Food review: Pebble Beach, Barton-on-Sea
HAVING spent a large part of my childhood at our family beach hut in Barton, the dramatic coastline has always held a special place in my heart.
So visiting Pebble Beach restaurant, which sits on the clifftop boasting spectacular panoramic views over Christchurch Bay and the Solent, feels a bit like coming home.
Boasting a 2AA rosette restaurant and a stunning sun terrace which overlooks the shoreline, it’s easy to see why the business has recently expanded to offer a range of wedding packages.
Another relatively new addition is a fixed garden marquee, recently fitted with a new roof and a stunning wood panel wall creating a perfect backdrop for year-round dining. Featuring fairy lights, olive trees and individual table heaters, the beautiful space offers the most spectacular views, while also feeling delightfully warm and cosy as the autumn nights draw in.
Arriving for dinner on a wet and windy evening, we were shown through the spacious restaurant and bar area, which was busy with customers enjoying the popular fixed-price Sunday menu.
While diners in the restaurant area select from the a la carte menu, Pebble Beach also offers a bar menu of lighter bites, pizzas and burgers which can be enjoyed on the garden terrace and in the marquee.
Given its coastal location, it was no surprise to find that seafood options featured extensively on the menu, coupled with a good range of vegan and vegetarian dishes, meat options and small plates for grazing or sharing.
As a fan of seafood I was spoilt for choice when it came to the starters, with lobster ravioli and Portland crab cake both sounding very appealing. However, I finally opted for pan-fried scallops with charred leek puree and butter sauce.
Beautifully presented with a small flower and pea shoots, the plump, golden scallops were cooked to melt-in-the-mouth perfection, and exquisitely complemented by the creamy charred leek sauce. The portion size was generous and the sauce was so wonderful – I happily took up the offer of extra sourdough bread and butter to ensure nothing was left.
My husband’s choice of tempura prawns was equally well received, with the substantial juicy prawns in a crispy batter perfectly complemented by the sweet chilli dipping sauce.
After enjoying a glass of prosecco on arrival, we turned to the wine list featuring and old and new world wines available to purchase by the glass or bottle. I enjoyed a glass of French Cote Mas Rose which was crisp and dry to perfectly complement the scallops. With steak on the menu, my husband opted for a glass of Caoba Malbec, which definitely hit the mark with elegant notes of raspberry and spice.
Turning to the main courses, we discovered an impressive selection of fresh fish dishes, Sunday specials, salads and vegetarian choices. Seafood highlights included a surf-and-turf dish featuring sirloin steak and a half lobster thermidor and hake supreme served with scallops, mussels and king prawns in a garlic butter sauce.
However, I finally settled on a pan-roasted breast of chicken, served in its own jus and layered with buttered courgettes and sundried tomatoes. Again the dish was exquisitely presented, and the succulent chicken breast and creamy courgettes created wonderful layers of texture and flavour.
For his main course, my husband opted for pan-seared sirloin steak which was served with a grilled tomato and field mushrooms alongside hand-cut chunky chips. Well-seasoned and cooked, the steak was complemented by a buttery peppercorn sauce that boasted just the right consistency.
Feeling incredibly satisfied after two wonderful courses, I opted for an indulgent vanilla panna cotta accompanied by a rich orange syrup topped with a slice of charred orange.
The light and creamy panna cotta was wonderful, combined with the intensely sweet zesty orange.
My husband adored his “extraordinarily delightful” dessert choice – a tropical Eton mess featuring light meringue, rich chantilly cream and a zingy passionfruit, mango and pineapple.
With its dramatic clifftop location, warm and welcoming staff, and high quality, eye-catching food, Pebble Beach is a relaxed and welcoming spot for any occasion whether a mid-morning coffee or a special celebration meal.
Each of the dishes we enjoyed were beautifully put together and incredibly tasty, and a menu that offers plenty of options from spectacular seafood to Sunday roasts, beach burgers, steaks and light bites.
Pebble Beach also host a regular programme of special dining events and tribute evenings. Forthcoming highlights include Bee Gees tribute night, a Buble and Robbie Williams tribute evening, wreath making workshops and a charity gala dinner.
To find out more visit: www.pebblebeach-uk.com
• We’ve teamed up with Pebble Beach to offer one lucky reader a three-course meal for two. To be in to win, pick up your copy of the latest A&T, on newsstands now.
