May has been a great month of new discoveries. From a favourite new hot chocolate shop to the wonders at the Chelsea Flower Show. Best of all is dusting Bella off and taking her out for a drive! And the vegetables are growing in the garden and we’ve had two Bank Holidays!

We got off to a wet start in little Bella at the vintage wheels breakfast at The Lamb Inn in Wartling.

We have been back many times since for the good food and the charming welcome from the two adorable and charming brothers who run the pub, Charlie and Ned. Great atmosphere and great food, the fish is always excellent.

In Rye we discovered seriously good hot chocolate at Knoops. We’re working our way through the chocolate menu, thinking up reasons to travel to Rye.  Definitely find an excuse to visit!

The George in Rye in the centre of the gorgeous town has a lovely ambiance, very friendly, welcomes dogs (a plus for us), and serves good elegant food in a relaxed stylish atmosphere.

Our day trip to Petworth and we arrived to the bustling farmers’ market, buying delicious turkey sausages, fresh asparagus and strawberries. Loved The Hungry Guest for bread and groceries, lovely olives, cheese, coffee. Lunch in the sheltered courtyard at The Angel Inn.

A little further on at Cowdray is the wonderful Cowdray Farm Shop. Lovely fresh vegetables and locally sourced meat, and a very extensive grocery section.

Favourite shop of the month, Fullers Farmshop, Bunny Lane, Eridge. Really excellent cheese counter, knowledgeable and friendly staff, great local produce including breads, vegetables, wines and beers, homemade cakes and local meat. Situated just outside Tunbridge Wells, will become a regular!

Favourite garden show – RHS Chelsea Flower Show!

Favourite Theatre this month – The Pirates of Penzance directed by the brilliant Mike Leigh. And the Audience starring Kristen Scott Thomas, wonderful. And favourite pre-show restaurant Zedel, Piccadilly.

Best coffee this month was from the tiny coffee buggy, Tania’s, situated on Heath Street Hampstead.

Favourite food of the month – fresh English asparagus, wild garlic, rhubarb, strawberries.

Favourite book of the month – The Complete Mapp and Lucia by E F Benson. And going to the literary festival at glorious Charleston, home of the Bloomsbury set, was wonderful!