40 B4 40-Lowlander Café

No.21: Lowlander Café, London WC2

After weeks of meticulious planning between my wife & my son's girlfriend, we were off to the West End.

 

Having arrived the night before for a birthday treat, Matthew & Kayleigh were busy enjoying a romantic two night London stay, little did he know Daddy was on his way! (NB: This is being written late, the date was 6th October 2012)

 

click image to enlarge

On arriving it was time for lunch, so we popped into the Lowlander Grand Café, a traditional style European café & brasserie in Drury Lane in the heart of London.

 

The decor has the feel of a grand European café, with packed tables, floor to ceiling bar stacked with an unimaginable array of beers and a really friendly and buzzing atmosphere. They served 15 European beers on draught and some 50 by the bottle, they ranged from elegant Trappist ales to exotic fruit beers, from majestic Belgian golden ales to Dutch micro brews, the only sadness was, we did not have time to try them all!

 

For lunch we settled on a proper Steak Sandwich, full of a marinated, flash grilled 4oz sirloin steak in a warm baguette with mushrooms and home made relish, and a Lowlander Club Sandwich, consisting of a warm, toasted baguette packed with succulent chicken, bacon, avocado, egg mayonnaise and fresh greenery, both were ordered with frites, or course!

 

Tasty, fun and great value was the best way to describe our flying visit.

 

Next, it was time to put into action our covert plan, so sneaking low level passed parked cars, and ducking across the road, we were soon at the door of the pub.  Our surprise meeting was about to take place.  Through the window we could see Matthew perched on a bar stool, looking like a garden gnome who had got the cream. Kayleigh was looking around as if she was expecting a herd of wildebeast to crash through the door any minute. Well, it soon did, ....and as Matthew turned, his face went stark white as he realised that his romantic weekend had just got cut short!

 

As he recovered over another beer, we revealed we were taking him to a puppet show for his birthday.  How he managed to hide the obvious immense joy from his face we will never know.  Drinking our beers up, we were off.  This time being able to walk normally down the street.

 

A few doors down and we were soon at The New London Theatre, and another bar.  This time we were all waiting to take our seats to watch War Horse. By now Matthew had accepted our intrusion was not the disaster he first thought, and we got some Maltesers and Chocolate Raisins.  The girls were well stocked with tissues, but us tough boy's knew sweets divert any emotions.

 

The show was simply amazing at every level.  Incredible, awe-inspiring, clever, and any other superlative you can think of.  It even had truly funny elements.  Some say at times there wasn't a dry eye in the house.  Me, I'm saying nothing.

 

A fantastic experience over, it was of course now time to eat.  So, off to China Town.  As we sat and relived the afternoon over crispy duck, sweet and sour, and all the usual Chinese treats (excluding pak choi, as that is the devil's vegetable) we laughed and as always, really enjoyed each others company.

 

All too soon it was over and time for fond farewells, As we headed off to catch our train, and they headed back to their hotel, Matthew's face had just a hint of over-eating, a warm smile and a barely hidden relief that that his romantic weekend still had twenty four hours to run without us!

 

On the train home we basked in our great day, and even more so in the two wonderful people we had just spent the day with.  Life really doesn't get much better than being with the one's you love.

www.lowlander.com
www.warhorseonstage.com

If you are wondering what the 40 B4 40 Dining Challenge is all about, please click here and all will be explained.

 

New Head Chef at The Marine

The Marine Team will be saying a fond farewell to Head Chef & General Manager, Sam Hughes, on Saturday 20th October.

 

Sam has been with The Marine since October 2010, during which time The Marine has established an enviable reputation for exceptional quality, well presented meals in both the Cafe Bar and the Restaurant.

 

Sam, has taken an opportunity as Head Chef of Hardy’s of Marylebone, a well establishes London Brasserie & Wine Bar, and although he will be greatly missed at The Marine, the Team wish him the very best for his future career.

 

Sam’s position of Head Chef will be taken by Mark Speller, who has worked with Sam at The Marine for the last twelve months, and Mark will be putting his own twist on the well established Menus that he and Sam have been working with over recent months.

 

Mark has an impeccable CV and during his 4 years at New Park Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst, he gained the restaurant a second Rosette, so The Marine Team are looking forward to Mark putting his name to an exciting new Menu this Autumn.

www.themarinemos.co.uk

 

U3A Launched in Milford on Sea

A new U3A has been launched for people in Milford on Sea and the surrounding area.

 

U3A stands for the University of the Third Age, which is a self-help organisation for people no longer in full time employment providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment.

 

 The Inaugural Meeting will be on: Tuesday November 6th at 2pm Community Centre in Sea Road, and all “third agers”, and anyone else interested are encouraged to go along!

 

Local U3As organise interest groups, which draw upon the knowledge, experience and skills of their own members. The groups meet mainly during the day in members’ homes or use local facilities.

 

Members lead the groups themselves so the teachers learn and the learners teach. The U3A approach to learning is learning for pleasure. There is no accreditation or validation and there are no assessments or qualifications to be gained, and no one needs a qualification to lead a group.

 

At the launch meeting a wide range of topics were suggested, including Painting, Art Appreciation, Handicrafts, Social History, Local History, Genealogy, Spanish, French, Italian, Flower Arranging, Theatre trips, Outings, Computer Skills (beginners and improvers), Book Club, Walking, Current Affairs, Scrabble, Basic First Aid, Bridge, Yoga, Keep Fit, Music Appreciation, Choir, Mah Jong and many more.

 

At the meeting on November 6th you will hear more about the U3A and be able to think about which groups you would like to join. If you cannot make the meeting in November, the monthly general gatherings, usually with an entertaining speaker, will be on the first Tuesday of every month at 2pm in the Community Centre.

 

The membership for the initial period from now until the end of March will be £10. Members will be asked to make a small contribution to the cost of refreshments but there is no charge for attending a group.

 

A committee has been formed to establish the Milford on Sea U3A. If you would be interested in joining the steering committee or helping in any way please email the Chair, Bill Jowett billju3amos@btinternet.com or telephone 01590545180 or 01425638836 or 01590644039

 

So why not pop along and find out more?  I know this friendly new group are looking forward to meeting you!

 

 

Zaika Tuesday Buffet is Back

The ever popular and tasty Zaika Indian Restaurant in Milford on Sea High Street is re-introducing thier budget busting Tuesday Night Buffet.  The food is a great as ever, and a four course Indian meal for just £9.95 has to be a winner.

 

At last, a great new excuse to pop out for a pint & curry with an old mate! 

 

 

www.zaikanewforest.co.uk

 

 

Food Week 2014 & The Great Dining Bus

I thought I would let you be first to know that Milford on Sea Food Week is taking a break in 2013. Don’t worry though, it will be back with a vengeance in 2014!
 

As you may know, I semi-retired a couple of years ago, well at least I thought I had! All was going rather well, and then the calm was broken! Last year my business launched a major annual industry networking event, and right now we are heavily into organising a brand new industry exhibition for January 2013. On top of all this, we are building & planning a new business management software package to be launched to the industry in March 2013. As you may expect, all this activity is pretty exciting, and I have been drawn back into the business full time until all of these project are complete.

 

This may also explain why my wife & I have not been seen out and about in Milford on Sea over the past few months!

 

As a result, I simply do not have the time to organise of Food Week 2013. To do so, takes around three days a week from October until April, and sadly, I will now be fully committed elsewhere.

 

Having come so far with the help of great volunteers, the support of local restaurateurs and the enthusiastic attendance of so many from the village, it has been a big decision to make. Particularly, as I just love great food! However, I hope everyone will understand. This is a one off change, and I remain totally committed to what has been created into a significant village event over the past few years.

 

The Great Dining Bus: We do have some exciting news for next year though. The Great Dining Bus will again be on the village roads, taking you for a gourmet experience in all of our best village restaurants. The programme is going to be planned to take place in April 2013, and will be launched early in the new year. The restaurants don't know the details yet (as I haven't yet spoken to them!), but I know they are all keen to participate, and to have you all visit. They will all be involved in the planning towards to end of this year.

 

Having run the first Great Dining Bus during last Food Week we know many people missed out on the delectable and fun experience. Our aim is that more people can participate this time, enjoying each course in a different village restaurants, whilst making new friends and enjoying the company of who you come with.

 

For lovers of Food Week, don’t panic, we will be back from Monday 7th April 2014 to Sunday 13th April 2014, and it will be bigger and better than ever!

 

(School Holidays are Holiday from Mon 7th to 21st April 2014. Good Friday is 18th April and Easter Monday is 21st April 2014, so as always we are making sure the kids can be fully involved.)

Visit the Great Dining Bus Website: www.greatdiningbus.co.uk
 

www.milfordonseafoodweek.org

 

 

Box Office Volunteers Needed

With the impedding retirement of Gwen and the closing of her wonderfully unique shop, the village is also losing its Box Office for local shows and events, - or is it?

 

The team at Milford on Sea Community Centre have decided that is now going to launch a village Box Office run by enthusiatic volunteers.

 

As yet, the 'enthusiastic volunteers' don't know who they are, but I am sure they will soon!

 

A meeting is being held this Friday at 1pm (19th October), for anyone who would be interested in doing a stint in the new Box Office.  If you fancy helping out, please just go along, you will be very welcome.

 

Psst, I haven't said this, but you will get to see what is coming up first, and be able to make sure you don't miss the best shows in the village!

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

 

Changes at Bon Appetit

Very soon there will be a new name above the door at Bon Appetit in Milford on Sea High Street. Christina has been travelling daily from Totton, near Southampton, to serve us with delicious coffee, great breakfasts and lunches, crepes and other tasty treats for around three years now, and as you may imagine a lot of time has been spent driving!

 

Sadly, for us, Christina has decided to be nearer her husband and daughter and is planning to open a new café in Totton in mid-November. Her last day will be Thursday 18th October. Not completely losing her connection with Milford on Sea, her new café is going to be called ‘Bon Appetit!’

Christina has asked us to say thank to all of her past customers, she will miss them, and we will certainly miss her cheery smile and the care with which she presented and served her food.

 

As yet we haven’t met the new owners, but they plan to re-open on Sunday 21st October under a new name. We have heard on the grapevine that the new café may be called ‘The Village Coffee Pot’. As soon as we find out more we will let you know!

 

www.bonappetit-milford-on-sea.co.uk

 

 

All change at Church

We have heard of good news and bad news for the Milford on Sea Methodist Church.

 

The bad news is that the NFDC planning department has refused their application to render the front of the building, move the notice boards onto the front wall and erect a hanging sign depicting the Methodist Church symbol as it was not felt to be in keeping with a conservation area.

 

The much better news is that work has already started on the rest of the refurbishment which is only subject to Building Regulations approval which has been granted.

 

The work includes creating a disabled toilet, refurbishing the kitchen installing a new sound loop system, a new energy efficient boiler and where applicable improved insulation. Doorways are being widened to take wheelchair access and new carpet and lighting fitted and then redecoration.

 

The outside may not look like our original vision but don’t judge a book by its cover as the Methodist church will welcome everyone to come in and see the improvements.

 

 In the meantime Sunday services are still being held in the church while possible and a notice will be displayed on the front doors should the venue have to be changed.

 

The once a month Thursday lunch club has moved to the Community Centre as a temporary measure and details of all other arrangements can be obtained by contacting Alan Boyce at ajbconsultancy@yahoo.co.uk or on 01590 641189.

 

 

The White House in the 50's

Having read a previous story about The White House on Milford on Sea seafront (read here), we have being contacted by Sharon Wickham.

 

Sharon’s mother, Carole Hobson, and her cousin John Neale, were both patients in The White House in the early 50's.

 

Her mum is to be 70 this year, and Sharon is making a scrapbook of her life, and would like to try and put a few pictures of her time at the White house in it.

 

If you have any old pictures of The White House, or even your own memories, I am sure Sharon would like to hear from you. She can be contacted at: sharonwickham100@gmail.com

 

 

Miflord Music Festival Needs a Friends Help

After a very wet 2012 festival this year, and despite good attendance, the volunteer committee have been left with a shortfall of some £4000.

 

It takes almost 12 months, close to £25,000, and a lot of hard work by the committee and volunteers to put on this spectacular 4 day event, which it totally village organised, and remains free to attend.

 

They have informed us that they desperately need help form the village if they are to make the Festival happen again next year. To ensure that the Festival can continue to be staged, they need to replenish reserves that are held to finance the event and are looking to raise funds in a variety of ways throughout the year.

 

One way in which you can help is by becoming a Friend of the Festival at an annual cost of £50, which in addition to providing regular and invaluable support to the event will entitle you to attend the Friends’ reception before the festival. As a registered charity such subscriptions allow the festival to reclaim tax under the Gift Aid scheme at no cost to you, provided that you are a taxpayer.

 

If you want more details or a Gift Aid form then please contact our Treasurer, Alan Boyce at ajbconsultancy@yahoo.co.uk . Alternatively, look out for the Music Fesival charity collection boxes which are vivid purple so they can't be missed and are placed all around the village in pubs, restaurants and most of the shops. (Thanks go to Tim Ball of Ampress Digital for printing the labels on the collection boxes.)

 

Please make a donation however large or small, as without your help they may not be able to continue.

 

Should you wish to become a 'Friend', help out during the run up and or over the Festival weekend then please contact Sean Reeves at sean@hwsolictors.com  

 

Let's hope ths shortfall can be met, and that we can all look forward fantastic Festival in 2013.

 

 

Chamber Choir on Bournemouth Stage

click image to enlarge

The Milford on Sea Total Voice Chamber Choir performed at the Bournemouth Pavilion on Saturday the 29th September as part of the Music 4 Meningitis concert.

 

The sell-out crowd of about a thousand was, as you can imagine, a very big deal for our little village choir. The gang sang a Michael Jackson Medley with some of the boys from Bournemouth School, many of whom had never sung in public before this event, and then joined up with Bournemouth choir Cantabile to perform Eric Whitacre's beautiful Seal Lullaby.

 

  The 'new' Chamber Choir has achieved so much in its first year, and I know Victoria love to hear from any singers who want to help them go from strength to strength.

 

If you would like to join the choir please contact Victoria at: victoria@totalvoice.co.uk  | 07824 388263.

 

www.totalvoice.co.uk

 

 

Studland Common Grazing Project

As you might know, the Parish Council has taken the decision to reintroduce grazing onto Studland Common.  The ponies currently grazing on the Meadow will be taken off on the 1st October, and towards the end of the year the Common will be re-fenced to make the whole common stock-proof.

 

Early in 2013, up to four Dexter cattle will be put onto one or other of the grazing compartments and will be there for a few months each year (total of 4 month’s).  The two compartments will not be grazed at the same time, so that those walkers who do not wish to walk in the compartments with the cattle have alternative footpaths to use.

 

Later this year, previously flailed grassland will be re-flailed back to the higher scrub of about three years ago to help recover the grassland habitat.  A central block of about .5ha will also form part of the first years work, but this might not be undertaken until the autumn/winter of 2013.

 

Full details of the first years’ work and the rest of the ten-year programme is contained in a new booklet, which can be downloaded from the link below.  These booklets are being distributed to properties surrounding the Common and will also be made available to everyone interested in the conservation grazing project from the Parish Office during normal opening hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 10am and Noon and on a Wednesday 2 till 4pm).

 

To read the full 'Studland Common Grazing Project' booklet, please go to following link and hit the 'Stdland Project' button: www.milfordcv.org/publications

 

 

The Durnell ‘Secret Three’ is Out!

clcik image to enlarge

Many of you will know that Pete Durnell is the nature reserve manager at Sturt Pond. Pete also looks after many of Hampshire’s other major reserves for the County Council, including the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve.

 

What you may not know is that Pete’s younger brother John is Head of Conservation – West Hampshire for the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.  So just when you think that having two Durnell professional conservationists in one family is pretty unique, up pop’s Pete’s wife Aimee with her own superb contribution to the local wildlife scene with her first book publication ‘Secret Marsh’.

 

Aimee’s book; ‘Secret Marsh’ covers a year in the life of the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve and is beautifully illustrated with over 70 of her own original watercolour paintings.  The narrative is beautifully written both from the heart and deep knowledge and understanding of the local wildlife - from Sturt Pond in the west to Lymington River in the east.

 

The book refers briefly to the Bird Hide at Sturt Pond (from where I know she has painted some of her illustrations) and to The Marine (café and restaurant), which for those of us who pop in for a ‘cuppa’ or an ‘all day breakfast’ knows, offer respite from cold blustery winter days!

 

Signed copies of ‘Secret Marsh’ are available direct from:

• Aimee Durnell at ‘Normandy Farm’ Normandy Lane, Lymington, SO41 8AE at £9.95 each

or unsigned copies (also at £9.95) from:

• Braxton Gardens, Lymore Lane
• Inger Lise’s Café, High Street, Milford on Sea
• St Barbe’s Museum
• Nick Cox Chandlery, Lymington

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

click image to enlarge

Wildlife Watercolour Course with Aimee Durnell

 

Sunday October 7^th 1.30 to 4.00pm and Thursday October 18^th 10am to 12.30pm

 

Your chance to create a watercolour or artwork in the field with local artist Aimee Durnell, author of ‘Secret Marsh’.

 

Discover the wildlife and flora of Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve and how to approach painting wildlife and landscapes in the great outdoors!

 

Meet at: Normandy Farm, Normandy Lane, Lymington, SO41 8AE | Tel: 01590 610021 or Mobile: 07851 387542

 

Bring: Sketch pad/watercolour paper and either paints, pastels, charcoal or pencils, water, something to sit on, binoculars if you have any and please dress very warmly!  You may want to bring a flask and snack if it’s chilly.

 

Bookings: Places should be booked in advance as there will be limited numbers. Contact Aimee on 01590 610021

 

Cost: £10 per person per session also payable in advance.  For further information, contact Aimee on the telephone numbers above.

 

A Good Old Evening at Hurst Castle

Barton on Sea’s Olde Tyme Players put on a wonderful Music Hall show on the evening of 14th September in The Garrison Theatre at Hurst Castle.

 

The journey over on Solent Rose was undertaken in reasonable weather, if a little windy, and the audience took their seats for two hours of well known sing-along songs (words provided but not everybody needed them) interspersed with comedy from the ‘Maxes Miller and Wall’ and guest appearances by some of the residents of the small village of Thicker Dicker who passed on their thoughts on village life, which were very amusing.

 

The whole show was very professional with numerous changes of wonderful costumes, spot on timing and great singing. It finished with a rousing chorus of Down at The Old Bull and Bush.

 

The Players thoroughly enjoyed performing in the historic theatre and said the Castle Café’s egg mayonnaise sandwiches were the best they had ever had. We hope to have the Players back again with a different show some time in the near future. It was a very enjoyable evening finished off with a clear sky for some stargazing on the trip home.

 

The next Friends of Hurst Castle event will be the Winter Barbeque – date to be arranged.

 

If you fancy finding out more about, or joining in with, the Friends', you can find more information on their website: www.hurstcastle.co.uk/friends.html

 

 

Cape Wine Tasting

Local wine importer, Dann Coetzee of Cape Wine Cellars is running a couple of wine tasting sessions nearby. 

It is hard to resist the opportunity to taste some excellent wines, so if you fancy going along, the details are below.

 

www.capewinecellars.com

 

Calling All Stall Holders

The Milford on Sea Pre-School Christmas Far is looking for some stall holders.

 

The annual event to raise funds for local children takes place from 11am to 2pm on 17^th November 2012 in All Saints Church hall.

 

A stall for the fair costs just £10.  They would also be very grateful if a local shopkeeper or tradesperson would be happy to donate a raffle prize.

 

If you would like to be involved please contact: Sarah Rix at: milfordsarah@live.co.uk

 

 

Doing Good on Fridays

The First Friday Lunch runs regularly at the Community Centre, but I wonder how many of us know what this actually is, and that everyone is welcome.  At each lunch a local charity or good cause is invited to be the hosts and beneficiaries, and over the years many thousands of pounds have been raised.

 

Milford on Sea is of course as good a place as you can get to live, but sadly this does not make people immune for personal tragedy.

 

In September, a lunch was hosted by Sonia Sewell, a stalwart volunteer for several causes and events in Milford on Sea.  The lunch was in aid of The Pink Palace, a Hampshire based breast cancer charity set up by her daughter, Julia Dingwall.  Tragically Julia was taken by this awful condition, but thankfully the good work of her charity carries on.  Sonia and her guests raised over £460 to give support to breast cancer patients.

 

The next First Friday Lunch on the 5^th October, is being organised by Christine Quinn in aid of The MJP Cancer Care Trust.  Christine & Kevin are the delightful couple who run Inger Lises Café in the High Street.  Everyone is always guaranteed a warm welcome when they visit, not to mention hearty food and plenty of tempting treats.

 

The MJP Cancer Care Trust is a charity set up by a small group of parents who have all lost teenagers to a rare bone cancer, Ewings Sarcoma. The condition mainly affects children and young people.

 

Christine & Kevin lost their beautiful daughter, Ali to Ewings Sarcoma.  She was only 17 when she was diagnosed, and after just 6 months of gruelling treatment she tragically lost her life. Ali was a talented Art Student studying fashion design, and planning to go to University, and the Charity is in loving memory of her and all the fine young people and children who have lost their lives.

 

The aim of the charity is to fund research into this form of dreadful disease, as due to the rarity of the cancer there is no government funding for vital research. The charity aim to raise £10,000 per year to support research at Leeds University which is a big ask as it is such a small charity. All monies go directly to this research, no monies are taken for running costs or admin.  Survival rate is less than 40% for the young people diagnosed with this cancer, so on-going research is vital so as to help survival rates improve. Christine & Kevin are determined that one day there will be a more positive outlook for others.

 

Although the reason for the lunches are charity based, and with sad stories, the day itself is fun and full of laughter, and also a great opportunity to meet new people whilst doing something for a good cause.

 

The next First Friday Lunch starts at 1pm on 5^th October, and costs just £4.50 on the door, which includes a 2 course meal.  There will also be a raffle and a Table Top Sale. If anyone is interested in going along there is no need to book but if you are not a regular to the lunch it may be useful to drop an e mail to Chris or Kev at:  quinns.ck@hotmail.co.uk  just to let them know numbers for catering purposes.

 

Go on, give it a try, eating and doing good is just my type of charity work!

 

 

Housing Objections Continue

The issue of the proposed green belt new housing development near Milford on Sea Primary School continues to raise disagreement with New Forest District Council, from a group of local residents, supported by Milford on Sea Parish Council.

The NFDC now have to go back to public consultation again on this site and any further representations need to be made by Wednesday 19th September.

Residents have already made representations to a plan that consisted of up to 30 homes, playing fields, allotments and pick up / drop off point for the school.

We have been informed that the NFDC submitted a totally different plan to the Secretary of State.  The final plan consisted of only 20 houses but no playing fields, allotments and pick up / drop off point.  The Secretary of State’s Inspector has now made NFDC go back to public consultation on the submitted plan.

It appears that Representations can only be made on three areas.  These are:
 

1.   The ‘Soundness of the Plan in the context of the final version of the National Planning policy Framework (NPPF) (published in March 2012).

2.   The NFDC Proposed Changes Schedule – these are the changes that NFDC made to their original plan of 30 houses which became 20 and no playing fields included.

3.   The Errata List – this is of no significance.
 

If you would like to make a Representation:

Please contact Amy Cullen at amynaturally@hotmail.com, and she can provide you with a partially completed statutory (& as you may expect, tediously bureaucratic!) council form to submit before Wednesday 19th September.

Numerous representations were made earlier in the year which managed to get the Secretary of State Inspector's attention. It will be interesting to see if this continues now that a further round of consultation is in progress due to the NFDC reportedly submitting a plan different to the one they originally went to public consultation on. 

 

Bowls Club Finals

click image to enlarge

Sunday and Monday saw the Club Finals at Milford on Sea Bowls Club.

 

In spite of mixed weather, from sunny on Sunday morning to wet and windy on Monday it did not put off the finalists or the many spectators who enjoyed some exciting and close matches.

 

The winner of the Rose Bowl for the ladies was Judy Spooner who beat Di Goodyear (last years winner) in an exciting match.

 

In the men’s Presidents Cup the honour went to Howard Farmer beating Charles Rathgay. Both of these prestigious trophies date back to the formation of the club in 1933.

 

Details of these and all the other results will be available on www.milfordbowls.co.uk

 

 

40 B4 40-The Beach House

No. 20: The Beach House, Milford on Sea

click image to enlarge

As we reach the halfway point in this momentous challenge we have conquered 20 restaurant of our 40, and still have plently of time to go. The challenge is going well, can't say the same for the waistline. 

Our dining partners on this latest venture, were my son Matthew & his girlfriend Kayleigh, they had also been with us for dinner at The Raft on Saturday night.

 

Having eaten with pleasure in The Raft several times, it has already featured in this challenge and did not qualify for another entry, however that does not stop me reporting that the food in this funky Milford on Sea village dining spot was again excellent. Baked camembert, potted prawns, stoned baked pizza’s, brownies and home-made meringues, were just a few of the things we shared, along with a few pints of Estrella Damm beer, some smooth Pinot Noir wine.  The meal finished with a complimentary ‘Flaming Zambooka’, which ensured red and smiley faces all of the way home.

 

Sunday morning, and big decisions needed to be made, - ‘Where to go for breakfast?’.  First decision was that we were walking.  Our first choice was The Marine, as we already knew that they did a really tasty and varied all day breakfast menu, and the ‘full English’ has a generous 2 local pork sausages, 2 rashers of bacon, grilled tomato, field mushroom, 2 Flambard’s free range fried eggs and toast, at only £7.50.  This is fantastic value, not just for the price, but also for the quantity and quality. The Needles Eye Cafe also offer their tried and tested breakfast specials.  However, we wanted to try somewhere we hadn’t been to before in Milford on Sea.

 

In the village, Bon Appetit, Polly’s Pantry and Inger-Lise’s do nice fresh breakfasts, all of which we have tried and have never been disappointed.  However, none of these were open until 10am, and hunger pains could not survive this long.

We had noticed the previous evening that The Raft now served cooked breakfasts. As always, the food selection has a twist and looked tempting, however, the 10am starvation barrier was yet again in our way.

 

Having never tried the breakfast at The Beach House, we decided this was to be our destination. The ‘old’ Westover Hall Hotel was sadly no more, and still holds many happy memories for us.  Not least, that they had always served an excellent and coupious breakfast in a relaxed, yet formal manner.  Whilst pricey, the 'Westover style' had always made it well worth the money.

 

When we arrived much inside was as before, but the dining room had changed.  The room was now an eclectic mixed on odd wooden table and chairs, reflecting that change from boutique hotel, to a pub restaurant with rooms.  The spectacular sea views from the dining room were as delightful as ever.

 

Breakfasts were now cheaper and the menu had plenty of choice.  We went for a mixture of ‘Full English’ with pork & herb sausage, crisp streaky bacon, grilled tomato, flat mushroom, hash brown, tin loaf toast and poached egg (£7.00), Fresh fruit salad with low fat natural yoghurt (£3.50), and Bubble & squeak with flat mushroom (£6).  Beans and other additional bits were also on offer for an extra 50p per portion, so naturally these were added to our plates.

 

All of the ingredients were fine, although we could not work out whether the mushrooms had vinegar included somewhere. My wife particularly enjoyed her bubble & squeak, and it was nice that the butter for the toast was fresh and came in triangular knobs.

Also, the various sauces came in individual pots, and not those irritating plastic packets, most of which that take ages to work out how open, and then split, before exploding across the front of my shirt.

So, if you are looking for breakfast in Milford on Sea village you can’t really go wrong, everywhere will offer a breakfast worth having.  Probably best to try them all!

*On the Beach House website you will find their daily menu, however the breakfast menu does not appear to feature at the moment.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
The Beach House Pub Restaurant
Park Lane, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PT | 01590 643044
www.beachhousemilfordonsea.co.uk

If you are wondering what the 40 B4 40 Dining Challenge is all about, please click here and all will be explained.