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Some amazing footage of Northumberland this week

Beast from the East Drone footage

credit to Jamie Dob and Michael Straker

Well it’s a first for us down at Bog Mill. Never have we ever not managed to get out of our track due to snow, yes there have been many occasions when my dad and his tractor have been called into service but today is the first time that we have not managed to get the tractor through. Will see what tomorrow brings, wish us luck!! At least I have my photo for next year’s Christmas cards!

Latest weather update a bit worrying

https://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/news/met-office-upgrades-snow-warning-for-north-east-1-9042843

Walking off yesterday’s feast today with one of my favourite walks along the banks of the River Aln, through the pastures, and right under the magnificent Alnwick Castle. We carried on over the Lion bridge, up the Peth beside the castle, through the centre of town and the cut through Alnwick gardens to make it a circular walk. Don’t miss it when you visit.

It was a hard task but somebody had to do it. Today I felt it was essential that in order to be able to make well researched recommendations to Bog Mill visitors of places to eat out around the area it was only right I researched one of those venues. That’s my excuse anyway and I’m sticking to it!

So it was lunchtime today that I found myself at the Potted Lobster in Bamburgh. Arriving quite early and entering an empty restaurant was a little disappointing, but I shouldn’t have worried as within a few minutes 3 more couples had arrived definitely improving the atmosphere.

The menu had a good spread of choices from the seafood selections I’d been hoping for to steak, salads and pasta  dishes.

For my starter I chose the ‘Sticky crab claws’ (£10) and wow, I was not disappointed, I was so keen to dive in I even forgot to photograph so can’t remember now exactly how many claws graced my plate but remember thinking it was more than I had expected possibly 4 large claws and lower arm bits- lacking technical knowledge of a crabs anatomy I’m afraid. But I was in heaven, they had been precracked so it was easy to scoop out the delicious meat smothered in a sweet chilli sauce. I tried an occasional crack, just to test out the crackers that accompanied the dish really, and managed a fine shot right into the eye of my fellow diner from the ensuing shattering of shell whoops!

They weren’t too worried really though as they were too busy tucking into their scallops and black pudding dish they described as ‘really delicious’- although I did see some envious looks passing over the table at my crab claws, at least I think it was envy, maybe it was actually worry at me picking up my shell crackers again!

For my main I went with the red mullet and prawn linguine (£16) I have a big soft spot for seafood pasta and I wasn’t disappointed, although the huge chunky chips of my fellow diner did look delicious.

On arrival I must admit I was a bit worried by the prices and hoped I had made the right choice of first restaurant to review- purely for the benefit of guests to Bog Mill Cottages (am I convincing anyone yet???) but really pleased to report I absolutely loved this restaurant and would encourage visitors to try it if you at a fan of fabulous seafood in a beautiful village in the shadow of Bamburgh Castle.

That was the only negative I can think of actually, we had a window seat and absolutely zero view to speak of other than the road outside, shame, but you can’t have it all, and a quick stroll down the street to walk off the food and you’ll soon be back within view of the castle and coastline that make Bamburgh such a beauty spot.

In conclusion a ‘cracking’ meal, top end price wise  but oh so good.

Remember to book though, while we were there the flow of phone call bookings to the restaurant was constant and it’s clear that although lunchtimes may be a little quieter (in February anyway) this certainly isn’t the case for evenings at the Potted Lobster (Or Potted Shrimp as my fellow diner would have it 🙄)

The snow of last week has melted away to reveal a carpet of these beautiful snowdrops. A general tidy up of all the gardens surrounding the cottage this week will hopefully mark the end of the winter weather for now and let’s hope spring is just around the corner.

Have put the garden furniture out in the Granary’s private enclosed garden for this weeks guests so let’s hope they can get some use out of it!

Thats it, need to stop obsessing about  my shelves now! Teapot is in place, cake stand ready for welcome biscuits, Nespresso machine fired up and blackboard ready to welcome our first guests this Tuesday- eek 3 days and counting! Hope they love it as much as I do 😍

Very proud today to have been awarded a ‘Superhost’ status over on Airbnb. Guests are loving the Byre, hope the Granary is as well received when it opens very soon!

Really pleased with how the bedrooms have come together in the Granary, cushions a plenty and cosy rugs make for such a warm and welcoming feel. Would like to spend a few nights there myself…..actually, that’s an idea…..imagine the peace and quiet with the place to myself! (No one tell Ian and the kids where I’ve gone 😂😂)

We are so nearly there!…. 50 litres of white paint, 26 courier deliveries, 1 stuck NEXT delivery lorry, 1 stuck AO delivery lorry, umpteen sleepless nights, countless changed minds and just a few strokes of luck have taken us to this point. Just a matter of days until we can declare the Granary open for business.

It has been such an amazing project and my husband has officially banned me from Pintrest to prevent any more ‘fantastic ideas’ taking over our lives for their completion.

I can honestly say I have absolutely loved designing and completing every aspect of the brand new Granary Holiday Cottage and I can’t wait to share full photos very soon. In the meantime here’s a couple of sneak peaks to give you a little idea of how its coming on.

This weekend saw the turning on of Alnwicks Christmas lights which look as festive as ever, if you are visiting the town look out for my favourite the big red spider and the 3 ships along the side of the Northumberland Hall always start a round singing in my car as we pass “I saw three ships come sailing in, on Christmas Day”

Added to that excitement this weekend we also had the return of the amazing Spark and their light parade, just breathtaking!