Dirty Dogs at The Bohemia

 I'm totally guilty of going to the same restaurants over and over in point (case in point, my Franco Manca addiction). I'm something of a creature of habit, you could say, and never wanting to pay good money for a bad meal, I tend to go back to my favourite spots again and again.

Last week I helped my girl Daphne move house, and since we didn't know anywhere in the area for food, we dropped into the first pub we saw, planning on grabbing a quick drink before picking up a Tesco meal deal and getting back to work.

We picked the Bohemia, a pub that looks rather ordinary from the outside, but inside is quite extraordinary. We took a seat (Daphne on a sofa MUCH fancier than her, and me on one that was so well worn it hugged me back), and one glance at the menu left us both craving the Beer Street Dog, so that was that and we were staying put.

Our food arrived quickly leaving us with only a few moments to admire the interior. Think hipster bar meets, industrial air craft hanger, meets micro brewery. There were even beer cans with succulents in on the table, does it get any cuter? I think not.

No matter how cute the decor, once the food arrived there was no concentrating on anything else. A brioche bun and frankfurter, with fresh chunky salsa, crispy onions and mustard, on a bed of curly fries. Yes it was every bit as good as it sounds! The food was hot and fresh, and oh so tasty, and exactly what we needed after a long day lugging boxes around!

I'm already planning my next trip back to the Bohemia (for a Sunday roast, or hot wings, or maybe even another hot dog), and if you're ever in the North Finchley area, I'd highly recommend checking it out!

Return To Windsor

If you've been around these parts for a while, you'll remember this post from last year, a rainy day trip to Windsor with my parents, where we indulged in a leisurely stroll round the castle, followed by an even more leisurely lunch with a bottle of very nice wine indeed.

We loved Windsor, so much so that when our American visitors arrived it was the perfect excuse for a return visit.

I love exploring the castle, and despite having been once before I still found myself learning more. The rooms inside the castle (where you aren't allowed to take photos, boo!) are so beautiful and ornate, it would be impossible to spot every detail the first time around. If you love architecture, interior design, or British history, it's worth going out of your way to visit Windsor Castle. 

We also caught the changing of the Queen's Guard, a procession of Cold Stream Guards complete with brass band, a funny sight to behold, and oh so very British.

 We decided to make a return trip to The Tower Brasserie at The Harte and Garter Hotel, since our last meal there was so incredible. Unfortunately the menu had changed and the food wasn't quite as good (see the difference between my sausage and mash this time and last), BUT my Eton Mess dessert was possibly the best thing I've ever tasted, so you win some you lose some. The bowl was stuffed with thick clotted cream, chunks of meringue and blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and redcurrants, and all topped with a drizzle of Mango Coulis. DIVINE.

Windsor is one of the few towns I've visited where I've felt I could just keep coming back. Next time I want to do a bit more shopping, and cross the river to have a nosey round Eton! 

Afternoon Tea at the Norfolk Royale

A couple of weeks ago, I woke up on your average Monday morning, ready to consume my weight in coffee and crack on with some work, but things didn't quite work out like that! Con surprised me by whisking me into town for afternoon tea!

We had a table booked at the Norfolk Royale Hotel, which I had never been in before, just thought of as 'that big pink hotel in town'. We were seated on a sort of conservatory balcony (in the perfect spot to people watch) and served a glass of prosecco to kick things off!

When the platter of food came out I was pretty shocked, it was definitely one of the largest afternoon teas I've ever had! We had sandwiches (salmon and cream cheese, cucumber, egg mayo and ham and tomato), scones with clotted cream and jam and the largest array of cakes I've ever seen. There was fruit cake, strawberry tarts, rich chocolate brownies and my personal favourite, millionaire's shortbread! Everything was absolutely delicious, and so rich, I ended up taking a few bits home I was so stuffed.

All of this of course came with a bottomless supply of tea, The Boy opted for English Breakfast whilst I went for a less traditional (but just as delicious) lemon and ginger tea!

We spent a leisurely two hours nibbling and sipping tea, before walking off some of the calories! We walked the long way home through Bournemouth gardens and soaked up the sunshine (I definitely didn't need jeans and a cardigan that's for sure!).

The perfect Monday if you ask me!

A(nother) First Date

 Despite the fact we've been together for almost five years, and we live together, the boy and I are pretty rubbish at spending time together. We forget to, you know, occasionally leave the house.

Back in Bournemouth, despite the fact we spend pretty much every night together, we are usually surrounded by family, so we've been trying to make more of an effort to get out and spend some quality time together. Last week we headed to The White Buck Inn after a lazy Sunday morning. We've been to the idyllic New Forest pub a few times for a drink, but we've never had a meal in there before, so we decided to fix that! 

We weren't particularly fussed by any of the starters, but we were really hungry, so we decided to order a bread basket to share with our drinks, whilst our mains were prepared. Definitely a naughty treat, but I've never had such tasty bread, my highlight was the sundried tomato loaf! Served with salted butter, olive oil and balsamic vineagar, it was a decadent and delicious treat, that was well worth £4.50.

Despite being tempted by the roast, we both opted for the Homemade Pie of the Day, which happened to be chicken, bacon and leek. I don't think I've ever had such a delicious pie, creamy and tasty, served with seasonal veg tossed in butter, and creamy mash. Again, not the healthiest dish, but man it was good. 

There's something ever so relaxing about wasting away an afternoon in a beautiful country pub garden. You know you're in the forest when there's space to park your horse in the car park!

Any date ideas much appreciated, we're trying our hardest to make a good effort!

Bloggers, Beer and the Beach

 A bit of a throwback post today, I completely forgot about all these photos on my memory card from a couple of weeks back! After a busy day at work I headed out with my wonderful friend Aftab for a bite to eat down on the beach! 

One of my favourite haunts in Bournemouth is Urban Reef, with it's prime beach front location and tasty grub (I can thoroughly recommend their breakfasts & their carrot cake too!), it makes for the perfect spot to celebrate the end of the week.

Because this is me we are talking about, food was of course the primary concern of the evening. Aftab opted for the giant beef burger and said only good things, especially about the chips! I went for the chilli beef nachos and they defeated me, I couldn't finish them! 

Since I was driving I skipped the rather delicious looking Peroni that Aftab had, and instead ordered an Elderflower Lemonade. It turned out to be a good choice, incredibly refreshing and satisfied my sweet tooth too! 

If you're ever in the Bournemouth area, I'd definitely recommend Urban Reef, if only for the relaxed atmosphere and stunning views! 

 We went for a little beach stroll to work off the vast amount of calories we consumed. I love this portion of the beach near Southbourne, it's much quieter than near the piers, and it's such a good place to just relax, and catch up with friends whilst watching the waves roll in!

 We finished up with cocktails at the bar Con works at, and if that's not the perfect Friday, I don't know what is!