Torquay

[Pigmy Pony]

Went to Torquay about 3 years ago. The area around the front and harbour have obviously had a laaaaarge injection of cash and is a nice area to walk around. However when you venture into the town and around the back streets it is a very different story, a bit like Battersea in the early 70's where I was brunged up.

Seems to be the case with a lot of seaside towns - when you get away from the seafront, place is rough as a badger's arse. Was in Penzance a few years ago and public toilets had signs about discarded syringes. In women's toilets too.

I've worked at a few rented accommodations in Blackpool, and much of the place is extremely run down, despite all the money that had been thrown at the promenade. Talk about fur coat and no knickers.

[walpurgis]

Was in Penzance a few years ago and public toilets had signs about discarded syringes. In women's toilets too.

I know Penzance, it definitely has a dodgy side and attracts all sorts of weird characters.

[Marco]

I quite like Torquay, if you accept it (and most other British seaside resorts) for what it is, rather old-fashioned and outdated/a little run down, but curiously quaint with it, harking back to the golden era of when Brits almost always holidayed in the UK

I've done business (supplying pictures and other forms of artwork) with some of the hotels along the Victoria Parade. I'd certainly much prefer to live there than in London!

Marco.

[Pigmy Pony]

I know Penzance, it definitely has a dodgy side and attracts all sorts of weird characters.

Oh it was weird all right - when we tried to leave, a combination of road signs, traffic and road works conspired to keep us going round in circles. I felt like No. 6 trying to escape 'the village'. I half expected a giant orange balloon to come chasing after me.

[Beobloke]

We used to regularly holiday in Torquay and Paignton when I was a child, but I haven’t been there for 20 years or more. I always used to like Paignton but the model car shop in the old Victorian Shopping Arcade in Torquay was a ‘must visit’!

Funnily enough, I was thinking about this recently as I read that the Palace Hotel is closed and to be demolished. We generally stayed in smaller guest houses or B&Bs and the Palace was like a dream. Mum had a bonus one year and so we all went there for a long weekend and it fully lived up to my expectations! Sad to see another little bit of my childhood go.

[Puffin]

We went to Paignton a few years ago, it was quite tired, but the prom is ok and a good walk can be had. The best bit was a Fish & Chip shop with staff walking up and down outside with bowls of chips for you to try. They were great and so we had a meal in there and it was one of the best Cod & Chips I have ever had. Took the children to Paignton Zoo about 30 odd years ago which was a bit naff IMO.

[Beobloke]

Yes, Paignton Zoo was always naff. I’m amazed it’s still open, frankly!

[southall-1998_mk2]

I highly recommend ''Saltwater Fish & Chips'' in Victoria Parade. Very tasty! Much prefer their food than Hanbury's.

S.

[Pigmy Pony]

Why would they make a point of describing them as "saltwater" fish? Do they offer "freshwater" fish as a cheap alternative? Like trout?

Now you mention it though, there is a butcher's shop near us that sells "previously lived in a field" beef, and "sty-reared" pork.

[southall-1998_mk2]

Why would they make a point of describing them as "saltwater" fish? Do they offer "freshwater" fish as a cheap alternative? Like trout?

Now you mention it though, there is a butcher's shop near us that sells "previously lived in a field" beef, and "sty-reared" pork.

I don't bloody know. Write a letter to them and ask.

S.