Chic beachside feasting
When, on high-summer evenings, Salcombe town overflows with tourists seeking a slice of south Devon coastal chic, those in the know head round the corner to South Sands to soak up the vibe without the hordes.
Harbour Beach Club, a gleaming new hotel, bar and restaurant overlooking the beach, is an insider’s find for sipping cocktails on the deck and feasting on fabulous seafood in a slick dining room. It’s also a pretty fabulous place to stay the night and wake to the sound of waves lapping the shore.
Yet, this isn’t just a summer destination. In the colder months, it’s a beautiful spot where visitors can snuggle up and watch storms roll over the headland or escape city life for quality time at the coast.
In the kitchen, head chef Daniel Foster works with group executive head chef John Pollard to create crowd-pleasing dishes which appeal to the wide variety of guests who seek out this waterside restaurant. Given the seaside setting, there’s a natural leaning towards local fish and shellfish. Classics such as grilled lobster with garlic butter share menu space with contemporary creations like pan-fried sea bream with Asian broth, razor clams and saffron potatoes.
Pair your pick of the menu with something delicious from a lengthy wine list. There’s a good showing from local Devon vineyards – a glass of sparkling Calancombe Estate Blanc de Noirs is an exquisite way to kick off an indulgent seafood feast.