Summer, Beach, Dogs & Seafood

Posted by petra08 on July 13, 2019 · 20 Comments 

I have been busy making sauces and pasta for some time and got woeful looks from the dogs, clearly telling me I have not given them enough attention making me feel guilty. It was time for a break.

I looked at renting a cottage but there were none at short notice that was appealing and in the end I found a lovely hotel accepting dogs. I booked it, we loaded up the car and off we went on a family road trip. We didn’t go very far but it was far away enough to get away from everyday life and chill out together.

Flackley Ash Hotel

I have never been to an hotel with the dogs and I think we were all quite excited.

The dogs got a warm greeting, a treat and were made a lovely fuss over. The dogs seemed a bit surprised we were all staying in one room but it worked out well once we settled in.

I had four long days not to cook a thing, such luxury! This wasn’t a foodie trip and the dogs came with us everywhere so it had to be dog friendly.

There were a few visits to the pub and I can’t think of a more English dish than Ham Egg & Chips (fries). I usually exchange the fries for baked beans but they must have thought I was just hungry as the biggest ever portion came out with beans and chips! It was hilarious.

A drive around took us to to different places along the coast and I found a dreamy beach house.

There was plenty of time for country walks and in the middle of nowhere we came across some emu’s. They were very curious and I could get close with the camera.

Up close they look slightly pre historic and the feathers are so beautiful. It was kind of cute and I think we had a bit of a short moment.

The weather wasn’t super sunny the whole time but it was warm and the beach was just gorgeous.

The beach is dog friendly so we could all enjoy it.

One of the cafes had Doggy Ice Cream and of course I had to buy some. It was easier said than done as the cafe had run out and was due a delivery the following day, it was delayed again and again but we went back and finally, on the last day, the delivery had arrived.

The dogs were delighted and enjoyed their cooling treat.

It was a real treat to just hang out.

There were signs of the sea everywhere and I found this ship sculpture in one of the dog friendly pubs we have been to. I had to take a photo of this art work.

I came across this one at The Old Grain Store in Rye, a lovely cafe.

We decided to have lunch here. It was so simple and is based on my favorite principles, use great ingredients and let them shine. We shared a fish platter with smoked mackerel, king prawns and smoked salmon. It was fresh, light and delicious. The staff were great, the dogs welcome and I will go back.

We stopped at a few farm shops but Suttons Fish Shop in Winchelsea was the cutest shop I have ever seen.

It was a great break and staying in an hotel with the dogs was so much fun but everything must come to an end. We drove back via Dungeness, a place that is mainly known for it’s nuclear plant and unique environment.

It also has a fish shack, famous for serving local seafood.

It is lobster season and they had plenty of lobster. I had lobster on a home made flatbread served with a red slaw and vegetables.

The flatbread was loaded with salad and big chunks of lobster and it hit my seafood spot.

It was a great way to end the holiday and it was time to head home.

This week I am co hosting my favorite blogging parties, Angie’s Fiesta Friday! My co host is the very talented Diann of Goats and Greens!

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Filed under Review · Tagged with Doggy Ice Cream, Dungeness beach, Dungeness Seafood shack, Flackley Ash Hotel, lobster, Rye, The Old Grainstore Rye