Tu hwnt i’r bont: The best kept secret in Northern Wales

Tu hwnt i’r bont: The best kept secret in Northern Wales

Tu hwnt i’r bont. You might not be able to say it, but if you ask for directions to the best Welsh rarebit in town, you’ll be able to find your way. Welsh rarebit? Don’t worry, we’ll get there.

Meaning beyond the bridge, Tu hwnt i’r bont is quite possibly the most unique stop you’ll make while touring the North of Wales. Visiting for the umpteenth time on an ancestral tour of sorts, this was the first visit I’d made with the wee one in tow and after 7 hours on an airplane, a few days in Whitby and a short ride from Rhuddlan to Llanrwst, we arrived at my favourite little cottage just in time for tea. Nestled next to the Conwy River, the cottage is famous for the fact that it floods during the highest of tides. As you enter through the very small door on the way in, take a look at the measurements to see where the record currently stands.

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London Calling! Where To Eat In England’s Bustling Capital

London Calling! Where To Eat In England’s Bustling Capital

My apologies, you’ve been so busy reading – you must be starving! We all know that one of the best ways to explore a new country is by trying the local cuisine. Well, it’s officially time to let your taste buds guide you. Following up on Part 1 (Things to See) and Part 2 (Things to Do) of “London Calling”, this is where you get to drool over some of the best culinary treats London has to offer. From traditional pub fare to the deliciously exotic, here are the best places (and dishes) to try during your time in London – Bon Appetit!

Eat

Traditional Pub Fare

No matter where you are in London, you are guaranteed to find a pub waiting to welcome you with doors wide open. Whether it’s a pub full of locals on the edge of a city or a bustling center where football fans come to feed, a visit to an English pub is a necessary experience for every visitor to London! If you’re not sure what to order, try one of these traditional dishes:

Fish and Chips: Battered cod or haddock served with Chips (french fries) or Mushy Peas (dried marrowfat peas soaked overnight and simmered with sugar/salt and sometimes flavoured with mint), tartar sauce and a wedge of lemon. Drown your chips in some malt vinegar and enjoy!

Bangers and Mash: Sausages and mashed potatoes. That’s about it!

Steak and Ale Pie: The Brits are known for their pies, from steak and ale to chicken pot pie, you’ll find at least one pie on every menu that offers traditional English fare. Encrusted in a golden flaky bubble, pies are normally served quite warm and can be made with just about anything.

Traditional English Breakfast: If you’re looking to stalk up on calories before taking off for a day touring the city, then load up on a traditional English breakfast served with back bacon, sausages, black pudding (blood pudding), eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, fried bread and baked beans. You’ll be all set to take on whatever adventures the city has in store!

Two of my favourite pubs in London are:

The Red Lion, located at 48 Parliament Street, London, SW1A 2NH, the Red Lion was and is a watering hole for the political and social elite. A favourite of Sir Winston Churchill, anyone with an ounce of British blood running through their veins will enjoying paying their respects by enjoying a pint and toasting to the great (and late) Prime Minister.

The White Lion, located at 24 James Street, London, WC2E 8NS in Covent Garden

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