GOURMET LIFESTYLE TRAVEL
comes from deep-sea trawlers or endangered stocks, so you eat line-caught yellowfin tuna and Cornish squid with peace of mind. Unit 2 Vulcan Buildings, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth; lochfyne.com. Pebble Beach This is what seaside eating is all about: immense views (of The Needles and the Isle of Wight), an outside terrace bathed in sunshine for sipping Champagne, and, best of all, fine fish and shellfish. Opt for a dozen oysters and simply cooked Dover sole, or go for more elaborate dishes, such as Sea bass with chargrilled fennel, tomato confit & orange & thyme butter. Marine Drive; pebblebeach-uk.com.
ISLE OF WIGHT
The Boathouse The only way to get to this lunchtime seaside gem is to walk down a steep winding path. But it’s worth every tricky step. Each morning, the owners go out to catch crab and lobster. Hours later it’s on your plate. Perfect if you appreciate simplicity and a remote setting. Steephill Cove, Ventnor. 01983 852747; theboathouseiow.co.uk.
KENT
Cullins Yard Fresh fish plus live music and the water’s edge is always a winning formula, and so it proves at the vibrant Cullins Yard. From Smoked salmon with dill mayonnaise to Adnams beer-battered cod with minted mushy peas, there’s something to suit a variety of tastes. Spend the rest of the afternoon in the Marina Garden over a few drinks. Cambridge Road, Dover; cullinsyard.co.uk. JoJo’s This popular tapas restaurant has an outside terrace and serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including plenty of fish from sustainable stocks. You’ll always find crisp pollack goujons and tender deep-fried calamari with garlic mayo, but look out for the daily fish specials sourced from local fishermen. Desserts are equally spectacular. A great must-visit spot in the summer. Dishes. 209 Tankerton Road, Whitstable; jojosrestaurant.co.uk.
NORFOLK
The White Horse Lovely views of the Norfolk Coastal Path and salt marshes are the backdrop to sophisticated dishes using fish of prime quality – Herring roes on toasted ciabatta and Brancaster Staithe mussels in a white wine, cream & parsley sauce. Main Road, Brancaster Staithe; whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk.
SUFFOLK
The Lighthouse Restaurant Located on the high street and seconds away from the pebbly beach, The Lighthouse offers a varied and eclectic menu with several meat options, but the quality of the fish dishes are why you should visit. Enjoy the relaxed vibe in the buttercup-coloured dining room and try Roast cod on brown shrimp risotto with buttered leeks. 77 High Street, Aldeburgh; thelighthouserestaurant.co.uk.
NORTH YORKSHIRE
The Endeavour Restaurant This small seafood restaurant, in the handsome fishing village of Staithes, takes pride in serving locally sourced produce, and the menu features such delights as Provençal fish soup, Whitby halibut in a sesame crust and Red mullet wrapped in crisp Parma ham. 1 High Street, Staithes; endeavour-restaurant.co.uk.
SCOTLAND
The Seafood Restaurant This popular, wellestablished converted pub offers stylish dining and spectacular views. Starters include Scottish smoked salmon with red onion and capers and the freshest Kilbrandon oysters. Walk along the glorious sandy Elie beach. 16 West End, St Monans; theseafoodrestaurant.com.
WALES
The Hive What’s available depends on what comes into the shop next door, but crab and lobster salads are fixed menu items and almost everything is organic. It stays open after 4pm only in the summer when you can while away a balmy evening. The honey ice cream is legendary.
Cadwgan Place, Aberaeron, Ceredigion; thehiveaberaeron.com.
BRILLIANT BEACH CAFES CORNWALL
The Beach Hut Don’t be put off because it’s a surfer spot. This cool, laid-back beach hangout has a solid menu with lots of appealing choices, like Mussels with crusty bread, but it’s worth checking out the blackboard specials for more interesting dishes. Watergate Bay; watergatebay.co.uk.
DORSET
Bistro on the Beach It might be a struggle to get a table at this beachside location, but takeaway fish and chips on the sand is just as good. If you’re lucky, however, relax on the summer patio and feast on light Mediterranean cooking, such as Fillet of sole stuffed with smoked haddock and spinach. Solent Promenade, Southbourne, Bournemouth; bistroonthebeach.co.uk. The Hive Beach Café This is no ordinary seaside caff. With a canvas awning and chalked-up menus of superbly cooked local fish, this Dorset favourite is simple and unpretentious. From Sautéed squid with peppers to Smoked haddock & prawn fishcakes, it’s seriously delicious. Take the scenic footpath that leads you along Jurassic cliff tops. Beach Road, Burton Bradstock, Bridport; hivebeachcafe.co.uk.
ISLES OF SCILLY
Coastguards Café Escape the crowds and head to the island of St Agnes for its stunning sandy coves, coastal paths and wildlife. Stop at the Coastguards Café for local crab and the April 2014 BBC Good Food Middle East 81