Hello Cwtchers – Anna here!
So, its my turn for the alphabet dating – and I loved doing it! Although, I admit, it was somewhat tricky due to the goal I set myself – you’ll learn a bit more about that in a moment. So a bit about us. We met in 2005 in a dingy pub in Newport. He was chatting to my friend and I just stood there staring, he rightly thought I was mental. Our ‘courting’ stage (as everyones Nan would say) was made up of many many dates – drinking in pubs, gigs, meals, drinking in pubs (we did this lots) and it was brilliant.
Its very easy to let life get in the way of letting those dating days slip away, and to be fair, who has the damn time!? So in order to keep making sure we have ‘us time’, Rich and I always make sure we have a date night, at least once a month.
This is us – Wales V Belgium 1st July 2016. It was a pretty awesome (and expensive) date!
We have only been married since 2011, but managed to have two little boys since then, so if we do not find the time to have a date, we will literally only see each other on the sofa at about 7.30pm while we eat then pass out.
The ‘Little Lockys’, Harry and Albie getting excited for Wales V Portugal !
Its not going to come as a big shock to anyone that my designated letters are going to be mainly about places you can eat in Wales! I have set myself this challenge in fact, that not only will I show you possible dates you can go on, but it will include some food as well! Because, food. And food is awesome. And dates to me, are not dates unless there is food involved! FOOD!
Alphabet Dating: J, K, L, M
J
Jumping
I cheated a bit here, because the place is not called ‘Jump’ anymore, its called ‘GoAir’, but you still jump when you get there. So, bare with me. I am not the energetic type. Not in the slightest. But this would be hilarious to do together. So much fun can be had on a trampoline, unless you’ve already had babies, then there are obvious precautions to be made for us girls.
All I would suggest is that you don’t wear a skirt. or at least some leggings under the skirt!
James Sommerin Restaurant
And now the food bit. I am thinking that you would’ve worked up an appetite with all that jumping, so just a hop skip and an (other) jump away and James Somerin has opened his restaurant on The Esplanade in Penarth. It has such a relaxed atmosphere, with the most stunning views of the Severn Estuary. And of course, gorgeous food. And I mean, gorgeous! And if that wasn’t enough, they have recently opened rooms to stay in and they are glorious!
K
Kite Flying
I have never done this. However, trying to find things to do in Wales beginning with K is tricky, so kite flying it is. When I was reading up on this though, it sounds brilliant fun! All you need is a kite (obvs) and a wide open space. I personally, would throw a couple of bottles of prossecco as well for good measure. My favourite wide open space in South Wales is Tredegar House. Its just stunning, and also does house tours if thats your thing. Much to Rich’s dismay, it really is my thing.
The Kings Arms
Recently refurbished, The Kings Arms has been hailed as having the ‘best Sunday lunch in Newport’. As a gastropub, you’re pretty much guaranteed some delicious steak and fat chips. Its a perfect unpretentious little pub to sit and while away the hours in. But don’t just take it from me, check them out too.
L
Llanwrst Bridge
If like me, you’re not a hiker, you literally want a bit of fresh air and help yourself digest your food, then this is the walk for you. Llanwrst Village in Conwy is gorgeous for a lovely little romantic walk. As well as the stunning Llanwrst Bridge, the village also homes Gwydir Castle. Old stuff basically. Gorgeous historical old stuff.
Lle Hari
This gorgeous place is perfect for comfort cooking, hearty pies and burgers and nice cold pints after your walk. To top it off, this lovely restaurant can be found within Meadowsweet Hotel, so you can book a room and make a night of it!
M
The Mawddach Trail
The Mawddach Trail is a 9.5 mile walk along an old unused railway track from Dolgellau to Barmouth on the southern edge of the spectacular Mawddach estuary. It is a fair old way to walk, but its quite a straight forward one, no climbing etc. And the views and wildlife are just beautiful! The link I have attached is great, its got a little map as well as showing you places to link up with other trails.
Bwyty Mawddach
Sourcing local fresh produce and meat from the family’s farm, Bwyty Mawddach is a gorgeous Welsh restaurant to spend a good few hours having the most delicious meal. To top it off, the restaurant has two stunning little 2 bedroom cottages on site where you can roll to once you’re full up on food and booze. The perfect end to the perfect day.
Photo Credit: The Mawddach
Photo Credit: The Mawddach
So, off you pop! Go and enjoy your dates. Whether you’re engaged, married, expecting babies, have babies, you must never forget about you two. You are a little unit, and you must take care of it. Treat yourself once in a while, but make it a regular thing. Let me know if you go for any of the dates above. I would love to hear about it. And please remember, food. xx
