The signs of spring are beginning to make their presence felt: the days are drawing out and you no longer feel ready for bed at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, snowdrops and crocus(es?) peep up and daffodils are sold by the thousand in supermarkets. In Padstow gallons of Dulux is being used to spruce up  businesses, the chefs return to their restaurants and start planning new menus and generally everything appears to wake up after the winter slumber.

Some, of course, have been plodding away throughout January and February and manage to keep Padstow open and welcoming. The pubs in particular never seem to close and that is one very good reason to think twice before becoming a publican. Many shops soldier on much to the delight of visiting coach parties and hardy souls who come to visit despite the chilly weather – you can guarantee a good yarn if you call as you might be only one of a handful of customers during the day.

At The Strand we have completed our winter work, somewhat curtailed this year because my builder is due to become a father and we couldn’t risk a half finished project as he abandons ship and races to the maternity unit. It’s just not the same coming on holiday to find the bath isn’t connected or you don’t have a door. Despite that we have managed to get quite a bit done included refurbishing the stairs, replacing windows and general maintenance. So we’re ready to go and if you fancy a short break we still have a very good offer of 3 nights for £255 (Apt 2), or if you’re thinking ahead, we also have weeks available throughout the summer – just check the calendar on the website.