A trip to the East Coast

Keith and I were up fairly early and preparing for a few days in Aldeburgh. Keith's good friend John had very kindly said we could use his house in the seaside town for a few days and although we'd like to have gone earlier in the summer, and avoided the school holidays, this was our last chance before the house was booked until September.

We packed all our bedding, our large suitcase and several other bags into the back of the car and just about managed to squeeze it all in! We left at around 11am and made really good time to the coast after stopping for twenty minutes or so to have a picnic lunch. Keith directed me off the A14 through some really pretty countryside and very soon, at just after 1.30pm we arrived.

It was a bit of a hassle unloading the car, taking off the bedding that was already on the beds in the house and making them up with our own sheets and duvets, but within an hour we had put everything away and unpacked. The children argued over which bedroom to have with Mike finally winning and getting the double for a change!

We had taken our own bedding to make it easier for John and his wife and I would have taken my own pillows anyway! The house was very well-equipped with a cosy living room, study, kitchen/diner, three bedrooms and a bathroom and downstairs shower room. John's wife is obviously a great cook as the cupboards were stuffed with ingredients of all kinds and there was no shortage of utensils and crockery.

Our home from home for a few days.

When we were all finished we had a very welcome cup of tea and then it was off to explore the town. The High Street was a mere two minute walk away and we wanted to check out some pubs for the evening. The sky looked a bit ominous but we pushed on until we reached the pebbly beach and Sophie ran down to the waterline for a paddle. I sent Mike down with her and he came back with her on his shoulders!

As the children arrived back onto the promenade it began to rain so we took shelter under an overhanging porch on one of the nearby houses. The downpour didn't last long but with more grey clouds massing above us we decided to call into the Brudenell Hotel for a quick drink.

The hotel was lovely with a large airy bar overlooking the sea. Keith had a pint of Adnams Broadside while Sophie and I had half a lager. Poor Mike had to be content with a lemonade as we weren't eating. The menu looked good but was a bit limited so after our drinks we continued on our way into the town via the promenade. 

It was a shame that the beach in Aldeburgh is really pebbly but that didn't stop several families setting up camp and playing. Further along we came to a couple of cafes and restaurants and as we walked into the town, a fair few shops and ice-cream parlours.

We returned to the house and Keith and Mike went back out to check the pubs. There were three within walking distance - The White Hart which only served pizzas, The Cross Keys and further out, The Mill Inn which Keith said was temporarily closed because of an electrical fault. This had looked to be the most promising so we hoped that by the time we'd showered and changed, it would be open again.

Unfortunately, when we ventured out again it was still closed so we called into The Cross Keys for a drink and we weren't that impressed. John had hinted in an email to us that it wasn't his favourite and now we know why! It smelt faintly of dog and the ceilings were low, giving the pub a dingy atmosphere. To begin with, we were the only ones in there but it did fill up a bit, probably because The Mill Inn was still closed!

We now had a bit of dilemma as to where to eat...none of us fancied a meal at The Cross Keys so we decided to take a chance on Prezzo nearby. However, the Italian restaurant was packed and there was a wait of an hour and a half! We carried on and spotted an eaterie called The East Coast Cafe and StoreThe East Coast Cafe and Store which had a good menu.

It was very quiet, with only two other couples eating, but we took a seat and perused the short menu. I chose the burger along with Mike while Keith and Sophie opted for the Chicken Milanese served with mashed potatoes and spinach. I also ordered a bottle of Spanish wine to share with Keith and Sophie while Mike enjoyed a lager.

Father and son

The food was good but Keith's and Sophie's portions were not the largest I've ever seen and they were both still hungry after they'd finished their main courses. We obviously indulged in a dessert - panna cotta for Sophie and me, Eton Mess for Mike and a cheese board for Keith. The bill came to a rather steep £104 as a 12% service charge had been added. We had no complaints with the service at all and had been given free water and bread before our dinner so we were quite happy to pay the tip, but it did bring it home to us that staying in this country is not cheap!

On the way home I bought a bottle of Argentinian Malbec which turned out to be delicious as we watched an old episode of Death in Paradise!