Author Archives: David Murray

The Easter Getaway

21st July, 2014 | Article By David Murray

Food and DrinkHolidaysHotelsResortsViews

When it gets to this time of year, April half term break, I don’t know about you, but the one thing I dream about is jetting off to some place where the sun does actually shine.  I am full of enthusiasm, knowing soon I will be far from the madding crowd, relaxing on a beach, with a Pina colada in one hand and the latest Frederick Forsyth novel in the other, ah heaven.

We booked into the Barcelo Jandia Playa, a 4* all inclusive hotel located at Fuerteventura’s most southern tip, which took about 1 hour by coach from the airport.  On arrival, we were driven in a golf buggy to our rooms where we unloaded our cases and headed down to the restaurant for our evening meal.

The following morning we all ventured out to check out the four swimming pools dotted around the resort, the grounds and pools were very well maintained. The rooms weren’t bad and they did provide us with the two adjoining rooms that we requested, so that was a relief.  There was a very nice Spa complex which all looked fairly new and a heated pool for the kids outside – we used the indoor Jacuzzi and Sauna on a cloudy day and the kids much preferred spending time in the heated pool, as the others, although attractive to sunbathe by, were a tad chilly at this time of year.

The restaurant at meal times was pretty busy, but this was not surprising considering the size of the resort, the variety and quality of food on offer was pretty good.  As with many all inclusive resorts, the quality of the wine left a lot to be desired, still at least we didn’t overdo our alcohol intake and the view overlooking Jandia beach and out to the Atlantic Ocean beyond, I’d say more than compensated.

Big wheels keep on turning

| Article By David Murray

CampingHolidaysRoad TripsTravel

Having toured around quite a large part of Europe over the years,  travelling round France in a motorhome has probably been one of my most enjoyable journeys.  Using the motorway networks, stopping at the many aires along the way, always seems so civilised.  Not only are the facilities clean and tidy, but the quality of the food is not bad either.

One of the reasons I love driving in France is because of the space unlike the overcrowded roads of England, and parking a large Motorhome is never a problem, we have always managed to find a quiet spot to park up for the night, when we have run out of time trying to find a campsite.

The flexibility one gets from touring around with your home on wheels is brilliant; washing, sleeping, and eating wherever you stop, is so easy.  The only down side is when you want to drive into the village for the odd meal out, or visit places of interest, when the access is unknown and may be difficult, you have to take the vehicle with you and this is often where the problems arise.  Low level bridges, arches, trees, narrow streets, etc., although there is a solution – towing a trailer, carrying a small vehicle on the rear.  You can then leave your motorhome at the campsite and explore in your little car.

I, myself, am more than happy to while away the hours, motoring along, however, the fantastic onboard facilities go a long way to help entertain the passengers and pass the time, as the children can travel along watching their favourite movies, or have a game of cards around the table.  Much more pleasurable than crammed in the back seat of a car, surrounded by luggage piled high around them.

Many people dive head first into buying a motorhome, which can be very expensive, if you do not end up using them as much as you thought you would.  If you are considering buying one of these beauties, my advice would be to rent one a couple of times before investing in a purchase, otherwise Bon Voyage!

The Prospect of Whitby

| Article By David Murray

Food and DrinkPubs & Bars

At the end of a busy working day, I am always tempted to head on down to The Prospect of Whitby for a pint of the very best that London has to offer.  I have frequented this establishment, overlooking the Thames at Wapping Wall, for many a year, for me it holds a lot of fond memories and is the epitome of a great London pub.

This traditional British Inn has been pulling ales for nearly five hundred years, serving a number of famous people including Charles Dickens and Samuel Pepys, as well as more modern day television celebrities and film actors.  It has stood the test of time and remains a popular watering hole serving the City.

Today it offers a good selection of decent real ales to accompany a traditional English food menu served pretty much all day, inside, or out on the terrace overlooking the river. A lovely atmosphere to take in, supping a beer in a place that has had such a long and interesting history; a notorious smugglers haunt and where one of England’s famous naval administrators sat down to write his well-documented diary.  Just sit back and enjoy the moment.

Jewel of the Cotswolds

18th July, 2014 | Article By David Murray

ActivitiesArt GalleriesFood and DrinkHotelsPubs & Bars

Whenever we visit my mother in Cheltenham, we find it hard to resist dropping in on our favourite village in the Cotswolds, Broadway, with its honey coloured stone buildings, some dating back to the 16th Century, dotted along it’s wide high street.  We can’t help thinking that strict planning regulations have helped to keep this small village as authentic and original as possible.

We stayed at the Lygon Arms Hotel, for a second time, our first was before my wife and I were married, when the restaurant refused us entry as I wasn’t wearing a tie.  The maître d’  kindly suggested I borrow one of their spare ones, so I duly accepted and chose the least kippered looking clothing appendage, before being escorted to our table.  This time, the hotel (under the umbrella of The Hotel Collection) was less formal so just smart attire required to eat in the Great Hall and cosy chairs to sit by the fire and enjoy an aperitif before dinner.

The indoor pool is lovely, designed in a roman bath style, but be sure to be in the water before the children arrive, as it is not overly big.  This 4 star Hotel has lots of charm and character, especially if you stay in the original part (four-poster beds available) and takes pride of place in the heart of the village.

Also, cleverly tucked away behind the high street is an activity park to keep the youngsters amused.  A multitude of play equipment, as well as a lovely picnic area with views of the surrounding countryside.  This is a great asset if you are visiting with children in tow, no doubt designed to keep them occupied, leaving us oldies free to indulge in our grown up, slightly more intellectual activities.   Oh yes, there is fun to be had in those musty-smelling, old-fashioned looking buildings my dears, that is, never quite knowing what will be discovered during one’s rummaging through the various art galleries and antique shops that adorn this glorious spot: a priceless artefact unveiled or a story through time uncovered.

We all came together at the end of the day to enjoy a very nice meal at The Swan, a lovely Olde Worlde pub that I would recommend for good quality, homemade food.

Often referred to as “The Jewel of the Cotswolds” this is a gem of a place and worthy of your attention should you find yourself in this picturesque part of England.

Fast and Furious Le Mans 24 hour Race

| Article By David Murray

AdrenalineCampingEventsFunSports

If motor racing is your thing and you haven’t experienced the Le Mans 24 hour Race, then all I can say is, book your crossing!  It takes place in June every year, set in glorious French countryside. The circuit is situated some 4 hours from Calais, depending at what speed you travel.

Most of the hardened racing enthusiasts pitch their tents at one of the many camping grounds dotted around the circuit, which is exactly what I did with some friends of mine.  After a few boxes of beer, the tent was unpacked and an attempt to erect it began, some two hours and a massive thunderstorm later, we realised that our temporary accommodation resembled the Turin Shroud, as it was packed away wet from the last camping adventure.  A couple of us braved the shredded remains that was supposed to be our home for the next few days, I was one of them, until I was woken up by drips of water bouncing off my face, it was time to retreat to the Range Rover.

In the morning race practice begins and we get our first glimpse of the sheer size of the circuit and its facilities. The noise of the cars racing and the smell of Castrol oil that accompanies all race tracks around the world fills the air.  Before we know it, the race has started and whereas before there was some let up in the roar of the Jaguars and Porsches in between qualifying, there was now a constant din as the various teams go flat our for the next 24 hours.  We decide to wander in and around the pits, marvelling at the synchronisation of the pit crews, some of them taking it in turns to sleep despite the noise, grabbing a short cat nap just to recharge their batteries.

Lunch in one of the many large marquee style tents was the next thing on the agenda, followed by a few more bottles of beer.  One of the many things the French do well is organising this kind of event, the food was good, plenty of reasonable beer, and a great venue, not to mention the huge fairground that was set up within the circuit, just incase you hadn’t had enough excitement and needed a further adrenalin RUSH!

As the race came to a close we were all exhausted, couldn’t even begin to imagine what the teams must be feeling like.  Survived one more night sleeping behind the steering wheel and then set off home on our own 4 hour Le Mans race back to Calais.

It wasn’t the most luxurious long weekend I have ever had and certainly not the most romantic, but it was definitely one of my favourites.  A thoroughly fun-fuelled weekend away with the boys.

No Rain No Gain

1st July, 2014 | Article By David Murray

CafesFamily DaysFood and DrinkRestaurantsShopping

The Rainforest Cafe, Shaftesbury Avenue, is a themed cafe/restaurant, designed to look like a Rainforest. The atmosphere is humid, as you would expect it to be, with what looks and feels and sounds just like a real Jungle.

Cleverly camouflaged in places, there are various animatronics, often moving when you don’t expect them to, coupled with the sound that resembles that particular animal.  I remember the sound of thunder going off, which actually felt like the real thing, even the seats seemed to move.  Great fun, the noises are pretty loud and could be a bit scary for very young children, depends on how fearless your little adventurers are.

In terms of food, the menu is in the popular family restaurant style, because we all like chicken nuggets/pizza and chips, but then you’re not here for a gourmet feast, you are here because you want to eat in the jungle!  It is different, and if in London with kids this will be one of your more memorable meals out for sure.

The shop, as you leave the restaurant, is worth a look over but keep an eye on what the children are placing in the shopping bag, as this soon adds up.   A  typical meal for two adults and two children under twelve is going to set you back about £80, together with an extra £20 in the shop, it is not the cheapest burger and chips, but certainly a unique dining experience.