By Laura Cartledge
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside so from the moment I arrived at the Beachcroft Hotel, Felpham, I knew I was in for a treat. What strikes you first is the wonderful sense of peace and quiet. As the hustle and bustle is replaced by the gentle lapping of the waves, causing you to instantly relax and feel revived by the fresh sea air.
My friend and I are warmly welcomed by current owner Robert Warham who bought the hotel in 2006 and has since transformed it from a two-star into a three-star boutique hotel. However in my opinion it should be rated higher than that and the reception walls filled with awards agree – just two months ago saw The Beachcroft Hotel presented with Highly Commended in the Large Business of the Year category bringing their total to ten accolades in just five years.
Having toured the gardens, which include a seating area just metres from the beach, and passed through the traditional bar we settle into the restaurant. Decorated in warm reds, dark wood and with exposed brickwork the atmosphere is cosy yet sophisticated. While the star attraction has to be the huge windows which line one wall, helping you to make the most of the fantastic location even when indoors.
Placing us in the polite, attentive, hands of restaurant manager Lukasz Sanocki, Robert leaves us to tend the bar, something which shows his clear connection and dedication to the hotel as he happily talks away to guests.
Nibbling on fantastic fresh bread we turn to pursue the menu which has clearly been carefully crafted by head chef Tony Bazley. Offering just the right amount of range and choice to whet your appetite but not overwhelm.
After much deliberation, and a few more slices of bread, I decided to plump for the tempura battered tiger prawns, mixed leaves and sweet chilli dipping sauce while my friend is tempted by the tomato, mozzarella and basil salad.
“This is the freshest salad I have ever had,” exclaims my friend within moments of the beautifully presented dishes being put in front of us. And I have to agree, dressed in a light, slightly sweet vinaigrette I could have happily have finished a plateful. However that would have meant missing out on the deliciously delicate batter which encased the succulent prawns and the fiery kick of the authentic chilli dip.
Both portions were perfectly sized and left us satisfied but eager to see what main course would bring. With options ranging from pork loin steak, mouth-watering fish dishes and family favourites like trio of butchers sausage served with creamy mash making up our minds was no easy feat.
In the end I couldn’t resist the Beachcroft Pasta, served in a sauce of tomatoes, blue cheese, white onions and cream and served with a side salad and garlic bread it literally seemed to have it all. And when it arrived I was not disappointed. The pasta was generous both in size and its ingredients, with the rich and creamy sauce being brilliantly balanced by the fresh burst of flavour from the tomatoes. Again the salad was fantastic and came with coleslaw I know I will crave for a long time to come.
My friends chicken kiev, new potatoes and panache of vegetables were also being enjoyed across the table. “It’s a million miles from the shop bought variety, the chicken breast is so tender and the garlic butter is just right,” she explained happily before insisting I tried one of her potatoes.
The only problem with great food is that it is very hard to resist. And despite being full my friend and I took the fatal mistake of looking at the dessert menu. From the Caribbean short crust pastry tart filled with coconut, pineapple and banana all topped with a passion fruit sorbet to the cold raspberry soufflé served with almond shortbread, we both knew that resisting was futile. And a short while later we were joined at our table by the homemade chocolate brownie served warm with strawberries, chocolate sauce and ice cream and a lemon meringue pie served straight from the oven. Needless to say, both were divine and devoured happily.
Stepping out into the crisp coastal air we both felt content, well looked after and eager to return again.
The Beachcroft Hotel has 35 bedrooms and serves food seven nights a week. They also host a variety of special parties including Piano Sunday Lunches or even weddings, meetings and private dining. Plus they have a whole host of events for the festive season.
The Beachcroft Hotel,
Felpham
Tel. 01243 827142
www.beachcroft-hotel.co.uk