Coastal resorts don’t come much prettier than Lyme Regis with its picturesque promenade overlooking the historic Cobb. Tom’s Lyme Regis has a covetable spot just a stone’s throw from the water, meaning the boat-to-plate journey of its sought-aftft er seafood is mere yards.

Lyme Bay scallops, prawns and crab jostle for pole position in a seafood-laden menu that oftft en features rock oysters and Dorset Blue lobster. Tom’s Fish Board is a Who’s Who of seafood, but the pan-roasted scallops with burnt lime and sriracha butter are especially good, as is the roast monkfish.

When the weather plays ball, sit on the oceanfront terrace with a glass of fizz from nearby Castlewood Vineyard and enjoy a bite from the new lunchtime favourites menu. Lyme Bay crab sandwiches and devilled mackerel served with Isle of Wight tomatoes are perennial crowd pleasers.

There are options to satisfy both meat eaters and vegetarians at Tom’s, but it’s really the seafood that’s the main draw, with a line-up that changes daily to reflect the day’s catch. Indeed, it’s not unusual for Tom to take delivery of a freshly caught haul in the afternoon and work it into that evening’s menu.

Trencherman’s tip

Leave room for pudding; Tom’s chocolate mousse is the stuff of local legend.