Sticky Post
A lazy Sunday afternoon at The Bell Inn
It’s always a bit of a lottery, going out for a Sunday roast. It should be such a treat, but I’ve picked half-heartedly at too many lacklustre vegetables, hard roasties, and over-cooked beef. And it’s always a bitter pill when you have to pay for something you know you could have done so much better at home. So to find a pub that serves a … Continue reading A lazy Sunday afternoon at The Bell Inn
Hidden away, the Salt Cafe
Portchester, on the outskirts of Portsmouth is famed for its English Heritage castle, but it is also home to a little-known café, hidden away at the Wicor Marina Yacht Haven. It’s definitely one to hunt out if you’re a fan of sourdough toast, good coffee and amazing cakes – all served up with a coastal view. There’s an outdoor balcony where dog-walkers with their mutts, … Continue reading Hidden away, the Salt Cafe
A cheese lovers’ paradise in Hampshire
There’s a certain joie de vivre that comes with tasting different wines and cheeses. The French have got it down to a fine art, so with that in mind I headed to Cheese and Cheers in Southsea. A cosy venue in Osborne Road and with the decorative touches of an Alpine cabin, this quirky restaurant has cheese, cheese, and more cheese. Emmental, Beaufort, Saint Marcellin, … Continue reading A cheese lovers’ paradise in Hampshire
Boutique stay at Spitbank Fort
The Solent, renowned for its warships, cruise liners and yachts, is also home to a stunning, if a little eccentric boutique hotel which gives ‘getting away from it all’ a new, and distinctly nautical perspective. Spitbank Fort is a mile off shore between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Built in the 1860’s with the threat of a French invasion, she played a role in … Continue reading Private: Eccentric boutique stay at Spitbank Fort
Family bike ride on the Hayling Billy Trail
Every family should cycle together. It’s a liberating and bonding experience to ditch all the distractions, pack a rucksack with drinks and snacks, stick the bikes on the back of the car and drive to a scenic spot for an afternoon trundle. As a self-confessed MAMIL (Middle Aged Man in Lycra), my solo two-wheeled expeditions take me 40, 50 miles and more on the road, … Continue reading Family bike ride on the Hayling Billy Trail
For those who love a good garden centre
We love a good garden centre – whether you’re a budding Capability Brown or just have one or two herb pots, there’s something very peaceful about drifting through the plants, sniffing roses, hunting out the healthiest specimens, and asking advice on whether or not that lovely hydrangea would be pink or blue in your soil. And if you can stop for a good cup of … Continue reading For those who love a good garden centre
A memorable day out in East Hampshire
The chalk landscape of the South Downs has inspired many a writer and poet – and for good reason. Who can fail to be inspired by the gentle rolling hills with their own distinctive tones of greens and yellows, and when that is matched by a bright blue sky, it’s hard to imagine anywhere more picturesque! The Downs has its famous destinations for scenery such … Continue reading A memorable day out in East Hampshire
Breakfast like a king
It is said that the best way to live is to ‘breakfast like a king’ – and never has that been more appropriate than when you’re enjoying the most important meal of the day at the new Ivy brasserie in Winchester. It might be tricky to get a table for the evening at this high street brasserie, but an early outing means many more empty … Continue reading Breakfast like a king
Let’s go fly a kite – on the waves!
Whether you’re the world’s biggest fan of kitesurfing, or a total newbie to the sport, the Kitesurfing Armada Festival is fantastic to see. Hayling Island was the birthplace of windsurfing and, while still a mecca for windsurfers, it has now rapidly built up a reputation as one of the UK’s premier kitesurfing destinations. If you haven’t seen kitesurfing up close before, you need to! It’s a … Continue reading Let’s go fly a kite – on the waves!
Love food, hate fuss? The Earl of March is for you.
Fine dining in a relaxed pub setting is the best of both worlds for those who love food but hate fuss. The Earl of March near Chichester is a perfect balance between the two. This is a country pub in the West Sussex village of Lavant with a delightful garden and set against the picturesque backdrop of Goodwood and the South Downs. The food is as … Continue reading Love food, hate fuss? The Earl of March is for you.