We’ve just walked from one end of Weston-Super-Mare (the southern, golf club end) to the other (Birnbeck Pier) and back. Millions of pounds have been spent on Weston in recent years, upgrading the sea defences, Grand Pier and other facilities. The trouble is, one can’t help comparing it with Deauville or, better, Trouville, or Le Touquet, or La Rochelle or, well, dozens of European seaside towns. Admittedly, any town looks sad out of season, but it’s not helped by the lowest-common-denominator shops. Identical, down-market cafes selling low-grade, unimaginative, fast food, “Pound” shops, national chains, etc. In France, the place would be packed out with restaurants selling fabulous, fresh, locally caught sea food, with good value wine, beers. Waiters in crisp white aprons. And they’d be full of all age groups. Something to be proud of. The best we get here is a choice of battered cod or battered plaice. And chips. 

Well, is was a Monday.