#1 Southernhay

Hi dear readers.  I'm on my short break and as usual I find myself rather limited on the technology front.  So here are a few pics of my first stop off point, a rather beautiful hotel in Exeter.  But without OOTD shots.  Sorry.  That's proving technically challenging!

I love Georgian architecture, like large windows with pretty shutters.

The sanitaryware has been chosen sympathetically to era.

I liked the little touches in the room.

The wooden button clothes pegs.

A feature sofa.

A well stocked beverage cupboard which includes a cafetiere and ground coffee.

The period bedside table wherein modern technology is hidden, like a speedy hairdryer.

The rooms are stocked with Ren bath products and massive fluffy towels.

The gin isn't bad either 😍.

But what a surprise this dining room held.

Things started looking good when I bit into little morsels of freshly baked carroway seed rolls and whipped butter.

Then from my first taste of this pickled beetroot and ewe's curd, I knew I was in for a treat.  (I want to try making this, mmmnn.!)

The chicken ballotine continued to tingle the taste buds but the carrots were the main event on this plate: the carrots were of another world where they are the deities and mere mortals humbly bow.

My awakened taste buds even ventured to try TP's black squid pasta, even though a 40 year old memory of a Portuguese squid had rather scarred me for life, but the intensity of flavour coming from this little offering has now erased that earlier experience from my memory banks, hopefully forever.

The food was heavenly and later we had the opportunity to thank the chef personally.

Southernhay House Hotel is a little pricey but if you are in Exeter and looking for somewhere special to stay or eat, or both, then this is the place to go.

We were celebrating a special anniversary and I am so thankful that TP pushed out the boat.  What a special treat this was!

A la perchoine.