25-05-2025
Newport included in author's quest to find hidden gems
Ben Aitken, author of 'A Chip Shop in Poznan' and 'The Gran Tour,' embarked on a year-long exploration of "unfashionable places" that he thought could be "quietly brilliant."
His book focused on such locations, titled Sh*tty Breaks, was written "not to take the mickey, or to stick the boot in, but to seek out the good stuff, to uncover the gems, to have a nice time."
His adventure took him skiing in Sunderland, to the football in Wrexham, and saw him fall in love with Dunfermline.
Sh*tty Breaks includes Newport (Image: Supplied) Each expedition aimed to shed light on the "underdog" towns and cities that often fly under the radar of avid explorers.
According to Ben, there is "no such thing as a sh*tty break," and he promotes the idea of a less expensive and more sustainable brand of travel which "spreads its affection beyond the usual suspects".
He champions the importance of shifting attention from overdone and overpriced travel hotspots to underappreciated destinations.
His book has been described as an antidote to the "smug travelogues" of popular places, as Ben makes his way around the less celebrated cities of the British Isles.
Author Ben Aitken (Image: Supplied)
Kate Wickers, author of Shape of a Boy, said: "New York?
"Pah!
"After reading this, I'm off to Newport instead to see what's occurring.
"With Aitken's trademark gentle humour and astute observation, this is a book about finding treasure in the most underrated places, and I absolutely loved it."
While the author does not visit Newport in the book, setting aside only a few sentences to include the Isle of Wight, it is possible that more content could be included in the actual book.
To celebrate his book launch, Ben chose to host an event in the city.
Readers will get the chance to ask questions, interact, and get their book signed at Waterstones on Commercial Street on Tuesday, May 27, at 6.30pm.
