he Bull Hotel in the centre of Bridport was a wonderful surprise. After an afternoon walking the heights above West Bay (in glorious sunshine, I might add) to relax into the most comfortable, stylish room - more of a suite really, complete with Victorian-style sitz-bath at the foot of the bed!!, was simply instant bliss. And as for the bed, well, at first flop we both agreed we had never before experienced such comfort - instant zizz.
Thence, eventually, to the cocktail palace; another treat, where two enthusiastic young barmen shook and crushed up a storm of exotic flavours. And we (more accurately, I) waddled back through the ballroom - a ballroom in the heart of a 17th century coaching inn and on the first floor too, another surprise, along the tortuous passageways, down well worn stairs to the Dining Room. Crisp white linen, home made bread and sundry bon-bouches, a wine list to die for, a handsome unfussily attentive French maitre D, and a tight menu comprised of prime local meats, fishes and veg each with a story to tell. The best scallops I have tasted since suchi in Connemara, a smoked haddock chowder toe-curlingly tasty, followed by delightful duck and tender pork cheeks. Sadly, no room for pudd (have to come again and remember to leave room).
And so to bed for the best night's sleep since I know not when.
Can I tell you about breakfast? Ah, no. It will have to wait til next time as I feel I have run out of superlatives (or overdone it) already.