Old People Eating

  After a pleasant coastal walk from Talland to Polperro on the south coast of Cornwall and a wander around that charming harbour town, we called in to Pedyr's Bake House and bought a traditional pasty for each of us. Pasties had been taken three times already on this trip, but this one felt deserved as the path along to coast had some steep sections. It was only a mile and a half from point to point but felt longer. Lovely views, a memorably close encounter with a chiffchaff and kind weather in both directions. The pasties were consumed on a bench overlooking the harbour where the resident gulls were kept under close observation by us and we by them. Only one raid was attempted and this was partially successful. The pasties were excellent. Fresh, not too hot and filled with softly cooked beef, potato and swede. Crusty short pastry and enough moisture to avoid any hint of heaviness. A trip to the roof garden of the Three Pilchards rounded off the lunch before a final tour of the vi...

Day two of our journey to Cornwall. We left Wiltshire at around 2pm with no real certainty of where we would spend the night. Still young, or what? At a coffee stop on the M5 we agreed we would head for Padstow, so that we could potter down the north coast on the following day and see some of the county before we arrived at Looe. We booked a room in The Old Customs House, paid up front and then found that their restaurant would be closed. No matter, we'll have a pasty and a pint. Or at least He will. On arrival we asked the friendly receptionist, when she reminded us the restaurant was closed, if there was anywhere she would recommend to eat? 'Well, there's Rick Stein' she offered, nonchalantly. But surely it's not possible to book at 6pm on the day? He was sent off to park the car in the car park opposite the hotel whilst She went to ask. He made several trips around Padstow's one-way system, feeling increasingly grateful that it was on a Monday in ...

This was chosen as an overnight stop on the way to Cornwall where we will enjoy a week's holiday with some good friends. It was chosen because it sits on the Marquess of Lansdowne's family estate (one of them) which features, alongside the house and gardens, a seasonal woodland garden that was recommended in the most recent edition of the RHS magazine. The hotel is very pleasant and has an inviting golf course attached; unused by the author. The room was spacious and comfortable with one of the better examples of a hotel bathroom. We were asked at what time we would like breakfast and booked in for 9am. Being the polite sort of Old People we arrived on time and were sat a table with a view across the aforementioned, unused golf course. Service was à la carte and breakfast came in two courses. He chose the croissant and pastries, followed by the full English, whilst She selected the granola with yoghurt, followed by poached haddock with poached eggs. The black coffee...