Over the weekend I was fortunate enough to find myself at the Beyond the Border Storytelling…read moreFestival in South Wales. After a busy day of heavy epics and traditional stories, I found myself gravitating towards the Little Top for a little top-up of family entertainment. My only ask was that I didn't have to concentrate too hard on whatever entertainment was going on in there. Just starting up was a show I'd heard nothing about before. 'The Dragon's Tale'. There on the stage was a fantastic array of props, from easels to a cart full of bits and pieces, which certainly managed to pique my interest. And then began the best puppet show I've ever seen. This is a retelling of the 'George and the Dragon' story, and is a wallowing pool of joyful imagination and hilarity for audiences of all ages. Incredibly intelligent and fresh, this is a show you're not likely to forget in a hurry. I've been to a number of these storytelling festivals throughout the years, and have a keen interest in narrative theory etc etc, so I'm quite a hard customer to surprise. I've heard all of the stories before, or else can quite easily see where they're going. Yet somehow this lovely little puppet show continually took me by surprise. It is most certainly worth checking out their website to find a performance near you.

The Art House is somewhere I make sure I frequent every time I'm in Southampton town centre. With…read moretheir vast selection of teas, coffees and vegan food - it's a great little place to grab something light in a pleasant atmosphere. I've never eaten a meal here however I've only heard good things, but what I will say is that their coffee is divine! You can choose from Italian and Colombian roast which comes in a cafetiere which keeps it fresher for longer. At the back of the shop you can find a small shop featuring clothes, jewellery, pins and many other kooky bits and bobs for reasonable prices. The teas, coffee, cakes and food are all reasonably priced too. Thoroughly recommended!

During a cheeky little surprise trip to Southampton last weekend, I was taken to The Art House by…read morethe birthday boy himself! This is definitely the coolest place we saw in Southampton! Nestled in the Cultural Quarter, it oozes intriguing art vibes with its quirky decor, vegan menu and vast array of teas and hot drinks. The staff are great, especially their amazing dress sense (not sure if they're just *that* cool or its part of a uniform?....) and the Southampton Fog I had was delicious! At the back of the cafe you'll find a funky little second hand shop, all you need to kit yourself out like a trendy staff member! And in the front they're turned the windows into exhibition booths for you to sit and have tea and watch the world go by (or be watched by the world!) This place is right up my street, if I lived in Southampton I'd definitely make it a regular haunt, and for those that are thinking of visiting this port city of recommended heading there as soon as you get off the train!

A lot of information extremely laid out. A lot of personal stories too. I was not aware of the…read morepersonal sacrifice. A lot of people made in Southampton for the sea let alone the shipyards and the Titanic. All the staff easy to talk to and encouraged us to keep looking around.

We really enjoyed this museum; not only was it educational it was interactive as well. Well worth…read morea visit if you're in Southampton UK!

As a first time visit I was far from impressed!! Yes the place is very clean (What you can see of…read moreit) so bloody dark. Jacuzzi far too small cheap and uncomfortable, plenty of stairs to climb, staff appear friendly but false. Not the place you'd want to go to on your own if you want friendliness far too "Stuffy" Sorry Brighton gets my vote by a long run!!!!