The Radio 1 Roadshow to be hosted from Torbay in Paignton this year. This is really brilliant news for the Bay. Radio 1 and its DJ stars host a special roadshow on Paignton Green.
The event on Saturday 19th May is expected to draw a crowd of 800 people with tickets available to local people
Alongside the Radio 1 DJ’s, there will be performances from Example, Jaguar Skills and Eric Prydz. They are calling it “Radio 1 Starts The Summer, Live in Torbay”. This special one-off radio show, which will be broadcast live, is going to be a real coup for the English Riviera.
Some of the DJ’s will be Chris Moyles, Zane Lowe and Fearne Cotton – it will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra from 4pm to 11pm
The new Travelodge in Paignton is now open. They are spreading everywhere these days. It is good to see a new business open and one that is prospering so well, creating new jobs for local people.
A bit worrying for other local bed and breakfasts in Paignton as they are always advertising such cheap rates. Their adverts usually run along the lines of from £19. Looking at the Travelodge web site though you can see that prices are from £55 per room so not so much to worry about.
Travelodges are very clean and modern but basic. Ok for one night but not a holiday. If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Paignton with that home from home touch and a delicious full English breakfast then the best places to stay are either The Ratcliffe Guest House or The Birklands Guest House.
Many of Torbay’s beaches have Blue Flag awards. To get he awards 80 to 90 per cent of at least 20 water samples taken during the summer season the previous year must comply with international standards for safe bathing water.
The EU Bathing Water Regulations are going to be changed in 2015 meaning many of our beaches are not up to standard.
Not having the Blue Flag awards could be disastrous for Torquay, Paignton and Brixham reducing the number of visitors to the area. If the weather is good tourists want to be able to feel safe bathing in the sea.
The council and water authority had better get their acts together – they have got 4 years to get the water quality up to standard.
Paignton’s Crossways centre is to have a makeover and nothing more.
The derelict shopping centre has only a couple of shops still open. The rest are empty and have been for years. It’s a great shame that the centre of Paignton looks so awful.
Paignton needs and deserves more than a “makeover” – the crossways centre needs knocking down and a new modern covered in shopping centre building. The old centre is dark, drab, cold and windy. Totally uninviting even if there was more than a couple of shops left open.
The owners Edinburgh-based Gaelic Investments, who bought the centre and its car park a year ago say “In the current financial climate a major re-development of Crossways is not viable”.
Then they should not have been allowed to buy it. It should have been sold to someone who has the money and is prepared to spend it.
Paignton deserves the best – not some second rate owner with no money!
Today I visited TJ’s Cafe Bistro in Paignton – only for an afternoon tea and tea cake but as I was impressed by what I saw and thought I should share it.
TJ's Cafe Bistro Paignton
The cafe has stunning views over Paignton and Torbay, the outside terrace is perfect for a meal on a lovely summers evening. They serve a good selection of snacks teas coffees and drinks and daily specials, also open for evening meals including Tapas and Sunday Roasts.
There is a lounge area with sofas for coffees. The staff were friendly and efficient. I am looking forward to returning to try their evening menu.
A 3 minute YouTube video has been put together by English Riviera Tourism Company to promote Torquay, Paignton and Brixham for the next season. Hoping to attract more tourists to the area.
