Since John cut his working week to three days, he now has Mondays off and we've taken to going out for the morning/day and taking in what I call a "Monday Munch", whether it's lunch in a small country pub, a snack in a hotel in the middle of town or a bacon roll in a village tearoom somewhere. In fact I'm keeping a journal recording all the places we've munched in and what we thought about it. Yesterday we took ourselves off to the seashore at Westcliff on Sea, just a short 10 minute drive from home and a place we regularly love to walk.
The morning started very wet indeed and the skies were grey but before we knew it, the sun was shining and the skies completely cloudless and blue. We headed out towards the coast because I had an errand to run in the area but decided it was too nice to go back home.
The tide was up and the sun was out and the sound of the waves lapping over the shingle was quite hypnotic. I love the beaches when no one else is around. This shoreline can get very busy in the summer with holiday-makers and day-trippers alike but today was just perfect.
The Cliff gardens just across the way from the beach are amongst the most popular in the town giving stunning views of the Thames Estuary and to the coast of Kent beyond.
where an abundance of winding woodland paths, specimen trees and exotic plants adorn these popular Victorian gardens. I think this might be Rowan but not entirely sure?
You could almost be fooled into thinking you were abroad, where the numerous Palm trees line the promenade under the bright blue skies.
Our Munch today was here at The Beach Hut - a wooden building on stilts which actually sits in the sea when the tide is up. In fact you almost feel as though you are on board a boat where the waves rise and fall around you. We sat on the decking area in the front by the windows overlooking the water - probably not a wise choice as the sun shine reflecting off the water was exceedingly hot - not complaining I promise!
John had a fish finger sandwich and a bucket of chips. Not just any fish finger sandwich mind, it was a huge Ciabatta roll filled to its capacity. Mine was similar but with sausage and caramelised red onion. All washed down with a nice cup of Earl Grey.
Hope to see you soon x
Nice pictures! I think the leaves are wrong for a rowan. Tried searching for trees with red berries but there are loads.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking part Patricia, I always look forward to your post and am never disappointed. I was really with you on this trip! Gosh, I almost had my lunch ordered off the menu as you made it so alive! I loved the contrasts, some vivid colours there that made me think of holidays. I must check out The Beach Hut - it looks very appealing.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and photos Patricia I really enjoyed joining you on your walk.
ReplyDeleteYour Monday munch sounds a great idea. It looks like you had a wonderful visit to Westcliff on sea. The sky looks so blue and the cliff gardens look a good place to walk and take in the sea views. I agree the leaves don't look right for a rowan it could be a cotoneaster, it is so full of berries.
ReplyDeleteSarah x
Your photos are so beautiful and evocative, I feel like I was there too with your detailed narrative. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a lovely day out, I love the idea of a weekly Monday Munch, I wish I could join in with that!
ReplyDeleteI really like the sound of your MondayMunch, looks like you found a nice place for it.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to see the Thames Estuary again, Patricia. I checked the map and you are soooo close to where our daughter lived when she worked in England - nostalgic feelings here! Monday Munch sounds like an excellent idea, which I will pass on to hubs...we are off soon for a lunch I will call Wednesday Wandering :) The rowan tree is beautiful, and a great signal that Christmas is not far away. xx
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a beautiful day. Gorgeous photos and a wonderful place to visit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea! And even better when the sun shines too - your pics are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week,
Xx
Great photos I think your tree is Cotonester
ReplyDeleteBRILLIANT idea, Patricia! Monday Munch, how good is that! We promise ourselves all the time to make a regular habit of going out for lunch, but it tends to be several in a row then nothing for weeks!
ReplyDeleteI also don't think they look like Rowan leaves, thought he red berries are similar - not knowledgeable enough to be any further help. So glad to had what is obviously a super day out.Lx
Lovely photos! I like the sound of a Monday munch:)
ReplyDeleteYour Monday Munch idea is great! It looks like the Beach Hut was a wonderful addition to your list of places you have eaten. I'm glad you had such a nice day for your outing. With winter just around the corner there probably won't be many more days like it until next spring!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely idea, I love a trip to the coast now most of the holiday makers are gone. And I'm waiting impatiently for the day when my husband doesn't work full time and we get a day out like this, I'm envious! ;)
ReplyDeleteI would love to live nearer to the coast as a few hours by the sea can be a real tonic and even better when the weather is good. On the other hand, we live surrounded by beautiful countryside and can usually get out and about whenever the opportunity arises.
ReplyDeleteWhat a super day out. I love the coast and don't get there often enough. I really enjoyed your lovely photos, especially now I can see the colours properly. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Patricia
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a lovely time on your Monday Munch. That beach hut looks a nice place to eat. I should think in the height of summer when it's hot it must be nice to sit down and put your toes in the water. Have a good weekend.
Sarah x
Lovely post, the description of that fish finger sandwich has made me hungry! X
ReplyDeleteVisiting from 5 in 5 which I joined in for the first time today. Your pictures are beautiful, fabulous skies and the Rowan is fabulous against that blue sky.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pics and a lovely post, I love the idea of 5 in 5- and yours are all so interesting:)
ReplyDeleteLooks like it turned into a lovely day. I would have loved to have seen a photo of the fish finger sandwich!
ReplyDelete