A city break in in Zaandam Amsterdam - Part One

Craig spends a few days in the Netherlands visiting Amsterdam and saying in the Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam Hotel.

After getting bored with the usual two weeks on a sunbed in baking heat we decided it was time to get a bit more cultured and take some city breaks. With Budapest, Marrakesh, Reykjavik and Prague under our belts we decided it was time to visit Amsterdam.

I'll cover the trip in two posts as I simply have too much to tell you in one post, and I'd hate to bore you!

We all know about the drug culture and the red light districts, and I am sure that these two things have resulted in some couples deciding to give Amsterdam a miss. All I will say about this is that it's there if you want it, but it's so easily avoided and while we didn't go out of our way to make sure we didn't engage with these pursuits, we didn't see or here a single example of either. So be confident that if either of these things is offensive to you that it's not what Amsterdam is all about.

Old Spitalfields Market

Craig of That Dapper Chap visits London's Old Spitalfields Market and takes lunch at Blixen

Just a few of the great stores that you'll find at Old Spitalfields Market

There's been a market on the site of the Old Spitalfields market for nearly 400 years, needless to say much has changed since then and while you're able to buy chicken in various different foods from a wealth of street food vendors, you'll no longer see live trading as there once was when the market first set up in 1638! Once on London's outskirts, the market is now very central and is just a few minutes walk from Liverpool Street station.

Shopping in Hackett where they hold rum tasting and backgammon evenings

Lunch at Peytito

Craig of That Dapper Chap takes time out on a trip down Portobello Road to enjoy a meal at the Peyotito Mexican restaurant

The rear seating area at the Peyotito Mexican restaurant in London's Notting Hill

If you visit London, you must visit Portobello Road, with it's pretty houses and wealth of shops and antiques it's a hive of activity and one of those must see places.

After you've shopped your way down this iconic winding street you'll no doubt want to stop for a bit to eat. With Peyotito nestled on a quiet side street, it offers a warm welcome and a well deserved pit stop away from the crowds.

Making my way in to Peyotito, I couldn't wait to see the menu

Sitting on Kensington Park Road, just 2 minutes off Portobello Road, the rustic orange shop front lures you in with promises of spicy Mexican dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

Peyotito not only offer a wide and varied menu but they also pride themselves on their margaritas! And what better way to celebrate national Margarita day than to sample a couple. Well, it would be rude not to, particularly when they've just introduced a new selection including blood orange!