Warm your cockles in Southend
The cockle chowder served in a cottage loaf at The Peterboat in Leigh-on-Sea, Southend, is to die for (£19.95). The prawn and chorizo linguine at £17.95 equally so! Fabulous location, right on the sea wall, and the service is always excellent. It’s so easy to reach on public transport that customers can enjoy a glass of wine from their extensive list.
Carolyn Simpson
A moving experience in Margate
Right up by the marina, on a bleak and blustery January evening, I had a risotto at the Sargasso wine bar in Margate that churned my soul – earthy kale, bouncy grains and plump sea purslane bursting with ocean, reminding me of Bornean latok. Excellent local wines, and the quince rice pudding moved me to tears. Three courses and a glass of wine for £50 with an unimpeachable playlist, because ambience is everything.
CheMok
Cosy fires and chowder in Bangor
Walk the North Down Coastal Path from Holywood to Bangor, Co Down, and have a huge clam chowder at the Jamaica Inn or choose the small portion of chowder and have fish and chips or a fish pie too. There are views out to sea even on a rainy day and a cosy fire to rest by before continuing on the path or heading back to Holywood or Belfast on the train. Mains around £15-18, small plates £6.50-9.
Caroline
Delicious Dungeness
Lighthouses, a lifeboat, what was the world’s smallest passenger steam train, old fishing boats and protected shingle banks referred to as a “desert” can all be found in the unique place that is Dungeness. Halfway along the only road in and out is The Snack Shack. Don’t be put off by the shipping containers or the unusual seating arrangements; just tuck in to the freshly caught catch of the day and you won’t be disappointed. The menu, from £2.50 upwards, includes fisherman’s rolls, warming chowders and full platters.
Tracey
Vegan ‘fish’ and chips in Brighton
“It’s time to stop emptying the oceans”, as No Catch in Brighton uses as its tagline: there you’ll get really nice “tofush” of different kinds (“haddock”, “prawns” or “calamari”). Many places sell tofush now, but the No Catch one differs as it is markedly less fatty – it feels nicer and is probably healthier. Get a box, cross the road and enjoy the beach in Brighton without contributing to the discarded fishing nets in the oceans. You won’t regret giving it a whirl.
Asa
A magical Sunday roast in Cumbria
The Lifeboat Inn at Maryport on the Cumbrian coast asked what carvery meats I wanted with my £10 Sunday roast. Er, I shrugged, so they gave me one of each, then asked if I also wanted Cumberland sausage or a homemade pie. But I had to leave room for the roasties, the yorkshire puds and choice of six veggies and six sauces. The backdrop of the working harbour, Solway Firth, and magically floating Isle of Man gave my appetite strength to finish it without being rushed. Lovely ale too, to match the welcome and service. No website, but Facebook-friendly and we hadn’t even booked.
Jonathan Bradley
Spicy fusion food on the Cornish coast
Note-perfect Asian fusion food is not an oxymoron at Bango Kitchen in Falmouth’s edgier sister town, Penryn. Spicy Malaysian fishcake bao buns and a deeply satisfying shiitake mushroom dim sum ramen sizzle appeared from the kitchen while boats rose and fell on the tidal estuary framed by the back window. Living on the north coast, I invent a weekly excuse to cross the county for a sushi fix. Small plates from £9; less than £20 for mains.
Emma
Savoury delights at Anglesey’s sand dunes
Among the sand dunes, the Oyster Catcher at Rhosneigr in Anglesey (Ynys Môn) has plentiful parking, three bars, a restaurant and lots of outside space, so the whole family, including the dog, can enjoy the sandy views. We visited by chance and were captivated by the location, the enthusiasm of the staff, and the quality of the food, with a great range of vegetarian and vegan (eg Pat’s Shack Tofutastic, £12.50; the Dune Dog banger and bun, £10). We now take friends to boast about the delights of north Wales. @oystercatcherandwillsbar
Jacqueline
Big Suffolk sky and runny egg baps
Our outstanding favourite is Suzie’s Beach Cafe on the promenade in Southwold, Suffolk. After an early swim, its breakfast treats such as bacon and runny egg baps are tremendous. The atmosphere is so friendly – they treat us as locals. As the sun climbs into that famous big Suffolk sky, we savour brilliant coffees and complete a perfect start for the day. Silver shards of sunlight dazzle us across the sea. Out of season we check its Facebook page for the weather to see if it’s too stormy for the breakfast swim.
David Innes-Wilkin
Winning tip: cracking coffee at Moray Firth
On the seafront in the beautiful village of Rosemarkie on the Inner Moray Firth is Crofters Cafe. Cracking coffees, great cakes and more substantial meals can be washed down with the local Cromarty craft beer. The haggis-loaded fries always hit the spot. There’s plenty of outdoor seating for enjoying the views when the weather’s fine, including a wonderful sandy beach just across the road. If you’re lucky you’ll spot the village’s most exciting attraction – the local family of bottlenose dolphins, which put on spectacular shows of natural aquatic ability at Chanonry Point, at the other end of the beach.
Brian
Please use the comments to tell us about your own favourite cafes by the sea
