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On Saturday night we headed out for an early dinner with some of my family. We rarely do this, as I worry (perhaps a little too much) about bubs going to bed past her bed time. It was so lovely however, and we all had a great time!
We headed to The Chequers Inn, which is based in Lytchett Matravers in Dorset. We had never been there before so I really didn't know what to expect. On arrival my first impression was it was a warm, family friendly (so important for us) and welcoming pub. We sat at a lovely round table so we could all chat, which was perfect.
They had a main menu, as well as a specials board. The menu had a nice selection of pub grub. It also included a strong children's menu. I ordered the Cajun Chicken Burger, which came with a mixed salad and home cooked french fries. I have to say visually it looked yummy, and it tasted as good as it looked! My little lady had homemade fish fingers, chips and peas. The portion size was very generous, and she enjoyed it very much.
As well as the food being tasty, what really stood out to me was just how baby/child friendly the pub was. They had a toy section, which bubs enjoyed playing in. I also spotted two mums openly breastfeeding, which is how it should be (in my opinion). I didn't have a desert as I was SO full after my main meal, Other members of my family did, and said they were delicious. In particular the homemade Chocolate Brownie looked amazing! The service was very good, They checked back on us a little way into our main meal, and asked us if we would like more drinks every now and again. If you are looking for a family friendly pub in beautiful Dorset, I would highly recommend The Chequers Inn. The Chequers Inn 75 High St, Lytchett Matravers, Poole BH16 6BJ Tel: 01202 622215
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The holiday blues have well and truly set in…I know I shouldn’t complain but hey it’s a thing right?
We have been home from our Family Mediterranean P&O Cruise for 5 days, and I find myself spacing out in the memory of one of our best family holidays! This was our third P&O cruise with our little lady (very lucky I know). We just love how easy they are with a busy toddler, that you get to see new places at every stop, and it is all inclusive. This was our first fly cruise, usually we go from Southampton which is SO much easier for us. On the up side by flying you get into the warmer climate, and calmer seas a lot faster! P&O do make it very easy. They organised a chartered flight from Gatwick, and sorted the luggage in Malta (where we embarked) so we had one less thing to think about! Our luggage was waiting for us outside of our cabin when we got on the beautiful Oceana!
Our cabin was the perfect size for the 3 of us. I always opt for an inside cabin, firstly because it is cheaper, and secondly because it is pitch black at night giving us all the perfect night sleep!
On arrival we signed our little lady into the Reef, the children’s club on board. As she was 2 it meant she could stay and play under the supervision of the staff. The ship had very few children on, (as it was out of season), so bubs had one to one with the staff which was great! Every day she woke up asking if she could play, she loved it so much! I was a bit apprehensive about leaving her at the start, but it was fine. The Reef had a soft play area, craft activities, and SO many toys! I couldn’t get her out in the end, I chose this cruise because of the itinerary. We stopped at Malta, Montenegro, Split, Venice and Zadar. Each stop was absolutely beautiful! Our favourite was Montenegro! It was stunning! We booked a tuk tuk so explore Kotor, expensive but so worth it! The views at the top blew us away.
The food was endless on the ship…our favourite meal was the outside BBQ they put on as we sailed out of Malta, it was delicious! I did think the buffet food could be improved a little bit, the Britannia was better.
The staff on the Cruise couldn't do enough for us! They were so kind to our little lady, smiling at her and chatting to her wherever we went. One lovely waitress even showed her napkin folding, which was so lovely! Overall we had the best holiday! Bubs was so so sad to leave, as were we! It was another holiday of a lifetime that we will treasure forever. I have said it before, I would definitely recommend cruising with little ones! Kxx Date night? What’s that again? They have been rather rare since our little lady came along! The other week bubs stayed away at her grandparent’s for the first time. She’s two and a half. I know we held off for a while, but to me it was such a big deal! Staying there did give us the opportunity to have a date night! We wanted to go somewhere special to celebrate this momentous occasion! So we chose Guildhall Tavern just a short walk away from Poole Quay. It is a French Seafood Restaurant, offering locally landed fish, crab & lobster prepared in French style. They also offer meat and vegetarian dishes. The entire atmosphere in the Guildhall Tavern was warm, happy and in no way pretentious. The decor was sea themed, but in a sophisticated way. The restaurant was spacious and clean. The staff couldn't do enough for us! They were knowledgeable, and attentive. They explained the food clearly to us on the menu, and made good suggestions. The food, well what can I say! It was SO yummy! Visually it looked beautiful. The colours on the plate set off all of my senses. It also smelt amazing! The portion sizes were great too. I had the Plaice and it tasted out of this world! It was fresh and felt healthy. The hubby had the sea bass, and they Flambéed it at our table, making the visual experience something else. For desert I was recommend the Creme Brulee Tia Maria, so I went for it! It was so rich, I had to share. We had the best night, and I would highly recommend a meal at The Guildhall Tavern. Hopefully we won’t have to wait two and half years for our next date night! All of the opinions and photos are my own.
We decided to celebrate Mother’s Day a week early for my mum this year. We chose The Lime Wood Hotel for lunch, as we went for Mother’s day there the year before, and we really enjoyed it.
A TOUCH OF GLAM, SMILES AND YUMMY FOOD
As soon a we entered the Lime Wood Hotel we were made to feel very welcome. All of the staff were smiling, and were very attentive. As with our last visit they welcomed my little lady with open arms. That is probably the best thing about it. Even though it is a prestigious venue children are made to feel welcome, and it is unpretentious.
We started off with drinks, olives, and nuts by the beautiful bar area. It was very relaxing. We then went through to our table, and enjoyed some delicious food! The Lime Wood highlight the importance of sharing food, and provenance is everything. Well... we did just that! We all shared our food, bringing us all together. My little lady and I enjoyed the bream, and she then went onto try the home cooked vegetables, and everything else in sight. FISH PONDS, ICE CREAM, AND OVERSIZED SWINGS
Between courses we headed outside into the spring sunshine to see The Lime Wood's grounds in all their glory! My little lady loved the fish ponds, and the oversized swings (as did my hubby!) We felt like we could explore, and let my my two year be just that, a two year old!
We all enjoyed our visit. It is quite expensive...but hey for a special occasion it is fab! I would highly recommend it for families. I will definitely go back for another special occasion. Check out my vlog below...FOR A taster of the lime wood HOTEL!
Thanks for reading K x
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ABOUT ME
Hi! I am Katie... a new mum trying to balance life, work and a beautiful baby girl! I love to take photos, travel, write, make art, and spend time with my family! xx
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