Place to stay: Zanzibar Hotel, St. Leonards-on-sea

Well well well, how could I forget to mention this one! The Zanzibar Boutique Hotel sits on the edge of the sea, down in St. Leonards - a sparkling little white-washed abode which emenates the most laid-back atmosphere. No pretention, just a little bit of comfort, and the most incredible sea-view!

If you're lucky enough to visit when they are painting the walls - you get a pretty good discount, and up on the third floor rests the Manhattan Suite. You have your own staircase... which leads to an open-plan, attic-style appartment with huge windows that open out to let in a cool sea-breeze and a big, sometimes moody ocean. I won't give everything away, because there are so many nooks, crannies and gadgets to explore... but the duke box was by far the highlight of this adventure.

The staff at Zanzibar as so friendly, making you instantly feel at ease and at home. There's an honesty bar, an interesting garden, some really beautiful design and decor, and an incredible breakfast!!

Up the road, just off of Norman Road (a five minute walk from Zanzibar) is St. Clements restaurant (as mentioned in previous post). The food is exquisite, and although a little on the pricey-side of town, it's not extortionate, and if you've got a spare bob-or-two and fancy a really good, hearty meal cooked by a great chef who trained at The Ivy - then do it!

St. Leonards is well worth a visit, and if you're planning a weekend treat away from it all, it's a haven of activity, culture, sea, great food and mystery. From ladies wheeling cats down the promenade in their buggies, to deleicious food, dukeboxes, plunge-baths and G&T's, you will, I'm sure, have a great time.

Look here: http://www.zanzibarhotel.co.uk/ and here: http://www.stclementsrestaurant.co.uk/