Fifteen, Watergate Bay, Cornwall

I had been wanting to try Jamie Oliver's beach front restaurant for a while. I opted to order off the main menu and not for the five course sample menu. This worked out better as there was more choice with bigger portions and not as expensive.

The crab pasta to start was simple which complemented the fresh crab. For the main, the pork chop with lentils and salsa verde was delicious and nothing like I'd ever tasted. I don't normally eat pork but this was chargrilled making it superb, and the salsa verde cut through the lentils rich flavour. Though my favourite course was the dessert. The panna cotta was so silky smooth with a strong hit of vanilla, like the nicest milky bar yogurt you've ever eaten!

I would also strongly recommended sampling the cocktails, they were superb. I had a coconut mojito followed by an apple pie martini, both were so well balanced and refreshing.

I was very impressed by the whole experience, it was a lovely treat and will definitely be back to try the seasonal variations.

https://www.fifteencornwall.co.uk/

Mustard and Rye, Truro

This was such a tasty meal at Mustard and Rye. The beef brisket was packed with flavour and covered in a sweet, sticky barbecue sauce. I did think the coleslaw could have been fresher and with a little less mayonnaise. But the cocktail I had to finish the meal was amazing. It was a spiced apple seasonal special with spiced rum and lime. It truly finished the meal off perfectly.

Also the staff were fantastic and truly a credit to the restaurant. If you like all things American, get yourself down to Mustard and Rye. 

 

https://www.facebook.com/MustardRye

Cocktails @ The Brig, Falmouth, Cornwall

This is a new rum and cocktail bar in busy Falmouth. As you can probably tell from the name, The Brig is pirate themed with its dark décor and pirate memorabilia. This cocktail is one of the best I've had anywhere, being up there with ones I've had in Ibiza. The Apple Pie consists of spiced run, vanilla vodka, cloudy apple and lemon juices with raisin and ginger syrup. Sweet like pie and so easy to drink! I'm definitely going back to try some of the other interesting cocktails on the menu.

http://www.thebrig.co.uk/

Best bites of Edinburgh

I've just come back from a very foodie Easter weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland. It's such a vibrant city with so much to see and do, I couldn't fit it all into four days. The range of eateries, with cuisine from all over the world, was very exciting. Also, all the different themed bars are not to be missed. My intention for this blog post is to tell you my favourites from the city...but I might get carried away and write about everywhere because everywhere was so good!

 

 From the outside, Panda and Sons looks like a barbers. However, once you step inside and head down the stairs you realise it is much more. The vast range of cocktails are all very imaginative and sometimes even dramatic. I sampled 'Monet Talks' that involved painting your own cocktail with edible fruit coulis paint and prosecco. The atmosphere in this dark and aromatic venue is magical. It is definitely a hidden gem within an equally as exciting city.

http://pandaandsons.com/

Honestly, the best breakfast I've ever had. I absolutely loved Loudons café. I had the American pancakes that came with baked banana and maple syrup. This was basically dessert for breakfast but it tasted so good that I didn't worry. The staff were so welcoming and friendly, I could of easily eaten here every day of my holiday.  

http://www.loudons-cafe.co.uk/
 

If you are after 'fine dining' and grandeur this is the place for you. The Witchery is located on the historic Royal Mile and the stunning sixteenth century dining room is studded with antique silver wear and chandeliers. The three course set menu only costs £35, which is reasonable considering the portion size and beautiful setting. The food was good, particularly the Tonka bean crème brulee.
http://www.thewitchery.com/
 

Bentoya is a very popular sushi and Japanese fusion restaurant. If, like me, you can't choose from the extensive menu, go for a bento box which offers a mix of tasty morsels. Everything was so fresh and flavoursome. I highly recommend this bustling restaurant. It should also be noted that it's cash only and BYOB.

http://www.bentoya-edinburgh.com/

 

 And finally, Lola Lo. This Polynesian themed club has a great range of cocktails that can be served in themed mugs and even barrels like our one above. Slightly on the cheesy side but it has a fun atmosphere where you can dance off all the cocktails!

http://www.lolaloedinburgh.com/

Cocktails at The Shed, Falmouth! Cornwall

I had a lush Bramble cocktail the other night at The Shed. It's gin and blackberry liqueur, with sugar and lime over crushed ice. Delicious!

 

http://www.theshedfalmouth.co.uk

The Hole in the Wall Bar, Dubrovnik Old Town, Croatia

Amazing bar. You walk through a small hole in the old city wall to get out onto the cliff with this amazing view. The bar is simple, with places to swim of the cliff. Drinking a cold cider here was defiantly the most relaxing time of the holiday. 

Cave Bar More, Lemar, Croatia

Just had a lovely week in Croatia, in the Duprovnik area. This bar is built into the cliff. Great cocktails but a bit pricey. Defiantly worth a visit though, even just for the fact that it's a bar in a cave!

Cocktails @ Sands Hotel, Margate, Kent

Lovely atmosphere in Sands Hotel which looks over Margate bay.

£5 for any cocktails between 5-7pm Friday evenings.

Going clockwise, the above are:

Bellini

Processo and lychee liqueur

Sands

Malibu, Southern Comfort, Peach Schnapps, Blue Bols and apple juice

Sunset Bay

Cointreau, Amaretto, Grenadine and orange juice

Kent Raspberry Cooler

Raspberry Gin and elderflower sparkling cordial

 

All very tasty.

Burger and Lobster, Knightsbridge, London

I'd heard a lot about Burger and Lobster from friends. I had a whole grilled lobster with a lemon butter sauce, chips and salad for £20. The sauce was delicious but the lobster didn't blow me away.

Good cocktails though. I had a very nice 'apples and pears' made with cider brandy, pear juice, prosecco and lemon. But at £9.95, was quite pricey.

Ibiza Cocktails

Here's a selection of cocktails I enjoyed in Ibiza, June this summer.

 

Cafe Mambo..

 

 

 Cafe de la mer..

 

 

Ocean Beach Club..

 

Bellini @ Rickus, Margate

Wicked Bellini at new, Eastern European restaurant and cocktail bar in Margate.