Welsh actress on her love for Swansea, a Welsh seaside town that 'has everything'.
Joanna Page - Photo: Rex Features
WHY SWANSEA?
It has everything. It's got the most idyllic beaches, beautiful countryside but also a busy and exciting town. There's something for everyone. Mumbles and the Gower peninsula have the most beautiful beaches.
ANYTHING SPECIAL I SHOULD PACK?
Your wellies and a mac and some comfortable walking shoes because you can walk all the way out to the sea and paddle. But I'd also pack some sunscreen because when the sun comes out it's boiling.
WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU DO?
Smile. It just feels warm and safe and I know I'm home. I drive down to Mumbles to my family home and the first thing we do is get the dogs and walk down to the pier. We'll walk along the beach which is exhilarating. On the way we stop off at Joe's Ice Cream Parlour. I'll have a fudge nut sundae which I share with my Jack Russell, Daisy.
WHERE WOULD YOU MEET FRIENDS FOR A DRINK?
The White Rose on Newton Road is a great little pub, opposite the sea in the centre of Mumbles. Depending on my mood, I might then pop across to CJs, a relaxed bar/restaurant.
WHICH IS THE BEST PLACE FOR LUNCH?
The Beaufort Arms in Kittle. I think it's my favourite place in the world to eat. The lamb cutlets have got to be the best I've ever eaten and I would fight to get a table there.
AND FOR DINNER?
It has to be Fairyhill. I got married there and it is very romantic and magical. The restaurant is excellent and highly regarded. After eating and drinking so well all I can manage to do is fall asleep.
WHERE WOULD YOU SEND A FIRST-TIME VISITOR?
The beaches at Langland, Caswell and Port Eynon with a bottle of champagne, a picnic and a wet suit. You can body board, go crabbing or just sit and watch the surfers, which is what I prefer to do.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID?
Driving through Mumbles on a sunny day because everyone wants to drive to Gower. It's more fun to walk. You can also get the little train which runs along the seafront. You get the view, you're in the fresh air and you don't have the hassle of the car.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING HOME?
You have to go to Swansea Market and take home some freshly collected cockles, mussels and lava bread (which is seaweed).
There honestly is nothing like fresh cockles from Swansea market. They just taste of the sea. Add some vinegar, salt and pepper and you have the perfect sea and eating experience.
ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD THAT ISN'T YOUR KIND OF TOWN?
I'm pretty adaptable and it depends on my mood. But usually I prefer somewhere peaceful, relaxing and in the countryside, as I spend so much of my time working in town.
Extracted from The Telegraph online. See the full article here.
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Swansea is Joanna Page's kind of town
