Should you find yourself taking a stroll in Letná Park – the one with the giant metronome where the huge statue of Stalin once stood – you might decide to grab a table in the beer garden and take in the fantastic view of the city. If however, it’s a decadent cake fix you need, head to the nearby Alchymista Cukrárna.
Alchymista is a fine example of the cukrárna, a Czech culinary institution best described as a cross between a French patisserie and Italian gelateria. If the weather’s sunny, sit outside in the beautifully kept garden and indulge yourself with a glass of rosé while tucking into a slice of something sweet. The range of coffee is excellent – devotees to the bean can pay a visit to the coffee museum next door – and there are also teas and homemade lemonade on the menu. Expect to pay 40 – 50 CZK for coffee and 50 – 70 CZK for cake. This is my favorite cafe in the Golden City and undoubtedly worth the trip to the neighbourhood. A real gem.

Alchymista Cukrárna, Jana Zajíce 7, 170 00 Prague 7
alchymista.cz
Google map: bit.ly/Sujffj

* Lisette is our Been there local for Prague. You can read her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/prague-local-lisette.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/LisettePrague

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While Prague Castle is a must-see attraction, it’s not easy to find a decent nearby eaterie that isn’t a tourist trap. Fortunately there’s Malý Buddha, a Vietnamese restaurant and tearoom only a few minutes' walk from St Vitus Cathedral and the seemingly inescapable crowds. Its cozy, candlelit interior, replete with atmospheric nooks and crannies, is almost as much of an attraction as the food itself. There are some unusual seafood options on the menu such as mussels stir fried in ginger as well as a selection of veggie dishes – a real godsend in a city where the average pub menu only offers deep-fried cheese and chips to non-carnivores.

Malý Buddha, Uvoz 46, Prague 1
malybuddha.cz/
Google map: bit.ly/SuiXVU

* Lisette is our Been there local for Prague. You can read her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/prague-local-lisette.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/LisettePrague

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In your rush down the A591 from the M6 to get to Windermere, you are in danger of missing a little Lake District gem! Staveley Mill Yard is where you can enjoy proper beer and great food at the Hawkshead Micro Brewery, fill your rucksack with delicious fresh bread from the More Bakery or lounge on the huge sofas with tea and cakes at Wilf’s Cafe! If that's not enough to get you to dwell a while then check out Lucy’s Cookery School and learn to do it all for yourself. Staveley is a wonderful place to visit and there are also some super walks in the local area to help you work up an appetite or work off your indulgence.

www.staveleymillyard.com
Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9LR
+44(0)1539 821234
Google map: bit.ly/RGehv0

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A lot of services packed into a lovely little place. Hire your skis here if skiing at the Lecht ski area in the Cairngorm National Park, just up the road. Then warm yourself up with some tasty home made soup when you return them. You can even buy a tasteful gift for those back home. (Lovely smelly soap and hand cream in the toilets as well!)

www.goodbrandandross.co.uk/
Corgarff, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, AB36 8YL
+44 (0)1975 651433
Google map: bit.ly/U8SwKJ

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This transformed warehouse is a hidden haven for anyone trying to avoid the obvious crowds in Dalston. They serve hearty British food, sourced locally, seasonal and fresh. The eating area is warm, friendly and relaxed, and the kitchen in plain view, which is always a good sign when they have nothing to hide! A perfect place to come for a quiet read or to go with friends for a sensibly priced dinner. It also hosts exhibitions and live music events.

therusset.wordpress.com/hackney-downs-studios/
Downs House, 11 Amhurst Terrace, London E8 2BT
+44(0)20 3095 9731
Google map: bit.ly/SD1e0K

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The best burgers in Switzerland with meat carefully sourced from local cows grazing in the Alpine pastures above Lake Geneva. Rubbing shoulders in lovely restaurant with families on holiday in the Jura, commuters from the United Nations, cross-country skiers and climbers AND accessible via the funicular railway from nearby Nyon (or easily by car). Incredibly friendly English-speaking owner who really knows about high quality burger ingredients!

www.randoburger.ch/
Rando Burger, Route d'Arzier 12, 1264 St-Cergue, Vaud, Suisse
+41 22 360 03 03
Google map: bit.ly/VEd6Ol

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This is a walk with a bit of everything: woodland, waterfalls, open fells fantastic views – and a pub with open fires at the half way point! Leave Ambleside by walking through the woods by Stockghyll waterfalls. Emerge from the woods to climb Wansfell Pike and then descend to Troutbeck. To return directly to Ambleside turn right – but if you want refreshment turn left and walk along the road to the Mortal Man. From the pub return along the road, pass where you joined the road and then follow a footpath on the right by the Post Office. This path leads over the shoulder of the fell and through Skelghyll Woods. It’s worth diverting to the viewpoint at Jenkin Crag, before descending to the road between Waterhead and Ambleside.

www.themortalman.co.uk/
Troutbeck, Cumbria, LA23 1PL
+44(0)15394 33193
Google map: bit.ly/PAzDyQ

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We went to this Italian restaurant with our seven-year-old, efficient German and Italian-speaking waiter, calm atmosphere, generous helpings, good pizza and just as good pasta dishes, would definitely go again. Child got lollipop at the end!

Sendlinger Str. 28, 80331 Munich
+49 89 2609377
Google map: bit.ly/TnSLPy

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Café/restaurant. We went there with kids for a lovely Sunday brunch. It had a peaceful and colourful atmosphere, delicious pancakes and perfect cappuccinos.

www.playa-cafe-restaurant.de
Kreuzstr 3 b, im Asamhof, 80331 München
+49 89 23232669
Google map: bit.ly/VTLAlK

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Bar "Posaune" offers a different and innovative touch to pub food in Austria. You have freedom of creating your own meal for as little as €3, and the basic choices are pizza, pasta or traditional "kartofel". You can choose from a wide range of toppings and make a great combination of food and flavours for the same money or adding just €1. In this way, one adds a personal touch to it and transforms the art of eating into indulging without concern of spending too much money. The pub atmoshpere also contributes to a relaxing meal out! Enjoy!

Zinzendorfgasse 34, 8010 Graz, Austria
+43(0)316 327073
Google map: bit.ly/YoTUHG

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Becoming something of an institution, Mama's is the place to go on chalet staff day off when you're left pondering how to feed yourself. Pasta, noodles, great pizza, fish & chips. It's more take out than eat in although there are tables. The lads who work there are really cool, lots of banter, lively atmosphere and above all really good food - the Singapore chicken comes recommended.

www.mammas.fr/
Rue du Bourg, Morzine
+33(0)4 50 74 31 62

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Not exactly the world's classiest pizza place, it's more like where the kids and seasonaires go but the pizzas are great value and they do jugs of beer. The tables are all like bar tables so you stand up in your ski gear to eat your pizza which is actually quite a good idea for a post ride munch.

www.yaoooo.com/
123 Kandahar, Mont-Tremblant Resort
+1 (819) 681 4616
Google map: bit.ly/Pkizgh

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If this place could be more Texan it would be riding a horse and brandishing a six shooter.
Chunky cuts of steak in tasty chili sauce (choose hot, spicy or mild). Good enchiladas too. Not a great beer selection but the atmosphere and quirky service makes up for this.

www.txchiliparlor.com
1409 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX, United States
+1 512 472 2828
Google map: bit.ly/TDgA26

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Great cocktails and good food in a speakeasy style atmosphere.

www.pecheaustin.com
208 West 4th Street, Austin, TX, United States
+1 512 494 4011
Google map: bit.ly/TONxsO

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22 Ships is a brand new, modern tapas restaurant brought to us by Michelin starred chef, Jason Atherton (protégé of Gordon Ramsey and El Bulli's Ferran Adrià).
A cosy 35-seater restaurant tucked away on the strip de jour in Wanchai (from which it takes its name), Ship Street, 22 Ships is the perfect pit-stop to refuel and refresh before heading out for the night. Whitewashed exposed brick walls are hung with framed black and white photographs and big blackboards with the day's specials chalked across them. The atmosphere is laid-back but buzzy; a neighbourhood restaurant with a bit of sparkle.
Settle on high stools at the bar, for a front row view of the blur of action in the open kitchen or bag a table by the open front - ideal for spilling out onto the pavement with a group of friends while tapas grazing and working your way through a couple of bottles of wine.
Once you're settled, go ahead and order up a storm, with this menu you really can't go wrong. Stand outs include the DIY tuna tartare, the scallop ceviche and the mindblowingly awesome char grilled Iberico pork and foie gras burgers (heaven in a bun).
Sweet tooth? Finish off with the peanut butter ice-cream with blue fruit sorbet and salted peanut caramel. Positively ambrosial!

www.22ships.hk
22 Ship Street, Wanchai, Hong Kong.
(+852) 2555 0722
Google map: bit.ly/RRmBbZ

* Natalie is our local for Hong Kong. You can read all about her here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/hong-kong-local-natalie-robinson.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/natalierobinson
She also has her own blog at: www.3badmice.com/

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Burritos, Tacos, Fajitas, and enchiladas. Since moving to Austin Texas I have finally learnt the difference between these delicious belt-loosening meals. I can recommend a great number of excellent Tex-Mex places, but for a touch of class then look no further than Papi Tinos on the hipster end of East Sixth Street. Sit out under the stars on the front garden of this beautiful white craftsman’s houses, as candles
flicker on intimate simple white tables and a Mexican acoustic guitar sets a calming rhythm. The menu is small, but each dish is intricately constructed in a way that dispels the common myth that Tex-Mex dishes are simply stogy mush. I particularly recommend the Cerviche de Pescado served with Mango and the Camerones a la Diablo (Grilled shrimp tossed in a spicy peanut salsa on a bed of diced avocado and mango with a splash of lime juice). Chicken, veggie or cheese enchiladas are served with red salsa, green salsa or de mole and they really are homemade. Unlike many places, the margaritas are made from fresh ingredients and are perfect
accompaniments to the spice. I advise you to keep room for pudding. While the Churros are tempting, I fully recommend the Helado de Mazapan (Peanut ice-cream with a puff cruller and seasonal fresh fruit – it is a bit like eating a classy Snickers bar. The Brunch menu is also excellent, particularly for egg lovers. Papi Tinos is ideal for a romantic evening, but the back yard also contains large tables for groups looking for a delicious meal before a trendy night out in one of the neighboring dive bars.

www.papitinos.com/
A la antiguita, 1306 east 6th Austin, TX 78702
+1 512 479 1306
Google map: bit.ly/WgBKcD
* Mark Sheaves is our Been there local for Austin. You can read his profile and about Austin here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/austin-local-mark-sheaves.jsp and you can follow his tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/MarkSheaves. Check out other locals here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/trails/been-there-locals.jsp

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It's the best restaurant we found in Riga. The food is served in tapas sized portions so you can try three or four of them. Everything we had was great.

internationalsv.lv
Hospitalu 1, Riga, Latvia
+371 67 49 12 12
Google map: bit.ly/V3RomN

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Not exactly a beautiful restaurant but the ribs are frankly amazeballs and the brisket just great. It's a real BBQ institution. The meat is smoked and the portions are massive (by British standards.) We shared a peach cobbler for pudding but our eyes were much too big for our stomachs and we had to leave most of it. For a real taste of Texas I don't really think you can find anything more authentic.

www.benslongbranchbarb.ypgs.net/
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX. 78702
+1 512 477 2516
Google map: bit.ly/Qn8wnE

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Voted one of the best places to live in America by CNN and a keynote stop in the fall tours of America's New England region, Hanover offers the best of the natural and town life that America has to offer.
Home to the famous Ivy League Dartmouth college, the town boasts an array of amazing restaurants using local, organic fresh produce. Whipping the natural freshness into amazingly decadent or simple fresh dishes - the restaurant selection has something for every eater's pallet and budget. For high end try Simon Pierce's Zins restaurant, while simple fresh is Rosie Jeacks restaurant (and shop!); family fun is Molly's Ballon, complete with sugar laced butter and bread that will make your children smile. Coffee shops, clothing boutiques (with high-end city sleek clothes for the undergrads or refined country knits for the locals), gellatto and ice cream bars for the kids and wine bars for the grown ups are just some of the town's attractions.
For activities, there is no end to the fall fun. With Pine Park offering natural glory within walking distance of the town, it is perfect for an afternoon stroll with fall leaves that will take your breath away. The park is a great stop for a quick afternoon activity. For longer trips head into the White Mountains (a major natural treasure) where the miles upon miles of undisturbed forests and woodlands lie in pristine condition and boast some of the most amazing fall views for "leaf peepers" (fall leaves enthusiasts) in the world. The trails offer a number of short or longer hikes ranging from two hours to days that are suitable for the casual walker or hiking enthusiast alike.
As a brief resident of this area, I cannot recommend its fall woodlands highly enough. It is a sight that I wish everyone could see at some point - and with a town filled with world class pubs, restaurants and shops it is the perfect trip for those looking for a New England Fall excursion.

www.visitwhitemountains.com/
www.hanoverchamber.org/
www.mollysrestaurant.com/
43 South Main Street Hanover, NH 03755, United States
+1 (603) 643 2570
Google map: bit.ly/RsiItu

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This typical strip town in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest has been the centre of a couple of great hiking holidays for us. You're never more than an hour's drive from all the White Mountain's 4000-footers, but on your off days you've got a discount shopping mall which, with no sales tax, can satiate most retail needs. There are plenty of great restaurants and a real favourite of ours was the Flat Bread Pizza Company, and the Golden Gables Inn is a warm and friendly independent motel.

www.northconwaynh.com/
Flat Bread Pizza Company:
www.flatbreadcompany.com/
2760 White Mountain Highway North Conway, NH 03860, United States
+1(603) 356 4470

Golden Gables:
www.goldengablesinn.com/
1814 White Mountain Highway North Conway, NH 03860, United States
+1 (603) 356 2878
Google map: bit.ly/R0AxD7

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