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That Riviera Touch

By David Hodgson
May 19, 2009 - 8:15:30 AM
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Getting there

02_Torquay_0609_1_2.jpg
There is no getting around it - its a bit of a trek. Over two hundred miles from Brighton on fairly minor roads is not enticing, although the scenery is wonderful - including a surprise appearance by Stonehenge looming out of nowhere alongside a junction on the A303 (I had always imagined it would be bigger, as I believe the actress once said to the bishop).
 
An alternative is to fly from Gatwick to Plymouth with Air Southwest and pick up a car at the airport. My guess is it probably takes just as long and your diet will be the same mix of bad coffee, Ginsters and chocolate bars as if you had driven, but you might just have time for a sly G&T as well.
 
Staying there
 
Previously the south-west may have been somewhat of an afterthought as a destination. However newly opened resort Key West promises to make Torquay a more compelling proposition for the gay tourist. Located, I kid you not, on Daddyhole Road, this sprawling 1850s Victorian mansion nestles among the neighbouring higher end hotels and guesthouses, and has been extensively renovated without losing its character. Eighteen rooms are decked out with a contemporary touch, replete with the now mandatory flat screen TVs. High ceilings and bloody big windows create a spacious feel even in the single rooms we looked at, but the real treats lie downstairs.
 
A huge modern bar decked out in wood and dark leather leads out onto the terrace with views over landscaped gardens and a newly fitted outdoor pool. Even further downstairs June will see the opening of a new sauna which, with dry sauna, steam room, an atrium with jacuzzi and restrooms, will be free to guests but also serve as a business in its own right and a lovely way to get to know the locals.
 
With a cooked breakfast included in the room price, a new food menu expected soon and weekend BBQs during summer, this truly is a resort rather than a hotel and somewhere weekenders don't particularly need to leave. The addition of a basement nightclub, already in development, should set the seal on Key west's place as the
 
Out & About
 
If you should venture out, just down the hill from Key West lies the local boozer, The Meadfoot Inn, which has proudly been a gay bar for over thirty years. It's a traditional pub with pleasant staff but also seemingly has an alarming array of karaoke enthusiasts. Moving downhill to the harbourfront you should push on through the harbourfront amusement arcades to The Elephant, a michelin starred restaurant which offers a delectable eight course tasting menu, but also serves up affordable brasserie food with harbour views. Next door is No.7 Fish Bistro, a family run restaurant where the entire menu are specials chalked up on blackboards all around the room. Both recommended.
 
If bargains are your thing, then head along the coast to nearby Brixham, an unfeasibly picturesque fishing village where crab is the speciality. Head for the kiosk right on the harbour where a crab sandwich & salad will knock you back a few quid as you knock back a cheeky glass of white seated at plastic tables right on the quay.
 
I have to say we had a surprisingly great time in Torquay, like meeting up with an old friend and finding you still get on. The coastline is stunning and the emergence of resorts such as Key West makes the whole area a much more attractive proposition. Also, at the risk of being the trillioneth credit-crunch obsessed doom-and-gloom merchant to recommend domestic holidays, it does reduce your outgoings on travel. Give it a try, god knows we're due a scorcher this year.
 
 
Links

Key West resort offer single rooms from £40 & doubles from £70. See www.keywesttorquay.co.uk or call 01803 200063 for more details.
 
www.elephantrestaurant.co.uk
www.no7-fish.com
www.airsouthwest.com


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