The Watch House, St Mawes, Cornwall

I recently discovered St Mawes on a holiday to the Roseland Peninsula of Cornwall and quite simply fell in love. This small town, stacked neatly around a perfectly beautiful harbour at the mouth of the River Fal is also the delightful home of The Watch House.

Perched on the edge of the harbour, as its name would suggest, this relaxed eatery runs over two floors of an imposing whitewashed old building. On the ground floor is a booth-flanked dining area that, when full, has quite a buzz about it. It's dog friendly downstairs too so, if you have a pooch in tow, it's worth remembering. Upstairs is a slightly more formal, but similarly buzzing restaurant.

The menu, as you'd expect, is centered around the fantastic seafood on offer from nature's larder just across the road. And, as they also run a takeaway chippy, you get proper chip shop chips with everything. Result!

On our visit, we opted for a tasty sourdough baguette to start – tempted by the generous serving of local salted butter from Rodda's Dairy that came with it (the same guys who make the infamous clotted cream). So naughty.

We then moved on to the Roasted Shellfish and Moules Frites; the first served with garlic, parsley, chilli and lemon, the latter in a classic marinières sauce. Nom, nom, nom, is quite simply all I have to say about both dishes. The scallops, tiger prawns, mussels, crab claws were roasted to perfection and packed a tasty chilli kick and the creamy mussels and (chunky chip shop) chips – soaked in vinegar of course – were supremely satisfying.  Both perfect with a glass of chilled picpoul de pinet. All in all, a fantastic stop for lunch or dinner.

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
http://www.watchhousestmawes.co.uk/— @TheWatchHouse on Facebook – @The_Watch_House on Twitter. 

The Singing Kettle, Alfriston, East Sussex

After a long walk, there's nothing better than an afternoon tea, and what better spot for nibbling on a cake stand of delights than on the edge of the village square in Alfriston at The Singing Kettle.

You can watch the world, and his dog/s, wander by as you settle yourself on one of the little tables lined up outside this tiny tea room. In fact, it's only when you sit down that you realise what a busy village Alfriston really is. What with a steady stream of tourists, walkers, pony clubs and a healthy pool of locals going about their daily business, it really is quite a charming spot for some people watching. And don't be alarmed by the occasional close encounter with someone trying to read the village bus timetable – it's behind your head when you sit at one of the tables.

Anyway, I ramble on. To the afternoon tea… and what a treat. Tasty, flavour-packed sandwiches made from proper fresh bread, moist Victoria Sponge, sticky chocolate brownie, delicate almond and berry cake and the lightest scones I've ever had the pleasure of, with a sensible portion of clotted cream and homemade jam. De-li-cious, and well worth a visit. The coffee was excellent too.

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
http://www.thesingingkettleteahouse.co.uk/— The Singing Kettle Tea Room (on Facebook). 

The White Horse, Mares Hill, Pulborough, West Sussex

On the main road into the village of Pulborough, The White Horse sits nestled into the hillside where, apparently, it has been welcoming thirsty visitors since the 15th century. My partner and I first discovered it on the way back from a long yomp around the National Trust's stunning Petworth estate, just a quick drive along the A283. The house and grounds are beautiful, and well worth a visit, but that's another post… back to The White Horse! Despite it's age, there's not a cobweb or rickety bar stool in sight. In fact, I'd guess that it's been fairly recently refurbished, and with love. It still has beautiful wooden floors and beams and plenty of cosy corners to warm your toes in winter or if the sun is shining, the terraced garden is idyllic; a real sun trap flanked by well tended flower beds. Dogs are welcome too, both in the garden and inside the pub, and rest assured they'll get plenty of cuddles and a bowl of water to boot!

Now that you're settled in, I'll tell you about the food. My favourite (I've ordered it each time we've been back) is the liver paté, served with tasty chutney and loads of toasted bread. It really is worth driving out for – they make it with Jack Daniels for goodness sake!

In all honesty though, you can't go wrong with the burger. I have to say, it's possibly one of the tastiest I've ever encountered. Handmade with lashings of premium quality ground beef the patty itself is enormous, which is just, well, great! It's also seasoned to perfection and served on a healthy spoonful of sweet and tangy homemade tomato chutney and crisp, fresh salad leaves. The fact that it's served in a traditional, toasted, sesame bun also just makes me happy (#nobriochebun). I've included a gratuitous close up so that you can imagine wrapping your lips around this meaty marvel. Enjoy!

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
http://www.white-horse-pullborough.co.uk/— @whitehorsepulborough (on Facebook).

Kensingtons The Balcony Cafe, Brighton, East Sussex

So this morning, my friends and I stumbled upon a real little gem. On a sunny Sunday in Brighton and in need of a large breakfast to remedy the night before, we spotted a lovely little roof terrace at the end of one of the North Laines which belonged to Kensingtons Balcony Cafe. Just look out for the bright pink doorway and head up the stairs.

They describe their breakfasts as gut busting and I would have to agree. It did hit the spot though. We all opted for the meaty breakfast, served with lashings of buttered toast, 2 sausages, 2 rashers of bacon, 2 fried eggs, beans, mushrooms and a hash brown to boot. Everything was well cooked and even the mushrooms were fresh and firm – no tinned veggies here.
All washed down with a strong and fruity cup of coffee. Just what we needed.
Warning – we were full from 10.30am to tea-time so prepare yourself.
Also dog friendly – water bowl provided.

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
@Kensingtonscafe

The Corner House, Worthing, West Sussex

Within stumbling distance of the Worthing station and a five-minute stroll from town, The Corner House is a proper pub, serving up proper pub food.

Personally, I'm a sucker for their burger. Handmade and served in a seeded bun – none of this brioche nonsense – with fresh salad, pickles, tasty cheese and homemade tomato relish, every bite is moist and full of flavour. The relish has a great sweet and sour kick to it while the burger itself is still nice and pink and well seasoned. The hand cut chunky chips on the side are crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Perfect.

I'd also recommend the steak medallions. They arrived equally well seasoned and cooked medium rare, exactly as requested. The accompaniments were also delicious, which so often isn't the case. The mushrooms were still al dente and the slow-roasted tomatoes were bursting with flavour. The peppercorn sauce was rich and spicy, as it should be.

If you don't want to go the whole hog – or cow – then I'd opt for their sharing platter of cured ham and chorizo. Served with loads of fresh sourdough and proper butter, it's a real treat. The chilli soaked pickled onions were a great touch as well and really added some extra power to the spicy chorizo.
The Corner House is dog friendly too – inside and out. Expect dog biscuits and cuddles galore for small, furry family members. Plus, the garden has some really cosy little booths with outdoor heaters so it's really accessible for most of the year, even if you take into account our unpredictable weather!

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
http://www.cornerhouseworthing.co.uk — @CHWorthing

DD's Jerk n Ting, Worthing, West Sussex

I'd passed this place a few of times, always excited by the smells wafting out from its tiny doorway. When we finally managed to snag a table, I have to say I wasn't disappointed.

Taking a spot by the window for one of DD's early dinner sittings was, in a word, fun. It's such a small restaurant that not only can you see and smell everything coming out of the kitchen, but you can really immerse yourself in the buzz of the place as you cosy up with the other diners.

We started with some deep-fried chicken wings and spicy popcorn prawns. The prawns were a little uninspiring, but the chicken wings made up for it. I don't know what was in the batter, but I'm sure I could taste cinnamon or nutmeg? Spicy and delightfully moist.

We followed this up with one of DD's platters, mainly because we were stumped by what to choose from the menu and this allowed you to try a little bit of everything. From goat curry and jerk chicken to slow roasted pork and fried plaintain, plus a selection of tasty salads, the platter was huge when it arrived at the table and smelt amazing. My favourite was the goat curry, not too spicy but so full of flavour – a real taste bud tickler. My advice would be to starve yourself all day as you'll need room for all of this!

With no alcohol licence, DD's is bring your own, which only adds to the charm of the place in my opinion.

I'd say ditch the fish and chip supper and sample a little taste of the Caribbean on your next blustery trip to the seaside.

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
facebook.com/ddsjerknting — @dd_jerk

Kitsu, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Small, but perfectly formed, Kitsu is a haven for anyone who appreciates proper sushi and tasty noodles.

Open for lunch and dinner – booking is advisable for the latter – this little den of Japanese delights serves up impressive array of dishes, considering the size of its kitchen. Don't be fooled by its rough exterior, or interior for that matter, the food delivered to your Formica table will not disappoint. Plus, it's BYO so you can quaff your favourite tipple while filling your face with tasty treats, which is always a bonus.
Start with a plate of chilli and garlic edamame beans and some freshly steamed chicken or vegetable gyoza while you pore over the menu – you'll need the time it takes to munch through them to decide on your next course. Don't forget to check the specials board!
I don't think you can go wrong with one of Kitsu's signature sushi platters – the Ichiban is my favourite – however, if you're more tempted by a spot of sashimi, then the bento boxes offer a taste of both. The soft shell crab Temaki and vegetable tempura (particularly the sweet potato) are also not to be missed.

If you have room after all of that, then try some of Kitsu's own ice creams. I love the black sesame with a scoop of strawberry, but the green tea is also tasty. If the pineapple fritters are on special, don't miss these either; they're deliciously naughty.

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
facebook.com/kitsusushi/ — @kitsusushi

Various, Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand

If you happen to be in Ao Nang for a few days and you're sick of the curry/pasta/pizza/thai restaurants that seem to be everywhere, then give one of these a try:

Cafe8, Ao Nang

Pitched as a New York-style café, this place serves up a mean burger, some super fresh and testy fajitas and some tempting slabs of cheesecake. The terrace is a great place to people watch of an evening and there's usually a guy playing the guitar (reasonably well) in the bar next door, if you like a bit of acoustic entertainment with an icey cold beer. Alternatively, try one of their smoothies or freshly juiced juices for breakfast – the perfect detox from the night before.

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
aonangcafe8.com — https://www.facebook.com/Cafe898-813176842112830

Poda at Phra Nang Inn, Ao Nang

I love seafood, as you've probably noticed by now. And it doesn't get any better than sitting on the beachfront and someone tipping a bucket of the stuff, marinated in spicy Thai curry sauce, on the table in front of you! Order one of Poda's seafood platters and that's just what you get, a tub, a big tub, full of fresh crab, huge prawns, clams, mussels and calamari to get messy with, at a table on the beach. Grilled pineapple, potatoes and a selection of even spicier dips add an extra element of fun. Not to be missed!

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
https://www.facebook.com/PODA-Beachfront-Dining-555752707906162/

Diver's Inn, Ao Nang

Great steak, an impressive selection of German beers (lovingly imported by owner, Juergen) and a warm welcome await you at the Diver's Inn. We loved the all-you-can-eat salad bar, complete with a healthy dose of sauerkraut and the super-friendly staff. Oh, and don't miss the homemade apple cake, it really tasted like something your granny would bake. 
 
Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
krabi-divers-inn.com

Mazzaro, Soi charoenkrung, Bangkok

Tucked away from the main thoroughfare of Charoenkrung Road in the Bang Rak area of Bangkok, Mazzaro can be found serving up its offering of Thai/Italian delights just a stone's throw from the riverfront Shangri-La. 

Offering a welcome alternative from cheap, insalubrious local restaurants and the expensive hotels in the area, this café-style eatery is the brainchild of mother and son (Chef Pin) – the Phothisoontorn's – who originally transformed the family-run boutique into a restaurant in 2008.
The result is a wonderfully relaxed dining area – still flanked by the aforementioned boutique – and a menu peppered with ancient family recipes, treats from Chef Pin's time at Le Cordon Bleu and perfect pasta.

I enjoyed a delicious bowl of spicy, prawn linguine on our first visit, while my partner tucked into a traditional Thai beef salad. We loved it so much we came back for more at the end of our trip, this time sampling a traditional tom yum goong (spicy, prawn soup) and baked seabass cooked in a caper butter, with the most delicious garlic bread both of us had tasted in a while – I think it was seasoned with tarragon?!

Thai mohito

Oh, and did I mention that the bar is stocked with plenty of interesting spirits, local and international, mixed into cocktail perfection by Mazzaro's resident mixologists? No, well, there you go – even more reason to pay them a visit.

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
https://www.facebook.com/Mazzarobkk/ — mazzarobkk.com

Harbour Green House, Fore Street, Polperro, Cornwall

Forget the usual cream tea. Think cheese. I like cheese. No, that's a huge understatement, I love cheese. We've had a special relationship for some time now. This is why I also love the Harbour Green House in Polperro. Let me explain.

For less than a tenner, you can enjoy a cheese board like no other. No paltry shavings of the good stuff here, I'd describe them more as slabs. Slabs of glorious, local Cornish cheddar, brie and smoked cheese, served with an entire plate of crackers, extra butter, salad and grapes!
Washed down with a pint of crisp, chilled, Cornish cider this was one of the best fromage feasts I've had in a while. I have to own up and say that it was actually quite hard to finish. Their clam chowder – also pictured – wasn't bad either.
Plus, if it's sunny, they have a great little dog-friendly terrace where you can watch the world go by. Polperro is always a buzzy, busy place in high season so the Habour Green House offers an escape from the crowds and a great viewpoint for people watching. 

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
https://www.facebook.com/Harbour-Green-House-135666156534061/?fref=ts

Bonnie Gull, Fitzrovia, London W1

Another pop up restaurant that popped up and has stayed for a very good reason, the Bonnie Gull is simply delightful. Tucked away on a corner of Foley St in Fitzrovia, it wouldn't look out of place on the streets of Fowey or Padstow (quaint Cornish villages for those who haven't had the pleasure of a visit).

With a tiny dining room, booking is a must (but I visited for a birthday treat so we'd planned ahead). Because it's so tiny, it's both busy and buzzy and warm and inviting – you genuinely feel like you've popped around a friend's place for dinner. Hmm, maybe a friend who loves seaside memorabilia, as you're surrounded by ropes, wood cladding, driftwood and fish, wonderful fish!

The menu is understandably seasonal so may differ from our visit, but to give you a taster we sampled a frito misto of monkfish cheeks, Hayle squid and queen scallops with malt vinegar mayonnaise, an Inverawe smoked mackerel & horseradish pâté and a citrus cured Cornish sea trout tartar, with mustard dressing, apple, fennel and keta caviar. The tartar was by far the most impressive; so fresh and such subtle flavours.
To follow I tucked in to day boat Looe monkfish with girolles, courgettes and smoked anchovy butter. I can honestly say at this point that I can't remember what my fellow diners had because I was simply lost in my plate of food. Just how it should be.

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
bonniegull.com/seafood-shack/fitzrovia/ — @BonnieGull

Killer Tomato, Shepherd's Bush, London W12

I love discovering new restaurants in London and what a find this place was!
OK, the restaurant itself is nothing special to look at, the tables are simple and the chairs a little uncomfortable, but forget about that nonsense! The food is fan-flipping-tastic and cooked in front of you, to order.
We started with some divine little balls of deep-fried slow-cooked spiced brisket and freshly baked tortilla chips with whipped guacamole. Talk about melt in your mouth, and not a drop of grease in sight, just juicy, meaty goodness and fresh avocado and chilli.

Next on the table was a pork belly and crackling burrito (yes, crackling) and a trio of soft flour tacos filled with sticky fried chicken, beer battered cod and red chorizo, corn salsa and feta. There were three of us eating so this feast was short lived, but boy was it tasty.
I loved the experience even more because you had to eat with your hands (as intended), none of this cutlery hoo-ha.
And … all of this was chased down with a cold beer, laced with lime and tequila, with salt on the rim of the chilled glass. What more could you ask for, eh?
Oh, and FYI, they don't take cash, just card payments.

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
killertomato.co.uk— @eatkillertomato

The Black Dog, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

In need of a caffeine hit while shopping in Tunny Wells the other week, I happened upon this little gem. Apparently it's been open since 2010 so I'm a bit slow on the uptake, but here I am at The Black Dog, 'an Aussie-style cafe'.

Plus coffee art, no less

I'm recommending it already, after one visit, on the basis that I was served great coffee. Simple. There are so many cafes that try to serve a good cup of coffee, and fail, that I felt this one needed shouting about. My flat white was strong but not bitter, hot but not so it removed the roof of my mouth and had just the right amount of milky froth on top. Oh, and add to this the tastiest little blueberry madeleine I've ever had the pleasure of popping in my mouth and you'll understand my delight.
They are also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner so I have plenty of excuses to return, if only to try the blueberry and mascarpone hotcakes, with warm ricotta and manuka honey – OMG!

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
blackdogcafetw.co.uk — @Blackdogcafe

Pizzaface, Worthing, West Sussex

Newly opened on Montague St, just a few doors down from the Mahaan (that's another review) is Pizzaface's Worthing branch. If you've not heard of them, don't worry, I hadn't either.
Originally started in Kemptown Village, Brighton, in 2009 these guys know their pizza. Great, fresh ingredients, a proper stone-based pizza oven and some interesting side orders to boot.
I love their feta/pine nut and spinach stuffed mushroom and cheesy garlic pizza bread as a cheeky mid-week takeaway. You can eat in too for lunch or dinner. The dining room is small, but comfortable, with wooden tables, benches and soft cushions to stop your bum going numb.
I'd recommend the wholegrain spelt base option (to beat the bloat), smothered with field, shitake, oyster and chestnut mushrooms, garlic, truffle oil, Parmesan and extra proscuitto – nom, nom, nom. Other favourite options include the wonderfully named Holy Cheeses, with Brighton Blue, Parmesan, mascarpone and caramelised onions or the healthier Daisy, dotted with spinach, peppers, goat's cheese, pine nuts and more sticky onions. For an all-out meat fest try the aptly named Meathead, with chorizo, pork & wild boar salami, pepperoni, pancetta, lamb proscuitto, onions and mushrooms.
Oh, and leave some space for dessert. Did I mention there's a Boho Gelato on site? The sour cherry is a must!  

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
pizzafacepizza.co.uk — @pizzafaceWO

Crab Shack, Worthing, West Sussex

I almost don't want to tell you about this place – I love it. Right on the seafront, a stone's throw from the town centre, the Crab Shack has been serving up locally caught seafood since summer 2015 (around the time I moved to Worthing).
Quick bites to die for include cockle popcorn and crispy squid while you wait with a glass of chilled Muscadet. Both lightly battered with a hint of spiced paprika, they're so moreish. These are always a feature along with fishcakes, dressed crab and the heart-warming Sussex smokie – a bowl of smoked haddock, creamy deliciousness, served with a warm ciabatta. I'm drooling just writing this.

Mmm, crispy squid

The rest of the menu is seasonal so every visit offers up new delights to sample. So far I've worked my way through moules mariniere, Sicilian fish stew, fillet of plaice with capers and garlic butter and a delicious clam dish I can't remember the name of – but not all at once.
Outside on the terrace with heaters and blankets a-go-go or inside in its wood-clad dining area, the Crab Shack feels welcoming and cosy on a chilly day. In the summer, you can't beat a cold beer on the deck with an ice-cream chaser – did I mention the on-site ice-cream hut?

Price point: cheap as chips – still OK – getting pricier – pricey – super fancy, but worth it!
crabshackworthing.co.uk — @CrabShack10