ONE of our favourite local restaurants is Loch Fyne in Canford Cliffs, an impressive New England colonial-style clapperboard building, which is renowned for serving good quality, sustainably sourced fish.

It was a perfect summer's evening so we sat outside and enjoyed a glass of chilled Prosecco on the terrace and a basket of mixed brown and white bread.

Afterwards we were shown to our table inside the restaurant, which was already buzzing, near the open plan kitchen at the back where you can watch the chefs at work.

For starters we shared the tempura squid, which was crispy on the outside, soft and tender inside, and served with a tangy, chilli jam and garnished with slivers of spring onions, red chillies and a wedge of lime.

We also ordered the chilli and garlic king prawns, which were fleshy and full of flavour and had been pan fried in lemon oil, which we mopped up with the fresh granary bread.

From the wine menu we ordered a chilled bottle of our favourite New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Awatere Pass, which perfectly complimented our seafood starters with its crisp, clean flavour.

For mains I had one of the specials – monkfish which came with a choice of sauces and was cooked to suit your taste. I chose to have it steamed and served with a coriander and chilli butter, which worked well with the delicate flavour of the fish.

It was firm and succulent and served with a portion of chips, a watercress garnish and a side salad of rocket topped with slivers of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of balsamic syrup.

My husband ordered fish and chips, which comes with a choice of traditional or tempura batter, cod or haddock. He went for the first option – line caught cod in a light, crispy traditional batter, not at all greasy, and served with mushy peas, tartare sauce and twice-cooked British chips.

The fish was a good portion and perfectly cooked.

Although it isn’t cheap, this place always lives up to expectations.

The staff are friendly and efficient and know the menu well.

What’s more you can enjoy your fish with a clear conscience.