It has been a busy month! As you saw in my last update, I have been working hard, I have had a trip to Peterborough Cathedral, and played the Organ a couple of times, whilst still pulling pints.
What most of you may not know is that we have been in the process of having a new Kitchen. and that has caused its usual level of Chaos, Disruption and stress! Sometimes, the hardest part of making a cup of Tea, was finding a Tea-spoon!
Mid job, it was decided that in the interests of what will happen next, the whole floor must come up! So, that was my job!! Exhausting!!
Once the Kitchen had been installed and was fully functioning. It was time for a break!
Some rest and recuperation was much needed.
I searched the 'net, for a cheap few days away, and duly made my way 230miles south-west, and landed in Torquay.
Night 1, was a cheap hotel in Babbacombe, Sadly, in my opinion, it wasn't very good. It was aesthetically very tired and run down. Wallpaper was looking like it was 40 years old and was starting to disintegrate. The furniture and furnishings were clean, but were "on the way out." I can though report that the couple of members of staff that I met were all kind and friendly, knowledgeable and supportive, and in this day and age, I find good customer service very rare!
My next destination was slightly unexpected when planning my trip, and it was to The Anchorage Hotel and Spa.
I had many nerves about my visit here, as me, Ellie, going into a Spa and a Pool... My comfort zone was definitely to be tested here.
Firstly, Thank you "Girlies" for helping me get sorted for this! I am massively grateful.
I arrived just in time for check-in, and the guy on the desk and manager Daisy were very quick to make me feel welcome and at ease. My room, although small, was light, airy, and felt cheery in comparison, I felt much more at home!
So with much nerves, I headed outside to the outdoor pool and spa.
It was a lovely place to be, to sit, lay and relax. I also met some really lovely people. From Rushden, Luton, and a lovely family from Chesterfield, who I literally kept bumping into, wherever I went. It became comical, but they have spent their family holidays there for 4 years now and they love it there.
Whilst out on the poolside, there is an App, where you can order snacks and drinks, this process is fairly new to them so a few "Technical deficiencies" will get ironed out in time.
The staff here was amazing. They all were friendly, kind and helpful. Daisy and Isabelle particularly get a 5 star review from me, their customer service skills, their knowledge and operational abilities stood out more than most! Even the staff member who seemed operationally inexperienced (to a well-trained eye,) still managed to use her interpersonal skills to good effect.
Evening meal and breakfast was brilliant. I do love a good buffet-style breakfast service.
I thoroughly enjoyed my spa day, so much so, I spent the next day Spa-ing, before returning to Base Camp number 1.
Following Check-in back at the ranch, I headed into Torquay town centre, and found the local 'spoons'. It was its common, open plan array of tables full of people talking away. I managed to find the quiet spot around the corner, which provided some beautiful peace and quiet. I was fortunate to have a TV in front of me, so I could continue to watch the tennis that I had been watching earlier. Sadly, I didn't know what was going on as the TV settings needed adjustment, as the picture was set too large for the screen, so myself and neighbour both commented that "We knew it was into a Tie-break" - but that was about it."
As someone who within the hospitality field, knows how frustrated staff and management get following petty complaints of petty little issues such as this. I felt appropriate to kindly ask the question of the availability of the remote control, enabling them, or me, to adjust the screen to the correct dimensions. To make the TV work well, and to support the place by solving the issue for them. Unfortunately... Our TV's are linked and therefore we do not have access to any remotes, but if you wish you may move to a newer TV that is working correctly (but showing a different sport).
Nevermind!
Day 3 was a quick trip to Paignton for a few photo's... and an unexpected reunion with the family from the spa.
Then a quick drive further South to Brixham Harbour, where following a few photo's, I found 'Spoons' again, for a quick lunch and coffee, before returning home.
All in all, a good time away, I have learned not to take the cheapest option all the time, but found a little gem in The Anchorage, where I thoroughly enjoyed my time of rest.
Drop Thy still dews of quiÂetÂness, Till all our strivÂings cease; Take from our souls the strain and stress, And let our orÂdered lives conÂfess The beauÂty of Thy peace.
Arrangement in verse 3: Copyright (C) Richard Lloyd, Kevin Mayhew Ltd
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