Saturday 11 November Nayland Weekend 2006

I was up bright and early and pottered about till Andrew awoke. We decided to go to the sea as it was a lovely sunny day, despite being cold. We set of to Frinton by the Sea first, somehow ended up at Walton on the Naze, where we walked the length of the very long pier, then had a stroll along the beach. Then headed back to Frinton and lunched at the Oakwood Inn. Headed towards Clacton next, out of season it's lovely. They have renovated the old gardens which run parallel to the beach with some help from the Heritage lottery fund and they are so pretty even in winter. There are Chain Plot, Memorial, Sunken Rose, Sensory, Sunken 1920's, and Mediterranean gardens. All very different and extremely well done. Will look lovely in full bloom in the summer, I was rather impressed. We walked along the pier again here, then walked along the beach for a while. Set off back to the farm as it was getting dark to have a soak in the jacuzzi before getting ready for our evening out. The taxi collected us about 6.15p.m. as tonight's meal is earlier and the restaurant is about 12 miles away in Stratford Saint Mary. It is Le Talbooth another restaurant with 2 rosettes, which also holds the title "Most Romantic Place To Dine 2005". I was right in my expectations of this place, from the stunning canapas to the coffee and truffles everything was just exquisite. The smoked duck breast starter was the best I've ever tasted, Andrew's ravioli of tiger prawns was awesome too. The venison and duck that followed were sublime. The wonderful Henschke wine was the perfect accompaniment. Our sticky toffee pudding a delight. We retired to the lounge for espresso and wonderful little petit fours served from a little oak chest. A wonderfully relaxing evening.