Some colleagues and I visited the Fox Covert pub in Yarm a couple of weeks ago one evening for a drink before heading into Yarm town centre. The pub was situated just at the end of the road near our accommodation and so was the obvious choice for quick sharpener. The pub was light, open and friendly with a warm atmosphere. Although we didn't eat the food on offer smelt great and there were plenty of diners. All in all, a good British boozer. Highly recommended if you're in the area.

Some colleagues and I went out for a curry in Yarm the other night. We found the Raj Bari which is situated along the main street in Yarm. It's a beautiful place, lots of nice boutique shops and some good pubs. At the Raj I had a Hari Mirchi Bhoona Chef Special which was delicious, washed down with a cool Tiger. Marvellous! If you're in Yarm and you've in need of a good ruby.....head to the Raj!!

Due the utterly pathetic SouthWest Trains I had no way of getting from Tolworth to a hockey match in Thames Ditton on a rainy day a few weeks back. I saw a card for Saxon Car Service in the station so gave them a call. The lady on the phone was polite and took my booking, telling me that someone would be along straight away. Now, this normally means you'll wait about 20 mins minimum but to their credit, an incredibly smartly dressed chap turned up in a clean and comfy cab (which didn't smell of stale fags) in a matter of minutes, despite the traffic. The journey was a pleasant one and I got to the game in plenty of time. Good stuff Saxon!! Top Marks!

I have used Barford Hire on many occasions as they were conveniently situated on the Watton Road, not far from the junction with the A47. They are a genuinely great company to deal with and their vans have always been excellent to drive, well maintained and reliable. They have catered for last minute needs too and the prices are very reasonable. I would highly recommend Barford Van Hire

The Bluebell Inn is situated on the Guarlford Road as you head out of Malvern towards Upton. It offers all you would want in a pub really. Good food, an excellent choice of beers and a warm atmosphere. It's well worth a visit.

The Falcon is the first pub (which doens't to the rather uninteresting Pitcher and Piano brigade of mediocrity) you come to in Clapham Junction. It's a good old fashioned boozer with some great guest ales, some interesting bar snacks and plenty of comfy chairs in which to discuss the finer things in life. Highly recommended

To be honest, the amusement arcade, Chinese restaurant and bookies made both my parents a little a tad apprehensive but once we'd made our way to our van, sat right on the edge of the cliffs, overlooking the sea, all our fears were gone. We had the most amazing long weekend at Hopton. Our upper end van was extremely comfortable with lots of room. The kitchen facilities were first class, as were the showers and bedrooms. It made for an excellent holiday assisted by the brilliant weather. The park backs onto the picturesque beach which we enjoyed walking along. If you're looking for a cheaper alternative than heading to Europe for a beach holiday I can heartily recommend Hopton.

So a couple of weekends ago I went to le Bouchon for Sunday lunch. It was a sunny, warm day so the front of the restaurant was opened up and there was a really good atmosphere. The main bar and dining area was full up but the charming owner offered my friend and I a seat in the back room which we had to ourselves which was great. I had the steak frites and my friend le poulet. Both were incredible washed down with a glass of Orangina. Le Bouchon Borderlais really does offer an authentic taste of France you wouldn't expect to find so close to the likes of the very missable Nandos etc. It was I think the best meal I've enjoyed out and an incredible afternoon. Perhaps all that was missing was Tarte aux pommes!!! :)

Hampstead Cricket Club is perhaps one of the most picturesque club grounds in London. Situated just off the busy Finchley Road you would never know you were in the capital. The facilities at the ground are excellent and the bar is a great place to enjoy a beer or two after a game.

Colets is the kind of place which you wouldn't just happen upon. Colets is the home of Old Pauline's Rugby and Cricket Clubs. Over the past few years it has undergone an impressive facelift and the sports facilities and first floor bar provide an excellent place to either play or watch sport throughout the year.