Fishy Friday

As the raging thunderstorms of Thursday gave way to a glorious sunny Friday what better than a walk by the sea and lunch on the beach with my friend and her dog.

Griggs in Hythe has been a favourite fish shop of mine for many years. Tucked away on the aptly named Fishermans Landing Beach where fishing boats have delivered their catch since Roman times.

Griggs is a well established Kent landmark selling and smoking fish from Hythe Bay boats and the local Boulogne fish market which is only 20 miles away 'as the fish swims' griggsofhythe.com

More recently Griggs has expanded and opened a restaurant overlooking the sea introducing 'Brunch on the Beach'.

Picnic tables are arranged casually on the pebbles in a relaxed and welcoming setting. You order in the shop (perhaps adding a side order of cockles or prawns, just as a starter) from the bountiful fish counter. Dishes arrive at your table with delightfully friendly service which even included a personal bowl of water for the dog.

The tables were full with happy residents and holiday makers, Griggs is unlicensed but welcomes bring your own and we were envious of the table of eight cheerful friends with their Rose Cava.

The short but perfectly formed fishy menu challenged our decision making both opting for a delicious dressed crab salad, while eying generous portions of smoked fish platter and clam chowder piled high with clams.

I loved the casual beach atmosphere with great food and genial service with excellent use of the surrounding infrastructure for overflow seating superb on this sunny day, but also a great place at any time of year

Next time it will be the scallop and bacon roll for me and maybe some fizz to go with it.