05/02: Making Marmalade
Here at the Buckingham Lodge we are always looking for ways to improve our guest's experience whilst staying inTorquay whether its offering a breakfast to suit particular dietary requirements, picking up a guest from the railway station or just providing a welcome cup of tea on arrival. Its the little things. So this week I decided to make some homemade marmalade to serve with our scrummy breakfasts, something I had never attempted before. The recipe was simple enough, the most difficult part was sourcing some Seville oranges which are only available during January and are ideal for making marmalade due to their high pectin level, which is a must if you want the marmalade to set!
The process is very simple and ingredients are minimal, as mentioned before you need oranges, lemons, sugar and water but the traditional process is quite labour intensive. Having squeezed 3kg of oranges I then needed to cut the orange peel very thinly by hand which took forever, I did attempt using the magimix but was not very successful ending up with chunky bits which was not the objective. Then the liquid has to boil for 2 hours before it can be decanted into sterilised jars. As I say, not a fast process and one that is quite sticky but a thoroughly enjoyable and productive afternoon. Go on give it a try!
So when guests next come, there will be home-made marmalade on the table....... just need to get to grips with the breadmaker now.
The process is very simple and ingredients are minimal, as mentioned before you need oranges, lemons, sugar and water but the traditional process is quite labour intensive. Having squeezed 3kg of oranges I then needed to cut the orange peel very thinly by hand which took forever, I did attempt using the magimix but was not very successful ending up with chunky bits which was not the objective. Then the liquid has to boil for 2 hours before it can be decanted into sterilised jars. As I say, not a fast process and one that is quite sticky but a thoroughly enjoyable and productive afternoon. Go on give it a try!
So when guests next come, there will be home-made marmalade on the table....... just need to get to grips with the breadmaker now.
The band McFly are on a winning streak at the moment with the huge success of Mcfly's drummer Harry Judd lifting the "Strictly Come Dancing" trophy and his band mate Dougie Poynter winning "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here".
And now they are coming to Torquay!
On Sunday 25th March 2012 the band will perform a one night gig at the Riviera Conference Centre, just a 5 minute stroll from our guest house in Falkland Road which means no need for parking fees...
Tickets ARE still available at £27.50 from box office, on 01803 206 333. (Under 14's must be accompanied by an Adult.)
Why not make a weekend of it and book a room at our lovely guest house with a special rate applying if attending the concert? Just call us direct on 01803 293538 for details.
Nicola
And now they are coming to Torquay!
On Sunday 25th March 2012 the band will perform a one night gig at the Riviera Conference Centre, just a 5 minute stroll from our guest house in Falkland Road which means no need for parking fees...
Tickets ARE still available at £27.50 from box office, on 01803 206 333. (Under 14's must be accompanied by an Adult.)
Why not make a weekend of it and book a room at our lovely guest house with a special rate applying if attending the concert? Just call us direct on 01803 293538 for details.
Nicola
25/09: NAFAS
Just had a lovely week with some fantastically creative, talented ladies exhibiting at the National Association of Flower Arrangement Society at the Riviera Centre close to our guest house. I was lucky enough to be given a day pass to go and view the exhibits, must admit I was very surprised at the designs - some reaching to 6 ft tall and some tiny, miniature creations. This exhibition and conference was well organised by the Conference Riviera Centre, its a shame it is not an annual event here in Torquay, the town was full of lovely ladies and our rooms were adorned with flowers for the exhibition. The trade and tourism it bought to the town was much appreciated and I know after talking to cafe, restaurant and taxi companies how much they benefited from it too. This is what Torquay needs more of! If you would like to see some photos of some of the exhibits please visit our facebook page
For those of you who enjoy walking or rambling this might be of interest. Coastal Publishing have issued two new walks books featuring walking along the South West Coast Path National Trail.
Walks along the South West Coast Path – Exmouth to Dartmouth featuring the English Riviera Global Geopark and Walks along the South West Coast Path – Dartmouth to Plymouth, each feature spectacular walks along this magnificent coastline. They follow on from two walks books covering the length of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and will continue along the entire length of the South West Coast Path between Poole and Minehead.
The spectacular scenery along the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path is enjoyed by thousands of walkers every year, each location has a story to tell about the processes that have shaped it. These books will help you learn as you walk, gaining knowledge that can only enhance your enjoyment. By purchasing these books you will support the English Riviera Global Geopark and the South West Coast Path and contribute to their conservation for future generations.
The books are available from bookshops, Tourist Information Centres and Visitor Centres along the coast from Exmouth to Plymouth. They can also be ordered from online websites, including the South West Coast Path Association’s online shop at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk
For more information about the South West Coast Path National Trail and the various walks available, including full day long distance walking visit www.southwestcoastpath.com
Walks along the South West Coast Path – Exmouth to Dartmouth featuring the English Riviera Global Geopark and Walks along the South West Coast Path – Dartmouth to Plymouth, each feature spectacular walks along this magnificent coastline. They follow on from two walks books covering the length of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and will continue along the entire length of the South West Coast Path between Poole and Minehead.
The spectacular scenery along the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path is enjoyed by thousands of walkers every year, each location has a story to tell about the processes that have shaped it. These books will help you learn as you walk, gaining knowledge that can only enhance your enjoyment. By purchasing these books you will support the English Riviera Global Geopark and the South West Coast Path and contribute to their conservation for future generations.
The books are available from bookshops, Tourist Information Centres and Visitor Centres along the coast from Exmouth to Plymouth. They can also be ordered from online websites, including the South West Coast Path Association’s online shop at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk
For more information about the South West Coast Path National Trail and the various walks available, including full day long distance walking visit www.southwestcoastpath.com
06/06: A day at the races!
Today, as we had no guests arriving we met up with friends to spend a day at Newton Abbot Racecourse. The racecourse is only 8 miles away from our guesthouse and is a real fun day out whether you are a betting novice like me or a gambling professional. Normal admission prices are from £12.00 but every meet that takes place on a Monday offers a two for one offer.
Unfortunately, although some of us had success on the gee gees, Steve and I only managed some seconds and thirds but the atmosphere was so addictive it was just fun to have a flutter!
The next fixture is on Tuesday 14th June and is an evening meet - see you there!
http://www.newtonabbotracing.com/
Unfortunately, although some of us had success on the gee gees, Steve and I only managed some seconds and thirds but the atmosphere was so addictive it was just fun to have a flutter!
The next fixture is on Tuesday 14th June and is an evening meet - see you there!
http://www.newtonabbotracing.com/
03/06: Occombe Beer Festival
Taking place again this year at Occombe Farm, Paignton TQ3 1RN 10th and 11th June 2011 featuring 60 different real ales from across the Westcountry, local ciders and perry. There will also be live music from local bands, a Pimms bar, bbq and hog roast.
Admission is only £5 which includes a souvenir pint glass, under 18's are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
Admission is only £5 which includes a souvenir pint glass, under 18's are free but must be accompanied by an adult.
11/05: New arrival at Paignton Zoo!
Paignton Zoo near Torquay are celebrating the arrival of a Bactrian camel but as yet have not come up with a name for the youngster.
The baby came was born to father Oscar who is 17 years old and has been at Paignton Zoo since December 1994 and came from Chester Zoo. His mother, Carmel is 18 and came to Paignton in 1994 from Whipsnade Zoo. This is their eighth youngster and the Zoo’s first camel birth since March 2009.
Paignton Zoo has a varied amount of animals and is a fantastic way to spend a day whilst here on the English Riviera. Whilst staying at our guest house we can provide you with vouchers which entitle you to a £1 of each adult visiting the zoo and 50p per child.
The baby came was born to father Oscar who is 17 years old and has been at Paignton Zoo since December 1994 and came from Chester Zoo. His mother, Carmel is 18 and came to Paignton in 1994 from Whipsnade Zoo. This is their eighth youngster and the Zoo’s first camel birth since March 2009.
Paignton Zoo has a varied amount of animals and is a fantastic way to spend a day whilst here on the English Riviera. Whilst staying at our guest house we can provide you with vouchers which entitle you to a £1 of each adult visiting the zoo and 50p per child.
The growing popularity of dance with the craze of programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing, So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing on Ice has resulted in an increase in amateurs taking up the activity both for social, pleasure and health reasons. Its no surprise that Torquay on the English Riviera is one of the top destinations for a dancing break and an ideal place to indulge in this pastime.
The ERDF is now in its 29th year and is a celebration of everything to do with dance, with something in the festival programme to suit everyone. The event takes place every year in the ballrooms at the Victoria Hotel which is approximately 100 metres from our guest house.
As well as social and competitve dancing there will be masterclasses with champions, lectures, practise sessions and mini workshops and two Gala evenings at Torquay Town Hall with spectacular performances from World and British Professional Champions.
Click here for a full programme and contact us direct for accommodation prices letting us know that you will be attending the English Riviera Dance Festival to benefit from our special rates.
The ERDF is now in its 29th year and is a celebration of everything to do with dance, with something in the festival programme to suit everyone. The event takes place every year in the ballrooms at the Victoria Hotel which is approximately 100 metres from our guest house.
As well as social and competitve dancing there will be masterclasses with champions, lectures, practise sessions and mini workshops and two Gala evenings at Torquay Town Hall with spectacular performances from World and British Professional Champions.
Click here for a full programme and contact us direct for accommodation prices letting us know that you will be attending the English Riviera Dance Festival to benefit from our special rates.
Our guest house is situated very closely to the historic Torre Abbey being only a five minute walk away. Since its foundation in 1166 the abbey has played an important part in the local areas history and is actually the oldest building in Torquay. A variety of inhabitants from Canons, Abbots and the Cary family who lived in the abbey for 268 years have all contributed to the structure of Torquay from the building of its first harbour to the formation of nearby Newton Abbot. Today there are still signs of the Cary Family history, pubs, guest houses and even street names bear the name Cary throughout Torquay.
The Abbey also has another one of Torquays famous landmarks - "The Spanish Barn" so called because it housed 397 prisioners caught by Sir Francis Drake during the Spanish Armada battle and held in the barn for a fortnight.
Today after an extensive £6m renovation project provided with money from the Lottery Fund, Torre Abbey is open to the public for tours, weddings and art exhibitions. The second phase of renovation is under way to the East and South Wings.
For more information on visiting Torre Abbey or arranging your wedding or private function click on the link below:
Torre Abbey
The Abbey also has another one of Torquays famous landmarks - "The Spanish Barn" so called because it housed 397 prisioners caught by Sir Francis Drake during the Spanish Armada battle and held in the barn for a fortnight.
Today after an extensive £6m renovation project provided with money from the Lottery Fund, Torre Abbey is open to the public for tours, weddings and art exhibitions. The second phase of renovation is under way to the East and South Wings.
For more information on visiting Torre Abbey or arranging your wedding or private function click on the link below:
Torre Abbey
The Laser SB3 Class sailing World Championships, is to be hosted by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club in Torquay, UK. Entrants will enjoy 14 championship races from Monday 16th May to Friday 20th May 2011 in Torbay. Ring us direct to receive a special discount for visitors to this sailing event, we have doubles, twins and a family room available at the moment.
