THERE’S now a Moxy hotel in Plymouth. I’ve never stayed in a Moxy.
Neither have I been to Plymouth. Plymouth does gin.
It’s all beginning to make sense. I need to go to Plymouth, stay in the Moxy and drink Plymouth gin.
A great way to get there is booking a flight with Loganair to Exeter. It’s lovely to see the staff in their tartan uniforms and I especially looked forward to my complimentary Tunnock’s Caramel biscuit onboard.
Moxy is the playful bright young hotel brand of the Marriott group. Check-in is at the bar. Well that saves a trip.
While you’re doing the official stuff, a signature cocktail/mocktail is presented to you.
There’s no rush to head to your room. Get cosy on the couches, enjoy another drink or plug in your laptop, if you must catch up on emails.
Enjoy some nibbles or something more substantial like a tasty pizza. It’s like you’re at a mate’s house with a great bar. So relaxed, comfortable and laid back.
The rooms are amazing. In fact I’ve stolen some of their ideas for my own bedroom. It’s like, “Wow, that’s just so obvious, practical and incredible looking — why haven’t we seen it before”. Genius.
GO: PLYMOUTH
GETTING THERE: Loganair fly from Glasgow to Exeter. See logahttps://www.loganair.co.uk/nair.co.uk for fares.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at the 4* Moxy Plymouth start from £89 a night. See moxyhotels.com
Handy places to put all your essentials without clutter in the bathroom. A seat attached to the bed to free up room. Full length windows that let the light flood in. Somebody shut the blackout curtains!
Getting out and about, I visited the National Marine Aquarium— the UK’s largest and now celebrating 25 years looking after 4,000 animals and educating the community through their Ocean Conservation Trust.
The BBC recently aired an incredible series with the aquarium showing the different creatures and the staff who look after them.
I was lucky to meet a very special inhabitant — and you can too.
Friday, the green sea turtle, loves his food and you can feed him his tasty seagrass, cultivated in the purpose-built laboratory.
His tank is the largest and deepest in the UK and he happily swims around with his shark and stingray friends.
There are lots of other events to take part in. You could have a sleepover with sharks or do a downward dog in a yoga session with a catfish.
Seeking out more sea life — although this time to eat — I travel by boat to The Hook and Line.
Situated in the Royal William Yard you can feed on very fresh, very local seafood and seasonal produce. The place is full of character, as is the owner Steven Page.
He’s full of enthusiasm and love for what’s been created here and it really shows. This is more than just a place to work.
The staff are dedicated and take huge pride in what they do. The food is plentiful and overflowing with flavours and textures you’ll come back for.
They’re here for you from early morning to late into the night. By then, you’ll have sunk a few classic cocktails, or perhaps the Rum Bar is more your thing.
When in Rome, and all that, you’ve got to try the local tipple. Plymouth gin has been coating the throats of its patrons since 1793.
Previously the only thing I knew about Plymouth was its gin. After a few of their Navy Strength it’s probably the only thing I’ll remember!
The building containing the distillery dates back to the 14th century. Not only are they conserving this now-protected national monument, they are contributing £1 from every bottle to the Ocean Conservation Trust to generate hectares of seagrass.
Friday will be happy.
So even if you do overindulge and feel terrible in the morning, remember you’re helping save the planet.
Back at my Moxy I’m so glad I didn’t have to check out till midday and a quick grab-and-go breakfast was ideal.
