The Bushel, Bury St Edmunds

The Bushel in St John's Street has been beautifully decorated and it's a lovely place to go for a reasonably cheap meal.  The menu is not amazing but will suit a lot of people's tastes. I'm informed by friends that it is almost the same menu as Dog and Partridge, but I haven't been there lately to verify. I would recommend anyone to at least try the Bushel. My neighbours said their roast dinner was excellent value. I liked the mulled wine on tap.

Eat Well, Do Good (for British forces)

That is the name of a current range in Waitrose (by Red Lion),  whereby 100% of the post tax profits from the sales goes to UK forces charities and causes.  I say 'range'. On this occasion I only noticed sausages and bacon - British pork of course and the offer was two packs of either for £3. I've tried the bacon and it was good - as I don't eat a lot of red meat I feel obliged to support British farmers by eating bacon - it's a dreadful hardship.

After complaining that Asda didn't have much of a range of British bacon, I noticed that Waitrose only seems to sell British. Good for them - I do like eating for England.

Small Shop, Big Service

This little shop on Risbygate Street is a great example of the benefits of dealing with small and local  businesses. It seems to me that Peter Watts - a shop that sells and repairs domestic appliances, has been in this spot as long as I can remember, but I've only been using it for a few years since my present dishwasher first broke down. My regular 'repair man' had informed me that he didn't repair the brand of dishwasher that I had and left me to it. I ended up enquiring at Peter Watts and they fixed it for me at a reasonable cost.  After a couple of years when it needed a new element they returned again, and the machine is still going - but I don't think it will be long before I need a new one, and then I will follow my daughter's example an buy a new one from Peter Watts. She worked out that they did the best deal when taking into account their costs and service.  From my point of view too they have been obliging, efficient and reasonable in price, and I now feel reassured that I may never have to look further than the next street for white goods - that is to say 63 Risbygate St. Bury St Edmunds (Tel: 01284 768586)

Your eyes can deceive you

This bin is outside Bury Library. I wonder how many people resisted putting rubbish in it before others filled it up?

Buying British

A popular chef (French) was complaining on TV a few nights ago about how British plums are so delicious but people just aren't buying them anymore, and yield has gone to waste this year. It's a bit late for plums now, but with this information a few weeks ago I would have gone out and bought some. They can be delicious ....and nutritious,as the song goes, but I guess there are people like me who don't often think of buying plums. But I am now going to take this man's advice and plant a tree of my own, to keep British plums 'alive'. I try to buy British fruit whenever I can. I try to buy British whenever I can.  I was annoyed to find in Asda recently that there was very little choice in British bacon - something that this country produces well. We know on this side of the channel that there are many movements to keep the raising of animals for produce humane, but we also know that we need to support our local farmers and producers. For some families it is down to price and I understand that - especially when raising children is their challenge, but I really believe if people stop and think a little more about their shopping - if it's only one item at a time, it would make all the difference to Britain's farmers if adjustments are made to support them.   Generally,Waitrose actually has a vegetable section, which is composed of local produce.

On my recent visit to Cornwall I tried a great range of local cheeses - some of which are competing admirably with their French counterparts. But it's fair to say, I spent £5 on raspberries off the local market during the course of this week - and I haven't a clue where they came from. I tell myself they tasted British. Must be that Indian summer.

Seriously Nutty FYI

Yes that's me - Seriously Nutty.

Waitrose are doing a 3 for 2 on all breakfast cereals at the moment which is a really good deal when you consider the price of cereals and the fact that they last much longer than refrigerated food.

I'm not a fan of breakfast cereals, but the Waitrose 'Seriously Nutty' I can't stop eating (haven't tried the other two Seriously varieties yet). That said - the first packet I bought had a massive amount of nuts in them and it seemed like I was chewing for hours on end. I think that packet had the most recent packet's share as there are fewer nuts in that. Perhaps people weren't getting any work done with the original quota - maybe I just struck lucky. I've been through times of eating Kellogg's Special K (whatever does the K stand for?) but you're paying about twice the amount for roughly the same weight of the 'Seriously' range and the amount of protein in the latter far exceeds most cereals - and that's important for sustained energy levels. I'm going to start writing adverts soon :-).

So while I'm talking Waitrose, if smoked mackerel fans visit, they should try their Honey and Soy variety. It's so tasty.

The Mill, Sudbury

The Mill Hotel is a beautiful building, with wonderful 'Constable Country' views from the windows, which can be appreciated in all types of weather.

I meet the Essex girls there every few weeks. I can't say a lot about the food because I tend to eat the same thing each time - the seafood tagliatelle I love (and I'm very fussy about pasta). The management has changed a couple of times recently and so has the menu. On the last visit a couple of weeks back I was very daring and tried something else - Red Snapper with risotto. I really enjoyed that too.

Risbygate St, Bury St Edmunds

Enjoying the beautiful cloud formation at about 8pm yesterday I took a quick photo, only to find I had what looked like a sun and a moon (or two moons) on the end product. No such sight was visible when I looked through the lens - or after clicking. Don't know whether it's a street light, a reflection or .......????

No wonder people see strange lights in the sky. Or this nature's way of compensating for Bury's new lighting restrictions?

Ravenwood Hall, Bury St Edmunds

It amazes me how few people seem to visit Ravenwood Hall from Bury St Edmunds. Must be the location (or is it the food?). Despite being outside of Bury it is worth getting a taxi to for the enjoyment of the surroundings, which at present are one of the best bits about it. It's a beautiful building - I love the setting, and have always enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant. Some years back I was a frequent visitor there as the food was marvellous then. I haven't eaten in the restaurant lately - it's got a little pricey and my confidence has been undermined by one or two less than happy dining experiences there a few months ago. I have to say that the meal I had in their pavilion last Christmas as part of a 'works do' was one of the worst I have had in a long, long time - anywhere. I could put it eloquently and say it was 'rubbish' but strictly speaking it was cheap food cooked on a grand scale - tasteless and boring and dreadfully overpriced.

I think as far as their function catering goes, Ravenwood has become incredibly popular - but maybe at the cost of good quality to the general public. Last Friday I met friends there for an evening drink and the bar could not provide us with a glass of cold wine it seemed. We tried several (despite the high price per glass). They were obviously too busy for the wine to get cold. There was a wedding on at the time, but hey.... get your act together Ravenwood.

Benson Blakes

This has been one of my favourite venues in Bury over time. When busy it buzzes and I have spent some great evenings there - eating there frequently. Food is generally reasonably priced and varied (and one of the best steaks I have ever had was there) and I really like Tim, the owner who runs it along with his dad. Tim is one of the nicest proprietors in town.

I mention Bensons now because it has been newly decorated - it looks terrific and I'm looking forward to my next visit. Bensons still do their speciality burgers and on Wednesdays they serve two burger meals for just under £10.

Don't Pass the Grapes.

Just a quick word about the Grapes - one of my favourite places to go in town for live music (live and exceptionally loud). Went in there simply for a coffee today and manager Lou was really sweet. The first cappuccinos came out 'flat' and Lou changed them straight away - not content until she'd got them right despite me saying I was happy with mine. She was very friendly and pleasant.

The Grapes has a very assorted range of clientele depending on the time of day and I have had some super evenings there. One day I'll do the karaoke. Sorry - I mean hokey-cokey.

Some more criticism from the family

My brother and his wife visited in the holidays for the first time since the Arc shopping centre was built. They have always absolutely loved Bury but this time they were very disappointed- 'What a dreadful shopping centre - it's cold, stark and soul-less', my sister-in-law said. My brother seemed more concerned that the shops were 'boring' but both agreed their lunch in Carluccio's would have been improved with a decent view.

I really am surprised by their comments - why I don't know, I think it's a dreadful place. True I have 'monochromed' my photos. This is because the Arc reminds me of a cross between something from the future and something from the 60s (we all know the 60s happened in black and white). Not a good combination from any perspective. So many people do like the Arc (but there are hoards who don't) - maybe they don't get out much. Sorry if you do like it, but I think we need colour in in lives (I didn't have to do much adjusting to get a monochrome photo) not this grey austere mixture of cheap looking units.

Well, my family are critical of Bury these days - one might imagine they have travelled here from the Cotswolds or Cornwall. Brentwood and Romford actually.

More observations from Gill

It's good to see plants are finally growing up the side of these award-winning buildings on Parkway, Bury St Edmunds. I think my photo from close by is quite flattering. From the other side of the road where I stood with my sister, she asked 'Are those buildings derelict?'

Abbey Gardens and Cathedral Refectory

It's pretty clear what makes Bury such a popular place. I always forget just how lovely the Abbey Gardens are. The new children's play area is good - although really only suitable for the under 7s I'd say. The over 7s seem to enjoy themselves climbing on the Abbey Ruins. When I visited recently with my sister she was horrified that teenagers (especially!) should be able to climb on them. I agree really and I hope people appreciate that this 'freedom' is a privilege. Quite a few of the flints have become dislodged and are scattered around. If anyone should want to take souvenirs (you can imagine people might.... and have) it is a criminal offence, as one woman found out to her cost when she tried to advertise a rock on E-Bay.

On our visit to the Abbey Gardens we went to the Cathedral Refectory for lunch . It really is quite a pleasant place to go with family - reasonably priced food and drink in less conventional surroundings. No grounds for complaint at all. Good service, fresh tasting food (around £10 per head for a main course and alcoholic drink).

The Company Shed, West Mersea

I do have to mention this place although I haven't been there recently. The Company Shed has developed a reputation for fantastic fresh seafood dishes at good prices. For so many it's the place to go because you can take your own wine (well, you can't buy it there) and also your own bread. I believe they do salads.

This place has a very basic interior and it gets packed. It's a bit too basic for me - I'd call it scruffy, and a bit too packed, but this doesn't seem to bother those who line up to eat there (it doesn't take bookings). It's very well-known in Essex. Less so around here I think, but worth a visit if you want a different experience in eating and a late lunch.

West Mersea

All I can say about this place from what I ate today is wow, what value!

This was a big seafood platter to share for two and although it sounds a lot at £19-ish, you would be lucky to buy these items separately in a supermarket locally for less. In fact I swear you couldn't unless they were sold past their sell-by-date.

Served with bread and more than we could eat (although I did have to try their oysters too), were three types of prawns, half a crab, cockles, mussels, smoked salmon, smoked mackeral and rollmops. All seemed really fresh and delicious. The cockles - now a luxury food, were not vinegared like so many sold on fish stalls. This place is a must-to-visit for seafood lovers. A fairly basic restaurant but with good quick service despite being packed (orders at counter). We sat outside which was great, with a view across the estuary.

A plate for one would be a big starter for two and even that plate for two makes a big mains - enough for three really. We left almost a portion. Loads of cooked and fresh seafood dishes were available, Someone close by was eating the biggest dish of prawns in garlic that I have ever seen in these parts.

The Essex Way

Today the Essex girl returned to an old haunt from her childhood days.

I was transported back to the 50s and 60s on a visit to Mersea Island where my parents took me as a child. Not a lot appears to have changed since. Now much of East Mersea seems to be a wildlife haven where peace and tranquility co-exist with easy coastal walks and delightful views. The beach in the village does not seem so great but if it was I guess the place would be teeming with day-trippers. I quite liked things the way they were - especially with the pretty beach huts lining the sea front. They even matched my tee-shirt.

Coffee at Carluccios.

I spotted some friends sitting outside Carluccios today so it seemed a good idea to join them and enjoy the sunshine. I had one cappucino. However nice they are there, they're very small and at £2.25 it's not always a good idea to have two (I'm not talking about my friends). Fortunately I talked a lot so I didn't get to the second cup.

I gave the waiter exactly the right money and without thinking he said 'Bargain!' - to which I replied that it wasn't a bargain at all - for around the same amount of coffee I would get in other coffee bars it would cost me £4.50 there.

And while on the subject...

Asda gives me a few giggles with some of its offers. It's favourite one is the 'Buy one for £1.35, buy 2 for £3'. Anyone who falls for that deserves what they get. But I do have to compliment Asda on some of its genuine prices.

I'm not an addictive type - particularly where consumables are concerned, but I do have a weakness for crisps. Not any crisps - just plain ol' Ready Salted. Generally, I don't buy them, because there's a danger I won't stop eating them. I'm the one you often see at a party stationed protectively near the snack dish.

Anyway, I did want to buy some crisps for a children's picnic so I looked for a big pack. Asda's Ready Salted are about 65p for 12 packets (or is it 10?). The best bit is, they're really good - made with sunflower oil and salt only. The downside is the packets are quite small. But enough for a little one and not too high in calories for snacking. Too small for me though.

Shopping trail

Good ol' Waitrose. I did have occasion to complain there last week - something I rarely do there. It was about a 'buy one for £199, buy 2 for £3.50'. Well, let's put it like this, I didn't get the £1 reduction for buying 2 because the offer blurb was situated alongside the wrong product. Also, a price for an organic carton of milk was cheaper than the standard - or so it appeared, but again, wrongly labelled. I was a bit annoyed with the customer service assistant who somewhat patronisingly told me 'Well, prices have gone up madam'. Do I look like I've been shut away without a good shop for 6 months? That's not the point anyway. But, all is forgiven. The free bottle of wine helped.

With other stores you usually get the 'So what?' look, or as my daughter experienced in another supermarket 'We all make mistakes'. Yeh, well I'm sorry but if I catch you out, from now on... pretend you're Waitrose!

Inflatable Skate Park

I took two of my young grandsons to the Leisure Centre for a swim during the week. In the large pool it had what one of the boys described as an 'inflatable skate park'. I thought he said a 'steak park' but on close observation I could see why he called it the former. It just looked like a rubber assault course to me - balanced on water of course. Whatever it looked like or whatever it was called it was great fun. I have to point out here it was great fun for me as an observer rather than a participator. At first I was a bit reluctant to let the 6 year old go on it as most of the those using it were much larger, but I couldn't really see it presenting any real dangers. There were plenty of staff supervising, so I let both boys go on. The downside was that they had to join a very large queue, but staff were ensuring that users of the inflatable were monitored carefully to travel the length of it one at a time

My doubts about the 6 year old's use of the inflatable were unfounded. Both he and his 9 year brother are quite agile and two of the thinnest boys in the school I should think. After one travelled across it in record time without a ducking, the other followed suit. I was dying to have a go, but I would not only have been the oldest but also the fattest user of the 'skate park'. Not only that, it struck me that size is everything. Inflatable posts are not the best to hold onto when you are trying to get over the 'ramps' (especially when pool-side staff are throwing buckets of water at you) so the less weight they have to support the better. It seemed to be the larger users were the ones most likely to take a dip. If I had got on there, the whole contraption would probably have taken a 360 degree turn and I didn't want parents complaining that I'd spoilt it for their kids. Even without my help it did start to deflate at one point (I tried not to think what it reminded me of).

I'll say this though. If there had been no one else in the pool other than a couple of lifeguards to rescue me, I'd have been on there like a shot. And if I had one in a private pool, I'd be much fitter. Bye everyone, I'm off to the steak park.

Pea Porridge, Bury St Edmunds

I scarcely need to recommend this. It is probably one of the most popular restuarants I know of around these parts, and with somewhere like this you don't really need to travel any further. However, I would be interested in comparing it with the Leaping hare at Wyken Vineyards, Pakenham. I used to think that was the best restaurant for miles, but it became too expensive for me.... and no-one has offered to take me.... aaah!

I went to PP with my daughter and it's rare she and I both enjoy the same restaurant on the same night, but in this case we did. We both used to like the Angel but she was disappointed last time she went and I wasn't as enthusiastic on my last visit, but that was a while ago.

Pea Porridge has a very unconventional menu - a fair amount of game and offal. That said, S had half a lobster and I had some beautiful hake. I'd say that last Tuesday the menu had something for everyone, and there were certainly a lot of people there to enjoy it. The restaurant was full. It's good with the small touches and the service was excellent. Didn't get around to a dessert, but the starter was delicious. It is quite 'fussy' food but in the right way. Lots of good and unusual ingredients, and the salad I had as a starter really didn't need the griddled lamb's heart with it. It would have sufficed on its own. It took me back to a cruise I had on an American ship where a salad started every meal. They were amazing dishes.

At PP the heart (was it calves heart?) element wasn't particularly memorable I do have to say (and it probably won't go on and on....) but by the time I had eaten that and some lovely bread and the complimentary pea hors d'oeuvre, I didn't need much more. The hake though, was 'Iberian' style and it was well-worth ordering.

I thought the prices were reasonable. Pea Porridge must be taking quite a lot of custom from other restaurants of a similar nature in town, but they do need some competition.

Butley's Oysterage, Orford, Suffolk.

I have loved the little village of Orford and Butley's restaurant for many years. A family-run business, the food quality remains constant throughout. Wish I could say the same about the prices, but they really are not bad nevertheless. One of my favourite dishes is a mixed seafood hors-d'oeuvres plate which comes with Butley's smoked mackerel, trout, salmon, prawns, cod's roe... and other delights. Didn't eat it on my last visit for lunch (last week) as it's best shared as a starter. At about £9 it's very reasonable really (especially when you think of a £9 burger and chips). I didn't have it because most of my friends wanted Butley's lovely oysters. I will forgive them for that.... eventually. But nearly all of us had the same main course - a mixture of griddled giant prawns, squid and sardines. Delicious, but they're simply served with bread and lemon mayo. Still great value at around £12 for so much delicious protein. Most dishes are quite simply prepared and are definitely for lovers of fish. They do serve smoked chicken (if it's well behaved) but that's about it on the meat front. Desserts are lovely too but we adjourned to a little cafe across the road for cake and coffee - very enjoyable. There are also two great pubs in Orford and a hotel with a renown restaurant ... not to mention the Lady Florence, but an update on that later in the summer I hope. Do go to Orford if you've never been before and you like 'quaint', traditional and good quality.

Giraffe, Parkway Bury St Edmunds

I rarely visit a chain restaurant unless it's with children. I went along to Giraffe with my family last Tuesday because it was Burger Tuesday - meaning burgers were half-price and so was the wine, as long as you ordered before 7pm. My fairly basic burger with a portion of fries was halved from £9 or so. It was very nice but I'd consider it a bit of a rip-off at full price. No complaints about the wine!

White Horse, Risby (just off A14)

Not a nice spot to have a five hundred year old pub - what a difference it would have made if it had been in the village itself. Location, location, location...... but if it carried on running like it is now it could be in just about anywhere and I don't think it would attract the crowds other than for beer - it is a Free House after all. I suppose that it's the vicious circle syndrome - when you can't get people out of Bury without a magic formula, then the managers can't afford to run it in the way they would like (or know how ). Take my fishcakes - yes, please take my fishcakes! I don't mind two little fishcakes posing as a light lunch (or even a starter) at around a fiver if you can taste the fish. Magnifying glasses out!

Given it was mostly a potato cake they could have at least served it with a half-decent salad rather than just a garnish. No wonder there were only two other lunchers to be seen - and they were in the mirror. It is such, such a pity. The building is so full of potential. Even as it stands it is not bad if you could eradicate that 'old guest house' smell that prevails. It would make a good film set..... and it is supposed to be haunted. Not by customers though I imagine.

St Edmund's Tavern, Risbygate Street

I think it's a shame this pub changed it's name from the Rising Sun some year or so ago. I never see the point in changing pub names. This place has so much history (yes, I once worked there) and the building is so beautiful.

I'm not sure what's going on there but I don't think it's as successful as it should or could be. It's not central which is a problem - and it is primarily a restaurant (though it does house a few drinkers). I think either prices need to be very competitive or the menu needs to be a bit different, and I feel that good though the food is, it's not got a hook for the more adventurous diners. It's not 'special' in any respect other than the building, but it could so easily be with a few tweaks.

I have had a couple of pleasant lunches there recently; they serve some lovely fresh, home-made tasting bread as well as other quality ingredients, but one shot at evening dining was enough for me as things stand. I hope the proprietors get to grips with what might be missing as I fear it could end up another casualty of Bury's town centre when it really should not be.

Saints, Abbeygate Street

Large coffee, small cake or small coffee, large cake? Ah, clever advertising - beware! Of course it's not clever advertising, it's not even clever photography - it's just my way of showing the bargain in Saints Restaurant in Bury.

I've long been a fan of Saints for it's good quality food and would dine there more in the evening if they opened earlier in the week, but I believe they only do Thurs-Sat evening meals). I'd been promising myself a cup of their coffee which I think is the best in Bury all week (only really nice coffee can I drink black) because they serve any coffee and cake for £3 on weekdays. I adore their chocolate cake so I was delighted to see it on their counter when I went in today (they tend to vary what cake they have). I wasn't the only delighted one - a man entered about 5 mins after me and made the same exclamation... 'aah!'. Ten minutes later a couple came in and then there were four of us all drinking coffee and eating chocolate cake.

Tch, tch Debenhams

I don't buy much from Debenhams - they're often too expensive for general items. But they do have sales and at the moment it's a 20% reduction on a lot of items. I went there today to buy something from the kitchen department as a wedding present. I ended up buying two gifts - one was marked up as £12. I was informed by the girl on the cash desk that it should have been £14 (it came up on the till) so she had to call someone else over to sort the discount of 20%. So, it would seem they put it up £2 prior to the sale and neglected to re-price the item itself. Silly Debenhams - they usually remember. At Christmas I bought a child's small article of clothing marked up at £8 . I took the label off as one would with a gift and there was another label underneath - £6. Yes, there was a discount but at around 20% off they end up with much the same money as they would normally get without discount. Well, isn't that clever? Not if you shop there it seems.

The Orange Tree, Thornham, Norfolk

The Norfolk coast again - a place with a great ambience and some totally amazing dishes. I was lured by a sign outside saying Congratulations to our Head Chef, Philip Milner, British Seafood Pub Chef of the Year 2010.

This was a taste of something I wish we had locally, but nothing in the town here compares unless you go to Maison Bleu or The Angel, where you won't get the variety of food or the relaxed atmosphere of this place.

I had to opt for fish as this restaurant specialises in it but there were plenty of other options on the menu - dishes to suit all palates. I chose rock salmon in a creamy chorizo based sauce on crab mash. It was quite delicious but maybe unnecessarily complex in ingredients for me. I think crab mash with plain grilled fresh fish may have been equally pleasurable, if not as interesting.... the sauce was very good but even so I left some of the food because of its quantity and richness. Most unlike me. But I loved the place - it has a traditional bar in the old part of the building, a contemporary stylish restaurant (unpretentious), great service and a garden that was overflowing with customers. Wine a little pricey.

Out and About - Norfolk Coast

Hardly a place to pop out to for an evening from Bury, but certainly worth a visit if an opportunity arises.

Chris Coubrough, known as The Flying Kiwi, appears to own about five Hotel/Restaurants in East Anglia. I believe the Crown in Wells was the first he opened following his appearance as a TV chef cooking along the Norfolk coastline. I went to the Crown for lunch on a weekday recently The restaurant was very large - and very quiet on this day (but isn't it odd that a family can have a whole restaurant to choose from and they come and sit at the table next to you?). I intended to have a light lunch but Chris' Black Plate - as I believe it was called, contained about as much protein as I would normally eat from Monday to Friday. The dish was a bit of an eclectic mix of food, which some people would absolutely love, but it was a little too rich for me for lunch. However, there was loads to choose from on the menu and prices were reasonable. I was looking for something a bit different and that's what I got. I would certainly go back and I imagine I would have to book at weekends. The Flying Kiwi himself is very popular and has quite a lot going on at this particular restaurant, including cookery demos etc.

Wood'n'Stuff

This is a little known plant and pot centre on Station Hill, which seems only accessible through Bury Tyres (I may be wrong about that), run by a charity group (LD?). They had some lovely plants in their rather tatty greenhouse, but there were no prices on them. I didn't have time to browse (I was visiting Bury Tyres, but I will go back and hope others find it too).

Leaving a bad taste...

A friend of mine used the Kidsplay car park on Station Hill to take her son to the play centre (as you would). She didn't notice the new parking restrictions imposed (by a private company) and ended up with a £150 parking fine because she exceeded the two free hours. this is ridiculous and is clearly out to exploit those who are not on the ball that day. I believe Kidsplay have some sort of arrangement with the company whereby you can extend the parking times but hard luck if you are not aware in the first place. Kidsplay have a duty to make sure people using their facilities are aware of this - not least because they are probably already losing out in a big way to Curve Motion.

Spare Tyre? Go to Bury Tyre Centre

Now this place is hopeless if you're trying to diet - the food's appalling but they've rescued me again with my tyre problems - and fitted me another battery at a very reasonable cost. I've sung their praises before - they seem a friendly, non-exploitative bunch who don't patronise women either. I once went to a sneering lot on Fornham Road to get an exhaust changed - the boss wasn't too bad but as soon as his back was turned, three of his workers put something on the computer screen in the reception area which must have been porn, judging by the noises they were making. Of course I didn't get up to take a look - they could have been doing it deliberately, but no way in the world would I ever go back there.

Bury Tyre Centre does have a good reputation for being one of the cheapest round here when it comes to tyres, but they couldn't help me with my actual wheel, which was totally rusted. They asked me if I drove a lot in water (?) and advised me to go to the breakers yard for a replacement.

Valley Connection, Bury St Edmunds

This has long been my favourite Indian restaurant, along with many other people's. VC can get incredibly busy and this has involved waiting for a table and not quite the quality of food it has a reputation for, but when it is busy it buzzes and generally speaking I love the atmosphere. The staff are very friendly and efficient - I always chat to them because they come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. They work incredibly hard here regardless of their other commitments.

I think VCs prices compare favourably with other Indian restaurants, but their speciality for me is their dishes made with giant prawns which are wonderful, but average about £12 - £15 per dish. Last week I had a conventional prawn dish which was just great and reasonably priced. They also offer some good, fairly-priced wines by the bottle. Glasses of wine tend to be comparatively more expensive, but I always avoid the bottled water because I think that is a bit pricey.

LateRooms or Lastminute?

Because of a great looking deal on LateRooms.com I spontaneously booked a room for the night at Caley Hall Hotel in Old Hunstanton. Tch tch, some misrepresentation on their part. Their site claimed I was booking an Executive Double/Twin, normally £280 for last night - £99 as a late deal. Guess I was a bit naive to think I'd actually be saving all that money - well, not saving because I wouldn't have booked that hotel at all if I had known the room was a fairly ordinary double/twin, but I do think their descriptions and rates should tally with the hotel. In fairness - it did say on LateRooms this would be a 'larger double/twin' in Caley Hall's descriptions. But - one would think a room that's normally £280 on a Friday night in June would be pretty up-market. This was not the case, but Caley Hall were not charging that amount for the room as suggested by LateRooms.

I was therefore, disappointed with the accommodation. Beds and decor were very satisfactory but there was no window in the sleep area, so no natural light by day to speak of (just one small window at the end of the suite, which was essentially quite long but narrow). Bathroom needed a bit of sprucing (and I had something of a fight with the shower). There was quite a lot of noise from the room above, and this morning the couple there obviously had a 'last minute' which judging by the banging noise did last only about a minute .... fortunately.

The good news though is that the dinner was excellent. I'd say the average cost of a three course meal at Caley Hall is around £30 per head, but it was the best restaurant evening meal I have had for a long time. The duo of salmon starter I had was beautifully presented and delicious - not a small portion and I could not stop eating it, hence I ate too much. My main course was three different cuts of pork (named farm I presumed to be local) cooked in three different styles. As for the dessert, orange ice-cream in a brandy-snap basket with caramelised lemon tart. I'm not a 'dessert person' but I had to go the distance on this occasion. A rare treat for me - so I won't complain too much about LateRooms ... on this occasion.

Pizza Hut, Pizza hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken....

I can be a bit of a food snob at times - mostly when it comes to fast-food and chain restuarants, and this is one place you won't usually see me. But their 'kids go free' offer is great, and they do have the salad bar!!!!

When I went with my family the meal was such good value, and the wine was much better than I expected! Food fine but I'm not a great fan of any pizzas around here, other than Strada's which tend to be that bit different.

I was very spoilt for pizzas when I lived abroad many, many years ago, but the best pizza I have had near here of late was at the Hawkedon Queen's head. But that's a pretty good place all round, especially for fans of good beer (I hear).

One Bull, Bury St Edmunds

I can't believe it's about 30 years since I worked behind the bar there......and I'm pleased to say the girls behind the bar now are keeping up the same quality of service.

Very efficient service - despite the fnl set only having a light lunch. Friendly and smart young women.

Wine at the One Bull is always good - it is their forte. Not always as impressed with the food but what we had today was fine - beautifully fresh bread which restored my faith in sandwiches.

Now wait for it.... complimentary sparkling water. You don't often get that.

Orissa

Yes, I made it to the Orissa again - another lunch. Amazing value - their 'special' is £5 to include main course and a glass of wine or half of beer. In the evening it's £10 for similar but a large glass of wine or pint of beer (lager) if you order before 7pm. It really makes the meal cheaper if you enjoy an alcoholic drink when you eat. And the quality of food is good. The prawn sag (yes you can get tablets for it) I had was delicious. One of the waiters seems a bit dour but he will smile if you encourage him (in the nicest possible way of course).

White Horse, Whepstead

I really think Gary and Di Kingshott have reached an all-time high at this pub. I used to feel the Beehive had got a bit 'samey' over time. The White Horse is now much more 'gamey' (ooh, sorry about that) - local and good fresh produce, cooked with style and yet unpretentiously.

The couple are frequently on the premises, involved in service which is good to see. Their staff - friendly and efficient, seem to have been with them some time - another good sign.

I wouldn't call the prices particularly expensive but certainly not cheap either. However, I'd rather pay a bit more for what they are offering than compromise elsewhere, or pay an establishment for the amount of time their chefs have spent making patterns for presentation. Then food is often beautiful on the plate but disappointing 'on the palate' (as they say). Not the case at The White Horse - so far anyway. Long may it last. It's a really attractive building with a great ambience.

Ladies who Lunch

As it's half-term I've been catching up with a few mates for lunch and have managed three lunch venues over the week (the pleasure of which will probably need to last through the weeks ahead until the summer holidays). Read on.

Purely Pesto

Sadly this is not a restaurant but a great pasta sauce.

Last week I went with a friend to the Greene King annual food and drink festival (exhibition). This is the second year running that I've been and it's well worth a visit. There are a number of local food and drink producers who attend, offering quite a spectacular range of goodies to try or buy.

Amongst several items - maybe one or two a little overpriced (but local!)I bought two products from the above company: a basil pesto (they use other herbs for different varieties) made with cashews rather than pine nuts; and a hummus. The latter was good but the pesto was one of the best I've ever tasted. I have to say I don't buy a lot of pre-prepared pasta sauces and pasta pesto is not one of my favourite dishes, but the pasta I prepared using this, three of us agreed, was simply delicious.

The company is based in Norfolk but I'm not sure about the availability of their products in shops, but my son is already speaking of making an on-line order

Asian Fusion? - Orissa Restaurant, Risbygate Street

Orissa does good lunchtime and evening deals, and in the last couple of weeks or so I've had both a reasonably priced lunch and a surprisingly reasonably priced evening meal considering that two glasses of wine were included. Originally Orissa claimed - or so I thought, that they were an Asian 'fusion' restaurant. I'm not sure about that description or indeed whether they still make that claim, but in some respects I'd call it the only Asian 'Nouvelle Cuisine' restaurant I've ever been to. Their portions are not huge, which is no bad thing if quality and price are good, but being aware of this on my last visit to supplement my main meal I opted for a Tandoori King Prawn starter, which was I believe just over £5. Prawn being the operative word. I was presented with one largish prawn (but not very largish). It tasted fine and looked beautiful, but it passed as a nibble rather than a starter. I tend to think that usually starters are not a good idea in Indian restaurants - you end up with too much food. Orissa's management obviously has other ideas.

I'm anxious to try other dishes so am going again for lunch this week. I don't eat out that often so it is quite a compliment from me.

Carluccio's

So the man himself visited Bury St Edmunds this week for a special lunch at the restaurant that bears his name. Well, I hope it was more special than the meals I have had there, otherwise I fear he would have found the whole event rather an embarrassment. Although I do remember one pleasant pasta dish I was served, I would now shy away from their main courses and go for a mixture of starters - which in honesty, they do reasonably well. Having spent many years with an Italian who could cook, I am rather fussy about my pasta, risotto and pizza - and I don't believe the subtle - or robust meat dishes of Italian cuisine can be found around here.

I am not excited by any of the chain restaurants in town. Chain restaurants is exactly what they are, seemingly manned by students on the whole, but despite that, not offering great value for money regardless of their claims. Maybe most people don't care about the cost, or the food - they go for atmosphere, which is fine if you prefer to talk loudly rather than moderately to get yourself heard over the clatter of chairs, feet, dishes and other people generally.

'Food is love' says Antonio C. Hmm, well, love is often blind... apparently.