I finally made it to Saundersfoot after a bit of a faff on the drive down from Narberth – nothing major, just me spilling half a thermos of tea all over the passenger seat five minutes from the turning for Bay Tree Lodge 3. Typical me, innit? Arms flailing like a startled seagull, swearing under my breath while the A478 blurred past. But hey, that’s holidays for you – a splash of chaos to kick things off.

Pulling up to the lodge that first afternoon, I was chuffed to bits. Tucked right in the heart of Saundersfoot, it’s one of those proper Pembrokeshire gems: a cosy wooden lodge with a cheeky sea view peeking through the trees, just a hop from the beach. I’d booked it for a cheeky three-day getaway, craving that proper Welsh escape with sea air and no alarm clock. Unlocked the door with the key safe code, and the place hit me like a warm hug – compact kitchen gleaming, squishy sofas begging for a collapse, and that faint whiff of fresh linen. First impressions? Spot on. It screamed “relax and stuff your face” in the best possible way.

Right, priorities: food. I’d stocked up en route at a little Narberth farm shop, grabbing local sausages, crumbly cheddar, and a punnet of strawberries that tasted like summer. Unpacked straight into the lodge’s dinky fridge, then fired up the hob for a “welcome feast”. Attempted a full Welsh breakfast – bacon sizzling, eggs poaching (sort of), and cockles from a tin I’d nabbed, because when in Saundersfoot, right? Disaster struck mildly when the toast caught fire under the grill – proper blue flames, me flapping a tea towel like a matador. Laughed my socks off, salvaged the bacon, and scoffed it on the decking with a brew, watching families traipse down to the beach. That salty sea breeze mixing with the fry-up? Pure bliss. Self-reflection moment: maybe I’m not the Gordon Ramsay I fancy myself as, but who cares when you’re cooking with a view like that?

Evening rolled in, and I fancied something pubby. Strolled five minutes to The Mermaid, that classic Saundersfoot boozer right by the harbour. Packed with locals nursing pints of Brains, it’s got that lived-in charm – beams overhead, fishy murals on the walls. Ordered the seafood platter: plump prawns, mussels in garlic butter, and the freshest mackerel you’ll find this side of Tenby. Washed it down with a pint of local ale, something crisp from Felinfoel. Chatted to the barman about the day’s catch – turns out the boats had been out since dawn. First impressions of Saundersfoot grub? Bloody marvellous. Proper, unpretentious nosh that sticks to your ribs.

Next morning, day two dawned misty, so I hit the local market down by the quay – Saundersfoot’s Saturday affair, stalls groaning under Welsh cakes, bara brith, and jars of cockle chutney. Bargained for a loaf of granary bread (failed miserably, paid full whack) and some smoked kippers. Back at the lodge, cooking attempt number two: kipper kedgeree. Followed a dodgy phone recipe, but the rice went gloopy and the lodge’s two-ring hob conspired against me. Still, dolloped on some crème fraîche from the fridge and it was lush – flaky fish, spicy undertones, eaten cross-legged on the sofa with the telly murmuring. Laughed at my amateur efforts; holidays are for faffing in the kitchen, not perfection.

Lunch was a wander to the harbour chippy – proper batter, fat chips, and mushy peas that hit the spot. Then, for that evening’s finale, I splashed out at The Glen, another cracking local just up the lane. Cosy as owt, with candlelit tables and a menu heavy on Pembrokeshire produce. Went for lamb from a nearby farm, slow-roasted with rosemary, and a side of samphire foraged from the sands. Pudding? Sticky toffee with clotted cream. First impressions sealed: Bay Tree Lodge 3 isn’t just a base; it’s a launchpad for the best eating in Saundersfoot. Three days in, I was already plotting a return – mishaps, wonky cooking, and all.