Last Friday, being Good Friday, I was lucky enough to have been taken for lunch at the idyllic Seaside Boarding House – for my boyfriend’s sister’s birthday if you were wondering!
Not only is the building itself serene but the location is utterly blissful. Being situated on the world heritage site of Dorset’s Jurassic coast overlooking the wide expanse of Lyme Bay and the sweeping eighteen miles of Chesil Beach, many would be surprised, especially on a day like Good Friday was with clear skies and beautiful sunshine, that you remain on old Blighty’s shores!
This is one thing that I absolutely love about Dorset. Especially in the summer, you really could be anywhere. The views, food and whether that it boasts really are somewhat mesmerising!
Dorset too really is one of England’s finest larders and really does offer everything locally and sustainably. Looking down at the view you could almost watch fisherman pulling in crabs, lobsters and a range of wild fish, whilst the hills behind are rich with hand reared produce and homegrown vegetables. You really needn’t look much further when it comes to Dorset; a county that has it all.
On entering the Seaside Boarding House, I was quite taken aback with the simple unimposing building that really does take maximum advantage of the spanning and breathtaking seascape. The interior itself very cleverly marries together a completely charming childlike seaside charm and a very British private member’s club vibe! (- The latter is unsurprising when on discovery that one of the founders, Mary-Lou Sturridge, is, in fact, the managing director of London’s members-only Groucho Club!)
The above three themes, on paper, do not work, but the clever way the boarding house is decorated and laid out really does embody subtle charming aspects of each – it really is quite the feat! On the whole, it feels personable and elegant with an uncompromising sense of organicity about the place that emulates the seaside theme in a covetable and charming way whilst reflecting the menu; honest, good and local!
On arrival, we certainly made the best use of the sun and had cocktails on the veranda whilst soaking in the gobsmacking view:
The long cocktail selection only stood to reinforce the ambience of the place. I went for the mojito, which was quite a gamble and I’ll be the first to admit was worried I may have been tricked by spring into thinking summer had arrived all too early, however, it really did live up to my expectations. It was promptly and expertly made and was the freshest and most exquisitely refreshing mojito I have had in a while – all my regrets in ordering a mojito over my signature Bloody Mary were all but dashed rather quickly!
After drinks, we were shown menus and escorted to our table in the restaurant. The restaurant itself was more than elegant with a modest bone handle feel. It was the Pineapple lights, silver water jugs and the menagerie of seascapes on the wall that surprisingly all tied together in an attractive and alluring way.
Being a ‘foodie’ (God I hate using that term on myself) and a very indecisive person, menus really are my nightmare! Don’t get me wrong, I love a casual and leisurely peruse of one, but a pressed selection – especially when everything is as enticing as what was on offer here – really is my hell! However, I did finally choose a starter and a main that I was more than confident in and even after hearing everyone else’s order, which normally swings the pendulum of self-doubt for me, I remained steadfast in my decision, (probably helped that my selection appeared to come out trumps!)
To start with, I went for the “Horseradish grilled mackerel” and I really was very pleasantly surprised when it arrived. It was two sides of completely boned – and when I say completely I mean completely – mackerel that had been grilled expertly with a delicate touch of charred skin. The horseradish too was a delight, whipped and airy it served as the perfect partner in crime (or Brine!)
Looking around the table I was sure I had chosen well despite everything looking like a strong choice! Although, from my memory, the Fish soup with rouille, gruyere & croutons and scallops and pea puree stood out as very strong second and third choices!
Not long after all the plates were – as close as politely possible – to being licked clean the mains arrived. Here I went for the Tranche of brill with caper butter, mussels and samphire and again it really did not disappoint.
The fish was succulent, melt in your mouth and full of flavour that was enhanced by the capers and butter. The samphire was perfectly salty and the muscles, well each was a juicy little delight! My compliments really do go out to the chef. I consider myself quite the fish lover and so often opt for the fish option, but tasting these dishes I really did have to stop and take a double taste.
After two such triumphant courses we could hardly turn down pudding – especially considering, when looking at my other posts, that I am 110% a complete and utter sweet tooth. I also am a firm believer that simpler is best when it comes to choosing this third and most sacred course and so when I spotted vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce on the menu I almost jumped for joy, a truly magical combination and one that rounded off the meal wonderfully!
The staff too at The Seaside Boarding house were nothing but charming and didn’t even bat an eyelid when my boyfriend’s father asked for a cheese soufflé instead of a pudding – they were more than happy to! What I really was most impressed with was that after our meal the chef came out and spoke to us and ended up buying beef of some family friends. Who, it transpired, had ended up with rather a lot of spare quality beef on their hands as after visiting the abattoir with their prize beast, a local farm produce festival has been cancelled!
I feel this was a true testament to the chef being always on the lookout for fresh local produce that reflects and completely embodies the wonderful setting:
“From the first bite to the last sip we aim to source sustainable, seasonal and local produce wherever possible,”
This is one mission statement that I can wholeheartedly look upon with complete admiration – whilst licking my lips – and one that I personally can vouch for is completely kept, which can be seen by the completely seasonal menu that completely depends on what produce is available!
So there you have it, the fabulous seaside boarding house. A real worthwhile visit – if you’re in the area or indeed if you’re not, I’ve heard the rooms are beautiful and the view even better from a floor or two up!
A little Tasty 