Usually I am not a one for gifts and presents. A childhood thing, don't ask, so birthdays and Christmas are just an annoyance - bah humbug and all that.

I probably spend time over recent years on keeping family, staff and clients happy that it was a really welcome surprise that I was given a gift that brought a big smile to my face as you can see in the photograph.

The Larder House is a cool artisan eaterie just up the road from us on Southbourne Grove. I've been going for a number of years now, seen it grow upwards and outwards - literally, and gain recognition in the press and global competitions for the place and its staff. This is great to see for the local area, which has seen a mini-surge in nightlife going for it fairly recently. It's still a sleep treasure so don't tell everyone!

What with Ludo Lounge, Quarters Chicken and Burgers and the about-to-open Polpette Pizza place opening, Southbourne is looking to be a lot more livelier on its high street, overcoming the need to get across to the clifftops where the other pub/food places are. Handy for us on the other side of the Grove.

So, back to the original story, what I got was my very own personal drinks cabinet in the Library of Liquor, which is a cocktail bar above the Larder House. You can see James Fowler the owner in the photo above. I won't describe the place but leave it for you to seek out as you won't find anything like it in the local area.

Why me? I'm not sure, maybe a few Tweets and photos goes a long way, but very pleased. Can't wait to stock it up, its even got my name on it.