Short break: Portsmouth (Day 1)

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We’re off to Portsmouth for a few days. We left around 8.30 and popped into Central Garage on the way out to have a look at their used and new car stock as part of getting a car for Ann.

After much discussion with Paul, we narrowed the selection down to possibly a new Fiesta…but we do have some more research to do.

We left the garage around 10.15 and two-and-a-half hours later we were parking in the Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth car-park – a great journey!

We had a good shopping session as there are loads of shops – Ann got a couple of coats and I picked up a few bits and pieces. We’ll probably come back later this week and explore upstairs and also drop into the VUE cinema.

At around 4.30, we took the short drive to the hotel – The Florence House Hotel in Southsea, as recommended by Trip Advisor. We stayed in room 3, a very tasteful and modern design in black and white (how practical, a black carpet!) – very spacious too…and free wireless internet…perfect!

7.10. We asked at the hotel where the places to eat were. There were quite a few but for convenience, we chose The Florence Arms literally two minutes walk from where we’re staying. It apparently had a wide range of ciders and the food was top-notch pub-grub!

When we arrived, it was quite busy and after ordering some local cider (yuk!), we were offered the menu, which was quite extensive. We ordered the fish and chips and after a short wait, we were invited into the restaurant.

The fish and chips was excellent and best of all, they had a proper cider available – Aspall’s. The service was great too considering there was only one waitress on duty – well done for keeping us all fed and watered. The only shock was when they informed us they didn’t take plastic. Luckily, we scraped together the £20…just!

8.45. We planned to take a walk, but it was p****** down, so we headed back to the room.

The weather forecast for tomorrow is good – better than today, and we plan to travel over to Devizes and catch up with Johnnie and Mel.