A few weeks ago we gathered the tribe and headed off the island for a fish supper, well a luncheon to be more precise.
It was a birthday celebration so we treated ourselves to a short tip across the water to a lovely local fish restaurant. when I say short I mean 4 minutes. In fact we didn’t really leave the British Isles; I am, to say the least, embellishing a little. We simply traveled across the water by ferry from the beautiful Sandbanks Peninsula to the even more beautiful Studland Bay. A beautiful beach and nature reserve on the Dorset Coast. Both pieces of land are in fact connected but it takes a 25 mile trip to visit one from the other. Alternatively you can take the chain ferry across in just a few minutes.
We went over as foot passengers so that we could admire the view. As foot passengers you just pay £1 for your return trip. Bargain! We rushed up to the top deck to secure our spot. If you are going by car, you can also get out and admire the view, but be quick, the turnaround at dock is quick and you’ll be mightily chastised if you slow the flow down. These old sea dogs are a force to be reckoned with.
The view from the top is lovely, the sea air is fresh and it feels like a mini adventure of it’s own.
We arrived quickly and disembarked onto the beautiful nature reserve of Studland bay.
It was a cloudy and humid day, but the views were unspoilt by the weather, see for yourself…
The beach is vast and even on a hot sunny day you’ll be able to find a quiet spot to enjoy the beauty of it.
I plunged into the sand and made use of the free mini pedi. Sand is a wonderful exfoliant, totally natural and totally free!
The team quickly assembled ashore and we made our way to the restaurant, which is just a few hundred yards from where you disembark the ferry.
Shell Bay is as you’d imagine a fish restaurant. With a pretty weatherboard exterior, festoon lights strung generously over teak decking and enough shingle to start a private beach with. Its coastal and cool all at the same time. It overlooks the pretty bay and is a picturesque spot for lunch or dinner.
We arrived just before lunchtime, and the restaurant wan’t officially open. The smell of fresh seafood cooking is just delicious. It was like a siren call to me.
We decided to pass the time by sitting outside on the deck and chatting, mostly plotting about what and how much we were going to eat. We admired the view and made plans to become fisherman and mermaids.But in no time at all the restaurant was open and we made our way inside.
Beautiful flowers and exotic shells greet you. Neither of which are local I’m sure, but none the less pretty.
The Restaurant decor is basic but comfortable and very befitting for the nautical, laid back, ocean-front vibe it has going on. The ceilings are decorated with white paper lanterns which feel something like sea froth above your head. Between the beautiful views of the ocean and the decor you really do feel that you are within the sea somehow.
We were a little disappointed not to be sat outside however, the large and vast glass windows ensure you don’t feel separated from the ocean and the view if you are dining inside.
A word of advice – if you do wish to sit outside book ahead in advance, this is a popular and very busy restaurant, especially if you are large group.
We assembled around our large table and set about perusing the menu.
The restaurant has 2 fish deliveries every day. The food is fresh and the menu is designed around what comes in off the boats.
The Sagittarius in me struggled to make any sort of decision and I knew I would be afflicted with food envy no matter my choice! In the end I settled on the scallops and the good old Fish and Chips.
The scallops were fresh and delicious! My fork passed through like they were warm butter. The flavours were a surprisingly winning combination. I’d been suspicious that chilli, garlic and chorizo would be too strong but it all somehow worked, and worked well at that.
The others chose the sardines, the goat cheese salad and the cod cheeks. There was a contented silence which befell the table as soon as the dishes arrived.
The service was prompt and we soon had our main dishes.
I wasn’t overly enamoured with my Fish and Chips. I suppose they have to be pretty outstanding when it is something of a national dish. I think next time around I would go for something different.
The rest of the group were pretty pleased with their choices, however some dishes were incomplete. The prawn skewers for example were decidedly lacking in any thai curry sauce. Undeterred, we soldiered on and got it down us! Funny that.
The food was fresh and the service pleasant. The views are beautiful. This is definitely a lovely lunch spot or early evening venue. Be sure to come when there is enough daylight to truly enjoy the views.
After lunch we had another wander about and enjoyed the scenery.
I thought about paddling back but didn’t fancy it! Instead I made a call and told the skipper to get the boat ready…
We hoped back onto the ferry and headed back home. Our bellies full and with sand between our toes. The sign of a truly good day.
If you fancy a fresh fish dish and some great views, head over to Shell Bay restaurant, poised on the stunning Dorset coastline. You’ll not be disappointed.
Amellia Mae
