First Dates’ Fred Sirieix guide to visiting traditional seaside town Southwold

FIRST Dates’ Fred Sirieix has fallen for the English seaside.

The matchmaking maitre d’ found plenty to love on a recent trip to Southwold, Suffolk – from the charming Victorian pier to “kiss me quick” souvenirs.

Enjoy a charming Victorian pier and 'kiss me quick' souvenirs on a seaside trip to Southwold

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Enjoy a charming Victorian pier and ‘kiss me quick’ souvenirs on a seaside trip to SouthwoldCredit: 2012 photolibrary.com

In partnership with Visit Britain, the smooth-talking Frenchman gives his guide to the traditional seaside town plus his top five domestic destinations for a romantic getaway.

Stroll the prom

Wander along the promenade between pastel beach huts and the sand-and-pebble beach and you cannot help but fall under Southwold’s spell.

There is the wind blowing in your face, the smell of the sea and the sound of the waves.

Wander along the promenade and admire the pastel beach huts

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Wander along the promenade and admire the pastel beach hutsCredit: Alamy

You can stop for fresh oysters or an ice cream.

It’s the perfect opportunity to walk hand-in-hand and enjoy quality time with your partner.

There is so much anxiety and uncertainty in the world right now, so it is more important than ever to escape for a day or two and relish today without thinking about tomorrow.

I think we all owe it to ourselves.

Fish & chips

I may have worked in some very nice eateries but, when visiting the seaside, fish and chips is all I want.

I can say The Boardwalk Restaurant, on Southwold Pier, does some of the best I’ve ever had.

The Boardwalk Restaurant, on Southwold Pier serves a delicious fish and chips

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The Boardwalk Restaurant, on Southwold Pier serves a delicious fish and chipsCredit: Pete Dadds/Visit Britain

They served up a delicious, big piece of haddock, perfectly cooked chips – just the right consistency – and beautiful mushy peas. No vinegar for me, though – that’s a step too far.

There’s no seating inside, due to Covid-19 – but far better anyway to perch on the pier and enjoy the wind in your face and the smell of the sea.

Shopping

I stayed overnight at The Swan, a fantastic hotel with beautifully appointed rooms and great coffee at breakfast.

Best of all, it was right in the centre of town. Walk out of the door and you’re in a quaint little market, which runs every Monday and Thursday.

There is a quaint little market, which runs every Monday and Thursday

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There is a quaint little market, which runs every Monday and ThursdayCredit: Alamy

You’ve got local fresh produce, clothes and souvenirs for the kids or grandkids. It feels like you’ve travelled back in time to when things made sense.

I didn’t know about the quirky English tradition of “kiss-me-quick” seaside hats until I saw the logo printed on a mug and someone explained the quirky slice of seaside history.

Take my advice, though – much better to “kiss me quick, but take your time”.

Fishing

I love a seaside pier, they are just so English, and Southwold’s is one of the country’s best.

Built in 1900 as a dock for steamships ferrying tourists from London, it is a throwback to a more romantic era of travel.

Go fishing and hope you catch something tasty

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Go fishing and hope you catch something tastyCredit: Pete Dadds/Visit Britain

I went fishing on the pier and was desperate to land something so I could text my pal Gordon Ramsay and tease him with a picture of a big catch.

He gets so competitive when fishing and always wants to win so I would have loved to wind him up.

Sadly, I didn’t catch a thing.

Boat ride

Walk to the south of Southwold and you will reach the River Blyth.

From here you can take a ferry across the river to the village of Walberswick or head upstream for a peaceful pleasure boat ride.

Walk to the south of Southwold and you will reach the River Blyth

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Walk to the south of Southwold and you will reach the River BlythCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Coasting upstream, watching the current rush by, I felt so relaxed.

A sense of serenity engulfs me when I’m near water, and I feel at peace.

Truth be told, I’m a keen swimmer, so I daydreamed about whether I’d be able to swim against the current.

GO: SOUTHWOLD

STAYING THERE: One night’s B&B at The Swan in Southwold is from £90pp based on two sharing.

MORE INFO: For inspiration for UK breaks see visitbritain.com/escape.

Brewery trip

I’m really into my beer and have always been a fan of the Adnams brewery in Southwold.

It makes great stuff, so to visit was a pleasure.

The Adnams brewery in Southwold offers tours for beer enthusiasts

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The Adnams brewery in Southwold offers tours for beer enthusiastsCredit: www.adnams.co.uk www.jamesbedford.com

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Adnams has been brewing beer at the site for more than a century and now makes all sorts there, from whisky and gin, to cider and even wine.

Food and drink always tastes better when enjoyed where it is made – and it is vital to support local businesses right now.

I had a great time on the tour – and a delicious gin.

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