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In recent years she has got better with surprises, but I still bear the scars from when she thought we were on day out, only to get on a train to Paris for a surprise weekend. It turned out fine after a severe lecture, and a couple of kidney punches, but since then, for personal safety reasons, most of what we do is in the diary.
As you may expect, when she promptly suggested we go to The Beach House for dinner, with only about 2 minutes notice, it was now my turn to be surprised.
As you may expect, when she promptly suggested we go to The Beach House for dinner, with only about 2 minutes notice, it was now my turn to be surprised.
Her mission was in search of Chicken Wings. To explain, my wife recently went to Chicago on a business trip, and since returning has yearned for more wings.
When we arrived, the welcome was very friendly and we were greeted warmly by Ben the manager.
We were regulars at the old Westover Hall Hotel and were sad at its demise. Since then, we have been to The Beach House a few times and we were interested how it was doing now. Our question was answered pretty quickly, as the place was busy, everyone looked happy and the sun shone on people basking on the sun laced terrace.
As ever, walking through the door into the grand hall and seeing the fine panelling and stained glass windows was a pleasure.
It may come of no surprise that Chicken Wings were a starter, but only for me. I had the Hot Wings, and man were they hot! - just as they should be. So many places now tone down spicy dishes, but pleased to say, not this kitchen.
For main course my wife combined two starters, the BBQ Chicken Wings & Potato Skins with Dips, our helpful young waitress did not blink an eye at this odd request. I had gone the normal route, with a main course from the menu. My Beef Burger & Chips was large and tasty.
For sweet I could not resist the Treacle & Ginger Tart. This was very good, with excellent pastry and sumptuous treacle. I am sure many people like ginger, but personally it would have been perfect for me without the added flavour. (As an aside, is Ginger a spice or a root vegetable? I suspect it is a spice, but either way, vegetables should never go in puddings, and spices should be saved for their rightful place in curries!) We had enjoyed our meal with a bottle of easy drinking French wine at around £12.
Before leaving I had another chat with Ben and he excitedly told me of the future plans. The owners, Hall & Woodhouse are brewers of Badger Beer with a estate of over 250 pubs, and they have plans to invest over £1m+ in refubishing the building. The grand country house is Grade 2 listed, and many months of planning alongside the Conservation Officer has taken place. The final designs will enable the business to grow and provide more practical facilities, whilst retaining all of the character and fine details in this historic building.
We understand that The Beach House will close early in the new year, and reopen sometime in April. The large refubishment project will included a sympathetic extension to the staircase, taking people down to new toilets to be built in the basement, access to the gardens will also be altered to become more accessible, the bedrooms completely overhauled and a bar put in the magificent hall. All sounds good, especially the new bar.
Two day later we were back for lunch. (My wife had decided the day before, so her attack of spontaneity had subsided), this time bubbly Lucy, who had also been in the Westover Hall team, welcomed us.
Once at our table, the sea view was spectacular and the sunny day made everything at sea sparkle. Another 'old Westover face' was attending to us. Guy was as always charming, and told us the menu options and specials in his smooth French accent. (Note: He really is French, he wasn't putting on the accent!) I have to say, Guy genuinely enjoys giving great service and he would be a credit to anywhere he worked.
This time my wife went for the Beef Burger & Chips, and I went for the Fish & Chips, which were great. The fish was Hoki and the beer batter crisp and fresh. Having never heard of this fish before I looked it up when getting home. Apparently, it has a number of names but remains very ugly. It seems part of the Hake family, and used to swim in New Zealand until someone froze it, and it finally reached my plate.
To finish our meal, my wife abstained the pudding, and I had a sweet ending with a Banana Creme Brulée which was set aflame at the table.
The Beach House team lead by Ben, and his wife, Charlie, are doing a really good job. They have created a welcoming and warm atmosphere, and the food is good.
Hall & Woodhouse postition the business as a 'Pub Restaurant with Rooms', which is pretty clever, as it puts them at the top of what any pub can offer. The menu is sustantial & varied, with a mix of modern and traditional dishes at excellent value. This, together with an historic dining room and glorious location makes everything a winner.
Now my wife has become occasionally spontaneous, I wonder what the next surprise adventure will be!
The Beach House
Park Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PT
01590 643044
www.beachhousemilfordonsea.co.uk
www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk
We were regulars at the old Westover Hall Hotel and were sad at its demise. Since then, we have been to The Beach House a few times and we were interested how it was doing now. Our question was answered pretty quickly, as the place was busy, everyone looked happy and the sun shone on people basking on the sun laced terrace.
As ever, walking through the door into the grand hall and seeing the fine panelling and stained glass windows was a pleasure.
It may come of no surprise that Chicken Wings were a starter, but only for me. I had the Hot Wings, and man were they hot! - just as they should be. So many places now tone down spicy dishes, but pleased to say, not this kitchen.
For main course my wife combined two starters, the BBQ Chicken Wings & Potato Skins with Dips, our helpful young waitress did not blink an eye at this odd request. I had gone the normal route, with a main course from the menu. My Beef Burger & Chips was large and tasty.
For sweet I could not resist the Treacle & Ginger Tart. This was very good, with excellent pastry and sumptuous treacle. I am sure many people like ginger, but personally it would have been perfect for me without the added flavour. (As an aside, is Ginger a spice or a root vegetable? I suspect it is a spice, but either way, vegetables should never go in puddings, and spices should be saved for their rightful place in curries!) We had enjoyed our meal with a bottle of easy drinking French wine at around £12.
Before leaving I had another chat with Ben and he excitedly told me of the future plans. The owners, Hall & Woodhouse are brewers of Badger Beer with a estate of over 250 pubs, and they have plans to invest over £1m+ in refubishing the building. The grand country house is Grade 2 listed, and many months of planning alongside the Conservation Officer has taken place. The final designs will enable the business to grow and provide more practical facilities, whilst retaining all of the character and fine details in this historic building.
We understand that The Beach House will close early in the new year, and reopen sometime in April. The large refubishment project will included a sympathetic extension to the staircase, taking people down to new toilets to be built in the basement, access to the gardens will also be altered to become more accessible, the bedrooms completely overhauled and a bar put in the magificent hall. All sounds good, especially the new bar.
Two day later we were back for lunch. (My wife had decided the day before, so her attack of spontaneity had subsided), this time bubbly Lucy, who had also been in the Westover Hall team, welcomed us.
Once at our table, the sea view was spectacular and the sunny day made everything at sea sparkle. Another 'old Westover face' was attending to us. Guy was as always charming, and told us the menu options and specials in his smooth French accent. (Note: He really is French, he wasn't putting on the accent!) I have to say, Guy genuinely enjoys giving great service and he would be a credit to anywhere he worked.
This time my wife went for the Beef Burger & Chips, and I went for the Fish & Chips, which were great. The fish was Hoki and the beer batter crisp and fresh. Having never heard of this fish before I looked it up when getting home. Apparently, it has a number of names but remains very ugly. It seems part of the Hake family, and used to swim in New Zealand until someone froze it, and it finally reached my plate.
To finish our meal, my wife abstained the pudding, and I had a sweet ending with a Banana Creme Brulée which was set aflame at the table.
The Beach House team lead by Ben, and his wife, Charlie, are doing a really good job. They have created a welcoming and warm atmosphere, and the food is good.
Hall & Woodhouse postition the business as a 'Pub Restaurant with Rooms', which is pretty clever, as it puts them at the top of what any pub can offer. The menu is sustantial & varied, with a mix of modern and traditional dishes at excellent value. This, together with an historic dining room and glorious location makes everything a winner.
Now my wife has become occasionally spontaneous, I wonder what the next surprise adventure will be!
The Beach House
Park Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PT
01590 643044
www.beachhousemilfordonsea.co.uk
www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk
what a lovely tribute for The Beach House, I completely agree with David and am so pleased that Hall and Woodhouse are enabling this lovely old house to flourish .
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