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 :)
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 !
