La Peschiera
From the first second I stepped out of the car I fell in love with La Peschiera. Seriously though, when it looks like that, how could I not?
A hotel and restaurant just outside of Monopoli, it’s truly breathtaking. The restaurant is built on a platform out over the water and is pretty much my dream location. I turn more into my mother every day as a result I’m never happier than when I’m by the sea.
In my excitement, I got us there a little early so we decided the best thing to do was to sit and have a bottle of the local spumante whilst admiring the view.
A little over zealous gesturing led to a minor breakage and some red faced apologies from me but the staff were lovely and quickly swapped it out for one they promised was a little sturdier.
We set off to explore the rest of the property, trying not to get caught nosing into the hotel. Next time I think I’ll have to squeeze in a sleepover there, the rooms are right on the water, with nothing but a few rocks between you and the lapping waves. Perfect for a morning dip.
Blue version of the dress/ Bag
We eventually took our seats for lunch, the sun dappling through the shade above us and the waves lulling us into a state of utter bliss.
I had to be told multiple times not to jump off and go for a swim.
Our menus arrived (with prices on his but not mine) along with a stunning table of fish caught that day.
Hot date
We kicked things off with tuna carpaccio, and crudites
Before sharing two of the fresh catches. The first was a paccheri pasta cooked with scorpion fish in a delicate tomato sauce and was absolutely delicious. Quite a firm fish and one i’d never had before, I’ll definitely be ordering it again if I spy it on a menu.
Followed by a local bass served with tons of lemon and grilled local vegetables, perfect in its simplicity. 
We sat for hours chatting and laughing, having a truly long lazy lunch until we had the restaurant to ourselves once again.
Before eventually succumbing to some pudding
Eventually I could resist no more and after a lightening quick change, it was time to dive headfirst into the waves. The rocks were a little more slippery than I was expecting so thankfully H was there to catch me as I skidded across them (clumsy as ever). Luckily it was worth every second of waiting and we happily splashed around in the cool water, ducking and diving to our hearts content.
I won’t pretend La Peschiera is cheap but I will say it’s one of the best afternoon’s you’ll spend anywhere. One for mums, best friends, boyfriends – i’d challenge you not to have a magical afternoon here.
Just remember to pack your swimmers for afterwards.
Tales of a London Girl 