WestBeach serves the very best of local seafood, with a team of chefs passionate about the provenance and quality of their cuisine. This critically acclaimed restaurant fuses award-winning dining, an unparalleled beachside location and breathtaking sea views.

Its stunning location, situated just meters from the beach and Bournemouth pier, makes WestBeach a beautiful place to dine.

On arrival we were greeted by newly appointed general manager, Swapnil Dave, who boasts a hugely successful career coming from Gaucho London, previously Gordon Ramsey’s Maze and prior to that working for Gary Rhodes.

WestBeach is one of the south coast’s most celebrated seafood restaurants and a long line of accolades pay homage to the team’s achievements. Notably, WestBeach is the only Good Food Guide Recommended restaurant in Bournemouth.

Managing director Andy Price said: “We are delighted that Swapnil has joined our team and we look forward to seeing his excellent ideas implemented over the coming months.”

“We are hugely proud of our inclusion in The Good Food Guide 2014. This is testament to the hard work our teams have put in, creating the most memorable dining experiences for our loyal patrons.”

The kitchen is led by head chef Nick Hewitt who, along with sous chef Craig Gaffney, creates an exciting seafood menu that continually promotes provenance and sustainability.

Fresh every morning from Smithfield, Brixham and Billingsgate markets and local waters, the finest ingredients arrive at WestBeach.

Fresh New Forest wild mushrooms, Scottish rope-grown mussels, line caught Mudeford sea bass and prime Scottish steak – their lunch and dinner menus are cooked to exquisite perfection.

They strive to use the freshest local ingredients and daily catches from their own fishing boats.

The beach-chic décor at WestBeach boasts two terraces, a large beach-side decking area, licensed champagne and cocktail bar, and an open plan kitchen allowing you to see your meal being created before your very eyes.

So, onto our fish banquet.

Once seated by our attentive waiter James, we pursued the menu whilst snacking on marinated olives, £3. The menu offers a fine array of options with daily specials showcased on the blackboard.

Menu highlights include truffled Somerset camembert, classic fish pie, cider braised plaice fillets, Peter Treble 8oz sirloin steak, 24 hour confit of pork belly and pan fried gnocchi.

For lovers of fresh shellfish the crustacean selection includes rock oysters – perfect with champagne, chilled whole langoustines, a pint of shell-on prawns, Christchurch Bay cracked crab, chef’s selection of hot shellfish, and WestBeach hot and cold fruits de mer.

To begin, I opted for WestBeach Classic Cornish Mussels infused in a flavoursome sauce of white wine, garlic, shallots, cream and parsley, £8 – a classic at its best. James added a little magic to the meal with expanding napkins – a nice little touch I thought.

My husband chose pan roasted sea scallops – these were beautifully presented in four individual shells and harmonised perfectly with pea puree, crispy Parma ham and pea shoots, £10.50 – washed down with a Saint Beer, as recommended.

For my main I selected Christchurch Bay crab thermidor with spicy pilaf rice and greenslaw salad, £17.50. Modestly presented on a black plate, Crab Thermidor is a luxury fish dish with a powerful and rich flavour. Beautifully done. To accompany my meal I enjoyed a glass of Etna Bianco, DOCG, Planeta with aromas of white fruits, yellow plum and herbal notes, £6.50 (175ml glass).

Richard chose fillet of wild sea bass with buttered cabbage, cherry tomatoes, tiger prawns, courgettes, mini fondant potatoes and a herb butter sauce, £18.50 – a wonderful blend of colours and every element as tasty as the next.

Being a pudding girl, I could not pass up an opportunity to try one of their delicious puddings.

I plumped for the rhubarb crème brulee crumble, £6.50 with lashings of rhubarb inside.

Richard devoured the banoffee Eton mess, £6 – a scrumptious mix of toffee, meringue, cream and banana. Perhaps one of the best puddings we’ve ever had!

WestBeach has earned itself a coveted recommendation by delighting many palates with its contemporary offering of fresh, locally caught seafood.

A true Bournemouth gem.

  • WestBeach, Pier Approach, Bournemouth, 01202 587785, west-beach.co.uk