As part of our recent Jurassic Coast outing, Jenny and I found ourselved in West Bay, just to the south of Bridport in Dorset. We were in search of a quick lunch and were wandering around wondering whether to have fish and chips from the many kiosks on the harbourside. Then Jenny noticed a sign down a small lane - 'Seafood Garden'. We wandered over and discovered The Trawlerman.
The Trawlerman is a fish shop - well, more of a seafood shop in fact - set in a quiet back street just a few yards away from the bustling harbour. It has a small patio outside, with some table featuring river/harbour views - this was the Seafood Garden we had seen. We had a look at the shop and were told by a very authentic-looking fisherman emerging that the seafood platter was the finest in West Bay. "It's pricey, mind", he added, "but you won't go away hungry." Whether around £16.50 is pricey for seafood for two could be described as a moot point, but we certainly didn't go away hungry.
What you get is absolutely traditional British seafood: dressed crab (very good), large tiger prawns, smaller tail-on prawns, even small shrimps/prawns with shell-on (very link and traditional), cockles (pickled in vinegar), mussels, large green-lipped mussels, winkles (and a cocktail stick with which to winkle them). All served on a big platter.
Everything else is extra. Bread and butter, lemons, drinks (diet Coke), whatever. You can take your own wine. It's very basic, very British and somehow just the job for a lunchtime seafood fest. Nothing to worry the hip Riverside restaurant next door, but that isn't the point. This is the kind of place I have searched for in vain in several seaside resorts (Morecambe, hang your head in shame!) - I was delighted to find it here.
The Trawlerman5 George Street, West Bay, BRIDPORT, DT6 4EY, Tel 01308 425776
Thursday 4 September 2008
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