We drove from Newcastle to Suffolk early on the Saturday
morning as we had a 6-hour drive ahead of us. We actually did it in 4.5 hours
arriving in Aldeburgh just after 11.30.
Now this was the week of the tidal surges down the east
coast of the UK and the first thing that greeted me on the doormat of Corner
Cottage was an evacuation notice. Do not fret, the danger had passed and we
were soon ensconced on our cosy cottage.
Mr. & Mrs Scott were also party to this weekend. It is
our pre Christmas, Christmas! Tradition that has run for oohh 1 year (2
Christmases) and long may it continue. However the Scotts had not arrived as
early as us. So we unpacked the car, had a sandwich and then went walkabout
down the busy high street.
Back to the house but no sign of Jon & Sarah, no phone
signal either Hmm. Suddenly we spied their car down the road now where could
they be????
A glance across the road & we believed that we had the
answer. The White Hart a traditional Suffolk pub and yes Adnams on tap, the
Scotts ensconced inside. Jon was particularly happy and on his 2nd
pint.
Much chat, drinking, laughing was had. Newcastle beat Man
Utd 1. 0 at Old Trafford an event that had not happened for 42 years or
something! Mr. F was very happy, so we had another drink.
Back to Corner cottage, unpacked Sarah & Jon’s car, some
nibbles & tea! Later we feasted on Aldeburgh Fish & chips and more tea!
Well Sarah & I had a glass of wine. Watched Strictly, admired the dresses
and Jon gave the girls points for jiggling as they ran up the stairs. Three of us
went to bed early, lovely fresh clean linen and snuggly duvets we sort of slept
ok a bit warm under those duvets.
Up to a bright & breezy Sunday morning. First stop after
prising Mr. Scott from his bed (Felling slightly jaded) was Southwold. We did
the pier; the sea was very brown still stirring from the surge. Luckily the
fountain clock was at the wrong time so it managed to perform for Jon and
Sarah. However a lot of the beach huts had been washed away.
We had hot chocolates and lattes and visited the Adnams
shop. Beer, Pudding wine, lemoncello and beer chutney were purchased. Back to
Aldeburgh. Jon had a bit of a rest while
Sarah, Ian & I went for a walk towards Thorpeness. It was really lovely. On
the way back we sorted out a restaurant for dinner that night. Stopped off for
a beverage in that pub um err its called the Crown, no the ship. Actually
called the Cross keys, lovely Smokey real fire, Adnams & wine perfect.
Dinner that night was in the Lighthouse restaurant; Fresh
Cod on Creamed Leeks, Flounder with Ratatouille and Sea bass were some of the
choices. Followed by Boozy Banana pancakes that Ian really enjoyed. I might
have had a taste.
Monday we went to Minsmere. Well Jon drove us there &
then went on a secret mission to goodness knows where, he won’t tell us! We had
a good walk, not many birds about but the devastation from the tidal surge was
really evident.
Monday night saw us visit the renowned Crown at Westleton
(Will & Kate fame). First impression excellent! Really old Country
pub/hotel/restaurant, Classy Christmas deckers, Christmas trees, open fires and
lovely ambiance.
Service ok but slow at times but very nice people. Food was
good but rather on the chilly side. I think that we were expecting the wow
factor. As I said the food was good but
too much acclaim can be a bad thing. Our expectations were sky high &
unfortunately they were not met. We were supposed to get a taxi there but no
such luck. Jon drew the short straw. Well he offered & we did not argue,
but felt guilty. (So that made it OK !!)
Tuesday! Still off work but feeling a bit glum as “all good
things coming to an end” We drag Jon down to the fish sheds and purchase Cod
and Dover Sole, fresh as a daisy. Walk down to the Clam sculpture. Many photos
later we reluctantly leave Aldeburgh and head for Orford. We have tried to get
there a couple of times over the weekend but the road is closed due to the
floods. (ha ha not us, or maybe…..).
A quick scoot about on a muddy harbour, lunch in the pub and
all too soon we are headed home.
What a lovely, lovely time we had. And did you know that
Newcastle beat Man Utd at Old Trafford. 1 nil. The first time in 42 years.
Well WE do! Howay the
lads!
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