Relaxing in the sun near the river spending family time

Last Sunday anyone that lives in Dorset would agree the weather was fantastic, the sun was shining the tide was steady. For me the company couldn't of been any better.

The day started with the children's water activities on the Quay. This is between 9:30 am and 10:30 am. Whilst the children are on the water the adults can either sit and watch or pop across to the opposite side of the bridge and grab a hot drink or milkshake from the cafe/ ice cream parlor in the corner. The prices are reasonable and the staff are so friendly, its like we've known them for years.

TJ and one of the instructors Ellie 

For those children who just like to mooch around or aren't quite comfortable in the water yet, then the instructors on the water are at hand to help. During the whole session there are always two instructors that are happy to have another rower on board.

Next was lunch at The Quay Inn, which is where the car park is on the water front.

There are benches out the front and out the back. 

Dogs are allowed indoors also as there is two separate areas to eat.

The side we sat on had a rather large party which blocked the majority of the tables behind it, which were the only ones that were free. 

As we squeezed our way past the party, dogs in toe.

Bonnie had to make her own space behind the seats while we choose our meals. 

The meals were served and honestly, for what we had the prices were pretty good. We ordered the hot rock steak ( where you cook it yourself to you on preference ) and TJ had pizza. 

TJ can be very fussy when it comes to his food but the food was eaten and not a single complaint left his lips.

 For pudding for myself I ordered a spiced syrup sponge with custard and a side order of creme brulee ice cream.

 TJ obviously wanted to have his own ice cream so he waited till I finished eating and asked to go to the ice cream parlor next door.

 TJ choose the ice cream Sunday which comes to just under £5 and for the size its a good price for what he had. Three scoops of ice cream in various flavors (of your choice), toppings (of your choice) the fan wafers and the chocolate whirls.

It took quite a while for him to eat this ice cream and we had to ask for a take away tub as time was getting on. If ordering this I would recommend to share it with someone.

If you can't tell we enjoy spending time in the Purbecks, not only for the sights but also for the food.

I would love to try a few more restaurants around there so any recommendations please let me know.

An evening out at Frankie and Benny's

This evening I was to tired to cook a full meal from scratch so decided last minute to go to Frankie and Benny's at Tower Park, Poole.

This would be my second meal there in 6 months. The first time I went with my mom by ourselves and came out stuffed to the brim.
This time I took TJ although being very nervous as TJ finds it hard to concentrate and stay sitting at the table for long periods of time.


I got attacked by the balloon monster aka TJ !

The staff were very polite and the waiter I can only describe as ''Puck'' from Glee look alike was lovely and very attentive, patient with TJ and even joined in a with TJ whilst he was playing with balloons and colouring which came in the kids menu pack.

Due to it being early the restaurant was fairly quiet.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is amazing it reminds me of being in an American 50s diner, with the music on in the background had TJ dancing in the isles.

When the food was served it was fresh hot and plenty of it!


Penne Carbonara

Penne Arrabbiata

After we'd finished this delicious meal there was more then enough served on the plate , I couldn't manage to eat all of mine.
The menu we choose was the lunch menu that was served till 5pm.

http://www.frankieandbennys.com/menu/lunch

A two course meal and drinks cost just over £30 for three people.

As you can see dessert was lovely, more then enough for a 7 year old with  eyes bigger then his tummy.
When we rolled out of Frankie and Benny's, YES I said rolled! TJ fell asleep in the car from being so full.



We will defiantly visit again thanks to the amazing service that was provided and the food helped a little too.

For an added bonus sign up for the birthday club also as the birthday person gets main course for free!