Coastal Trippers: The South Coast’s real restaurant gems

Discover the mesmerising charm of the South Coast’s finest restaurants, offering year-round coastal bliss. From secluded hideaways to globally renowned hotspots, from ancient whitewashed inns to sleek modern retreats, explore destinations with it all: picturesque views, instant curb-appeal, and culinary excellence.

The Lugger, Portloe, Cornwall

In the cove of Portloe, an unspoiled Cornish fishing village, stands The Lugger – a remarkable boutique hotel. Originally a boat builders shed and house surrounding the small water inlet, it has been transformed over the centuries into an idyllic hotel and restaurant. Guests can witness the local fishermen bringing in their catch, much of which is used to create delicious British cuisine served in the restaurant. For avid walkers, there are magnificent lengthy trails across the headland, offering stunning coastal views.

Enjoy LRG dining privileges during specified times, see details.

Cary Arms, Babbacombe Beach, Devon

A heavenly landscape, the Cary Arms is a haven of coastal charm, offering boutique hotel accommodation and cottages, and a gastro restaurant. Combining the warmth of a classic English Inn with the luxury of a modern hotel, its outstanding setting and breath-taking views captivate guests throughout the year. Staying or day visiting, indulge in gastronomique food cooked simply, from locally sourced Devon fayre.

Enjoy LRG dining privileges during specified times, see details.

The Grand Eastbourne, East Sussex

The Grand Hotel stands as one of the UK’s most magnificent Victorian establishments. Situated on Eastbourne’s seafront, it commands attention just to the right of Beachy Head cliffs. Its restaurant, Mirabelle, once the sister establishment of London’s famed Mirabelle, continues to draw in discerning crowds seeking coastal elegance and its exceptional modern European cuisine.

Enjoy LRG dining privileges during specified times, see details.

Hotel Tresanton, St Mawes, Cornwall

Experience seaside elegance at its peak with Olga Polizzi’s masterstroke of design genius over the renovation of five former white houses overlooking Tavern Beach, establishing what is often hailed as Cornwall’s inaugural designer hotel. With its timeless blend of white-washed walls, watercolours, mosaics and well-judged art and crafts, this destination invites thoughts of summer year-round. The genteel restaurant, sitting upon a sun terrace, offers modern British cuisine infused with Italian flair, and boasts breath-taking sea views over the picturesque Roseland Peninsula.

Enjoy LRG dining privileges during specified times, see details.

The Idle Rocks, St Mawes, Cornwall

Any closer and you would be in the water. This, of course is a bonus, but the exquisite 19 bedroom boutique hotel and restaurant is so timeless, cool, and comfortable you’ll want to chill regardless of the south-facing view on the waters edge. The Reef Knot Restaurant serves the best of Cornish sea-to-table cuisine from sustainably caught fish from their own dedicated St Mawes fishermen as well as other delectable locally sourced ingredients.

Enjoy LRG dining privileges during specified times, see details.

Lympstone Manor, Exmouth, Devon

You would expect the Baring family (founders of Baring Bank) to have the ultimate holiday residence; and this was indeed the place, two centuries ago. Joyously, these days the property is now owned my Michael Caines MBE, mega chef and now hotelier, who has turned the home into the ultimate country retreat and Michelin-starred dining establishment. And if you visit the remote location you will still be spoilt for choice for where to dine: the outrageously brilliant fine dining restaurant in the main house, casual dining in the Pool House Restaurant, or outside of the hotel at Mickeys, Michael Caines’ all day casual dining restaurant and bar shoreside.

LRG dining privileges during specified times, see details.

Ugly Butterfly Restaurant & Bar, Carbis Bay, Cornwall

Embracing nature and sustainability is very important to chef Adam Handling who is revered for converting local ingredients into beautifully presented dishes, packed full of flavour across his expanding restaurant group. Here at his beachfront destination, with the natural beauty of one of the world’s most beautiful coasts, that passion seems to have an even greater resonance.

LRG dining privileges during specified times, see details.

The Oyster and Fish House, Lyme Regis, Dorset

Perched on the hillside offering panoramic views of The Cobb and Jurassic Coast. The Oyster & Fish House is arguably the most picturesque spot in Dorset to enjoy locally sourced fish and seafood. At the helm is Mark Hix MBE, one of the UK’s best loved chefs and most eminent of restaurateurs. A large outdoor terrace wraps around the informal, light and airy dining room with floor to ceiling windows a view guest while enjoying freshly caught fish and seafood.

LRG dining privileges during specified times, see details.

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