WHEN it comes to the perfect ingredients for a lazy summer lunch, then fresh lobster cooked in garlic butter with a portion of chips, served with a glass of chilled white wine would be my idea of gastronomic heaven.

The Noisy Lobster located at Avon Beach with views over Mudeford Bay came very close to scoring full marks when we were there on a rare hot sunny day this summer.

We really struggled to decide what to choose from such a delicious-sounding menu deliberating over starters that included oysters and calamari. In the end one of us opted for scallops and the other two decided to try the tempura prawns served with a chilli and line syrup.

When it arrived it certainly looked good enough to eat. The syrup was rather over-powering though so we used sparingly, but the batter on the prawns was perfect, crispy and not at all greasy and the scallops were a good size, sweet, tender and full of flavour.

For our main courses, we couldn't resist the sound of the restaurant's signature dishes and opted for the Noisy Platter (half a lobster, soft shell crab and two scallops) as well as half a lobster cooked in garlic butter - both served with possibly the best chips I've ever tasted - just the right amount of crunch on the outside with a soft, fluffy centre.

Although this is undoubtedly a seafood lovers idea of paradise, the menu also offers a good selection of sandwiches which averaged at around £6-£7, burgers and steaks, three vegetarian options and a kids' menu.

What's more the service was as warm as the weather and the staff clearly wanted to please, allowing us to relax leisurely for two hours before moving on to desserts.

I was so glad I chose the berry cheesecake which was rich, creamy and perfectly balanced by the flavour of fresh fruit - I savoured every mouthful. To sum up, I would say our lunch at The Noisy Lobster was pricey - but very memorable and the fact we were allowed to take our time meant that we felt we were really getting our money's worth!

Even if I can't afford another three course lunch in the near future, I will definitely be back just for another slice of the berry cheesecake!

MY BILL

Tempura prawns £7

Noisy Platter £24

Berry cheesecake £ 2.90

Bottle of Picpoul de Pinet wine £21

TOTAL £ 54.90