Truly Scrumptious - Deli Rocks, Bournemouth, Dorset

Southbourne is developing a café society with new coffee outlets appearing almost monthly.  

Deli Rocks offers a touch of Italy in an English suburb.  Owned and run by Giovanni Dora, an Anglo-Italian from Parma, Deli Rocks is a combination of café and delicatessen with a lively atmosphere and interesting décor.

Deli Rocks offers a range of coffees as well as light lunches, which include pizzas, pasta, platters of cold meats or cheeses and foccacia – all served by a friendly staff.

The ‘deli’ section has a good range of products by well-known Italian manufacturers and at Christmas there are many gift wrapped food items.  The porcini paté is exceptional.  

All images (c) Deli Rocks

The ‘Rocks’ in the name seems to relate to the music which, while not being intrusive, adds to the character of the place.

Meet the Maker - Annabel Burton, Cherry Tree Handmades

This watercolour caught my eye on Facebook the other day and I thought others might like it too.  By Annabel Burton of Cherry Tree Handmades, she works with textiles, wood and paper, but it was her delightful sketches that I liked best.

If you're thinking of getting some original art, Annabel's work might be a good place to start as you can snap it up quite inexpensively (if you're lucky) on ebay or purchase in advance from her facebook page.

She also sells work through Folksy.

All images (c) Cherry Tree Handmades & Annabel Burton

Truly Scrumptious - Rachel Findlay of The Cake Stand, SW England

We all love the traditional three tier wedding cakes and have become familiar with the trendy cupcake, but when I saw these colourful fondant fancies I fell in love with them.

Having baked beautiful cakes for friends and family for the past 20 years, Rachel Findlay established the Cake Stand in 2010, specialising in elegant and unique cakes that reflect a couple's personal style and wedding theme.

Rachel skilfully crafts delicate flowers, butterflies, hearts, swirls and pearls from sugar and bespoke cupcakes are lovingly decorated with delicious buttercream, sprinkles and sugar-paste flowers, offering an alternative to the traditional tiered wedding cake.

But as I said, it's Rachel's scrumptious fondant fancies that caught my eye and if you prefer them in soft pastel shades or vibrant colourful hues they are easily whipped up to your taste.  

All images (c) The Cake Stand

Based in Somerset, Rachel takes orders in the SW of England and London and you can find out more from her website. 

Getaways - Machado Gallery, Barford, Warwickshire

A recent work trip involved a stay away from home and we were lucky to find this great place in Barford.

The Machado Gallery is run by ceramicist and sculptor Sue who not only runs the B&B but also art courses in the adjacent gallery.

Her own breads served up at breakfast proved so popular that guests kept asking her how she made it and so the idea of running courses in the art of breadmaking was quickly hatched.

Sadly our visit didn't allow us the chance to kneed some dough, but we enjoyed the cosy warm fire (can't believe we needed it lit in May, but the weather was against us) and the spacious lounge full of books, paintings, ceramics and sculpture. 

We stayed in one of the three bedrooms, all of which are kitted out with pretty white cotton linen and all the things you need for a restful night away.

Breakfast was lovely and Sue was up and about making fresh pancakes with fruit or little brioche type cakes as well as her infamous bread.  Everything that had that extra special yumminess turned out to be something she had made -the marmalade, the syrup, the bread, .....bliss.  We're sure you'd enjoy a stay here too.

Meet the Maker - Artist Louise Rawlings

Another find via Facebook.  I love the innocent style that Louise Rawlings employs and it's easy to see why she has a flourishing career, not only as an artist in her own right, but also through her association with the likes of Woodmansterne, Phoenix and Calypso Cards.  She also illustrates childrens' books.

It was difficult to choose which images to show to illustrate her work as I liked them all, so you should take a look at her  website to see the full collection.  And, surprisingly for someone who lives in Sutton Coldfield, there are several coastal scenes.

Her love of dogs comes across too.

As well as prints, originals and cards, she also works with ceramics and has some lovely christmas ornaments for sale.

All images (c) Louise Rawlings Art

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

On your bike - Haldon Forest Park, Devon

Haldon Forest Park is 10 minutes from Exeter and offers a wide range of trails as well as cycle hire, café and many non-cycling activities.  

You can even Go Ape there as they have a high ropes course, complete with zip wire.

From the saddle of a bike you can explore deeper into the forest than you have before, take in amazing views, watch out for wildlife and enjoy safe off-road cycling in a peaceful setting. 

For the more advanced mountain bikers there is the longest, most challenging cycle trail which takes in the thrilling ride on Haldon’s imposing ridge. Not for the faint-hearted, or the inexperienced! 

The skills park and pump track offers the perfect place to develop your riding and try out new techniques. 

All Images (c) 1 South West Cycle Adventure

Many of the trails are perfect for even the youngest cyclist.  So what are you waiting for? Go!