Hops' Hikes & Bites: cafe

Showing posts with label cafe. Show all posts

Wednesday, 4 March 2015

No. 9 Southampton

- home to the Boat Show.

Contributing £990 million to the UK economy through it's Container Port & Cruise Ships. Voted 'Best UK Departure Port' from the 1.5 million passengers that pass through Southampton's Ocean Terminus

And celebrating 50 years of being a city – without a cathedral.

During the chillier months it's good to take the boat out for a short run, fire the engines, flap the sails, but with something hot at the end to make it all worthwhile. I have a soft spot for Southampton, as I spent my formative years down on the Beaulieu River (see April issue of All at Sea) and if you are Solent based it makes a good day trip to take in a movie, do some shopping or stay over and do it all, plus dinner and a light flutter maybe?

I'm thinking steam up to Ocean Village where Picture House's Harbour Lights has a great view over the marina. The staff are fun, the wine list well researched and the pizzas not bad at all. Film quiz once a month on Tuesday nights is great fun and their cakes and cookies go down well with a nice cup of tea.

Harbour Lights, great wine list and you can take it in to the movie

I was working in Southampton when Ocean Village was born, we built the Royal Southampton Yacht Club and the traditional townhouses on the pier. I now look on with admiration and incredulity at the high rise apartments that thrust an 'I told you so' digit skywards. According to the Sunday Times, Southampton boasts one of the best returns in buy-to-let in the country, and Ocean Village is the top earner.

Skyscrapers & Solent racing

Once you’re tied up there are many choices: the afore mentioned Harbour Lights, the waterfront bars of Banana Wharf and Pitcher & Piano – the latter being my favourite; a clean, fun place to watch the sun go down and enjoy happy hour or something more nourishing..

Cosy interior of Pitcher and Piano

Lunch deal at Pitcher and Piano

No 4 Canute Road is my absolute favourite in this area and I would head here for a great coffee (Anvil for those who notice) or perhaps their range of nibbles and drinks before heading off to the cinema; but my top tip is to get up early on a bright morning and do Jane Austen’s walking trail that takes you around the more interesting buildings of old Southampton, then have brunch here at No 4. All you can eat from the buffet, the teen made short work of it and returned…

No 4 Canute Road

This area is seeing some dramatic building and the area around Queen’s Square some pleasant gentrifying – I approve.

Elegant Queen's Square

The choice of restaurants found along Oxford Street has always been good but my favourites remain The White Star and Simon’s at Oxfords (used to be simply Oxfords)

Simon's at Oxfords

If you stay at Town Quay you have the ever buzzing Margharitas on-site, but can step over the road to Regatta for tapas or to Ennios for one of the best value Sunday roasts cooked by an Italian restaurant – cosy and friendly. Further you have the Pig in the Wall – mentioned in our Southampton Boat Show round-up – just piggy bits here (cold meats & cheeses) and a decent drink from the bar, nice surroundings, quite like the afternoon tea and slice of cake but they have competition with Harbour Lights chocolate and chilli cake and No 4’s fresh pastries ….

La Regata – Spanish olé and tapas

Ennios Sunday lunch

If you want a more sheltered night, then a quieter destination can be found at Shamrock Quay, tucked up the River Itchen, where the Yellow Welly Café and new kid on the block Quay 15 are based. I worked at Shamrock Quay back in the day when Dean & Dyball's development wing was based here and it was an unexpected oasis of productivity in the ugly docklands area that now is home to Saints Stadium.

Saints stadium at St Mary’s

Shamrock Quay and Quay 15

The Waterfront Bar at Shamrock Quay

Quay 15 is rated No 1 on Trip Adviser, and I know we need to read reviews with intelligence and a pinch of coarsely ground, locally sourced rock salt, but Quay 15 is worth booking. If you can wait for a free Saturday and try their taster menu then you are in for a treat. Some serious young chef’s here that know what they are doing and enjoy working with seasonal, quality produce. Here’s the menu for their next taster menu: http://www.quayfifteen.co.uk/menus/thursday-12th-feb-quay-fifteens-1st-birthday/

Full review will be on the blog later in Spring – as I can’t get in yet either.

hopshikesandbites.blogspot.co.uk

Look out for - New micro brewery opening at the Wool Museum, this fabulous building will open its doors on the 27^th Feb so do give it a go and try their home crafted beers, which you may have already tried at the Dancing Man bar, down the road. The building is worth a visit on its own!

Also, if you have time on your hands there is an interesting photo exhibition on at Southampton Solent University showing the City celebrating 50 years since it was awarded City status by the Queen – it took five years for the petition to succeed. Ends 28^th Feb

Hike or bike?

More info on http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk

Bike - Join Route 2 and head on to Portsmouth, but maybe stop at Warsash for refreshment?

http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksCycle/southampton-to-portsmouth-cycle-route

And if you fancy a brief walk round the Old Town before heading to No 4 for the 'all you can eat' brunch then pick up a leaflet on Jane Austen’s trail or do the Old Town walk

http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/uploads/media_items/old-town-walk-map.original.pdf

Or the Titanic trail

http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/uploads/media_items/titanic-trail-map.original.pdf

Sunday, 1 February 2015

No. 8 Gosport

Having survived the Boat Show and been inspired by the plans on the BAR (Ben Ainslie Racing) stand, my thoughts move to a sun drenched, fresh breezed Portsmouth Harbour this July.

Visitors coming to watch the AC45’s race from their HQ in the Camber, might like to consider the nourishing delights that the Rive Gauche offers, in spades.

BAR team in the Solent

There is a life force to Gosport that is seen in the way Alex Thomson strolls up a 30 metre mast, or how Caroline Dinenage MP sends a steely look over to the opposition at Question Time; Gosport produces some fine stars and is fondly dubbed GosVegas by it’s rocking residents.

Converts that move here have made quite a splash and contributed hugely to charity and the community - I'm thinking Tanya Brookfield here (Toe in the Water) and Endurance Swimmer Anna Wardley, with her Five Island Swim Challenge; both raising funds, changing lives and putting smiles on faces.

It's a great place to keep the boat or visit, any time of the year, as there is just so much to do here - sun or rain - museums galore, shops, cinemas, restaurants, lashings of Naval history, both sides of the harbour, but connected fluidly by the super efficient green ferry - £3.10 return, runs from 5.30 till midnight.

Gosport Ferry

Now, to the food....

If you stay at Haslar Marina, marked by the big green Lightship 'Mary Mouse', you have two great choices on-site :

Haslar Marina

Hardy's has been run by Sarah Conchie and team for 3 years. They run an efficient ship with a very popular happy hour from 5-7pm from Monday to Thursday, buy one drink get one free.

A great gathering place for berth holders, those working at Haslar and people dropping by for an early drink before dinner in a convivial setting near the water.

They have recently launched a supper and wine tasting club, meeting every couple of months with Spain being the first port of call. Berth holder’s receive a 10% discount for parties of four or more.

Food is of very good quality, most popular dishes being the rib eye steaks and home made burger, which changes daily. The chef, Paul Thompson, cooks local fish and steaks quite perfectly.

Hops choice – the salt n’pepper fish – usually squid, scallops & king prawns – lip smacking!

Hardy's Happy Hour

Their ever popular fish cakes

Trinity's at the Lightship is on the fantastic green landmark at the end of the pontoons - access for non-bertholders is via the gated entrance, buzz the marina office for entry.

Maria Hodgkins took over the Lightship last spring and along with her inspiring chef Geoff, has completely transformed the ship and the quality of food on this amazing piece of nautical history. Sun decks, providing ever changing views over one of our busiest harbours; bar, breakfast, lunch and dinner – berth holders get 10% discount and the Wardroom is ready to hire for private events.

Thursday, 8 January 2015

No.7 ExCel, London Boat Show 2015

The Bite team head east, overland, to the delightful halls of ExCel this January, looking at food options for the weary exhibitor and enthusiastic visitor to the 61^st London Boat Show. We need to shrug off memories of Borsch n’Tears, School Dinners and all things Earls Court, and find new entertainment in the City’s dynamic Docklands via the DLR!

Not much of a hike this time, and not perhaps the weather to jump on a Boris bike, but we have the clean and bright DLR line, that drops us right outside ExCel and the inspiring Emirates Telecabin to fly us to the moon! After a long day at the show it’s good to get outside and breath in some frosty air whilst deciding which way lies supper.

On-site there is the reliable Italian Zero Sette and the newly opened Neighbourhood, Unit R4 at the Western Gateway, that looks very promising, top dishes being their burger or filet mignon, nice open space, with pale wood fittings, worth a punt I’d say.

So we will split the area into 4 short hops: Canary Wharf (10 mins) the O2 (10 mins) Greenwich (25 mins) and Limehouse (40 mins direct)

Amazingly there are restaurants down the line at Canary Wharf who will send a complimentary taxi for your party, and many other outlets will give you a free glass of fizz when you book using the secret code London ExCel – got it?

Much more info here, and a jolly useful map, always check the deal when booking:

http://www.excel-london.co.uk/media/153274/After%20Hours%20Leaflet%20May%202014.pdf

A couple of stops west on the DLR stands Canary Wharf, with a wealth of eating & drinking options as you fight your way out of the double doored tube. Sadly the skating rink will have melted by the time the Boat Show comes to town.

Our favourites:

Iberica – top tapas & good wine.

Iberica - Spanish tapas, great wine

Roka at Canary Wharf

Roka – if you’re feeling Japanese – complimentary glass of champagne or cocktail of the day via the ExCel London deal

Gaucho – this carnivore paradise is also at the O2. We love the steaks & bullfighter ambience, oh le!

+ they will both send a taxi to ExCel and collect you - Quote ExCel London and confirm numbers

- 2 hour limit on sittings at Iberica, which can be difficult after a long day at the Show

The Gun, is a short step from Canary Wharf, head towards the Thames and it’s at 27 Coldharbour – better still ask them to send a cab for you. This is a very well known London pub with great views and food. If you are booking a group you may well negotiate a glass of Champagne on arrival too, use your special code, remember?

The Emirates Air Line is a short walk from ExCel, clearly signed, it flies you over the Thames with stunning views, touching down behind the O2, worth checking if there are any shows on whilst you’re up but I can’t pass a Byron Burger without trying their latest special, this time it’s the Cheesemas of course. Best burger chain in the UK, in my opinion, but 7Bonedive, in Southampton are the best in Hampshire. If you miss O2 but go to Greenwich the Byron is on Greenwich Parade, near the pier.

Greenwich (25 mins. DLR to Poplar, change for Lewisham, get off at Cutty Sark)

We love some of the old pubs near the Cutty Sark, and our favourites are the Mitre,

291 Greenwich High Road, or the Gypsy Moth at 60 Greenwich Church Street, only a few doors from my best bakers Peyton & Byrne, 20 -22 Greenwich Church Street, good breakfast stop if you park in Greenwich and come over to ExCel. My other top breakfast stop would be Borough Market, but expect to get to the show a little later than planned.

Great bake offs at Peyton & Byrne

Finally to Limehouse, as those canny Ocean Cruising members may well be staying here for the Show, if they booked their cabin early. An easy, direct run along the DLR with a fine eating pub at the end of the line, yes, Gordon Ramsey’s the Narrow is popular with Boat Show bods, with great views over the Thames and a fine crunchy beer battered fish 'n chips to boot.

Pork chop with peppers

Those wanting something a little spicier may chance their arm with the Raj Boy, close to the tube in Commercial Street and popular with the crazy long distance RIB boys, take that which ever way you will……..

Useful info:

www.excel-london.co.uk

www.mycanarywharf.co.uk

www.theo2.co.uk

Zero Cette – 020 7476 6564

Neighbourhood – 020 7473 4874

Iberica - 020 7636 8650

Gaucho - 020 7987 9494

Roka – 020 7636 5228

The Gun – 020 7515 5222

Byron – 020 8269 2273

The Mitre – 020 8293 0037

Gypsy Moth – 020 8858 0786

The Narrow – 020 7592 7950

Monday, 8 December 2014

No. 6 Yarmouth

Isle of Wight

The Island is not big, just 23 miles across, but there is too much going on to cover in one Bite so this is Act 1 and we'll visit the Bembridge area for Act 2, when it’s warmed up a bit.

Yarmouth is everyone's favourite sleepover with institutions such as Saltys and the George playing their part, but there are some dynamic new kids on the block so let's stretch our legs and get out there.

Yarmouth Sunset

First, a caffeine pit stop at PO41, once the old post office, just opposite The George. Perfect for sleepy heads coming in off their boats or the ferry. Elaine runs a buzzing, cosy, top coffee joint, from 7.30 – 4pm every day, bless her! Union Coffee – fab.

Elaine at PO41

The bike

The Freshwater Flyer is the 6 mile flat ex railway line towards Freshwater, an easy hike enjoying glimpses of the Yar through the trees. Hire a bike and you can extend your route to go out towards Alum and Totland Bays for a 12 mile circular route, more info from John at Wight Cycle Hire

The route

When you arrive at Freshwater the options open up, coffee stop, light lunch?

As I'm heading on to Tennyson Down I turn right at the sea front and head up the hill to The Piano as I've heard great things about Sam and Kimmy buying the old shop that has been a piano, music and stationery shop, come PO through it's lyrical past, tuning Queen Victoria's ol’ piano and selling Tennyson sheet music; it now serves great coffee, mezze and light snacks with live piano sessions most weekends. www.thepianocafe.co.uk 01983 472874

Top time to visit - Sunday lunch when the ivories are being tinkled.

Hops choice - the hand made Florentines with a coffee or Jan's tart of the day – being goats cheese, thyme and Island sun dried tomato when I visited. Coffee by Island Coffee

The Piano

The Tart of the day

Live Music

The other option is the ever popular End of the line cafe – 01983 752870. Serves great quiches, jacket potatoes and wonderful cheese scones. Great value and always busy.

The hike:

If I wasn't cycling I would walk back through the charming village of Freshwater to the Red Lion, right next to the church. Cosy, good beer and reliable pub food. Beware mobile users - turn it off before entering or they'll fine you! www.redlion-freshwater.co.uk 01983 754925

Then cross the old causeway and take the path back to Yarmouth – see map for choice of route.

The Red Lion

The route

But I'm saving room for our review and coming back from my trip back into Yarmouth I pull up at the first carriage available at Off the Rails

The review

Off the Rails opened in the summer, after local interior designers opened up this wonderful sunny space that was the disused station. Wight Cycle Hire is located at the end of the building making this the perfect start for your island cycling adventure. Overlooking Thorley Brook wetland with the glass doors fully open to the November sunshine, and the wood burner a glow, what a joyful stop off this is!

Philippe Blot who runs the place is full of ideas, from Orient Express evenings to some more intimate dining experiences, bringing a bit of cinematic drama to the station in the winter months – so get your ‘smoking’ out of the wardrobe, polish the pearls and watch this space!

There is a good mix already seated. A handful of well behaved dogs (they have their own menu) and more walkers than cyclists today – but this is mid November. I grab a table near the woodburner that looks out over the golden marshes and along the banquettes upholstered in BR green. Suitcases stored up in the luggage racks give me a warm Hogwarts Express feel. Now, let’s look at the specials. Immediately I am attracted to the Gally Bagger Rarebit, with blackberry, beetroot and sweet red onion chutney or how about the Warm Corn-fed chicken salad with pesto, sun blushed tomatoes, roasted peppers and crispy chicken skin? I’m told by the party at the next table that OTR figs stuffed with goat’s cheese is formidable, but not on today, so actually plump for the Signalman’s stew of slow braised lamb with spring vegetables and spices, delicious with warm ciabbata (all £8) and as I didn’t try the Rarebit, Philippe brought me a taster of the Isle of White Cheese’s own Gally Bagger, a golden, nutty tasting, hard cheese, that apparently means Scarecrow in Island tongue.

There are some lovely fresh drink options, the homemade pink lemonade is a tart hit for me and I like the addition of the ‘pichet’ option on the wine list, common in most French eating establishments – allowing you to try more interesting wines without buying the whole bottle. The cocktail list will have to wait until the sun has gone over the signal post, but there may be time for the Strawberry and Pimms Eton Mess or the Chocolate Fondant (all £5.50)

www.offtherailsyarmouth.co.uk 01983 761600

Off the rails

The View

Signalman's Stew

It’s still sunny outside as I leave to head back into Yarmouth to check out what’s new in Harwoods, surely one of the most upmarket hardware shops around? In fact there is a great choice of retail treats for those visiting sailors, from antiques, to art, to quirky clothing.

Just time to pop into the George to sit by the fire with a cup of tea and look at the afternoon tea menu

The George Illustrated by Connell & Todd

Best of the rest:

Wightwood Pizza van - hibernates from Nov - April, but can be found in Freshwater Bay every Friday from Easter 'till November - photo - 07955 379642

The Pizza Van

Best baker - up for award this month - The Island Bakers. In Yarmouth you can buy it in the deli - best buy, the sourdough and some amazingly crisp and buttery croissants

The Island Bakers

Best coffee - PO41 Already mentioned above - coffee emporium in the old post office opposite The George. They use Union Coffee, the Revelation, for those who care.

Cosiest pub in Yarmouth? The King's Head - by the ferry terminal

Thanks to:

Wightlink Ferries www.wightlink.co.uk

www.visitisleofwight.co.uk

www.wightcyclehire.co.uk

Best tweeters: @MattandCat @TasteIW @yarmouthiow @ONTyarmouth @BiteTheWight

Credit to Connell & Todd for illustration of the George, Yarmouth. www.connellandtodd.com

Map of Island cycle route: http://www.sunseaandcycling.com/Files/Documents/route1.pdf