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| Burgh Island |
Burgh Island hosted a costume-themed luncheon on the Tuesday. Agatha Christie stayed on the island and there's even a room named after her! A couple of my favourite books were based here - Evil Under the Sun (1941) and And Then There Were None (1939).
Burgh Island is quite far from Torquay. It took us about an hour to drive there - down country lanes and back roads. It seemed like we were driving forever. At one point I was sure we were going round in circles! But we finally emerged from the country roads and up ahead saw the beautiful white art-deco hotel gleaming in the sunshine, surrounded by the glistening blue sea.
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| Sea Tractor |
The tide was in when we arrived so we had to catch the sea-tractor. It was pretty slow going but it was fun. We could feel the waves beating against the sea tractor but we didn't get wet - although it was a bit windy so my hair was all over the place when we arrived!
Once we got there, we were taken up to the hotel which was behind large gates. Members of the public aren't allowed into the hotel grounds but they are allowed on the island, and to go to Pilchard Inn. We were buzzed in through the gates and we walked up the driveway to the hotel with some of the other guests...
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| Palm Court Bar |
The inside of the hotel has been done out in art-deco style - it was like stepping back into the 1930s! We went to Palm Court Bar where Gary McBar, the 'unflappable barman' served us cocktails before we headed into the dining room for our lunch.
All the tables were named after Agatha Christie characters - Letitia Blacklock, Hastings, Miss Marple, Patrick Redfern, Justice Wargrave and Poirot. We were on the Justice Wargrave table!
The menu was based on 1930s dishes - I went for Pressed Chicken and foie gras terrine for my starter, Sole Veronique for my main course and Chocolate bombe for my dessert. The food was good. Served alongside, were wines that complimented the meal. I was driving so couldn't sample them, plus I'm not a big fan of wine- but apparently they were very nice.
After lunch Gary McBar took us on a walk around the island. He took us to Pixy Cove - which was the inspiration for the place where Arlena Stewart was found murdered in Evil Under the Sun. I'm scared of heights, so I was a little bit nervous being that high up. I couldn't bear to walk to the edge of the cliff and look down. I was pleased when we headed back down the hill. We walked down to where the tennis courts used to be - also mentioned in Evil Under the Sun.
Sadly, it was then time to leave. On the way back to the car, the tide was out so we had a lovely stroll along the sand bank to the shore. It was such a nice day and we have some good memories...
Also, my tea arrived today from my tea club!! This month's tea is Jin Shan Tien Hua. It's made of green tea and white chrysanthemum flowers, and when you add it to the hot (not boiling) water it unfolds! It's a very delicate tea and quite refreshing. Here are some photos...
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| Jin Shan Tien Hua |
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| Just added to the hot water |
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| About 2 minutes later |
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| About 4 minutes later |
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