• Added: 12th of February 2008
• Area: Stratford Upon Avon
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Stratford Upon Avon CV37 9HH
01789 293122

jennipenni said
Cottage Tea Garden
There is a lovely tea garden across the road from Anne Hathaway’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 Arden’s House (Anne Hathaway’s mum’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!

• Added: 12th of February 2008
• Area: Stratford Upon Avon
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6BA

jennipenni said
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...

• Added: 12th of February 2008
• Area: Stratford Upon Avon
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6AU

jennipenni said
Hathaway Tea Rooms & Bakery
I 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!

• Added: 12th of February 2008
• Area: Stratford Upon Avon
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6QW

jennipenni said
A quick coffee at the Food of Love
If 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!

• Added: 12th of February 2008
• Area: Stratford Upon Avon
• Category: Bars and Pubs

Stratford Upon Avon CV37 6AU

jennipenni said
The Garrick - a masterpiece
Chris 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!

• Added: 12th of February 2008
• Area: Canterbury
• Category: Restaurants

Canterbury CT1 2DH

jennipenni said
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) ;)

• Added: 12th of February 2008
• Area: Portsmouth
• Category: Food and Drink

Portsmouth PO1 3TZ
07776 277654

jennipenni said
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 £1.50 for one.. or £5 for 4. Considering their size and unique taste, I say it's well worth it!

• Added: 12th of February 2008
• Area: Fulham
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

London SW6 6EA

jennipenni said
For a tasty treat outside
There 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.

• Added: 12th of February 2008
• Area: Putney
• Category: Cafes and Coffee Shops

London SW15 1RG
020 8788 7162

jennipenni said
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 :)

• Added: 12th of February 2008
• Area: Putney
• Category: Restaurants

London SW15 1SP
020 8785 4793

jennipenni said
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!