Latest news with #Brixham
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Hawksmoor is hosting an open-air feast in a forest – and it's just outside London
Steakhouse pros Hawksmoor have announced plans for their summer holiday - and everyone's invited. This August, they'll be hosting four nights of al fresco dining in the ancient woodlands of Hertfordshire. The five course menu will include a host of Hawksmoor classics, from barbecued pork ribs, to Caesar salad, and scallops in garlic butter, with two mega dishes for the mains; Hereford rib of beef roasted over charcoal, or grilled Brixham monkfish with parsley and garlic oil. There'll also be some serious sides; ash-baked potatoes, barbecued bone marrow, heritage tomato salad, and grilled purple sprouting broccoli. For pud – if you have room – there'll be a seasonal pavlova, and Tunworth cheese with blossom honey on toasted sourdough. There's a wine pairing too! How much for such delights? £195, and that includes all your food and booze. The outdoor dinners will take place in the grounds of posh spa hotel The Grove, which is just north of glamorous Watford, on August 1, 2, 8 and 9, from 6.30-9pm. If you're feeling particularly flush, you can book an overnight package that includes a room at the hotel, which is £1012, based on two people sharing.
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Fury over £8k replacement memorial bench quote in Brixham
A woman has blasted a Devon council for charging £8,000 for a replacement memorial bench in memory of beloved Warren said the bench was installed in Brixham in 2003 after her brother Peter died aged 40 and then a plaque for her parents Bill and Lucy was added. It was removed by Torbay Council when it was vandalised two-and-a-half years 76-year-old said she had now been told a replacement bench would cost her a "crazy" price of £8,000 - and it have would cost £12,000 if the bench was in council said it offered a range of memorial bench options and its policy ensured a bench's "longevity and maintenance". Ms Warren said she still had the three plaques dedicated to each of her relatives and the foundation for the bench was still in said she had been speaking to the council since October 2022 about getting a replacement but the price eventually quoted by the authority was "beyond belief" and she did not know how the council could explain said: "I think they need to review the pricing because it is absolutely ridiculous. There is no way they can justify that kind of money." In comparison, Cornwall Council charges £2,125 for a 4ft (1.2m) garden bench and plaque for 20 Somerset, the price for an eco-bench and plaque for 25 years is £1,542, while a 5ft (1.5m) memorial bench and plaque at Weymouth Crematorium in Dorset costs £1,067 for 10 a similar memorial bench in Westminster City Council would cost £1,625. The council said it had paused its memorial bench policy in 2022 as part of a comprehensive review of its said following the review, it had decided to enhance the quality of memorial benches council said its pricing ranged from £550 for a plaque on a shared bench to £12,000 for a 25-year sponsorship of an exclusive bench in "premium" locations."The pricing includes the cost of a composite plastic bench, ground preparation, installation, the plaque, and both regular and reactive maintenance and cleaning," a spokesperson said the prices did not cover insurance for loss, damage or spokesperson added: "The council appreciates the significance of memorial benches, and this approach ensures their longevity and maintenance."
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Britain's top staycation destination for food lovers is revealed
BRITAIN'S top staycation destination for food lovers has been revealed. Research of 2,000 adults revealed Cornwall claimed the top three spots on Brits' foodie destination wish list – with St Ives taking first place. 3 3 3 Padstow and Falmouth followed closely, alongside Devon's coastal town of Brixham, Blackpool – often dubbed the 'Las Vegas of the North', and Norfolk's classic seaside spot, Great Yarmouth. The popularity of traditional seaside fare may help explain St Ives' appeal, as more than half (51 per cent) of UK holidaymakers opt for fish and chips while on a break – and the town even boasts the aptly named Fish Street. Other reasons for visiting these foodie destinations include trying a local delicacy (33 per cent), dining at a specific restaurant (32 per cent) and buying local ingredients (29 per cent). The research was commissioned by Sykes Holiday Cottages as part of its annual Staycation Index report. To compile the locations for the top 30 list, the holiday brand used ONS data on the number of restaurants, cafes and mobile food services in UK towns and Tripadvisor insights on the amount of five star eateries and outlets per square mile. Dorset also featured three times in the top 30 foodie towns list with people wanting to dine in Bournemouth, Lyme Regis and Weymouth. James Shaw, managing director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: 'Food is an essential part of the staycation experience, whether that's indulging in fresh seafood at the coast, browsing local farmers' markets, or seeking out a pub lunch. 'People are increasingly planning their holidays with their palates in mind – and that's great for local businesses across the UK. 'We're seeing more and more holidaymakers prioritise local experiences over abroad escapes, and with so many flavour-packed places to visit in this country, it's no surprise that foodie travel is on the rise.' The research also found holidaymakers are willing to travel an average of 70 miles in the UK to try a certain cuisine or eatery – with one in 10 prepared to trek more than 150 miles. When it comes to eating out during their stay, traditional British pubs remain the top choice for travellers (58 per cent), followed by independent local restaurants (52 per cent) and fish and chip shops (51 per cent). Others enjoy sampling tearooms (50 per cent), farm shops and markets (29 per cent) and eating from street vendors (24 per cent). Nearly one in five (17 per cent) said the enjoyment of their break is heavily influenced by what they eat, while one in 10 have rebooked a destination purely to go back to a favourite eatery. Almost two thirds (63 per cent) of those polled via OnePoll plan to have a UK-based break this year, while 71 per cent of Gen Zs will - suggesting the younger generation are leading the way with staycations. Holidaymakers will typically go on three UK breaks this year, each lasting an average of six days. Reasons for choosing a staycation rather than going abroad include it being easier (38 per cent), less stressful (35 per cent) and cheaper (35 per cent). The most popular types of UK trips were revealed as city breaks (49 per cent), lakes and mountain locations (41 per cent) and beachfront holiday homes (40 per cent). Countryside walks (31 per cent), visiting local attractions (28 per cent) and exploring historical sights (25 per cent) are among the top activities Brits like to experience on a holiday within the UK. And while respondents tend to go away with their partner (67 per cent), children (29 per cent) and friends (23 per cent), almost one in three (29 per cent) say they're more likely to go on a solo break now than they were five years ago. James added: 'Our annual report takes a deep dive into the latest UK travel trends, and it's clear that staycations are continuing to grow in popularity – something that's welcome news to the communities across the country that rely on tourism. 'Now in its seventh year, the index shines a light on the evolving habits and motivations shaping domestic travel – from an apparent Gen Z UK travel boom to a rise in solo staycations and a focus on food while away. 'Brits are seeking more meaningful escapes and fresh adventures, all without needing a passport.' TOP 30 UK LOCATIONS FOR FOOD 1. St Ives, Cornwall 2. Padstow, Cornwall 3. Falmouth, Cornwall 4. Brixham, Devon 5. Blackpool, Lancashire 6. Bournemouth, Dorset 7. Great Yarmouth, Norfolk 8. Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear 9. Lyme Regis, Dorset 10. Weymouth, Dorset 11. St Andrews, Fife 12. Windsor, Berkshire 13. Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway 14. Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk 15. Barnstaple, Devon 16. Barnard Castle, County Durham 17. Warwick, Warwickshire 18. Margate, Kent 19. Folkstone, Kent 20. Tenby, Pembrokeshire 21. Alnwick, Northumberland 22. Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire 23. Llandudno, Conwy 24. Broadstairs, Kent 25. Southport, Merseyside 26. Loughborough, Leicestershire 27. Rochester, Ken 28. Formby, Merseyside 29. Hereford, Herefordshire 30. Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire
The Sun
20-06-2025
- The Sun
Beachfront lido that's free to use to close this summer ahead of major renovation
ONE of the UK's best free lidos will close in the height of summer to undergo renovation works. Shoalstone Seawater Pool has experienced cracking due to harsh tides and will be closed off to visitors in a matter of weeks. 4 4 Shoalstone Pool in Brixham announced in 2024 that it had received Government funding to go towards a £750,000 pool upgrade. The pool's managers said the work would include the reconstruction of the north west corner after waves crashing against the pool caused cracks to appear. Sadly, work on the pool means that it will close to swimmers. David Thomas, operations manager said: "We'll be closing the pool in August for essential upgrades. "Thanks to a government grant, we'll be installing a new deep end, a raised deck, replacing railings, and reinforcing the walls to ensure safety for future generations." The website states that the pool could be closed off as soon as July to prepare for the repairs. An official date for the closure is yet to be announced. The swimming pool is 53 metres long making it one of the largest tidal pools in the world and sits on the edge of Shoalstone Beach in Devon. There is no entry charge, but they do ask for a voluntary donations. It asks for donations of £3.50 per swim, or £8 per family to help cover running costs. As well as regular swimming sessions, there are other activities like pooch-friendly swims, wellbeing days, fun days, twilight and night swims. New £4million lido to open in UK next year 4 On the side, the pool offers sessions of yoga and tai chi. They also hold Santa Runs and Beer Festivals for the people of Brixham and Torbay. The pool is tidal and relies on the sea to fill it, so it's always best to visit in the hours either side of low tide during the summer months. Shoalstone Pool is considered a gem for locals and visitors alike. One visitors wrote on Tripadvisor: "This venue is truly unique. A beautiful, well cared for seawater pool. I have spent many sunny days swimming in the pool, as an adult and child." Another added: "Why doesn't Brixham shout about this place? It's awesome! We found out about it by accident, from someone in a shop. It's a little further away from the harbour - but I always think the best places are the ones off the beaten track." A third said: "I had the best time in Shoalstone pool. So invigorating. Would definitely go again when next in beautiful Brixham. Easy to park and the views are amazing." Plus, here are the UK's best outdoor water parks and lidos – as temperatures are set to rise over the weekend. And another lido that's set to reopen this summer after three years – and an £8.75 million upgrade.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Sea pool set to reopen after tide issues
An outdoor pool is set to reopen this weekend after bosses were forced to shut the attraction because high tides failed to refill it. Shoalstone Pool in Brixham, south Devon, relies on the tide for its water. But this week's calm sea conditions meant the water did not travel high enough. David Thomas, operations manager, said: "We had a pool clean on Monday, but the tide didn't come over as expected. "To address this, we've installed a sea pump to fill the pool at high tide and we're working hard to ensure the pool is ready for the weekend." Shoalstone Pool, operated by a charity, remains free for public use. The attraction will undergo significant renovations later this summer. "We'll be closing the pool in August for essential upgrades," Mr Thomas said. "Thanks to a government grant, we'll be installing a new deep end, a raised deck, replacing railings, and reinforcing the walls to ensure safety for future generations." More news stories for Devon Listen to the latest news for Devon Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Mother nature blamed for empty seafront pool Funding boost for seawater pool repair project Councils pledge £120k to save Devon seawater pool Sea pool damaged by stormy weather Shoalstone Pool
