ST ANDREW’S FOODIES IN FOR TREAT AT THE SEAFOOD RISTORANTE

ST Andrew’s eaterie The Seafood Ristorante,  has begun a new chapter with a modern new dining look to the historical town.

 The stunning new look offers a luxurious space to relax and unwind with a truly immersive dining experience. Located on the Scores Bruce Embankment, overlooking St Andrews Bay and West Sands Beach, the restaurant offers 360-degree views of Scotland's dramatic North Sea. 

The renowned multi-award-winning restaurant, owned by Stefano Pieraccini of The Rocca Group, has an increased capacity for 56 guests and a spacious semi-private dining for groups of up to 14. A new reception and bar area has also been created to allow guests to unwind and relax before enjoying favourites from their coastal inspired menu. 

 Guests can savour the menu's special flavours, which are created with the best locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. The dishes are designed with a touch of Italian flair and the a la carte menu offers a classic dining experience as well as a seasonal set lunch menu should you wish to catch up with friends for a casual, relaxed afternoon treat. 

Roasted Orkney Scallops, John Ross of Aberdeen Smoked Salmon, and East Neuk Crab Agnolotti are among the menu's starters, and North Sea Turbot; Pittenweem Day Boat Halibut; Scrabster Monkfish, and Perthshire Roe Deer are among the mains.

 The renovation was inspired by Stefano's desire to not only inspire his staff but also customers to create an unforgettable food and drink experience that people want to leave their house for.

Stefano Pieraccini said “With more and more restaurants reopening, it's important that we maintain the highest standards and expectations our guests and staff expect. Our new look is contemporary, modern and represents the now as well as the future. The interiors reflect the beautiful surroundings, combining coastal colours with spatial fluidity and intuitive elegance”. 

 Initially open four days a week for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, the team behind The Seafood Ristorante plans to expand to five days a week beginning in April, with the addition of a new Tuesday service.

The Rocca Group commissioned Davidson Baxter Partnership Architects to reimagine the restaurant space and interiors for a new generation of customers. The architects had previous worked with the groups other venues in Edinburgh, Rico’s Ristorante and The Broughton.

 The open plan space has been upgraded with Chartreuse and dark olive-green furnishings, as well as rich brown tables and ebony-style wooden flooring. The new bar area increases the venue's capacity to 56 guests, and contemporary bar stools and low height poser tables have been added to encourage pre and post-dinner cocktails.

The Seafood Restaurant is open weekly, Wednesday to Saturday from 12pm - late at Bruce Embankment, St Andrews KY16 9AB. 

Book now at www.theseafoodrestaurant.com 

BLACKPOOL ROCKS

FORGET the rollercoasters...As I dangled from the ledge of the Blackpool Tower watching the tiny match box cars below I felt like a true daredevil. 
Ok, there might have been some ultra durable glass in between me and the 600 foot drop onto the people below but it made for a great picture.
The Tower wasn't the only thrill on my three day trip to the seaside resort.

There was the time I ate bugs at Madame Tussauds complete with wax effigies of Ant and Dec in the jungle in between posing with a variety of stars like Bruce Forsyth, Alan Carr, Susan Boyle, the cast of Corrie and The Queen.
And who could forget my face to face encounter with a shark and the chance to stroke a starfish at Blackpool Sea Life and the thrill of crashing into the waves at indoor seaside resort Sandcastle.

Ok so I might have woosed out of going on the Big One ( whiplash can sometimes be a handy excuse) and perhaps I didn't do the most exciting of water slides at Sandcastle but I definitely gave Blackpool my all - and I got it back, big time.
'Blackpool has it all' is Visit Blackpool's slogan and it would be hard to argue otherwise.
No, it doesn't have the designer shops of Miami or Paris (unless you count the cheeky replicas) but it has a unique character that you can't find elsewhere.
It's one of the cheeky picture postcards of old, the kiss me quick innocence of a bygone age, the simple pleasures that a stick of rock can bring.

There is no pretension in Blackpool. You take it as you find it and an open mind is necessary to make the most of your time there.
The weather, on a good day, can rival anything overseas and the seaside side will refresh even the most jaded of minds.
There are so many hotels, guest houses and B and Bs to choose from depending on your budget and your requirements. We opted for the South Shore Carousel hotel on the recommendation of a friend and it had everything we needed during our three day stay.
Although it is officially an AA rated three star it has 92 comfortable, clean and modern rooms with ensuite facilities, an English and continental breakfast (complete with vegetarian and gluten free options) and a well priced all day menu for families wanting to snack or dine throughout their stay.

Prices range from £60 -130 a night depending on the time of year and it is a popular venue for weddings.
As it's on the South Shore five minutes away from the Pleasure Beach and other colourful attractions it is frequented by a lot of families so is bustling at night.
We made the most of our time in Blackpool with the brilliant Blackpool Resort Pass which allowed us to visit major attractions over a seven day period.
There are two available types - the original resort pass for £55 which gives you up to six amazing attractions - the Pleasure Beach and Nickelodeon Land, the Blackpool Tower Eye and 4D experience, the Blackpool Tower Dungeon, Sea Life Blackpool and Madame Tussauds.
The £80 pass gives you all that as well as Blackpool Zoo, Sandcastle Water Park and Blackpool Model Village and Gardens. You can also pay extra for bolt ons like afternoon tea, Funny Girls and Ripley's Believe It Or Not.
Blackpool has plenty going on this year and if you miss the summer season there's an air show this August, the Blackpool Illuminations Switch On Weekend from September 1-3, the World Fireworks Championship throughout selected dates in September and Nickelodeon's SLIMEFEST on October 21, 22 and 23.
For more info check out visitblackpool.com