"Simple yet delicious food, in a relaxed, beach-front location” is the mantra of this super-popular seaside venue that boasts wonderful views and an electric weekend atmosphere seven days of the week - particularly as the afternoon wears on.
The smart set arrive by restaurant tender as well as by rib, principally from Lymington or Southampton, and this combined with water’s edge dining or a berth on one of the first floor terraces adds to the febrile ambience. But it’s the kitchen’s understanding of seafood and their ability to combine the classic with the innovative that is the real success driver.
Following half a dozen oysters, chilli-salted edamame or arancini, tuck into a crab & crayfish cocktail, grilled octopus or a zingy ceviche. For mains, the menu touts lobster spaghetti, sole or cod alongside risotto, lamb cutlets or grilled aubergine. All to a good standard. Copious quantities of rosé are, of course, de rigueur, but the short wine list offers a nice selection both at the quaffing and heavy-weight ends.
If locals complain that success has gone to its head - "prices up, food standards down" - it hasnt stopped any of them going, or the fun from escalating.