Latest reviews by jennipenni

The Cottage Tea Garden

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:07:42 +0000

Rating: 3.0

Location: Cottage Lane, CV37 9HH, Stratford Upon Avon, United Kingdom

Phone: 01789 293122

Website: http://www.cottageteagarden.com/

Tags: cultured, quiet & relaxed, good brew, quick bite

Cottage Tea GardenThere is a lovely tea garden across the road from Anne Hathawayâ¬"s Cottage where you can enjoy a good cup of tea and delicious homemade scones.

There is a river running through the property with ducks and a couple geese - this area is called Shottery Brook Walk.

It is quite nice to come here after spending some time viewing the cottage, and whilst waiting for the bus (sightseeing bus), which will then take you on to Mary Ardenâ¬"s House (Anne Hathawayâ¬"s mumâ¬"s farmhouse).

You can sit inside or out, either is nice.

They cook light lunches, home-baked cakes, cream teas (which we didn't have, having had one the day before... but they did look delicious!) and snacky-type food, like crisps, pies and biscuits/cookies.

There is a lovely walk along the little stream that runs through here too... we walked along it, watched the ducks, and generally had a really pleasant time gallivanting!

The Dirty Duck

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:01:03 +0000

Rating: 2.5

Location: Waterside, CV37 6BA, Stratford Upon Avon, United Kingdom

Disappointment at the Dirty Duck!We had thoroughly enjoyed our meal the night before at The Garrick, on the High Street. The Black Swan/Dirty Duck has the same owner and menu, and we thought it would be a good choice for a Sunday Roast!

On the walls there are autographed pictures of famous people who have visited here whilst performing for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The Garrick has the charm and the service, and this pub/restaurant doesn't I am afraid.

We ventured to the back of the pub, where there is a newly built conservatory-type area (Black Swan). The lovely 18th century part of the building is used by the bar area (Dirty Duck).

Service was slack, and even though this was the non-smoking section, the smoking section (which we had to walk through to get to the non-smoking section too, which isn't pleasant!), was right there and it infiltrated the room annoyingly.

The Dirty Duck seemed to be a bit of a dive in comparison to its sister pub in our opinion.

They were out of roasts and all things chicken. We ended up with one of only two things they had left on their menu. Fish and Chips.

Now, the fish was nice, but we thought this was bad as we weren't that late for lunch, it was about 2pm we ate.

We had to eat though as we had a car journey ahead of us and needed to eat something. Would have preferred a choice though...

Hathaway Tea Rooms & Bakery

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:56:58 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 19 High Street, CV37 6AU, Stratford Upon Avon, United Kingdom

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, crowded, quick bite, lively, cultured

Hathaway Tea Rooms & BakeryI would imagine that this little tea room is extremely hard to get into during peak season!

We were here in spring and literally got the last little table under the eaves upstairs. There is a seating area downstairs, as well as upstairs... with a choice of sitting under the eaves at the back of the tea room, or in front of the tea room... overlooking the bustling High Street. We chose the intimate eaves!

Some of the staff were quite new you could tell, they weren't sure what was what, and to be honest... it was a tad higgledy-piggedly! BUT that aside, it was a lovely experience... the food was divine, the atmosphere old world and character-filled.

Everywhere you look there are little antiques... eg: eye out the gorgeous grandfather clock on the staircase... a waste to be sitting on a stairwell in a tea room if you ask me!

All these little things add to the charm of this tea room.

We had a cream tea, the scones were warm, the cream fresh and the strawberry jam really delicious!

As part of their cream tea price, they give you an extra dessert for free too... as if you haven't had enough sweet things!

We had a couple of sweets, shown in the photos.. they were delicious... far too delicious! Highly recommended little tea room!

Food Of Love

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:53:49 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 37 Henley Street, CV37 6QW, Stratford Upon Avon, United Kingdom

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, crowded, quick bite, lively, cultured

A quick coffee at the Food of LoveIf you are feeling like a light snack, and a good quality one at that, then this is the place to come!

Conveniently situated practically across the road from Shakepeare's birthplace, which has tens of thousands of visitors visiting it, it is a busy little cafe, that seems to touch the spot.

We only had a coffee, but their pastries did look absolutely delicious!

We also love the name of course. So Shakesperian, as quite a few places are in this town!

The Garrick Inn

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:33:01 +0000

Rating: 5.0

Location: 25 High Street, CV37 6AU, Stratford Upon Avon, United Kingdom

Tags: rare finds, helpful staff

The Garrick - a masterpieceChris and Lynette Burton do a fantastic job running this place!

A traditional old pub with some new, but mostly antique beams everywhere, old-style furnishings with high wood-back chairs, a roaring fire ... it is one of the nicest pubs we have ever been into!

They have a board that shows all the previous owners of the building, which tells quite a story! It has been a blacksmith, a milliner, a mill etc. etc.

Those ancient walls hold many secrets!

The present building dates back to 1595. It has been an inn since the 1700s and was renamed after the famous Shakesperian actor, David Garrick, after he organised the famous Shakespeare Jubilee in Stratford in 1760.

The food was excellent, no complaints whatsoever, and the portions generous.. perhaps a tad too generous too.

Service was great. Not in your face, but always around, keeping an eye on the clientelle.

We both had lamb shank, and this was tender, the meat just fell off the bone... mmm, and the mint sauce complimented it well.

The vegetables were fresh and hot, the roast potatoes firm and crispy.

All in all, a highly recommended pub!

Weavers

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:21:57 +0000

Rating: 3.5

Location: 1 St Peters St, CT1 2DH, Canterbury, United Kingdom

Tags: romantic, british, family & home feel, good value, crowded

Old world, good food and ambiance galore!To go on the row boat tour of the Stour River, you have to go through this ancient restaurant. It says 1500 on it's door, but it was actually built in 1495.

After the boat ride, as we had eye-balled the delicious looking and smelling meals of the other patrons there, we sat down and had a scrumptious meal.

Food, service, wine and ambiance (being alongside the river Stour) were all brilliant! Only downside was 'the usual problem'... only one loo for the ladies and a queue... so I ventured into the mens...

We enjoyed the lamb and steak cutlets very much. They had a lovely new potato and broccoli side to it. My sister opted for the seafood dish... we were all very sated with our meals.

The red wine was delicious too! (it was from South Africa, so this wasn't a surprise) ;)

Liquorice with a Twist

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 10:18:09 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: Quay walkway, PO1 3TZ, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Phone: 07776 277654

Website: www.liquorice-withatwist.co.uk

Tags: rare finds, helpful staff, bargain

Fancy some liquorice?We came across this fascinating kiosk whilst we were wandering around!

It has all kinds of liquorice in various sizes, shapes and forms... and we had to try a few! These are the biggest liquorice pieces we have ever seen!!

We bought a traditional twisted piece of liquorice (see Lances photo of him eating it!)

We also bought a couple of Catherine wheels for me (not good for dieting I know! But wow, what a treat!) They are the biggest wheels I have ever seen! In the middle is some soft chewy bubblegum.

Lance got some tangy apple flavoured liquorice too, and it had sugary bits on it. This was nice, although too sweet for me.

Lastly, we bought some strawberry and cream liquorice - weird combination you probably think? Well... it is divine! I think it was our favourite of all... even though we are lovers of good old traditional liquorice.

They also have butterscotch and bubblegum liquorice... and several other tantalising flavours to choose from!

The lady helping out was helpful and friendly, the prices were Â£1.50 for one.. or Â£5 for 4. Considering their size and unique taste, I say it's well worth it!

Jackie's Cottage Cafe

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:57:48 +0000

Rating: 3.0

Location: Bishop's Avenue, SW6 6EA, London, United Kingdom

Tags: quick bite, quiet & relaxed, good brew

For a tasty treat outsideThere is nothing extra special about the food here at all, I think what appeals to me re this little outdoors cafe is just that.

It's outdoors.

It's situated alongside the banks of the River Thames, amongst beautiful trees and gardens, at the entrance to Fulham Palace.

It's child friendly and people friendly.

The toasties here are rather nice, and their coffee isn't bad either. We had a bacon and cheese toastie on wholewheat bread.

For us, it was more the experience and opportunity to sit here and watch the people passing by, and the lovely location.

Natural Cafe

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:51:53 +0000

Rating: 3.0

Location: 108 Putney High Street, SW15 1RG, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8788 7162

Website: http://www.naturalcompany.co.uk/

Tags: cosy, quiet & relaxed, good brew, quick bite

Perfect for a cuppa coffee!A special little cafe, with nice staff here!

If you feel like a little nibble on something healthy and light whilst shopping, with a good cup of proper coffee to go with it... then this is the place for you!

I had a blueberry muffin, with a coffee latte. Filled the spot nicely!

They have a wide variety of healthy wholewheat, whole grain and rye breads for sale too.

It is nondescript, not trying to be anything it isn't (although their organic stock wasn't great I thought)... it's simple and hits the spot :)

Il Mascalzone

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:42:08 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: 41 Putney High Street, SW15 1SP, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 8785 4793

Website: http://www.ilmascalzone.com/

Tags: italian, family & home feel, good value, crowded, lively

Scrumptious Italian!I have come here twice, once with a group of friends and another with hubby.

The service here is typically Italian... loud and friendly and 'happening'... so do not come here thinking you might have a romantic evening, because it won't happen! It's noisy and bustling.

The food is scrumptious... I think I can easily say that the pizzas here are the best I have had in London. They are the closest to Rome pizzas I have had.

Anywhere!

Drawing Room Cafe

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:37:33 +0000

Rating: 5.0

Location: Fulham Palace, SW6 6EA, London, United Kingdom

Phone: 020 7736 8140

Tags: cultured, quiet & relaxed, good brew, quick bite

Delightful cafe at Fulham PalaceThis was quite a find!

We certainly didn't expect to find such a delectable tea room when we went gallivanting to Fulham Palace!

To get to it, you need to go in at the front gates to the palace, and then, at the entrance to the palace (an archway that leads into an inner courtyard into the palace), you take a right turn, following the path round to the right... and then when you see green lawns ahead of you, look to your left, and there is the cafe :)

It is nondescript, stylish and upmarket.

It opens up onto the palace lawn, where families come with their children, scooters and trikes... there were loads of buggies here! - and a picnic, and they settle down for the day.

You don't have to eat at the cafe to make use of the lawn and surroundings, you can just come along, bringing your own basket of edibles, which is nice I think. (No entry charge to get into this section of the palace grounds either).

They have a variety of snacks (cold and hot), like cupcakes and croissants, as well as light meals and sandwiches too.

They offer the usual hot beverages like tea, coffee, hot chocolate etc. too, as well as cold beverages.

We had a cold drink as it was a warm day, and I had a slice of chocolate cake.

Hubby had the carrot cake... which was nice, but a little disappointing. The icing was a tad runny and the cake itself, although soft, didn't have that much carrot in it, was too vanilla-like.

If you are in the area, this is definately a lovely place to come and relax.

Headcorn Tea Room

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:23:58 +0000

Rating: 4.0

Location: High Street, TN27 9NE, Ashford, United Kingdom

Tags: cosy, amazing brew, crowded, quick bite, lively, cultured

Fabulous tea and scones in HeadcornI have to say this is one of the best afternoon teas we have ever had.

We had hoped to have tea in a highly recommended tea room in Biddenden, but it was closed, so we drove on and ended up in Headcorn!

We noticed this little tea room was open, so we gladly ventured inside, eager for a country tea! We were NOT disappointed!

I cannot remember the address off-hand but as you enter the village (from the Biddenden/station side) and go down the High Street, it is on your left. It is a short street, so you will have no problem finding it!

The tea-room itself is gorgeous. With something happening in every nook and cranny, there are homemade wooden signs, and lots of art and crafty goodies to be seen (and bought!).

The English tea was lovely and the newly-made scones SUPERB! We had clotted cream and strawberry jam with ours and it was fresh and tasty.

It was crammed but enjoyable. Well worth the squash!

The third photo is of the old listed home across the street... Headcorn is so characterful, and this is typical of the type of architecture in the area.

The New Inn

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:51:46 +0000

Rating: 1.0

Location: 14 Long Street, DT2 7JF, Dorchester, United Kingdom

Disappointing stay at the inn!There were things we thoroughly enjoyed about the New Inn, but all in all we wouldn't stay or eat here again.

Perhaps the rooms in the actual Inn itself are nicer and more characterful, but we were put in a triplet room in a renovated barn. It is quite evident when short cuts are made and they have been made here, in droves!

The bedroom was spacious, with a large bathroom. They could easily have put a bath in there, but they have a shower only. The flooring is that cheap plastic laminate too, which we aren't fond of at all! The bedroom's decor was not nice at all. The thick blue (old) carpet was discoloured (pink) by the door, the mattresses were very springy and uncomfortable. The second single bed had no side table. Even the pictures on the wall looked like they were cheap fame gold framed ones, bought from Argos!

If we stay at an old Inn, that has been around a couple hundred years, we would hope for some antique pictures on the walls perhaps?

The room came with breakfast, and this was tasty... the usual English fry-up of egg, bacon, sausage, mushrooms and toast. Coffee wasn't very nice, it was definately an instant coffee.

There is a Beer Garden outside, as well as a lawn area where you can relax. All amenities are non-smoking.

We didn't find the owner very friendly at the start, but he seemed to become a tad more friendly the morning we were due to leave - and pay! So all in all, not a good stay and we wouldn't personally recommend it.

Having said that, there is a lot of interesting history surrounding The New Inn.

It was a coaching inn back in the 1500s... and had 3 or 4 coaches passing through every day, picking up and dropping off passengers and horses.

Before this it was a dormitory building in the 1200s, a single building, not 2-storey as it is today. Pilgrims and monks who were visiting the Cerne Abbas abbey would stay here.

The coaching trade continued until 1855, when it stopped. There is said to be a ghost living here too, in the original part of the building. We heard and saw nothing though ;)

The one star is for the history this building holds!

The Royal Oak

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:41:49 +0000

Rating: 5.0

Location: 23 Long Street, DT2 7JG, Dorchester, United Kingdom

Tags: rare finds, helpful staff

Best pub in Cerne AbbasThis was, to us, the best pub in Cerne Abbas!

More like an upmarket pub/restaurant, we were initially delighted by the outside of the pub... with its characterful creeper all over the pub exterior! We ventured inside, and the delight continued! Low beams, lattice windows - creaky and characterful.

It was partly built from Abbey stone, in about 1540!

Someone here is a collector of note, with one room having a huge collection of teapots hanging from the ceiling, and another room, a large collection of tea cups! Saucers and memorabelia clutter the walls all over too... there is so much to see here!

The menu is on the wall, written in chalk on wooden slats... as the food runs out, they remove that particular slat.

Potatoes and mash were delicious, as was the steak and ale pie my husband had. My sister had the beef strogonoff, and declared it delicious too! The wine was tasty and well down extrememly well. Maybe too well?

We did not have dessert here, as we had had a cream tea already, and didn't want to overdo it anymore than we already had! But the desserts we saw other people having were of a high standard it appeared. They have an excellent chef here, but then he is a Master Chef of Great Britain!

Only downside? They run out of food quickly. Yes, they are popular, so cook for tons of folk every day... but when we (who had pre-booked) arrived to eat at 8pm, we didn't think we would only have half the menu available... but this aside, it was highly enjoyable!

Service is superb here! The owner and his wife (proprietors of the pub since February 2006) are hard at work too, and their staff are also attentive and obviously well trained.

If you are popping through Cerne Abbas enroute somewhere, I would highly recommend you to stop by for some lunch. If you want dinner though, or lunch on a Sunday, you will have to pre-book!

Candlelight Canal Cruise Dinner

jennipenni — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:33:37 +0000

Rating: 3.0

Location: Prins Hendrikkade 26a, , Amsterdam, Netherlands

Website: http://www.viator.com/tours/Amsterdam/Old-Amsterdam-by-Candlelight-Cruise/d525-2550LIN9

Tags: romantic, international, crowded, expensive

Canals by candlelightWe went on a romantic midnight cruise on the canal in Amsterdam.

It wasn't good value for money at all. All they offered us were a couple of different cheeses and grapes. Not anything that a restaurant would offer us.

What they offered tasted good, but quantity and assortment were short.

They gave us a bottle of red and a bottle of white to share with the couple we were sitting opposite (and touching their knees as the table was like an ironing board!) The wine was not great wine but not plonk either. Pretty mediocre.

The food itself wasn't what cost a lot I am sure, it was the actual cruise itself, and the commentary. I would not personally recommend this cruise to anyone, the cruise itself is lovely, lapping the canal by night, but we were left hungry, squashed and dissatisfied.