470. The Lazy Lobster, Chew Magna.

 

  On a visit to Weston super Mare, for a change accompanied by a human as well as my beloved Labrador, I decided I would take the opportunity of having a car and driver available and ventured out into the attractive village of Chew Magna. Its prettiness has clearly attracted the wealthy and presumably also tourists and there are rather more upmarket restaurants and public houses there than one might expect for a village of such a size. It was a warm, sunny spring day and the location was all very pleasurable. I had chosen to reserve a table at an appealing seafood restaurant, The Lazy Lobster, recommended enthusiastically by the readers of Harnden’s food guide, and found the place and service to be charming though the seating was not entirely comfortable.

  The dishes are described mostly as ‘small plates’ which are complemented by some larger dishes and the menu is displayed on several blackboards of various sizes scattered around the small restaurant. The dishes were appealing and we shared dishes between us and the resulting cost was remarkably reasonable.

  As is the case with ‘small plate menus’ dishes came out when they ready though pleasingly the order of their appearance was wholly appropriate and I think the kitchen intended it to be. The first pleasure to appear was a fine dressed crab - no hint of any crab shell, I’m pleased to write - with an excellent aioli and delightful toasted sourdough. This was everything I and my dining companion could have wanted. An excellent start. We also had a double helping of scallops served with their coral - tasty and pleasing and cooked perfectly.

  Next we shared a lovely, nicely sized and beautifully grilled megram sole with pink peppercorn butter and accurately cooked samphire which we ate with what were described as crispy, spiced new potatoes. There was indeed some crispiness to the potatoes and they were cooked to have exactly the right texture and the accompanying asparagus, slim but numerous, were tender and tasty.

  We had overwhelmed ourselves with the amount and deliciousness of the food we had eaten and could consume no more. This was a restaurant to visit more than once on a future visit to the West Country.

Rating:- 🌞.