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Pelican Bay Country Club Daytona FL
29th November 2020
29th November 2020
In: Golf courses
Pelican Bay Country Club Daytona FL
I discovered Pelican Bay golf and country club while visiting Daytona to watch a beach volley ball tournament. I just happened to have my golf clubs with me. The club was typical Florida golf, lots of water, fantastically well-kept and maintained, even to the extent you are greeted by a nice man who takes your clubs out the boot of your car and gets them onto a buggy for you, he even cleans them on your return from your round and places them back in your car, whilst you have a well earned beer in the fabulous clubhouse.
The course itself winds through beautiful Florida countryside, with high trees lots of water and some stunning holes. Huge boards greet you at every tee box; with a map of the hole and a nice water fountain to keep you hydrated in the Florida sun. Simply wonderful.
As it happened, I ended up watching the volleyball for two days and had a sneaky round here after the competition finished, as I enjoyed It that much. What a great place.

I discovered Pelican Bay golf and country club while visiting Daytona to watch a beach volley ball tournament. I just happened to have my golf clubs with me. The club was typical Florida golf, lots of water, fantastically well-kept and maintained, even to the extent you are greeted by a nice man who takes your clubs out the boot of your car and gets them onto a buggy for you, he even cleans them on your return from your round and places them back in your car, whilst you have a well earned beer in the fabulous clubhouse.
The course itself winds through beautiful Florida countryside, with high trees lots of water and some stunning holes. Huge boards greet you at every tee box; with a map of the hole and a nice water fountain to keep you hydrated in the Florida sun. Simply wonderful.
As it happened, I ended up watching the volleyball for two days and had a sneaky round here after the competition finished, as I enjoyed It that much. What a great place.

Morecambe Golf Club
29th November 2020
29th November 2020
In: Golf courses
Morecambe Golf Club
Don’t be fooled by the course yardage, a challenging woodland course with water and hazards at every turn.
I joined Morecambe about 12 years ago and have enjoyed the golf and the company of the members. Everyone is very friendly and before I needed to play with a guide playing partners would always help me find my ball, indeed, tell me I had walked past it and it was 20 yards further back, forever the optimist.
A deceptively tricky course with stunning views of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District beyond, I often get a lift down and tee off early, as the views across the Bay in the morning sunshine are as good as any.

Don’t be fooled by the course yardage, a challenging woodland course with water and hazards at every turn.
I joined Morecambe about 12 years ago and have enjoyed the golf and the company of the members. Everyone is very friendly and before I needed to play with a guide playing partners would always help me find my ball, indeed, tell me I had walked past it and it was 20 yards further back, forever the optimist.
A deceptively tricky course with stunning views of Morecambe Bay and the Lake District beyond, I often get a lift down and tee off early, as the views across the Bay in the morning sunshine are as good as any.

Lahore Gymkhana Club
29th November 2020
29th November 2020
In: Golf courses
Lahore Gymkhana Club
The Lahore Gymkhana club is a sports club with an amazing golf course. The oldest course in Pakistan and a place reserved for Pakistan’s elite, and affluent tourists.
The course was fabulous and I had an amazing caddie who was happy to give me impromptu lessons every time I hit a bad shot, it turns out he was Sir Geoff Boycott’s caddie when he was in town. The guy suggested Sir Geoff would come out to Lahore under the guise of running cricket coaching sessions so he could play golf at this place. I have to say I don’t blame him, it really was peace and tranquillity, away from the mayhem of the city outside of the club.
The clubhouse was stunning, a huge patio with large umbrellas shading you from the blistering heat, the only thing missing was a cold beer. A cold lemonade and pretty awesome food was more than adequate, another stunning golf experience…..

The Lahore Gymkhana club is a sports club with an amazing golf course. The oldest course in Pakistan and a place reserved for Pakistan’s elite, and affluent tourists.
The course was fabulous and I had an amazing caddie who was happy to give me impromptu lessons every time I hit a bad shot, it turns out he was Sir Geoff Boycott’s caddie when he was in town. The guy suggested Sir Geoff would come out to Lahore under the guise of running cricket coaching sessions so he could play golf at this place. I have to say I don’t blame him, it really was peace and tranquillity, away from the mayhem of the city outside of the club.
The clubhouse was stunning, a huge patio with large umbrellas shading you from the blistering heat, the only thing missing was a cold beer. A cold lemonade and pretty awesome food was more than adequate, another stunning golf experience…..

Pearl Continental Hotel, Peshawar, Pakistan
29th November 2020
29th November 2020
In: Hotels/Resorts
Pearl Continental Hotel, Peshawar, Pakistan
Despite having been to the Pearl Continental Hotel many times, I only visited it to eat and drink, I haven’t actually stayed here. I was on somewhat of a budget when I visited Peshawar, so I tended to leave my $1 or $2 a night accommodation in the town and head for the Pearl Continental for the buffet breakfast which was fabulous and about double the price of my accommodation. This was also one of only three places in Pakistan, a strict Muslim country, where westerners could get a beer. A converted room on the fifth floor of the hotel, the bar was only available for Westerners and consequently, It got fairly busy with a mix of expats and travellers passing through or indeed, coming from miles around, the other two bars were in Karachi and Lahore. It was however a nice oasis away from the hustle and bustle of this border town.
The hotel itself is pretty stunning, or at least it was before it got blown up by the Taliban. I happened to stay during Ramadan and the evening buffet was stunning with many locals coming in just to eat once the sun went down, an interesting place to say the least.

Despite having been to the Pearl Continental Hotel many times, I only visited it to eat and drink, I haven’t actually stayed here. I was on somewhat of a budget when I visited Peshawar, so I tended to leave my $1 or $2 a night accommodation in the town and head for the Pearl Continental for the buffet breakfast which was fabulous and about double the price of my accommodation. This was also one of only three places in Pakistan, a strict Muslim country, where westerners could get a beer. A converted room on the fifth floor of the hotel, the bar was only available for Westerners and consequently, It got fairly busy with a mix of expats and travellers passing through or indeed, coming from miles around, the other two bars were in Karachi and Lahore. It was however a nice oasis away from the hustle and bustle of this border town.
The hotel itself is pretty stunning, or at least it was before it got blown up by the Taliban. I happened to stay during Ramadan and the evening buffet was stunning with many locals coming in just to eat once the sun went down, an interesting place to say the least.

Balbirnie Park GC Fife
29th October 2020
29th October 2020
In: Golf courses
Balbirnie Park GC Fife
Teeing off down the first at Balbirnie is a pretty special experience, with huge trees down either side, the stunningly maintained fairway and green sets the tone for this great course in the heart of Fife.
It brings back special memories for me as I managed my first competitive hole in one at the 192 yard par 3, off the yellow tees with a 5 iron. You can only see the top of the flag from the tee and I thought I had hit a good shot however, when we reached the green there was no sign of my yellow ball. Whilst I was looking over the back of the green, John my playing partner saw the ball in the hole. The last 4 holes were a bit of a blur however, the whiskey flowed back in the clubhouse.
The members and staff in the clubhouse were great, a committee member signed my card and I have to say my journey home was somewhat blurred.
I later found out that until only a few years prior, visitors hitting an ace were given club membership, I just missed that one. I was also soon to realise, I missed out on the Daily Record putter for an ace throughout the summer months, mine was in October.
Despite this I really enjoyed Balbirnie Park GC, a fabulous club in great condition with a warm and friendly feel, I have not been back since but I certainly will.

Teeing off down the first at Balbirnie is a pretty special experience, with huge trees down either side, the stunningly maintained fairway and green sets the tone for this great course in the heart of Fife.
It brings back special memories for me as I managed my first competitive hole in one at the 192 yard par 3, off the yellow tees with a 5 iron. You can only see the top of the flag from the tee and I thought I had hit a good shot however, when we reached the green there was no sign of my yellow ball. Whilst I was looking over the back of the green, John my playing partner saw the ball in the hole. The last 4 holes were a bit of a blur however, the whiskey flowed back in the clubhouse.
The members and staff in the clubhouse were great, a committee member signed my card and I have to say my journey home was somewhat blurred.
I later found out that until only a few years prior, visitors hitting an ace were given club membership, I just missed that one. I was also soon to realise, I missed out on the Daily Record putter for an ace throughout the summer months, mine was in October.
Despite this I really enjoyed Balbirnie Park GC, a fabulous club in great condition with a warm and friendly feel, I have not been back since but I certainly will.


Celtic Manor 2010 Course
29th October 2020
29th October 2020
In: Golf courses
Celtic Manor 2010 Course
Having walked around the course watching the ISPS Handa Wales Open, a few years previous, I managed to play the course having been invited to the Specsavers Charity Golf Day.
I stayed at the resort the night before and the night after my round and I have to say, the resort is fabulous.
I arrived at the 2010 clubhouse and after a great breakfast picked up my locker key, mine was next to Tiger Woods’, or at least the one he used during the Ryder Cup. A really great idea is to leave the players names on the lockers they used for the actual event.
On a windy cold day in Wales (at least it stayed dry) the course was really difficult, it makes you realise how good the pros really are, this was probably the hardest course I have ever played. I really enjoyed the round however the iconic 18th was simply amazing, I even managed to avoid the water.
Walking off the green back to the clubhouse and remembering the scenes when Europe won the Ryder Cup a few years previously, with the players celebrating on the balcony above, wow, a truly special experience.

Having walked around the course watching the ISPS Handa Wales Open, a few years previous, I managed to play the course having been invited to the Specsavers Charity Golf Day.
I stayed at the resort the night before and the night after my round and I have to say, the resort is fabulous.
I arrived at the 2010 clubhouse and after a great breakfast picked up my locker key, mine was next to Tiger Woods’, or at least the one he used during the Ryder Cup. A really great idea is to leave the players names on the lockers they used for the actual event.
On a windy cold day in Wales (at least it stayed dry) the course was really difficult, it makes you realise how good the pros really are, this was probably the hardest course I have ever played. I really enjoyed the round however the iconic 18th was simply amazing, I even managed to avoid the water.
Walking off the green back to the clubhouse and remembering the scenes when Europe won the Ryder Cup a few years previously, with the players celebrating on the balcony above, wow, a truly special experience.

The Ocean Club Golf Resort, Nassau, Bahamas
24th October 2020
24th October 2020
In: Golf courses
The Ocean Club Golf Resort, Nassau, Bahamas
The address says it all, 1 Ocean Club Drive Paradise Island….
I could really leave it at that but I certainly won’t. Just simply paradise. I was staying at the Atlantis Resort for a week with the family and made sure this was my one afternoon escape. I say afternoon, as the green fees dropped from $300 to $150 after 1pm. I got the shuttle bus from the main resort and arrived about an hour before my tee off time at 1pm.
I stretched to a coke in the amazing clubhouse (it’s on the bucket list to eat there should my lottery numbers come in) and a ridiculously priced baseball cap from the pro shop. The driving range was busy with the 1pm twilight tee off timers but it was just quality. I picked up my playing partners and buggy from the pro shop 10 minutes before my time and away we went. The pro shop pair you up so you go off in 4 balls, no wated tee times here.
I shared a buggy with a pleasant 19 year old professional baseball player from New York, he could have been a sporting superstar, but one of the great things about golf is, it does not matter, it’s a game of golf. Given it was his vacation, it was probably a relief to him I knew nothing about the sport so no tricky questions or autographs for the kids
The other 2 players were also pleasant, an IT consultant from California and a quiet guy from Las Vegas with a rather large camera, which given the stunning ocean views slowed things down a little as he constantly stopped on greens and tees to take pictures.
Being a resort course, it was quite wide but the views were stunning, hole after hole of beautiful ocean views, the guy with the camera had obviously played here before, as he told us exactly what celebrity lived at what million dollar home we drove past in the buggy.
After camera mans picture stops, we arrived back at the clubhouse just before it got dark, shook hands and headed off back to the main resort.
What a way to spend an afternoon, does it get any better than this…..

The address says it all, 1 Ocean Club Drive Paradise Island….
I could really leave it at that but I certainly won’t. Just simply paradise. I was staying at the Atlantis Resort for a week with the family and made sure this was my one afternoon escape. I say afternoon, as the green fees dropped from $300 to $150 after 1pm. I got the shuttle bus from the main resort and arrived about an hour before my tee off time at 1pm.
I stretched to a coke in the amazing clubhouse (it’s on the bucket list to eat there should my lottery numbers come in) and a ridiculously priced baseball cap from the pro shop. The driving range was busy with the 1pm twilight tee off timers but it was just quality. I picked up my playing partners and buggy from the pro shop 10 minutes before my time and away we went. The pro shop pair you up so you go off in 4 balls, no wated tee times here.
I shared a buggy with a pleasant 19 year old professional baseball player from New York, he could have been a sporting superstar, but one of the great things about golf is, it does not matter, it’s a game of golf. Given it was his vacation, it was probably a relief to him I knew nothing about the sport so no tricky questions or autographs for the kids
The other 2 players were also pleasant, an IT consultant from California and a quiet guy from Las Vegas with a rather large camera, which given the stunning ocean views slowed things down a little as he constantly stopped on greens and tees to take pictures.
Being a resort course, it was quite wide but the views were stunning, hole after hole of beautiful ocean views, the guy with the camera had obviously played here before, as he told us exactly what celebrity lived at what million dollar home we drove past in the buggy.
After camera mans picture stops, we arrived back at the clubhouse just before it got dark, shook hands and headed off back to the main resort.
What a way to spend an afternoon, does it get any better than this…..

Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course
24th October 2020
24th October 2020
In: Golf courses
Gleneagles PGA Centenary Course
The venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup and here I was hacking up the course 2 weeks before the event….
Well not quite, I played well and managed to win the Weir Family Foundation Charitable Trust event played at this awesome golf resort.
I had the pleasure of staying for a night at the resort in a suite after playing in the competition. What an amazing experience.
The course itself was fabulous, the weather was amazing, polo shirts and sunshine does not happen that often in Scotland but what a time for the sun to appear. Despite topping my tee shot down the cart path on the first, things did get better. The rough was brutal if you managed to miss a fairway, but I guess the worlds best players don’t miss fairways that often and given they would be there in a week’s time, the reason for such brutal rough was obvious.
The four hours or so just flew by, on a sunny day in Scotland the scenery does not get much better.
After a great evening at the charity event, I headed back to my room and spent a few hours on my balcony with a bottle of wine, just taking in the realisation of where I was until silly o’clock in the morning, I certainly did not want to miss a minute of this amazing resort.
Some 2 weeks later I’m at home watching the pros on TV treading the very same fairways I had been not long before, strangely enough, despite the Ryder Cup nerves, none of them managed to top their tee shot down the cart path on the first.

The venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup and here I was hacking up the course 2 weeks before the event….
Well not quite, I played well and managed to win the Weir Family Foundation Charitable Trust event played at this awesome golf resort.
I had the pleasure of staying for a night at the resort in a suite after playing in the competition. What an amazing experience.
The course itself was fabulous, the weather was amazing, polo shirts and sunshine does not happen that often in Scotland but what a time for the sun to appear. Despite topping my tee shot down the cart path on the first, things did get better. The rough was brutal if you managed to miss a fairway, but I guess the worlds best players don’t miss fairways that often and given they would be there in a week’s time, the reason for such brutal rough was obvious.
The four hours or so just flew by, on a sunny day in Scotland the scenery does not get much better.
After a great evening at the charity event, I headed back to my room and spent a few hours on my balcony with a bottle of wine, just taking in the realisation of where I was until silly o’clock in the morning, I certainly did not want to miss a minute of this amazing resort.
Some 2 weeks later I’m at home watching the pros on TV treading the very same fairways I had been not long before, strangely enough, despite the Ryder Cup nerves, none of them managed to top their tee shot down the cart path on the first.

Klassis Golf and Country Club Silivri Turkey
24th October 2020
24th October 2020
In: Golf courses
Klassis Golf and Country Club Silivri Turkey
A Fabulous golf resort about an hours drive east along the coast from Istanbul Airport. I had a great 6 days here whilst playing in the 2010 Turkish Disabled Golf Open.
The resort itself is set in the Turkish countryside about 10 minutes from the coastal town of Silivri. The competitors at the golf tournament spent an amazing night in Silivri at a local traditional seafood restaurant where we were really well looked after. We had a wonderful meal which consisted of about 15 courses, what a place.
The golf course itself was great with some tight challenging fairways and great holes. An interesting addition was removing the white out of bounds stakes and replacing them with hazard stakes, meaning you could drop a wayward ball from where it crossed the hazard. Certainly, something other resort courses could do in order to speed up play. Having seen the website of the resort it has certainly been upgraded since my visit, never the less, I had a great time here.
I sadly left and headed back to Istanbul for a few days sightseeing before my flight back to the UK, only to find the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland had erupted and spread ash across Europe, grounding flights in the process. My 2 days in Istanbul ended up as a week.
I found the city quite unpleasant initially, as everyone from taxi drivers to restaurant owners seemed to take pleasure in ripping off tourists whilst the Tourist Police just shrugged their shoulders and allowed this to happen, indeed they made you pay the ridiculous taxi fares and restaurant tabs. The only bonus however, was the airline provided the additional accommodation until flights could resume.
I sought refuge in a sports bar for a day or 2 and after speaking to the friendly and helpful staff, I discovered the best places to go and tips on everything from city travel passes to fish tacos (which incidentally were amazing). After a further 4 days I ended up loving the city.
I did however travel back to the UK with very few clothes. I put most of them in a laundry with the intention of picking them up the next day however, I received a call from my airline telling me my flight would be leaving in 2 hours, otherwise I would have to stay and make my own arrangements. Tempting though it was, my laundry remained and I headed home after a great trip.

A Fabulous golf resort about an hours drive east along the coast from Istanbul Airport. I had a great 6 days here whilst playing in the 2010 Turkish Disabled Golf Open.
The resort itself is set in the Turkish countryside about 10 minutes from the coastal town of Silivri. The competitors at the golf tournament spent an amazing night in Silivri at a local traditional seafood restaurant where we were really well looked after. We had a wonderful meal which consisted of about 15 courses, what a place.
The golf course itself was great with some tight challenging fairways and great holes. An interesting addition was removing the white out of bounds stakes and replacing them with hazard stakes, meaning you could drop a wayward ball from where it crossed the hazard. Certainly, something other resort courses could do in order to speed up play. Having seen the website of the resort it has certainly been upgraded since my visit, never the less, I had a great time here.
I sadly left and headed back to Istanbul for a few days sightseeing before my flight back to the UK, only to find the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland had erupted and spread ash across Europe, grounding flights in the process. My 2 days in Istanbul ended up as a week.
I found the city quite unpleasant initially, as everyone from taxi drivers to restaurant owners seemed to take pleasure in ripping off tourists whilst the Tourist Police just shrugged their shoulders and allowed this to happen, indeed they made you pay the ridiculous taxi fares and restaurant tabs. The only bonus however, was the airline provided the additional accommodation until flights could resume.
I sought refuge in a sports bar for a day or 2 and after speaking to the friendly and helpful staff, I discovered the best places to go and tips on everything from city travel passes to fish tacos (which incidentally were amazing). After a further 4 days I ended up loving the city.
I did however travel back to the UK with very few clothes. I put most of them in a laundry with the intention of picking them up the next day however, I received a call from my airline telling me my flight would be leaving in 2 hours, otherwise I would have to stay and make my own arrangements. Tempting though it was, my laundry remained and I headed home after a great trip.

Sheraton Vistana Resort Orlando FL
20th September 2020
20th September 2020
In: Hotels/Resorts
Sheraton Vistana Resort Orlando FL
I first went here about 20 years ago and I have been going back ever since. The first time I went I liked it so much I bought a timeshare. I have been to some great places in Orlando, Disney resorts, Reunion, Champions Gate to name but a few and I always keep going back to the Vistana Resort.
10 minutes from the Disney Parks, bars and restaurants right outside the main gates, for me its just ideal. There are about 5 areas within the resort all with swimming pools and amenities areas. There are numerous bars, restaurants and poolside food options, a main “market Place” store and “club house” amenities across the resort. The bars and restaurants have themed evenings so you don’t even need to leave the resort after a day at the parks. If you don’t wish to hire a car you don’t have to. Simply use the resort shuttle to the theme parks/airport and there is more than enough to keep you happy both on the resort and within walking distance.
The villas are 1,2 or 3 bedroom and are constantly updated and always clean and well maintained, the thing I first noticed many years ago on my first visit was the size of the villas, huge living areas and really well equipped. I have never cooked in the villa other than some cereal or toast for the kids before an early start to the parks, but it’s all there if you need it. One of the benefits of the villa for me is there are TV’s in all the rooms, so the kids can do as they please before bed, a huge fridge which can comfortably cater for a wide range of cold drinks and snacks for the whole family and I make the large balcony “adults only” after 10pm. There is a washing machine and tumble dryer in every villa, ideal, as it means you can take minimal amounts of clothes with you which means more room in the case to take things back.
I could not imagine going back to a hotel room in Orlando FL. Sheraton Vistana Resort, my spiritual home in Orlando

I first went here about 20 years ago and I have been going back ever since. The first time I went I liked it so much I bought a timeshare. I have been to some great places in Orlando, Disney resorts, Reunion, Champions Gate to name but a few and I always keep going back to the Vistana Resort.
10 minutes from the Disney Parks, bars and restaurants right outside the main gates, for me its just ideal. There are about 5 areas within the resort all with swimming pools and amenities areas. There are numerous bars, restaurants and poolside food options, a main “market Place” store and “club house” amenities across the resort. The bars and restaurants have themed evenings so you don’t even need to leave the resort after a day at the parks. If you don’t wish to hire a car you don’t have to. Simply use the resort shuttle to the theme parks/airport and there is more than enough to keep you happy both on the resort and within walking distance.
The villas are 1,2 or 3 bedroom and are constantly updated and always clean and well maintained, the thing I first noticed many years ago on my first visit was the size of the villas, huge living areas and really well equipped. I have never cooked in the villa other than some cereal or toast for the kids before an early start to the parks, but it’s all there if you need it. One of the benefits of the villa for me is there are TV’s in all the rooms, so the kids can do as they please before bed, a huge fridge which can comfortably cater for a wide range of cold drinks and snacks for the whole family and I make the large balcony “adults only” after 10pm. There is a washing machine and tumble dryer in every villa, ideal, as it means you can take minimal amounts of clothes with you which means more room in the case to take things back.
I could not imagine going back to a hotel room in Orlando FL. Sheraton Vistana Resort, my spiritual home in Orlando

San Salvador El Salvador
20th September 2020
20th September 2020
In: Places
San Salvador El Salvador
Why was I visiting one of the most dangerous cities on the planet and why is it on my website. The plan was to pass through quickly however, 3 days later and I’m still here to tell the tale.
I travelled on the famous Tica Bus from Guatemala City to San Salvador and the plan was to simply stay at the bus station hotel for a few hours and get on the early Tica bus to Managua, the capital of Nicaragua the following morning.
I arrived into the bus station and the 2 huge metal gates opened up and closed pretty quickly behind the bus. I decided to head into the city to try and find some food along with another 2 travellers as there was only an empty vending machine at the hotel. We asked to get out through the huge metal gates, the shotgun wielding security guard mumbled something is Spanish, shook his head and opened the gate to let us out.
We got as far as a dingy shop about 50 yards up the road, bought some drinks and snacks and headed back somewhat faster than when we came.
Back in the hotel I got talking to a young woman who was also on the bus and she was in reception waiting for a lift to the US embassy, where she was going to be working on an exchange programme. The bus station gates opened, in came 2 huge black SUV’s and the woman was welcomed into one of the cars by 2 gun totting CIA types and off she went. Clearly the embassy staff did not use local taxis.
I had a few hours sleep and headed down to reception at about 4.30 am to buy my ticket for the Tica Bus to Managua, as the office in the bus station was closed when we arrived the day before. There was a line of about 30 people who had got there before me and by the time I got to the front, the bus was full, I bought a ticket for the next bus out, 24 hours later….
So I’m in the most dangerous city on the planet with 24 hours to kill, best I head out for some breakfast. I checked the guide books and it turned out there was a shopping mall in the city, Centro Comercial Galerias but I needed to get a taxi. The mall was an absolute oasis in that it was fairly safe compared to anywhere in the city. A food court and a cinema filed most of the day before heading off back to the bus station.
The journey to and from the mall was scary, I locked the door as per government travel advice however, it sems no taxi in San Salvador has a working window, they are all broken and stay open. This resulted in a prayer not to catch a red traffic light, as this tended to be a hangout for groups of not so nice looking men. It was like being an animal trapped in a cage and left me with a real feeling of vulnerability.
That evening we decided to head out to a bar attached to a rather better quality hotel, the plan was for a window less taxi there and back. We arrived and received an escort into the bar by shotgun wielding security guards, the taxi was 10 yards from the bar but we needed an escort. There were no windows in the bar just huge metal bars. There were lots of locals with blue and white stripped football shirts, banners and scarves decorated the bar. It turned out the national team were playing a World Cup qualifier. We had a few beers and some food and by this time the bar was bouncing, San Salvador did not seem so bad.
We had a few more beers and one of the guys I was with had a look at the score. He came back looking rather white and suggested we quickly get a taxi back to the hotel, the USA were beating El Salvador 5-0 with 15 minutes to go, we were the only 3 gringos in the place.
Fortunately, the taxi arrived quite quickly and we travelled the 20 minutes back to the hotel without incident, we were by now used to the sound of gunshots echoing around the city.
I was up early the next morning and got to the front of the line to board the bus. I can’t really say I enjoyed San Salvador, in fact I didn’t, it was really scary but it was however an experience , one of the things I still love about travelling, overcoming the unexpected.

Why was I visiting one of the most dangerous cities on the planet and why is it on my website. The plan was to pass through quickly however, 3 days later and I’m still here to tell the tale.
I travelled on the famous Tica Bus from Guatemala City to San Salvador and the plan was to simply stay at the bus station hotel for a few hours and get on the early Tica bus to Managua, the capital of Nicaragua the following morning.
I arrived into the bus station and the 2 huge metal gates opened up and closed pretty quickly behind the bus. I decided to head into the city to try and find some food along with another 2 travellers as there was only an empty vending machine at the hotel. We asked to get out through the huge metal gates, the shotgun wielding security guard mumbled something is Spanish, shook his head and opened the gate to let us out.
We got as far as a dingy shop about 50 yards up the road, bought some drinks and snacks and headed back somewhat faster than when we came.
Back in the hotel I got talking to a young woman who was also on the bus and she was in reception waiting for a lift to the US embassy, where she was going to be working on an exchange programme. The bus station gates opened, in came 2 huge black SUV’s and the woman was welcomed into one of the cars by 2 gun totting CIA types and off she went. Clearly the embassy staff did not use local taxis.
I had a few hours sleep and headed down to reception at about 4.30 am to buy my ticket for the Tica Bus to Managua, as the office in the bus station was closed when we arrived the day before. There was a line of about 30 people who had got there before me and by the time I got to the front, the bus was full, I bought a ticket for the next bus out, 24 hours later….
So I’m in the most dangerous city on the planet with 24 hours to kill, best I head out for some breakfast. I checked the guide books and it turned out there was a shopping mall in the city, Centro Comercial Galerias but I needed to get a taxi. The mall was an absolute oasis in that it was fairly safe compared to anywhere in the city. A food court and a cinema filed most of the day before heading off back to the bus station.
The journey to and from the mall was scary, I locked the door as per government travel advice however, it sems no taxi in San Salvador has a working window, they are all broken and stay open. This resulted in a prayer not to catch a red traffic light, as this tended to be a hangout for groups of not so nice looking men. It was like being an animal trapped in a cage and left me with a real feeling of vulnerability.
That evening we decided to head out to a bar attached to a rather better quality hotel, the plan was for a window less taxi there and back. We arrived and received an escort into the bar by shotgun wielding security guards, the taxi was 10 yards from the bar but we needed an escort. There were no windows in the bar just huge metal bars. There were lots of locals with blue and white stripped football shirts, banners and scarves decorated the bar. It turned out the national team were playing a World Cup qualifier. We had a few beers and some food and by this time the bar was bouncing, San Salvador did not seem so bad.
We had a few more beers and one of the guys I was with had a look at the score. He came back looking rather white and suggested we quickly get a taxi back to the hotel, the USA were beating El Salvador 5-0 with 15 minutes to go, we were the only 3 gringos in the place.
Fortunately, the taxi arrived quite quickly and we travelled the 20 minutes back to the hotel without incident, we were by now used to the sound of gunshots echoing around the city.
I was up early the next morning and got to the front of the line to board the bus. I can’t really say I enjoyed San Salvador, in fact I didn’t, it was really scary but it was however an experience , one of the things I still love about travelling, overcoming the unexpected.

The Savoy Hotel Prague
20th September 2020
20th September 2020
In: Hotels/Resorts
The Savoy Hotel Prague
My stay at the Savoy Hotel in Prague was strangely a result of a dump I stayed in whilst in Budapest, backpacking across Europe with my wife. The only relevance to backpacking, was the fact we both had rucksacks, not a hostel in sight. We ended up in a pension in Budapest which was horrible, as a result, we decided to do a bit more research for future hotels and found a great deal for our next destination in Prague.
We booked a 3 day 2 night dinner bed and breakfast deal at the Savoy and wow, it was amazing. We arrived at reception with rucksacks on our backs and got the “can I help you sir” from the concierge who I suspect thought we were going to ask for directions. Reluctantly he handed over the complimentary glass of champagne on arrival, the first of many….
The views from our room were amazing as the hotel is located in a great position close to Prague’s stanning landmarks. Dinner was a 5 course affair which was fabulous and the restaurant setting was beautiful. My favourite meal of the day is breakfast and this was as good as it gets. A hot and cold buffet, omelette chef sparkling wine, I spent an hour in the restaurant before my wife dragged me out.
We were sad to leave this amazing hotel, and indeed the city of Prague as it really was great. After 3 days of 5 star luxury we never did, “backpack “ for the rest of our trip, it suddenly became expensive as we never ventured below 4 star before we flew home a week or so later.

My stay at the Savoy Hotel in Prague was strangely a result of a dump I stayed in whilst in Budapest, backpacking across Europe with my wife. The only relevance to backpacking, was the fact we both had rucksacks, not a hostel in sight. We ended up in a pension in Budapest which was horrible, as a result, we decided to do a bit more research for future hotels and found a great deal for our next destination in Prague.
We booked a 3 day 2 night dinner bed and breakfast deal at the Savoy and wow, it was amazing. We arrived at reception with rucksacks on our backs and got the “can I help you sir” from the concierge who I suspect thought we were going to ask for directions. Reluctantly he handed over the complimentary glass of champagne on arrival, the first of many….
The views from our room were amazing as the hotel is located in a great position close to Prague’s stanning landmarks. Dinner was a 5 course affair which was fabulous and the restaurant setting was beautiful. My favourite meal of the day is breakfast and this was as good as it gets. A hot and cold buffet, omelette chef sparkling wine, I spent an hour in the restaurant before my wife dragged me out.
We were sad to leave this amazing hotel, and indeed the city of Prague as it really was great. After 3 days of 5 star luxury we never did, “backpack “ for the rest of our trip, it suddenly became expensive as we never ventured below 4 star before we flew home a week or so later.

Hotel Meson de Maria San Salvador
20th September 2020
20th September 2020
In: Hotels/Resorts
Hotel Meson de Maria San Salvador
You are probably thinking, why is the 2 star at best, Hotel de Maria in the middle of one of the most dangerous cities on the planet is on my website. Simple answer is, it got me off the streets of the most scary city I have ever visited for a few hours overnight.
San Salvador makes the worst areas of London seem like Disney World. I travelled on the famous Tika Bus from Guatemala City to San Salvador and the plan was to simply stay in the Maria Hotel, which is located in the bus station, for a few hours and get on the early Tika Bus to Managua the capital of Nicaragua. By staying in the hotel Maria inside the gated bus terminal, complete with shotgun wielding security, it should have meant I would not have needed to go out into the city, sometimes we know where the best laid plans go…
My room was a store cupboard on the top floor of the building, I say top floor but a store room on the barb wire clad roof would have been more apt, I wasn’t sure why the 4th floor roof needed barbed wire on top of the wall but hey, this was San Salvador. The view of the city was pretty good especially in the dark, all lit up, you could also hear the constant police sirens and the frequent sound of gunfire from various parts of the city.
By this time it was around 8pm and dark, so I headed down to the hotel reception which also doubled as the Tika bus ticket office. The ticket office was closed and the restaurant, which was a vending machine, was empty. I decided to head into the city to try and find food along with another 2 travellers and when we asked to get out through the huge metal gates, the shotgun wielding security guard mumbled something is Spanish, shook his head and opened the gate to let us out.
We got as far as a dingy shop about 50 yards up the road bout some drinks and snacks and headed back somewhat faster than when we came.
I got talking to a young woman who was also on the bus and she was in reception waiting for a lift to the US embassy where she was going to be working on an exchange programme. The bus station gates opened, in came 2 huge black SUV’s and the woman was welcomed into one of the cars by 2 gun totting CIA types and off she went. Clearly the embassy staff did not use local taxis.
I had a few hours sleep and headed down to reception at about 4.30 am to buy my ticket for the Tika Bus to Managua. There was a line of about 30 people who had got there before me and by the time I got to the front the bus was full, I bought a ticket for the next bus out, 24 hours later….

You are probably thinking, why is the 2 star at best, Hotel de Maria in the middle of one of the most dangerous cities on the planet is on my website. Simple answer is, it got me off the streets of the most scary city I have ever visited for a few hours overnight.
San Salvador makes the worst areas of London seem like Disney World. I travelled on the famous Tika Bus from Guatemala City to San Salvador and the plan was to simply stay in the Maria Hotel, which is located in the bus station, for a few hours and get on the early Tika Bus to Managua the capital of Nicaragua. By staying in the hotel Maria inside the gated bus terminal, complete with shotgun wielding security, it should have meant I would not have needed to go out into the city, sometimes we know where the best laid plans go…
My room was a store cupboard on the top floor of the building, I say top floor but a store room on the barb wire clad roof would have been more apt, I wasn’t sure why the 4th floor roof needed barbed wire on top of the wall but hey, this was San Salvador. The view of the city was pretty good especially in the dark, all lit up, you could also hear the constant police sirens and the frequent sound of gunfire from various parts of the city.
By this time it was around 8pm and dark, so I headed down to the hotel reception which also doubled as the Tika bus ticket office. The ticket office was closed and the restaurant, which was a vending machine, was empty. I decided to head into the city to try and find food along with another 2 travellers and when we asked to get out through the huge metal gates, the shotgun wielding security guard mumbled something is Spanish, shook his head and opened the gate to let us out.
We got as far as a dingy shop about 50 yards up the road bout some drinks and snacks and headed back somewhat faster than when we came.
I got talking to a young woman who was also on the bus and she was in reception waiting for a lift to the US embassy where she was going to be working on an exchange programme. The bus station gates opened, in came 2 huge black SUV’s and the woman was welcomed into one of the cars by 2 gun totting CIA types and off she went. Clearly the embassy staff did not use local taxis.
I had a few hours sleep and headed down to reception at about 4.30 am to buy my ticket for the Tika Bus to Managua. There was a line of about 30 people who had got there before me and by the time I got to the front the bus was full, I bought a ticket for the next bus out, 24 hours later….

Adlon Kempinski Berlin
20th September 2020
20th September 2020
In: Hotels/Resorts
Adlon Kempinski Berlin
The Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is one of my favourite hotels in the world. It is on Unter den Linden, the main boulevard in the central Mitte district, at the corner with Pariser Platz, directly opposite the Brandenburg Gate. Location, location, location, it does not get any better for somewhere to stay in Berlin.
Despite being rebuilt after being virtually destroyed at the end of the second world war, the hotel is steeped in history, If your not a Keiser your not getting in (I did however). I took my late father here as he loved the history of the hotel and the surrounding area. Just having a late beer in the piano bar imagining all the history and people who had done so during the 100+ years before us was pretty special. We went in summer and were able to sit outside and just take in the spectacular views of the famous Brandenburg Gate, imagining what it would have been like 70 or so years ago as thousands of German troops marched past under the famous arch, remembering the famous footage from war time Germany, we were right there in the present.
Having decided that is where we were going to stay on our trip, I searched the web for weeks looking for a deal, as you can imagine, such a hotel is way out of my league. I managed however and thanks to an Expedia sale, and persistence on my part, I ended up with a room at the front of the hotel overlooking the Brandenburg Gate.
Looking out at the stunning historic site from my room, especially in the evening when it’s lit up, is about as good as it gets, unfortunately I doubt if I will get the opportunity again, the memories of the hotel and my late father however will remain forever…..

The Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is one of my favourite hotels in the world. It is on Unter den Linden, the main boulevard in the central Mitte district, at the corner with Pariser Platz, directly opposite the Brandenburg Gate. Location, location, location, it does not get any better for somewhere to stay in Berlin.
Despite being rebuilt after being virtually destroyed at the end of the second world war, the hotel is steeped in history, If your not a Keiser your not getting in (I did however). I took my late father here as he loved the history of the hotel and the surrounding area. Just having a late beer in the piano bar imagining all the history and people who had done so during the 100+ years before us was pretty special. We went in summer and were able to sit outside and just take in the spectacular views of the famous Brandenburg Gate, imagining what it would have been like 70 or so years ago as thousands of German troops marched past under the famous arch, remembering the famous footage from war time Germany, we were right there in the present.
Having decided that is where we were going to stay on our trip, I searched the web for weeks looking for a deal, as you can imagine, such a hotel is way out of my league. I managed however and thanks to an Expedia sale, and persistence on my part, I ended up with a room at the front of the hotel overlooking the Brandenburg Gate.
Looking out at the stunning historic site from my room, especially in the evening when it’s lit up, is about as good as it gets, unfortunately I doubt if I will get the opportunity again, the memories of the hotel and my late father however will remain forever…..

Hotel Bristol Warsaw Poland
20th September 2020
20th September 2020
In: Hotels/Resorts
Hotel Bristol Warsaw Poland
For almost 120 years this stunning hotel on the celebrated Royal Route, next to the Presidential Palace and just a short stroll from the Old Town, Royal Castle, National Theatre and Opera House, has graced Warsaw with its presence.
I stayed here as part of a challenge with my wife. My middle son of three was approaching 1 year old and it was suggested it would be extremely difficult to travel with a child of that age, let alone for 3 or 4 days as a lone parent. Warsaw here I come….
I looked at options through various websites and decided I would stay somewhere a little more upmarket for me, given I was travelling with a 1 year old and if things did go wrong, help would be more readily available at a better hotel. I booked my flight and hotel deal through Expedia and when I came to pay the great value add on’s appeared.
Would you like a limo from the airport (for less than the cost of a taxi as I had been to Warsaw before), absolutely.
Would you like breakfast included for an extra few pounds, why not…
Would you like a room upgrade, again a few pounds for a superior room or a little more extra for a top floor suite, yes of course.
So for an extra £60 on an already good deal, I ended up with a limo (nice Mercedes) to and from the airport, a huge buffet breakfast (including all the nice things one would expect at a 5 star hotel, champagne, salmon, off the bone ham, omelette chef etc) on all 3 days and an upgrade to a top floor suite. On arrival and speaking to other guests it turned out I had paid less for my deal than others had paid for a basic room, good old Expedia.
The hotel was great, fabulous service, a really nice bar for the late evening nightcap when baby Josh was asleep in his pushchair, I loved the old McLaren pushchairs which folded back flat when baby falls asleep. The room was very nice especially the journey to the top floor in the “crystal lift”. Being a jeans and tee shirt type rather than a suit type of guy, I received some strange looks off other guests when asked what floor I wanted, top floor please. There were on or two wife’s or partners who gave the other half that, “you never take me too a penthouse suite” look. My wife asked that very same question when she saw my trip itinerary before I left.
A fabulous hotel in a great location, I have been back since but not in a suite….

For almost 120 years this stunning hotel on the celebrated Royal Route, next to the Presidential Palace and just a short stroll from the Old Town, Royal Castle, National Theatre and Opera House, has graced Warsaw with its presence.
I stayed here as part of a challenge with my wife. My middle son of three was approaching 1 year old and it was suggested it would be extremely difficult to travel with a child of that age, let alone for 3 or 4 days as a lone parent. Warsaw here I come….
I looked at options through various websites and decided I would stay somewhere a little more upmarket for me, given I was travelling with a 1 year old and if things did go wrong, help would be more readily available at a better hotel. I booked my flight and hotel deal through Expedia and when I came to pay the great value add on’s appeared.
Would you like a limo from the airport (for less than the cost of a taxi as I had been to Warsaw before), absolutely.
Would you like breakfast included for an extra few pounds, why not…
Would you like a room upgrade, again a few pounds for a superior room or a little more extra for a top floor suite, yes of course.
So for an extra £60 on an already good deal, I ended up with a limo (nice Mercedes) to and from the airport, a huge buffet breakfast (including all the nice things one would expect at a 5 star hotel, champagne, salmon, off the bone ham, omelette chef etc) on all 3 days and an upgrade to a top floor suite. On arrival and speaking to other guests it turned out I had paid less for my deal than others had paid for a basic room, good old Expedia.
The hotel was great, fabulous service, a really nice bar for the late evening nightcap when baby Josh was asleep in his pushchair, I loved the old McLaren pushchairs which folded back flat when baby falls asleep. The room was very nice especially the journey to the top floor in the “crystal lift”. Being a jeans and tee shirt type rather than a suit type of guy, I received some strange looks off other guests when asked what floor I wanted, top floor please. There were on or two wife’s or partners who gave the other half that, “you never take me too a penthouse suite” look. My wife asked that very same question when she saw my trip itinerary before I left.
A fabulous hotel in a great location, I have been back since but not in a suite….

Sheraton Krakow Poland
20th September 2020
20th September 2020
In: Hotels/Resorts
Sheraton Krakow Poland
One of my favourite hotels in the world let alone in Poland. I have been staying at the Sheraton Krakow for many years now when the budget allows (normally when I travel with my wife).
The location is great, the hotel sits on the banks of the Vistula River ahd if you turn left out of the hotel, you will see the stunning Wawel castle. It’s a five minute walk into the old town and a great place to begin to explore the wonderful city of Krakow.
The hotel is featured on Michael Palin’s New Europe travel series so if it’s good enough for Sir Michael, it’s good enough for me. I have used the hotels Olive restaurant and the Qube Vodka Bar (a great place for a nightcap after a night in Kralow), however, for me, Some Place Else the hotel bar is my favourite bar in the city. Live music at weekends, busy throughout the week and it shows most sporting events, indeed I happened to be in the bar when the Polish national football team were playing and the place was bouncing. Slightly pricey for Krakow however the atmosphere in the place is well worth that extra.
I couldn’t leave the hotel without mentioning club level. Club level is slightly more money, I happened to stumble across this being a Starwood Hotels Preferred Guest many years ago. A business lounge with all the trimmings one would expect, all day free internet, photocopying, TV, coffee, cakes, wine and space to chill out, however, more importantly if like me, you have travelled with 3 or 4 friends on a cultural trip, a happy hour. The happy hour is from 5-7pm and it’s free drink and food. Beers, wine and spirits, the food is wonderful, little bowls of curry, prawn salad, stroganoff and a host of other things, quality you would expect from this level of hotel.
And after happy hour, it’s off to sample the cultural delights of this great city, wont be needing dinner then….

One of my favourite hotels in the world let alone in Poland. I have been staying at the Sheraton Krakow for many years now when the budget allows (normally when I travel with my wife).
The location is great, the hotel sits on the banks of the Vistula River ahd if you turn left out of the hotel, you will see the stunning Wawel castle. It’s a five minute walk into the old town and a great place to begin to explore the wonderful city of Krakow.
The hotel is featured on Michael Palin’s New Europe travel series so if it’s good enough for Sir Michael, it’s good enough for me. I have used the hotels Olive restaurant and the Qube Vodka Bar (a great place for a nightcap after a night in Kralow), however, for me, Some Place Else the hotel bar is my favourite bar in the city. Live music at weekends, busy throughout the week and it shows most sporting events, indeed I happened to be in the bar when the Polish national football team were playing and the place was bouncing. Slightly pricey for Krakow however the atmosphere in the place is well worth that extra.
I couldn’t leave the hotel without mentioning club level. Club level is slightly more money, I happened to stumble across this being a Starwood Hotels Preferred Guest many years ago. A business lounge with all the trimmings one would expect, all day free internet, photocopying, TV, coffee, cakes, wine and space to chill out, however, more importantly if like me, you have travelled with 3 or 4 friends on a cultural trip, a happy hour. The happy hour is from 5-7pm and it’s free drink and food. Beers, wine and spirits, the food is wonderful, little bowls of curry, prawn salad, stroganoff and a host of other things, quality you would expect from this level of hotel.
And after happy hour, it’s off to sample the cultural delights of this great city, wont be needing dinner then….

Leos Oyster Bar San Francisco CA
06th September 2020
06th September 2020
In: Restaurants/Bars
Leos Oyster Bar San Francisco CA
You don’t call yourself an oyster bar if you oysters aren’t good, in this case, they have every right to the name as not just the oysters, but the food, drinks staff and the place in general was awesome. The décor won’t be to everyone’s taste but the food certainly will.
When a place is always busy and it’s difficult to get a table, there is normally a good and obvious reason for that and in this case it was because the oysters are off the charts, the food in general is really good it’s well worth trying something “different” from the drinks menu as you won’t be disappointed. San Francisco is a must for seafood lovers and Leos is pretty much as good as it gets. Don’t miss this one if you get the chance, see for yourself why it makes the top 5 in the Blindtraveller “oyster league”.

You don’t call yourself an oyster bar if you oysters aren’t good, in this case, they have every right to the name as not just the oysters, but the food, drinks staff and the place in general was awesome. The décor won’t be to everyone’s taste but the food certainly will.
When a place is always busy and it’s difficult to get a table, there is normally a good and obvious reason for that and in this case it was because the oysters are off the charts, the food in general is really good it’s well worth trying something “different” from the drinks menu as you won’t be disappointed. San Francisco is a must for seafood lovers and Leos is pretty much as good as it gets. Don’t miss this one if you get the chance, see for yourself why it makes the top 5 in the Blindtraveller “oyster league”.

Ostra (Mokara Hotel) San Antonio TX
06th September 2020
06th September 2020
In: Hotels/Resorts
Ostra (Mokara Hotel) San Antonio TX
If its sitting outside on the famous San Antonio Riverwalk watching the world go by, or inside in the elegant restaurant, it really doesn’t matter, its all about the food and the wine.
This place was recommended by a friend and wow it did not disappoint, The food was awesome and the oysters well, straight in to the Blindtraveller oyster league top 5. The staff were great and the ambience of the place made it a really great dining experience.
Despite Texas being a meat eaters paradise, Ostra was a pleasant surprise for really good quality seafood. Location, food, value for money, this place has it all.

If its sitting outside on the famous San Antonio Riverwalk watching the world go by, or inside in the elegant restaurant, it really doesn’t matter, its all about the food and the wine.
This place was recommended by a friend and wow it did not disappoint, The food was awesome and the oysters well, straight in to the Blindtraveller oyster league top 5. The staff were great and the ambience of the place made it a really great dining experience.
Despite Texas being a meat eaters paradise, Ostra was a pleasant surprise for really good quality seafood. Location, food, value for money, this place has it all.

Colemans Seafood Temple South Shields
06th September 2020
06th September 2020
In: Restaurants/Bars
Colemans Seafood Temple South Shields
Colemans Fish and Chips have been a South Shields institution for almost 100 years now. The takeaway and restaurant on Ocean Road in the town centre, has had visitors from miles around since it opened.
The seafood Temple on the fabulous South Shields seafront is however, a relatively new addition and after years of negotiating with town planners, it’s finally here.
On the site of the old bandstand, the seafood temple is a glass fronted restaurant with stunning views out to sea. Equally as good are the award winning fish and chips. The oysters are simply superb and make the Blindtraveller “Oyster league” top 5.
On my last visit a few weeks back, the oysters were incredible and catapulted the restaurant up there with the best worldwide in the Oyster league table. It was not just the taste, or the finding no grit in all 2 dozen, but for me, the fact the that chef had totally removed the oyster from the shell and placed it back so I simply just had to add my tabasco and lemon and swallow straight from the shell. The fish and chips main course were great as always and a bottle of prosecco was reasonably priced.
Every time I am back in the North East this is on the must do list, really good food and exceptional value for money.


Colemans Fish and Chips have been a South Shields institution for almost 100 years now. The takeaway and restaurant on Ocean Road in the town centre, has had visitors from miles around since it opened.
The seafood Temple on the fabulous South Shields seafront is however, a relatively new addition and after years of negotiating with town planners, it’s finally here.
On the site of the old bandstand, the seafood temple is a glass fronted restaurant with stunning views out to sea. Equally as good are the award winning fish and chips. The oysters are simply superb and make the Blindtraveller “Oyster league” top 5.
On my last visit a few weeks back, the oysters were incredible and catapulted the restaurant up there with the best worldwide in the Oyster league table. It was not just the taste, or the finding no grit in all 2 dozen, but for me, the fact the that chef had totally removed the oyster from the shell and placed it back so I simply just had to add my tabasco and lemon and swallow straight from the shell. The fish and chips main course were great as always and a bottle of prosecco was reasonably priced.
Every time I am back in the North East this is on the must do list, really good food and exceptional value for money.


The Oyster League
06th September 2020
06th September 2020
The Oyster League
Welcome to the Blind traveller Oyster League. The oyster league table of the worlds best oysters I have had the good fortune to sample on my travels.
The criteria is simple, if I don’t order a second dozen after finishing my first, they aren’t good enough to make it into the top 5 or even get a mention……..
If a restaurant serves oysters, I simply have to have a dozen, so no excuses other than the fact, I may not have been to your establishment yet.
The top five as of August 2020
1 Ricks on the River Tampa FL USA
2 Pinchers Lakewood Ranch FL USA
3 Colemans Seafood Temple, South Shields England
4 Ostra (Mokara Hotel) San Antonio TX USA
5 Leos Oyster Bar San Francisco CA USA
Close but not quite making the top 5
Legal Seafood Boston MA USA
Villa Marina Restaurante Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
Fish London England
Mission Street Oyster Bar San Francisco, CA USA
La Trainera Acapulco Mexico
Aptus Seafood Melbourne Australia
Welcome to the Blind traveller Oyster League. The oyster league table of the worlds best oysters I have had the good fortune to sample on my travels.
The criteria is simple, if I don’t order a second dozen after finishing my first, they aren’t good enough to make it into the top 5 or even get a mention……..
If a restaurant serves oysters, I simply have to have a dozen, so no excuses other than the fact, I may not have been to your establishment yet.
The top five as of August 2020
1 Ricks on the River Tampa FL USA
2 Pinchers Lakewood Ranch FL USA
3 Colemans Seafood Temple, South Shields England
4 Ostra (Mokara Hotel) San Antonio TX USA
5 Leos Oyster Bar San Francisco CA USA
Close but not quite making the top 5
Legal Seafood Boston MA USA
Villa Marina Restaurante Tijuana, B.C., Mexico
Fish London England
Mission Street Oyster Bar San Francisco, CA USA
La Trainera Acapulco Mexico
Aptus Seafood Melbourne Australia