Andy Cooper shares the latest coastal staycation spots and places to visit along the UK shores to tempt you in the upcoming summer months…
Designs on offering a fabulous stay
Anyone with even a passing interest in coastal interior design is likely to have heard of the brand Bert & Buoy. And if you’re a massive fan of designer Bert Fowler’s distinctive seaside designs, then a new guesthouse which has opened in Devon ought to be on your ‘must visit’ list if you’re looking for a coastal staycation on the nautical side.
Seaflowers is the brainchild of Suzy Greenwood, who this year has taken over her parents’ long-established B&B just outside Kingsbridge and given it an update with the help of Bert. Each of the bedrooms is now themed around one of his ‘nautical niceness’ characters, and he has created a beautiful bespoke artwork of Seaflowers and Frogmore for the central space in the property.
The result is a bright and lively place to stay situated in a dreamy location on the creek with amazing views. Seaflowers can be hired out completely for a party of up to 14 people or also offers a room-only option, making it the perfect destination for groups of friends or families.
We loved our stay there and found Seaflowers to be the ideal ‘jumping off’ point for time spent exploring the coastline of the South Hams. seaflowers.co.uk; bertandbuoy.com
Rooms with a view…
Cantilevered over Folkestone Harbour with panoramic floor-to-ceiling views out over the English Channel, restaurant Rocksalt’s ethos is built around seasonality, locality, and simplicity.
Serving the best produce available from the south coast of Kent with a menu crafted to offer affordable fine dining, Rocksalt is the perfect place to dine on a trip to the seaside.
Walk along the Harbour Arm and through the Coastal Leas before heading to Rocksalt to sample their new seasonal menu and overnighting in one of Rocksalt Rooms. These four stylish ‘boutique bolt hole’ rooms are located in a nearby annexe and are priced from £85 per night for two adults sharing a standard double on a B&B basis. rocksaltfolkestone.co.uk
All aboard for fine food
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful fishing village of West Bay in Dorset, The Station Kitchen is a restaurant for special occasions and a venue for weddings and private events.
They are located at the old West Bay Railway Station and have brought a new lease of life into this once derelict building. With two carriages on the old GWR line, you can choose which one you dine in, whether you opt for the First World War era carriage Brunel, which is older than the Titanic, or Beeching, their fabulously refurbished and colourful carriage, which is perfect for parties of four and over.
Now onto the food…all the menus are creatively put together with a significant amount of thought, demonstrating the best, local, seasonal and home-grown ingredients. Think, gastro pub menu meets à la carte dining and a killer Sunday roast. thestationkitchen.co.uk
Sail away to the Scilly with the experts
Embark on an eight-day sailing trip to the Isles of Scilly with experts First Class Sailing. With 150 islands, only five inhabited, a coastal staycation on the Scilly Isles boasts a mild climate, pristine sandy beaches, and clear blue seas – all best experienced by yacht. Whether you’re new to sailing or a seasoned sailor and seeking a fresh adventure, First Class Sailing’s trips are designed for everyone.
You can book a single berth, and meet like-minded people, or a whole boat if you’d like to go with family and friends.
Starting from the Cornish town of Falmouth head off around 55 nautical miles to the Isles of Scilly and get ready to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unplug whilst at sea. firstclasssailing.com/coast/isles-of-scilly
Read the latest Coast Confidential here.
New venture for Isle of Wight chef
Legendary Isle of Wight chef Robert Thompson has opened his latest venture on the island – RTCafeGrill in Ryde. The new restaurant, obsessed with freshness and quality, features the best, seasonal produce available, and will take a zealous approach to local and seasonal cooking.
Situated on the ground floor of Royal Maritime House, the restaurant offers a laid back vibe, with a long bar flanked with bar stools and bar tables looking out over the Solent.
For 16 years Robert has been the darling of Isle of Wight’s cuisine, and has made the island an all year round destination for his eponymous cooking.
Separately, on the lower ground floor will be the eponymous Thompson’s. Moving from its iconic Newport location, the restaurant will open in its new surroundings this autumn. The restaurant will be operated by the same team as the RTCaféGrill, allowing every staff member to develop their skills across both offerings. The same area will also be used for Robert’s cook school and other private meetings and events.
In 2015 Robert opened his first solo restaurant on the Isle of Wight, the acclaimed Thompson’s Restaurant, which offers a modern British menu with open kitchen dining where the chefs serve the guests.
A champion of local produce, he loves nothing more than foraging in the woods, or along the island’s stunning shoreline. He also loves sharing his passion for modern British cuisine with cooking demonstrations from his renowned tasting menu.
Looking ahead, Robert’s long term plan also includes the opening of Isle of Wight Garden, a farm that will help him achieve his long-term ambition of becoming more sustainable. robertthompson.co.uk
Three to try…
Here’s three lovely products Coast loves this month for life on the beach:
Coastal messages in a bottle
Coastal fragrances are to the fore with the latest launches from The Art of the Perfumer, a business whose artisan perfumes are handcrafted in Devon, overlooking Oddicombe and Babbacombe coves.
Blue Tabu is equally appealing to both men and women. With cool hints of the sea it is blended with rare Yuzu oil from Japan, reminiscent of grapefruit and mandarin. The Caribbean Limes Cologne Intense fragrance was inspired by a visit to the Tall Ships Race in Falmouth. With an exhilarating fusion of rich heady spices and citrus oils, it leaves an intriguing impression of the coast. theartoftheperfumer.com
Easy beach visits in the bag
Gather all you need for a day out at the beach in the new ToteBrix bag. Built with heavy-duty, 100 per recycled fabric, this bag is as sustainable as it is stylish, and is surprisingly lightweight. There is a spacious main compartment with a zip closure, offering ample storage space for all the essentials, including a reassuring internal pocket bottle holder for easy-grab access. An internal zipped valuables pocket ensures that all personal items stay safe and secure, and the trademark waterproof moulded BASEBRIX™ base ensures they are all protected from the elements. kitbrix.com/collections/the-totebrix
Stride out in style
Take to the coastal trails in style and comfort wearing the new Targhee hiking boot, just launched by innovative footwear brand KEEN. This updated version of a fan favourite rate features shock-absorbing cushioning, ethically sourced leather tanned by gold-certified tanneries and a rugged outsole that is twice as durable as rubber. There is also the a ‘room-for-your-toes’ fit which secures your heel with plenty of room in the forefoot for toes to splay. keenfootwear.com
