Randomiser XII

Let's get random...

A taste of Italy in Gloucestershire

In our continuing quest to eat in every one of Jamie Oliver's restaurants ( starting with Fifteen in Cornwall... ) we had a meal tonight in his Italian restaurant in Cheltenham.

This restaurant, only open since this July, is located in the town's former Courthouse, a lovely Regency building, dating from 1870.

Many of the original features of the Courthouse have been kept, as you can see below. Diners can sit and eat where formerly the juries deliberated, the accused shivered or the men in silly wigs passed sentence. And you can even visit the cells when you navigate the 42 steps down to the toilets... best not attempted after a few ales

:-)

It certainly makes for an unusual dining experience. And the food's pretty damn good too.

If you're in the area ( Regent Street, near the Everyman Theatre ) I'd definitely recommend a visit. Good food, interesting location, excellent service... but... no pizza on the menu?

( And while you're there, why don't you check out Whitewall Galleries too? )

Bloody Hell, I should be on a commission from Cheltenham Tourist Information ;-)

Soundtrack: On How Life Is by Macy Gray

On the beach

After various camera-related disasters last week I didn't think we'd have many photos of our recent trip to what Sarah calls "our beloved Cornwall" but luckily I managed to salvage a few.

This is the lovely Watergate Bay, a major surfing beach, just a few minutes drive from Newquay.

Sophie's ready to catch some waves.....

While James is on the lookout for sea monsters. One day.....

The building above houses the Extreme Academy ( for all your surfing needs ) as well as one of Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurants. ( That is, the restaurant's actually called Fifteen. He might own a total of fifteen noshing-shops for all I know... )

And here we are, enjoying our breakfast in Fifteen, while still trying to spot those elusive sea monsters.

A very cool, modern restaurant with some excellent

( if expensive ) food. Well worth a visit.

Just make sure you've got a BIG appetite :-)

Soundtrack: Sea Within A Sea by The Horrors.

Cheers!

Happy Anniversary, Sarah!

18 years of putting up with me - how do you do it?

( The wine probably helps..... )