge. We were the only ones in for only about half an hour, but we did have a reserved sign on our table – whioch was a nice touch – oh, and the first drink was on the house..

Hour 2.

Gagging for the next drink – at 12:10 I ordered, Stella #2. John arrived and sat on his usual table and Paul took some “sly” photo’s with his phone controlling the camera. Internet all working now, I think, more paper.

Hour 3.

Cards came out as one of the next presents and we played some cribbage, which was new to me, and Johns mate came. Stella #3. I made a happy face for my pint which I was very proud of.

Hour 4.

Our guests arrived, and we had a couple of massive fat chips. I think maybe the crossword started about here. Stella #4

Hour 5. (3 o’clock)

Guests still here, food finished, straw in pint – children playing board games – more guests arrived. Stella #5

Hour 6. Halfway

Guests still here, crossword may be finished, not sure what else was happening. Stella #6 balanced on a beer mat on a pint.

Hour 7.

Still have the guests around – things getting a little blurred now. Not sure how the time was passed. Stella #7 balanced on top of a bottle of Smirnoff

Hour 8.

Snacks came out, spicy crispy things and pistachios – some guests still around, even more blurred. Stella #8

Hour 9. (7 o’clock)

Supper time! Faggots and peas and mash and extra gravy. Whole hour spent enjoying the food. I think next orders had moved to about half past the hour by now. Stella #9

Hour 10.

A little bit of water I think, band sets up and maybe starts – its super dooper loud. Pint only just begun at 8:40, Stella #10

Hour 11.

Double figure pints makes a mans head spin. Music still going and is too loud still, Get gee’d up by the wife’s who pitch up for a short while. 9:33 and a pint is in progress – try some arty shots (with a camera not alcohol) Stella #11

Hour 12. (10 o’clock)

Final hour to make it to 11. Music still going, little nervous lad with a guitar and backing songs, its okay I think I might have been singing at this point. Stella #12, 22:19 its begun

Hour 13.

Made it. Left the pub sometime very shortly after 11:00. All slightly fuzzy.

Good time had, thanks to Paul for keeping me company – next time 24 hrs?

Off up to Brum for the weekend, Ma, Pa and Kate had tickets for Strictly Come Dancing Tour, so us and Claire, Liam and Imy heading up to Birmingham for the weekend..

We had tickets for the train, and with no minutes to spare we finally left the house to get down Severn Tunnel, I tried to buy a ticket and the stupid machine (or the stupid person trying to use it) wouldn’t take my cash, so in the end I just bought two tickets – I have a feeling Sundays may have been free, but anyway, with the clock ticking we were all set.. After all the naging I had given everyone we ended up having 10 minutes to wait for the train, and when it came there was loads of room – so began our trip.

Nice journey up to Cheltenham, where we waited for the next train for ten very cold minutes – its always freezing on this station. We managed to get some seats on the next leg, and one stop and 40 minutes later we were at New Street. Straight into a cab, who seemed to take us as far as Wolverhampton then back to the hotel and six quid later we were checking in. We stayed at the Hampton on Broad Street, which was fairly decent, and after a very quick unpack we headed out with an hour to go to get some food.

We passed a couple of places we could get in, but on my advice we tried to get something closer – but we failed miserably. It had slipped my mind that the over 7000 Strictly dudes were also trying to do the same as us, so we headed to the Arena and left them there whilst we went and stood around in the Malthouse. Half a beer later the throngs in the Malthouse were buggering off to the show, and we got a seat, another beer and a sharing platter – then it was time to see the other pubs around.

Piano and Pitcher was dark and cold, and I had a pint of Red Stripe which was a mistake, but then a decent Heinekin. We left after this for the Slug and Lettuce, and when I turned around Sian had disappeared, so I looked in the Slug for her and couldn’t see her – for the first time ever she didn’t have her phone, so I stood outside for a while incase she had left – but she didn’t appear so I looked again – and she had secured a table, but then couldn’t leave it, so she had been siting on her own with no drink for a while… Anyway – quick beer then back to Malthouse to wait for the others. Another couple of beers later, and we bought an ace Kebab to take back to the room. Day one – done.

Day two started with a massive breakfast and a meet up with the rest of the crowd – after eating two pigs on toast, we headed off in the cold, down the canal and over to the Jewerly Quarter – which has one or two Jewerly shops. We made it to the top and had a shufty around the Museum, with a guide, who’s opening gambit was along the lines of “I am not really with it today, so I might forget to tell you things – which I think she did. Quite an interesting tour and thirty mins later and we walked the long walk back to town.

After passing through Paradise Place – which was a completely not as advertised we set off in search of somewhere to sit, eat and be merry. That was harder than you would think – as there were eight of us, with a 12 year old and a three year old – getting the right place was not easy – Pop’s had a pie, and we sat in the cold watching him, then after some false starts we found a place which would have us – and preceded in staying there for about 5 hrs. Many stella’s sank and it was back to the hotel for a livener, then out to TinTins.

Tintins was terrible, although we didn’t get to eat there – we did queue for a while, and finally the dude came and told us there was a problem with the kitchen or something, so we couldn’t have food. So back to the Malt House again, where we luckily got a nice round table for all of us – nosh then more beer and it was bed time.

After yet another beer, we retired and should have had a kebab again, but I was way to fat, so just Sian had one.

Up, ate then trained, then home – Birmingham complete.

Bit of a lie in again and over to yesterdays breakfast place – never return should be an adhered to motto, as the place was not the same – bap was still quite nice, but the service and other stuff just wasn’t the same – but then I was lucky I think. After dropping our bags behind the counter we headed to the vaults, and couldn’t find them, so ambled around a bit before going to the museum. The girls went for a look around, I had an Iron Bru (It’s made form girders).

By now it was already 12:00, so we headed for another wanted place, the Decon Blue, oh no, I mean it was Decon Brodies a jolly place with tight jeans, and kilts, and flowing dresses and Peroni and a great burger – it was raining out, so we just stayed there until it was time for the plane.

Got our kit, and a taxi and headed back to the airport – Security was worse here, your bag disappeared, I had to stand in the scanner, after being told off for having some paper in my pocket, when the guy had asked me “Do you have anything in your pockets”.. But we made it. Then we found that the plane was delayed by about an hour.

So sat in the comfy costa chairs, drank loads of water, ate loads of crisps and read my Kindle – quite a nice end really.

Flight was quick, and before we knew it we were home – slightly tired.

Great place Edinburgh, enjoyed the time there and I think I preferred it to Brogues big thanks to all who took part!..

Edinburgh – 8/10

Great sleep in the massive bed, had a bit of a lie in and agreed to go over to the pub we had left last night for breakfast – it was shut, on a Saturday at 9:30, so we luckily found a nice alternative called the Edinburgh Larder just across the road, which presented us with wonderful baps, tea and service. It was so good we booked for Sunday.

After filling our faces, we set off down the Royal Mile to Holyrood. Lots of shops with the name Royal on the way, even the old Royal pound shoppe – we also passed on “Oink” which had a whole pig in the window, freshly cooked and glistening – mine later I thought.

Down to Holyrood, and as we closed in I realised that it wasn’t going to look like Stormont, because that is Stormont and not Holyrood. It was a big building though. The main reason for coming down here is that Edinburgh had a big hill in the middle of it, and we wanted to climb it. So we did. It was cold and slippery and we had to scramble up it – luckily we got to the top without dying, and then got down again without dying also. I think the word is bracing….

Into a little pub, that had crap lager, and then off into Edinburgh proper. But first a quick stop off to the “Oink” – for a major hog bap – nice…

We had a couple of things to do, as written by a previous tourist, and first stop was the Royal Circle Bar – this was great. Baring in mind it was probably about midday by now, it wasn’t too surprising to see it was full, but we immediately got a “sharing table”, and drinks came quite quick at the bar. After a little drinkies, a magical lady appeared to take our food orders, and our next lot of drinks – now that is fan-bloody-taskic. Good place – just too full for my tastes – but the food and drinks went down pretty well, and given its “reputation” as a place to go, the prices were great. Good find.

Off down Rose Street next, which is a street, with no roses on it, just shops, and people, and coldness. The ladies got lost in Primark and we have a crafty half and listened to a street band who were good, then a couple of lads turned up and “jammed” with the street guys – it was cool..

Down to the end of the Rose Street and my mission was to find the “wax bar” which I had visited many years ago, when I was not so grey, not so old and not so petty. I couldn’t find it, so we based ourselves in the Cellar Bar place, and I had a little hunt. The hunt was unsuccessful. After a couple of beers it was decided to eat in Hard Rock..

A bit of a walk, and there we were, and another ten thousand people. Again we were very lucky and managed to secure a table by the window for our hour and a half wait for a table – to be hoinest it was a bit early, so this wait was no issue, it was just like being in a pub, but a pub where I was sitting under Brain Johnstons jump suit! Bit more of the game that Dawns never looses, and our little table buzzer buzzed and we went though for grub. More cocktails for the ladies, another Tortoise for me, and we dived into hot wings with the Heavy Metal sauce – man o man – that was ace. Then I had the mixed grill sort of thing with brisket, chicken and ribs – it was nice, but there is so much BBQ sauce – waaaaaay too much for me. The chicken was ace though.

Once finished we walked though the throngs in the street and obligatory Christmas Market place, and then we were back to the hotel. D+P went upstairs and we went to see what we could find. On the way we asked a nice boy where to go, I dropped a bollock by mistaking Grayfriers Bobby with a Greyhound, but he still pointed us at something – as he left, he went 5 yards and shouted back “Grayfriers Bobby – You Prick”. Sounded pretty cool with that Scottish twang.

Anyway – we went to stag do hell in Grassmarket, and went to the Wee Bar, which was teeny tiny, and didn’t actually have a toilet. Then back to the hotel for a final one – I was tired, Sian booked a table for us in the Rose next week, and we went to bed.

Circle Bar – 8/10

Hard Rock – 6/10

Grassmarket nights – 2/10

Yeah – Christmas weekend away. Went off to Brogues last year, and this year it was to somewhere I had been once, with work, some years ago, in the dark..

Unfortunately it was a work Christmas party the day before – not something I usually partake in, but as the team is now pretty much based in Cardiff, it was worth giving it a go – luckily for me I was sensible, and got home around 7. It got messy after that..

So, up at the un-godly hour of 4:00am, and staggered into the shower to try and wake up, it didn’t really work. 4:48 and we were off in with Paul and Dawn and over the Bridge to BRS…

Got there with plenty of time to get though security, which was already queuing – stupid stupid thing, you now have t take off hats/scarfs/coats/jackets/boots/watches/belts and put all your little plastic bags in a neat line so the security folk can be arrogant arses to you. But it wasn’t too bad, and before I know it I have a BK sausage bap and a cup of tea – that’s the great thing about holiday – BK before 6!

Through the cattle market and into a bus, which was cold – thankfully, before being carted off with the other two thousand people to the plane. I nearly slept on it, but not quite. Bit of a walk from the plane to the taxi’s but there were plenty there and around five hours after I had got up we were checking in…

Room was pretty good – seemed dark – which wasn’t a problem, and not quite as sparkly as the brochure had suggested, but it had a wacking bed and a TV. Next stop – the outside.

It was chilly in Scotland – it had snowed the day before, and the remnants were still around – we made it about 15 mins up the road, before coffee (or tea) called. I was already feeling a little dehydrated, but a tea and a water cured that. Then we continued up the Royal Mile to the castle. By heck it was cold up there, we had a nose around – not much to see really, not so much a castle, more of a load of buildings on a rock. It was chilly.

Some time later, all the parts had been perused, and it was time to head for a beer… Just down from the castle is GrassMarket, which I think is the “old town”, but importantly it was just down a load of steps and it had the wonder of the modern world – a pub. Very nice guy at the bar helped us out, then overcharged us – but I suppose we were tourists after all.. Another beverage and sausage and mash, with a few Whitebait, and off we were exploring. Well, when I say exploring I just took the gang the long way around to the next stop – Grayfriers Bobby. This was a pub named after a dog who sat on a pavement for a long time, then died – then was buried. We managed to secure a great table in the window, and had some nibbles and a couple of the great Scottish lager – Peroni. We were also introduced to the game of Wizards – which is a game that’s sole purpose is to allow Dawn to win everytime! ;o)

After this relax, we walked back to the Radisson to do something, then over the road for the next one, and the next and maybe one more, its a little hazy. Early doors we walked just across the road to the Royal Spice, which had great reviews, but we sat in the back which was a little shabby, but Cobra on tap and a great Vindaloo along with a haggis Naan made it extremely bareable. I got the impression all the food was spicy, when everyone said “This food is spicy”, mine made me cry a little – magic.

Up to bed, and an early night was in order – Sian fell asleep immediately then amused me no end by talking to Kate on the TV remote control, while still under the influence of tireness – although impossible to relate, I spent 20 minutes laughing – after that I was so tired I slept until morning…

Radisson Blu – 7/10

Beehive – 7/10

Greyfriers Bobby – 7/10

Royal Spice – 8/10

We went away this weekend, and stayed just up the road in Abergavenny, as my folks came up.

The arrived on the Friday afternoon, and after failing to find some tea bags, we set off for the public house for a couple of beers and wine. Home earlyish, about half siz, and just time to catch Kate’s new haircut before she was whisked away to a party. Dossed around, had some Tagine, and watched a tiny bit of Children in Need it was an early night ready for Manana.

First port of call once up and showered was the new village Co-Op, which replaced the old shop. It is now smaller, and seem’s more densely packed, and had some issues with it’s papers and alcohol, whoich may be fioxed now, to get some crusty bread and tea bags. Half a loaf of bread later we needed down to Specsavers to get some batteries – which they didn’t have, so a quick look in Boots and we were all set.

We headed down to Colford on a horrible road, it was unfamiliar, and really foggy, so it wasn’t a pleasant run, the girls in the back were looking a little green by the time we got there. There is a place called Puzzle Wood, which is a wood, with some paths, and some odd geographical features (which just means old rocks covered in moss). Kate stole a can of Sprite on the way in (accidently I must add, and we thing that we may have paid for it in the admission charge), and we asked for a map, and the girl said “No maps, it’s just the puzzle of the wood”…

Like all puzzles, it was full of children screaming, wooden fence posts, rocks with moss, and lots of steps. The puzzle is, finding out what the puzzle is.

After a while we found our selves back at the end, which did surprise me once we got there, it is very easy to get disorientated in that there wooded, rocky, mossy place. Back in the car, for a short trip into Monmouth, were we went to the GateKeeper for some reasonable food, the the prep of the match. We didn’t have time to look around Monmouth, so set off for Abergavenny after nosh.

We stayed in the Abergavenny Hotel, which if you look on Google Maps today looks very run down and peeling – luckily for us it has recently undergone a complete make over, and is very pleasant indeed. It’s been open for around four months, and has lots of security doors, that open with a swipe from your card – the rooms were big, the showers bigger and all clean and sparkly – we approved. What we didn’t really approve of was the Kings Head where we ended up attempting to watch the rugby, the had a 80 ft screen, 3 ft away from us, and the speaker system set to 11. It was loud, unclear, uncomfortable, tasteless and full of people.

After rugby (Wales only just snuck a win against a 14 man Fiji team), we headed back to the hotel, to prepare for supper. I had considered driving at this point, after only supping two pints all day, but thankfully thought better of it after 15 mins, and booked a taxi for 6:15. Time for a beer in the hotel. Which was nice.

On the dot the simple taxi man came and whisked us in limited luxury to The Hardwick, which is know for being a bit good – and a bit good it ended up being…

On arrival front of house were reasonably friendly and took us to a great round table for the five of us. Drinks taken, and menu’s provided we tried to work out what to have – I had a Poretti. We ordered a couple of starters, mother shared a couple of scallops, and I mostly ate a crispy pulled pork and black pudding thing, with an apple mustard that had forgotten it was mustardy. Main’s were turbot, rib-eye, burger and a mixed port dish. Most were good, but I have had better steak, and mothers seemed a little tough. It seems to me to be a place where people just expect that the food is good, even when they are tasting it, and it almost doesn’t seem the “done thing” to mention that the food may not actually be worth the extra quids they push on it. I always say I shouldn’t have a steak, but did here, and asked the chef to cook it how he felt it needed, I don’t think he did unfortunately, and it could have done with another couple of mins to really get the fat cooking – but it was pretty good all in all. We then had a little game where you had to clip tiny clothes pegs onto your ear lobe for a bit – I lost.

A variety of puds were brought and all ate, a couple on Poretti’s and two and half hours and two hundred quid later we were back in the taxi to the hotel.

Back in the hotel we sat in the great rooms they had there and had another few gins/vodkas/wines and Grolshes – then it was bed time, and after a quick conti breakfast in the morning the visit was over.

Hotel – 8/10

Hardwick – 7/10

Puzzlewood – 6/10

King Head – 5/10

My Birthday! And so what…

So we left Padstow in the morning after breakfast and failing to buy a painting, and sped off to Port Issac, which is supposedly famous for something Martin Clunes does, it’s quite nice, and I bought some “fresh crab”, which I saw he was preparing into shells from a massive Tupperware container with the words “Costco” written on it.

It;’s quite a nice place, and we were very lucky we managed to park in the town, rather than in the “main” carpark, right on the edge. Again though, it was too busy.

After that we came home, got stuck in a traffic jam, opened some great presents and had a ruby murry.

And that was Padstow.

If I ever did go back, which is doubtful it was be in the complete off season. But all in all, I am glad I went, and it is a nice place overall…

Off down to Riksville, which is on the East side of the harbour – where Rik Stein had created his own wood covered community to sell his wares. He has a deli, a fish and chip shop, a fish sellers, and I think a something else which I can’t recall. We wanted breakfast, but there was nothing to be seen.

Back into Padstow proper and we called into the bakery, and I got a Giant Steak Pasty – which like all pasties in the world was far too hot to eat, so I carried it.

Our intention was to travel across the River Camel, and has a little look around Rock – famous for being named after a large stone, so we boarded the ferry and set off to the town of Rock. It wasn’t a town, it was a road, and quite a long one at that, but there was NOTHING there. So disappointing. We expected something, as the online mention had been about great restaurants, and fantastic deli’s and fish shops and … Well its just a road, with some crappy shops along it. Its small.

So after moaning about it for an hour, we headed off West towards somewhere, we started on roads, which got narrow, so we followed a sign stating Public Footpath into a field. With no more signs. They are lying bastards, these people in cagools who put up these signs, deliberately pointing them to muddy, in-escapable fields, where farmers, or wildlife are going to kill you. We followed the edge, saw a stle, followed the edge – then came to a sodding locked gate. So we had no choice put to jump it, expecting the farmer with this gun and condescending attitude to appear at any moment – what we did find was another style. It said, in very clear red and white letters – PRIVATE PROPERTY – no access allowed. Ha! we said, and we nervously climbed over, and spend the next 20 mins in a Mission Impossible style crouch, hiding from golfers and groundsmen. So we were out of the fields, but in a golf course with no idea which was was out, and no Golf club, ball, tee or hat – we were going to be found out unless we took immediate action. So we went to the highest point on the golf course and sat on a bench. Then we ran like baby turtles to the safety of the dunes and sea.

Walking for some more time we got to a place, which had nothing, not even an open toilet, then continued on to Polzeath – where we actually found some pubs, so sat and boozed it up, whilst Kate had cheesy chips and the most expensive brownie in the world.

We walked back along the beach which only took around 45 mins – which was 3hrs 15 less than it took to get out there, we boarded the ferry, quite happy to have left the North Side of the RIver Camel for good (well until tomorrow when we went back).

Back into Padstow, and we had a couple of beers, then went to look at the Italian, and ended up in Old Ship Inn, which I sat sourfaced and drinking coke, with a dry burger.

Another day, another headache.. Nah – actually I felt pretty good in the morning, in was “fall back” weekend, so we got an extra hour lie in for free, which was nice. I almost went down the harbour early to take some photos, but dossed in the house until breakfast in the end.

The harbour was quite quiet by the time we got down, found a little cafe place, and got some meat and bread and tea down our greedy necks, and then it was time for the headland walk…

We walked.

For ages.

Around the coast.

And got to a place with a really crappy hotel/pub.

Then we walked back.

Along the road.

In all the walk was pretty good, the coastline is so similar to Pembrokeshire (and probably all other coastlines in Britain , if not the world), but there were a few neat features, and it was a little blustery, although surprisingly warm. At Trevone we expected to find a great little pub, tucked away in the cliffs, with a roaring fire, and great food – but we didn’t. So we had a quick pint in a real crappy hotel, and then walked the three miles back along the road into Padstow.

Once arrived we found a decent table in the crap side of the Customer House, and spend the rest of the day reading the papers, watching football, eating nuts and scones, and drinking huge amounts of alcohol – good day all round really.

After having too much to drink we went and ordered a take out, and had a final pint. By 8:30 we were stuffing into a Chinese feast for six – even the woman taking our order suggested we had bought way too much. It was really good I thought, but sooo much of it ;o)

So we finally booked into Padstow. We have been talking about this for years, but finally we found a “cottage” and booked up in October Half Term.

On the Saturday morning, we set off around 10, with a slight hangover about the car – and headed off down the M4, M5 and then out into the wilds of Cornwall. Sian had been trying for an hour to get her fantasy football complete on her phone in the car. Unfortunately every time she thought she was complete, the reception disappeared, or the screen went blank. It is a little annoying that connection is so patchy – still first world problem and all that…

As we got to the edge of Exeter, I realised I had run out of road, so desperately got the old Sat Nav on and just before the turning it sprung to life with a “Next Exit you plank”…

After some time, and not a huge amount of traffic we found our selves close by, we decided to detour to St Merryn, as the Times has announced that Rik’s place our there was in the top 25 pubs for something or other – so we tried it, it wasn’t even in the top 25 of pubs I’ve been in, just in Wales, in towns beginning with D, with bar staff called Owen. But actually it was okay, we had mussels for Sian, Sausage and mash for Kate me, and a burger for me Kate. Too many onions in the gravy, meant that my burger moved to Kate, who then found it had too much cheese on it – which it blumming well did – a smallish burger, quite probably really meaty tasting, with a massive dollop of melted strong cheese – mental man.

As I was driving we didn’t stay long, and before we knew it we were slowly driving through Padstow, marveling at the number of people, and tiny streets and looking for the car park. We parked up, and then had a couple of hours to spend, so we thought we would have a look around and see what was what in Padstow. 10 minutes later we were bored, so decided to go for a pint in the first pub on the list the – The Harbour Inn, it didn’t allow children in the bar bit, which was fine because there were some nice comfy sofa’s free, they served San Miguel and the toilets were outside…

After shooting back to the car, then moving it to a longer stay car-park, we loaded ourselves up and walked across the to the new house…

It was pretty good, a litle small, but there wasn’t many of us – you access the place by putting a number in a little “safe” just outside the door, which open’s up to reveal the key, the combination for Malt Cottage incase you are nearby is: 0788.. There are so many rental places, nearly every door way has one of these little key safes. So anyway, now we got comfy in the house, it was difficult to drag our sorry asses out, but strictly came on, so that was an excuse.

Down to the harbour and it was packed, completely autumnully packed, I just cannot imagine how rubbish it must be in the Summer. People everywhere, and dogs, my oh my, dogs everywhere – and I do mean canines. We looked into two pubs – packed, so we wondered over to the other side of the harbour, and managed to secure a table in the Shipwrights for the first of very many Korev beers. We had a couple and um’d and arr’d about food, but in the end had a look into The Old Custom House around 9:00 and managed to nab a table by the door. Straight in with the beer and grub, and as quick as a flash it was fish pie time – yummy.

Back to the ranch pretty early, and to bed – which was surprisingly comfortable.

Today we went somewhere new – to Wenchford in the Forest of Dean.

You head up past Lydney and just after the Cock Inn you turn left. Its a small spot which has a river. We mucked about crossing the stream, and Kate nearly got stuck – luckily Ma, was on hand to create a survival route. We swang and walked. I cannot believe its so hard to swing on a rope after 43 years and an extra 2 stone.

It was pretty quiet except for the obligatory dog walkers, some folk were having a short sleeved picnic as we were leaving.

It was okay. We had a quick pint in the Cock Inn, as it was rude not to.