Mediterranean beach vibes served up at West Bay's Watch House Café

By Francesca Evans

22nd Feb 2023 | Local News

The Watch House Cafe in West Bay has launched a modern, fresh menu following the appointment of a new head chef.

Based right on the pebble beach of West Bay, just a stone's throw from the water's edge, The Watch House has been voted one of the top 20 seaside restaurants, cafes and shacks by The Guardian.

In keeping with its seaside location, The Watch House is now serving up 'Mediterranean beach vibes' with a new menu created by its team of chefs.

Making the most of seasonal, local produce, the menu features plenty of seafood dishes with a tasty twist, including butterflied Cornish mackerel, simply grilled and served with a sweet and spicy pineapple, chilli, lime coriander, corn and crayfish salsa.

The Seafood Rasta Pasta is sure to be a hit with diners, packed with prawns, mussels, squid, crayfish and plenty of punchy flavour in a creamy jerk sauce.

More traditional favourites also feature on the menu, including tempura battered fish and chips and an open crab sandwich on sourdough, as well as The Watch House's creative choice of wood-fired pizzas.

You can also enjoy a range of breakfast options, with the continental breakfast with tea/coffee and a juice currently on offer for just £15, or indulge in bottomless brunch with unlimited cocktails and mocktails.

Head chef Colin has been cooking for 16 years, starting out on fishing boats, where he would prep the 'catch of the day' for the fishermen.

He then took up a career with the Royal Navy, based in Portsmouth, and while honing his kitchen skills he cooked for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, offering her a menu of beef Wellington, crab, avocado and salsa terrine and a trio of orange desserts.

After leaving the Navy, Colin worked around the coast in various kitchens and restaurants, putting his own spin on the dishes he created.

"My favourite thing about being a chef is running a busy kitchen and showing yourself through your food," he said.

"Cooking is art, it is passion on a plate."

You can view the full menu or book a table at The Watch House at www.watchhousecafe.co.uk