coast TRAVEL
Cleaving to the coasts of Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, the new South West 660 route is made for lovers of good food. Michelin-starred chef Paul Ainsworth shares his favourite places to eat along the way
With the spectre of travel chaos still lurking now’s as good a time as any to take a British staycation. The South West is beautiful all year round and Dorset, Devon and Cornwall offer some of the finest food and drink locations in the country, from casual lunch spots by the beach to fine dining restaurants in smart coastal towns – in my eyes, an important factor in creating an enjoyable holiday. One of the experiences on my bucket list is to take a culinary tour on the new South West 660 (southwest660.com). The 660- mile route follows a careful selection of smaller roads that hug the coastline from Poole in Dorset to Watchet in Somerset. While the journey provides some of the best ocean views in Britain, the food options are equally as good, with a focus on hyper-seasonality and local produce. If this trip sounds like heaven on a plate, here are some of my favourite foodie pit-stops to discover as you travel.
■ Award-winning chef Paul Ainsworth is proprietor of Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at No6 in Padstow, Caffè Rojano and Padstow Townhouse, and The Mariners pub in Rock, which offers an all-day menu. To find out more and to book, go to paul-ainsworth.co.uk.
DORSET
The Oyster & Fish House, Lyme Regis
Arguably the most picturesque spot in Dorset, chef legend Mark Hix’s Oyster & Fish House restaurant has built itself on personal relationships with local fishermen to ensure the finest quality produce is delivered every day. The menu spans everything from Jersey rock oysters to the famous prawn burger. It’s the perfect way to kick start this culinary adventure (01297 446910, theoysterandfishhouse.co.uk).
