Melbourne comes to Dartmouth!

 Melbourne comes to Dartmouth!

Dartmouth is such a great breakfast place wåith it's many restaurants opening early and the cafe's tucked away in the 'nooks and crannies' of Dartmouth. So many times I have passed the Dart Cafe, spotting it's cheerful sign up one of the lanes. As a long queue adorned AlFresco's we hunted out somewhere new to have our Sunday ritual breakfast in Dartmouth.

Dart Cafe, Church Close, Dartmouth

Popping our heads around the open door of Dart Cafe we knew immediately that it would be a peaceful place to while away an hour with the papers. Why is the title, 'Melbourne comes to Dartmouth?' 

BECAUSE:

• it's up a lane like Melbourne lanes • it serves splendid 'flat whites' • we could have a very bespoke selection of food • it's friendly.

Scott Wadman moved with his family to Dartmouth 2 years ago. Scott says, 'It's the best place in the world, We love it!'

I am infamous for wanting something different from what is stated on menu's and the same was true here, although the breakfast menu is great. Scott enthusiastically responded by allowing me to have what I wanted. The food is simply and well presented. My omelette was delicious very reminiscent of french holidays. I liked the atmosphere of calmness while the church bells chimed and soft, interesting music played low in the background. Scott and his team were very welcoming and attentive.

Dart Cafe definitely added to our 'where to breakfast in Dartmouth' list :)

See Dart Cafe on FB

Hot off the press: Dart cafe received 5/5 for health & hygiene standards on a random inspection....

Location Village, Location Inn

How many of us in the SW have enjoyed the journey from Paddington to the SW on the Pullman on FGW. It has become one of our favourite features of travelling. Watching the departure board at Paddington, legging it as soon the platform is announced to join the queue for the dining carriages and holding your breath until you get that table where you can enjoy the ambiance, food and company of fellow travellers. We have picked up many great tips from recommendations received during the 3 hours of very enjoyable conversations.

On one such trip I became acquainted with a lovely couple from Salcombe who shared with me their favourite places to eat in the South Hams. One particular pub sounded very appealing. Carole and Bob told me how they often sail from their home at high tide and venture up the creek to South Pool where the Millbrook Inn sits in the heart of the village.


Realising we would probably need to book as it appeared to be a really popular destination for Sunday Lunch, we booked ourselves in for the 2.30 sitting.


It all felt quite an adventure as we are still learning lots about this beautiful part of the world. Lanes narrowed, hedges got higher and through the farm gates, the rolling green hills of Devon appeared and finally the church spire that is such a landmark in the spectacular village of South Pool. It is a beautiful quintessential Devon village. At the end of a Salcombe creek, the thatches and rendered walls draw you into the heart .... and there discretely sits The Millbrook Inn.

We loved it and have now visited many times, and yes of course, lunch is always on the agenda. The Millbrook Inn has won many awards for its food, 2 this year! No surprise, it's amazing. We love arriving for Sunday Lunch in the winter. As you enter the pub there is a lovely buzz of chatting, open roaring fire and warm lighting. I imagine it is very much like it has always been and really feels as if it's existence is for the locals. Everyone sits down at 2.30 for the famous Sunday lunch. Each table is served a huge plate of two set roast meats, all local and all superbly cooked, accompanied with all the roast trimmings. It's relaxed, intimate and fun. As you linger over lunch (oblivious to the weather) and then of course the pudding, the singer or band arrive. It is more often or not jazz and the pub takes on a different mood.


Summer is just as delightful. South facing tables outside at the back of the Millbrook Inn attract many people seeking leisurely time in the sun and grab the opportunity to enjoy the ala carte menu. The mussels being a popular option (local of course). People with newspapers, dogs, children, young lively teenagers create a buzz alongside the babbling brook where water boatmen and dragon flies dart over the water.


Like many villages they no longer have a village shop. No problem at the Millbrook. there is a Veg Shed (fridge) outside where the pub sells the locals produce when there is an abundance. How collaborative and enterprising is that!


People are coming and going all the time, the warm welcoming is consistent. We drag ourselves away but even this is enjoyable as we take a walk over the bridge, watch the ducks, check the tide, and jump over the stepping stones of the ford.


Do look at their great website where you can even find The Millbrook Blog which keeps us up to dates with what they are cooking daily and even tide times so if you want approach by water you can! This is a very cool website for a pub!


Southpool, at the end of the road and up the creek, is a must visit destination.

Dropping Anchor at The Anchorstone

Drift up the River Dart from Dartmouth and you can not avoid the buzz of Dittersham (Ditters to me). Agatha Christies boathouse on your right, once Sir Walter Raleigh's, the Anchorstone hazard marker and there before you is the beautiful village of Dittisham with cottages and houses perched on these particular sloping South Ham hills. It's gentle and appealing with a long quay coming out to meet the waters at low tide.


Our visit today was specific, lunch at The Anchorstone Cafe! Once landing, precariously I might add. Landing entails pushing the dinghy through all the other visitor dinghies to find a way to the visitor dock where there is very little space, so we end up climbing over wobbly dinghies determined to get our lunch. Safe on the floating quay, we tie up and saunter up the quay charmed by the kids (and adults) crabbing .... little crabs hurtle in all directions, kids squealing and grown ups delightedly smiling. But we are on a mission - a table at The Anchorstone. 


At the end of the quay you have a choice, The Anchorstone Cafe on the left and the FerryBoat Inn on the right. They both have an appeal. Today our choice was The Anchorstone. It gets busy as anyone pausing in Dittisham waters heads to the quay to eat, so a race for a table. Fortunately today was a late lunch, bank holiday Monday and lots had already headed home and for once just 2 of us.

It was a great lunch and a surprise as our friends son, Rupert Smith, a deep water scalloper, was featured on the menu. His hand-picked scallops were a special! A delight to see. This is a young man who has turned his hand to fishing after farming for many years. Its a dangerous undertaking. One time Rupert was scalloping and got a surprise when he found himself facing a shark! So Rupert's scallops are more precious than anyone probably knows! Respect!


The cafe was buzzy - families rounding up kids, life jackets at the ready, adults untangling crabbing lines while kids stand by impatiently, sharing tables and stories with strangers and facing a beautiful view. So YES Location, Location, Location. But that really is not all, the food is good, honest and true. Local fish, fresh and succulent. Crab is amazing, watch out for this when in season and lobster. It's all simply presented and there is more than fish ... burgers, ploughmans (delicious), sandwiches etc. We and our friends always enjoy spending time here and eating and drinking delicious local (Devon) food and drink. 
And guess what! We always end up talking and sharing stories with other folk.

This is a great place to while away the hours, lapping up the river breezes and scenes. Every year there is something new to appreciate at The Anchorstone Cafe as they subtly develop this gem of an eatery on the River Dart ..... SHUSH don't tell anyone otherwise we will never get a table :)

The 24 hour fix at The Scarlet

I am a big admirer of the work of the 'Harrison Sutton Partnership' - architects located in Totnes, Devon. Imaginative design and sympathetic to use and location, this company founded by Peter Sutton and Anthony Harrison, designed a stunning hotel on the cliff tops of Mawgen Porth in Cornwall - The Scarlet.

Our second visit this weekend to celebrate our wedding anniversary was an exceptional experience.


Where to start ... the location is a clifftop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a flat sandy beach which shelves shallowly enticing surfers to the lengthy breaking waves, while we watch as the quality of the wave reveals itself, families to build sandcastles, play cricket and frisby, dogs to run in the waves as they lap on the shore ... it is a beautiful location.


Arriving at The Scarlet is a surprise. When you park at the front of the hotel you have no idea what a stunning view you are about to witness or the nature of the experience you are about to indulge in.


The rooms are practical - bedrooms face the Atlantic, they are open plan, light, stylish and really luxurious without being 'over the top' with balconies allowing you a spot to dwell on the view and 'chill'. The spa offers a range of treatments, the fragrances penetrate the atmosphere and are very evocative, immediately relaxing you. The infinity pool is gorgeous ... and then there is the outdoor natural pool with grasses and rocks, maintained at a temperature that just makes it impossible to ignore (I didn't do this) but loved watching others. The hot tubs are a buzzy feature - right on the edge of the cliff, 2 red hot tubs, that steam and are tended all day long, couples coming and going. (We did do this :)) Sat in the hot tub ... champagne served as you look over the ocean  .... it's a wonderful place to be.


There's a lot to go on about :) The restaurant is great ... yes you guessed it - looking out over the Atlantic Ocean :) outside and inside ... the most amazing food. It changes every day ... even breakfast changes and offers great solutions to 'what can they offer to beat the meal last night?' Best of all you dine in the evening to a setting sun and it is so beautiful.


Returning to your room to gaze on a starry sky.

There's more - the Retreat, the lounges with different moods in each, the art work, the commitment to SW food providers and to protecting the environment and respect for privacy. This hotel is for people over 18 so there are no children ... I love kids but it is great to feel at peace and something we appreciate about The Scarlet. The ambiance is very special.


Met people leaving as we were arriving and they were so reluctant to leave. Lucky for us it is just one and a half hour away. It has a quality about it that is transforming and makes you feel you could be anywhere in the world. 20 degrees plus! in April WOW !

Spectacular South Sands Hotel

Celebrating doesn't get much better than this. With things to celebrate we headed for the coast ... well 1 mile from QuerQuay is the sea but we decided to go 15 miles further south to Salcombe. Having done so we end up being in a slightly different world. Dartmouth can be 'posh' but this is seriously 'POSH' attracting the Chelsea crowd. It has often been said that if you are in search of a prince or princess (for real) walk the narrow and historic streets of Salcombe!

 Location, location, location

We end up at South Sands Hotel for a day and a night. It is beautiful, designed with a stylish boat house in mind this is a glamourous place to be. It exudes style, Devon Style. Gorgeous rooms in seaside blues and greys, ensuites that make you feel like a star, best of all views over South Sands. Sat here writing a blog I have the french windows open and I'm devouring the sound of the incoming tide.

Ambiance


As soon as we arrive we trot down the beach to watch the sun go down in the north then head back and snuggle up to read The Sunday Times in front of the fire. Perfect!

Dinner at the Beachside Restaurant Bolt Head was a treat, simply prepared crab salad washed down with a modest red. Menus here are designed by Mitch Tonks, celebratory chef of The Seahorse, Dartmouth

Warmth and style

Tranquil SettingWaking in the morning to the sound of lapping waves, seagull cries as they follow the trawlers and ducks with not a care in the world, has a soporific impact. Great start to any day. Looking forward to tucking into breakfast we wandered down to find other  'soporific' folk :)

It is difficult t make breakfast more splendid than other hotels ... SSH know how to do it! It's simple, it's organic and delicious. Very impressive. Best of all - a table overlooks the incoming tide and the sunrise highlights the gulls and ducks as they 'play' just above the waves. It's tranquil.

Sorry to leave but a stroll around Salcombe calls! Not before a few more images are taken I hastened to add.

Art at SSH

Art at SSH is inspiring and reflects the scenes and climate in the South Hams that is so loved. Photographers, painters, sculptors and the celebrated Dartmouth Architectural Artist, Paul Barclay - exhibit here. 


Paul Barclay Designs  based in Dartmouth, has a wonderful selection of yacht branded lifestyle products. A gallery that is well worth visiting. Paul's unique style illustrates luxury yachts from around the world. In fact you don't have to own that yacht to feel the lifestyle ... one of Paul's illustrations help give your home that feeling of seaside luxury.

Love The Coast Exhibition

LOVE THE COAST - Exhibition by Carole Hart-Fletcher
Here's the catalogue for Love The Coast Exhibition @ Flavel Art Centre. Click here to see it large!.

'A must - see exhibition from a local photographic artist that  manages to cater for all tastes, from boats and fishing to landscapes and buildings, from bright colours to black and white.  Somehow, Carole's photographs are always greater than the sum of the parts as she manages to squeeze a feeling and interpretation from the subjects that is often unexpected and startling.' ..... Martin Judd

Love The Coast is a collection of coastal images presented in a mixture of media: canvas giclees, canvas's, stow pics, acrylics, cards and framed photographs. The the quality of the light in Devon and Cornwall is much brighter than other places in the UK making them ideal places for artists and photographers. Carole has tried to capture this in her images.

'What impressed us was the variety in Carole’s work. The images of the Devon coast were captured in a stunning mix of both landscape views and close up objects. Equally good were the mixture of materials used to capture the images.' .... Jeremy Wilson

The Exhibition runs from 6 to 20 February 2011 and is sponsored by D'ART Gallery, Dartmouth.

'The photographs in the Love The Coast exhibition make you take a closer look at the beauty in your surroundings' .... Adrian Hurst

These two link take you some of the featured work :

Love The Coast Exhibition

Stow Pics

The exhibition also launches a Photographic Competition for Kids

'In her first photography exhibition, Carole Hart-Fletcher takes the familiar and makes it remarkable. Here are things I look at every day without seeing them. It is Carole who picks up the detail and brings it into focus - mooring ropes swathed in seaweed garlands at Bayards Cove, a cormorant relishing the morning sunshine as it warms the Dart, the first glimmers of daylight as Blackpool Sands awakens on a summer's day. Whether it's the architecture of Norway, the domes of Venice or the rippling sand of Lannacombe, Carole is drawn to the coast and her beautiful photographs capture the variety of scenes to be found in that most fluid of landscapes, where the land meets the sea.' ...Heather Long - Editor and PR

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Ruggedness of Cornwall

Cornwall offers a remoteness that almost equals the quietness and solitude found in the Scottish Highlands. The Lugger in Portloe is a boutique hotel trapped on the rugged beach of Portloe. The sea rushes into this small cove as high tide approaches and has all the signs of a smugglers cove. Looking out from the cottage we can see caves, dry at low tide and offer the perfect hiding place for smugglers and their 'bootie' not visible from the sea. At high tide the bootie would float away.


Steeped in history, The Lugger - Mail Review has for centuries been an inn. The landlord Black Dunston had a habit of smuggling french brandy into the cove, in 1890's hung for this misdemeanor. No free brandy here! The media love to find hot spots for relaxing and sophisticated breaks in the SW, and here is no exception read this excellent review from The Times .... The Lugger - Times Review


The sea is not far away and crashes against the rocks inducing sleep and dreams of French Mans Creek. Climbing the path above the village leads to views of Cornish headlands and is a wonderful reminder of how special this coastline is with it's creeks and rocky outcrops.


Weathering the storm
During the storms of November 2010, The Lugger was steeped in a deep flood as water cascaded down the hills into the village. During the night of 16 November, visitors were evacuated and the following day a massive plan was put in action to clear away the debris. The Lugger was flooded on two floors which included the kitchen, reception, lounge, restaurant and bar. The Kitchen was 6 feet deep in water. So there was nothing for it but to gut these floors... there was a spanner in the works - The Lugger was booked to host a wedding a month later so it was all hands on deck. Clearing the mud and sanitising took almost 3 days. A team of builders took on the challenge to have everything spick and span for the wedding on the 17 December. Staying at the Lugger meant they were 'on the job'. Richard Hartley and Russell Samsone said, 'We were all daunted by the task but were soon heartened when we witnessed the commitment with which the builders tackled their task. AND of course we were delighted when it was clear we would be ready to open on the 17th. FANTASTIC team work!' 


It is impressive to see the changes made to the interior of The Lugger now one of the most contemporary places to stay in Cornwall.


Experience

Three Ships at Portloe

The hotel is intimate with a log fire burning in the lounge, a great place to relax and plan the year ahead, snuggled up, all warm and cosy, anticipating the evening dinner. The food is expertly cooked, tasty and well presented with friendly and prompt service. It is mid winter and The Lugger encapsulates all the welcome wintery warmth inside while looking out at a raging ocean. People arrive after travelling down from the cities, excited at the thought of being in this remote spot for a few days and with them bringing life and a like minded appreciation. 


Cornwall Christmas Lights
The villages and towns of Cornwall during Christmas, exhibit strings of lights making pictures on cliffs, harbours and walls. the fishermen in the harbours decorate their boats. Mousehole is particularly well known for the splendour of it's festive lights.


A few highlights .....
Painter - Alfred Adams

The Lugger hangs a few images painted by Alfred Adams, a Cornish painter who is 100 years old. These paintings are vibrant and lively and reflect the quirkiness of the Cornish harbours, the colour and jauntiness of the fishing boats. Tregony Art Gallery is the only outlet for his paintings.


Alfred Adams an Artist at 100 years old




The King Harry Ferry 
The King Harry Ferry is an iconic part of Cornwall’s history. Established in 1888, it connects St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula with Feock. The Kingswear and Dartmouth Higher Ferry is modelled on this ferry. Ferries are a great way to travel around the coast of Britain, a way to see views not easily accessible.