Queen should put Ballymaloe on her itinerary, says Feltz
The couple and Vanessa’s two teenage daughters, Allegra and Saskia, stayed at one of their favourite haunts, Ballymaloe House, over the bank holiday weekend.
“We had a right old knees up at the gig in Garryvoe,” said Vanessa after dancing to Art Supple and his band in Garryvoe Hotel.
“Art Supple is fantastic, and he is still going strong, doing the circuit for more than five decades — he is a real trooper,” said Vanessa.
“Ben is best friends with Shane Lynch [of Boyzone] and he reckons Art could give Boyzone a run for their money,” she said.
The former Big Brother inmate and her family have been holidaying in east Cork on a regular basis since 1997.
“We took a drive to Ballylickey down in Bantry yesterday, and we sampled some great seafood there. Wonderful.”
While Ben is partial to the home-made porridge and fresh mackerel at Ballymaloe House, Vanessa loves the apple muesli.
“It’s to die for. And the scones are the best I’ve ever tasted,” said Vanessa.
Vanessa’s battle with her weight has been well documented — but her waistline took a back seat this weekend.
“You’d have to forget all about watching your figure when you are in a heavenly part of the world like this.”
There are whispers that the Queen might pay a visit to Ballymaloe next month.
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” says Vanessa.
“The place is fit for a king — I’m not sure if Ballymaloe House is too good for Her Majesty,” said Vanessa in jest.
“And another of my favourite things to do while in Ireland is to listen to Sunday Miscellany on the radio. As a broadcaster, I can appreciate good radio, and that programme is one of the best that I have ever heard,” she added.
“Ben and I got engaged in the Clarence Hotel in Dublin in 2006 — so yes I have a few Irish links.
“East Cork is one of my favourite places in all the world, and if Her Majesty gets to take it in when she visits, she will be well pleased.”