On the Menu
eat out
AMMONITE AT THE ALEXANDRA
Liz Connolly samples the new restaurant at one of the Jurassic Coast ' s most beautiful boutique hotels which has a culinary reputation to match
62
Sometimes a girl just wants to blow away the cobwebs , grab the handbag and gladrags , and sail off into the sunset with a lipstick-smeared glass of fizz . The elegant Alexandra Hotel in Lyme Regis may not be a Sunseeker yacht , but its spectacular position on the Jurassic Coast certainly goes some way to fulfilling this idea of heavenly R & R .
Clad in high heels , we found ourselves in the Blue Bar of this historic boutique bolthole , having navigated the cobblestones outside and sailed through the reception area past quirky antiquities and plush décor .
A friendly hubbub greets us , everyone excited about the opening of the new orangery restaurant , aptly named ‘ Ammonite ’ in honour of the area ’ s fossilhunting fame .
I swiftly spy the cocktail list and order Dorset ’ s lip-smacking Black Cow Vodka mixed with triple sec and Luscombe Raspberry , while my companion eases into the evening with Taittinger Brut Reserve , later indulging in Sancerre ’ s finest and other tipples .
And then to the grand reveal . We ’ re taken through to the orangery – an airy , white space , gently bathed in the hues of a hazy sunset , overlooking an immaculate lawn that gives way to breathtaking views of The Cobb harbour and beyond . Colourful light fittings cascade from the high glass ceiling , accented with further pops of colour in the glassware , tea light holders and miniature orchids that grace linen-covered wicker tables . The overall effect is inspired – a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of this popular seaside town .
My taste buds go into overdrive on reading the new seasonal menu . It brims with fresh produce , taking full advantage of
On the Menu
"… an immaculate lawn gives way to breathtaking views of The Cobb harbour and beyond ."
local land and sea offerings – Teignmouth mussels , Lyme Bay squid and lobster , Beer and Brixham crabs , and Dorset cider . It comes as no surprise that the talented team behind this venture have won so many prestigious awards .
I start with monkfish cheeks . Two of these fleshy delicacies arrive encased in golden Town Mill beer batter – the ale made by Lyme ’ s very own microbrewery . They ’ re accompanied by creamy wild garlic mayo and organic leaves grown just a few miles away at Trill Farm . My companion has an equally impressive dish – hand-dived , seared Lyme Bay scallops with cucumber , lime and mustard frills .
Mains
We go solo for our main culinary treat , tempted as we were by the sublime-sounding seafood sharing platter . My companion plumped for pan roasted , line-caught Cornish hake loin . This perfectly-seasoned fish was served with pea and Wye Valley asparagus risotto – the greens so fresh I could smell their earthy origins . In contrast , I chose Chapel Farm pork tenderloin and black pudding wellington . Thin crusts crumbled away to reveal generous circles of succulent meat , beautifully presented with savoy cabbage , a moreish sage and onion puree and crackling . Every morsel was joyfully devoured .
Puddings
Never one to pass up an opportunity to feast on melted chocolate , I quickly hone in on the dark chocolate and salted caramel fondant with Butcombe blonde beer ice cream and milk foam . A moist sponge arrives basking in a mouth-watering pool of the good stuff , decorated with edible flowers . Truly divine . My fruit-loving companion opts for a seasonal favourite – Somerset rhubarb and gin fool , with rhubarb compote and shortbread – relishing the taste of each creamy spoonful .
Menu ’ s Verdict
We round off the evening with coffees and Tia Maria , fighting the urge throw open the doors to the garden , kick off our heels and glide barefoot to the vintage-style deckchairs to revel in the glorious starry night . Not that anyone would blink an eye . There ’ s no pretension here . Just knowledgeable and attentive staff using their flair and finesse for the finer things in life to help you relax and enjoy the experience . It ’ s to be applauded .
At the Ammonite , there ' s a set menu price of £ 45 for a three-course meal , plus a £ 15 supplement per person for the sharing platter .
Ammonite at the Alexandra Hotel & Restaurant Pound Street | Lyme Regis , Dorset , DT7 3HZ www . hotelalexandra . co . uk 01297 442010 www . menu-dorset . co . uk