Truly Scrumptious - Weld Arms, Lulworth

If you fancy a trip to the coast and want a spot of lunch whilst you're out, why not try the Weld Arms near Lulworth Cove?

It has a contemporary feel with its new decor but still retains the charm of an old country pub.  It follows the gastro-pub vein, but because of its tasteful furnishing it isn't austere.  In fact it's really quite cosy.

This classic ancient thatched inn can be found at the foot of the gates of Lulworth castle. In the winter (is it ever going to end?) you can enjoy log fires, fine ales, fine wines and superb food. And importantly, staff are friendly and helpful too.

And in the summer, you can enjoy the good weather and sit in the beer garden where there are views over the Purbecks.

They have just opened up their accommodation, offering 5 boutique double rooms which again have been thoughtfully designed with all the modern facilities decorated with classical sophisticated charm.

   

all images (c) The Weld Arms

Truly Scrumptious - the Beckford Arms, Tisbury. Wiltshire.

It's easy to see why the Beckford Arms has been voted UK Dining Pub of the Year by the Good Pub Guide.

  

The inn is covered in ivy and lit with welcoming lamps. It manages to be a country pub, restaurant and hotel all the same time. There is a choice of places to eat: a bustling bar, elegant dining room, pretty conservatory and garden or a quiet sitting.

It's no surprise to learn that Charlie Luxton trained at Babington House. Together with co-owner Dan Brod they have stamped their own style on the place. 

The menu has its roots in pub food but is so much more which I can't possibly do credit to here, but goes from traditional pub fare (ham, egg & homemade chunky chips) to more eclectic choices such as suckling pig, locally caught trout, game pie, followed by dark chocolate truffle with sea salt ice-cream.

Truly Scrumptious - Byfords, Holt, Norfolk

A few years ago we were invited to our friends' wedding near Holt and took advantage of it by having a week's holiday there.  We were even luckier to have happened upon a fantastic cottage in the centre of the village (you can see it at the far right of the picture above) because it was literally a stone's throw from Byfords, an amazing deli, coffee shop, restaurant and boutique B&B.  The owners sum it up perfectly when they describe it as a higgedly-piggedly world of pleasure.  It really is.

We felt almost duty bound to make the arduous trip across the road every morning for fresh coffee and croissants, followed by a quick return to stock up on supplies for a hearty picnic.  We had brought our bikes with us (it being pretty flat terrain) but would still be in need of sustenance on our adventures.  They stocked everything and more that you could wish for in a deli, so accurately described as a culinary Aladdin's cave.  Speciality breads, locally sourced; jams, chutneys, olives and cheeses.

After a full day in the saddle, we felt justified in quenching our thirst with a glass of chilled wine, choosing to sit outside and watch the world go by.

We did venture to other places - usually at the recommendation of information provided by Byfords and were never disappointed.  So if you're in the area or fancy a weekend away, do check this place out.

Getaways - Combe House Hotel, Devon

Today I did a wedding at the stunning Combe House Devon which blew me away with its beauty and the warmest, most wonderful customer service. 

From the moment my taxi pulled up outside, I was met by 2 people, had my suitcase carried in and felt like a royalty. In the future I'll know where to organise a romantic gateway for me and hubby as I am not sure if it can get more romantic than this beautiful hotel.

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