Life’s the Beach House

Nestled between the soft, golden dunes of Elviria’s beautiful beaches lies, one of the coast’s best kept secrets, the Beach House Restaurant. But according to its owners, Guy McCrow and Lucy Godfrey, it’s not just the sun, sand and sea views that have kept people coming back for more since 2001. Ellie Bligh spends a day at the restaurant to find out exactly what’s cooking.

Within seconds of stepping inside the cool, contemporary interior of The Beach House, Natalie Pritchard, Head of the Front of House Team, greets us with a warm welcome and shows us to our table.  It’s a beautiful afternoon with clear blue skies, we’re on the beach and there’s funky chilled-out house music setting the summery scene so al fresco dining is the order of the day, naturally.

Once we settle into the comfy chairs, having marvelled at our beautifully set table, it’s clear that this isn’t your typical beachside eatery. It’s not in-your-face fancy but it’s certainly sophisticated and even after the first quick glance at the menu, we know we’re in for an exquisite gastronomic experience.

Passionate about cuisine

Extremely talented Head Chef, Martin Underwood, refers to his culinary creations as ‘Modern European’ and has carefully put together a menu which features dishes to suit every pocket. Although the menu changes every 1-2 months, signature dishes such as Fish and Chips and Tempura Prawns are always available, much to the delight of regular customers.

All year round, the Beach House kitchen serves up a selection of meat dishes (e.g. Prime Fillet Steaks, Carpaccio of Beef) and seafood (such as the Pan Roasted Fillet of Salmon) as well as Lighter Bites like salads and sushi – perfect for those warm, summer days on the beach.  There’s also a devilishly tempting dessert menu which features modern takes on British classics such as Apple Crumble and Custard and Sticky Toffee Pudding plus a Sunday Lunch menu which changes each week.

A taste of paradise

To get the (beach) ball rolling, we opt for a bottle of Orvalaiz, the house rosé – a simple wine with subtle flavours, followed by a Calamari Frito, scented with ginger syrup and served with tangy Asian coleslaw as well as a beautifully presented dish of Sautéed Caramelised Sea Scallops with crab risotto, spring onion, parmesan and sesame tuille from the Special 20€ and 25€ Menu. We’re instantly taken aback by the mouth-watering aromas, attention to detail, well-fused flavours and melt-in-the-mouth textures.
Our glasses are topped up regularly by a friendly (and rather cute) young waiter and there’s no shortage of staff on hand to take care of the other diners either. We let the first course settle whilst absorbing the stunning surroundings – swaying palm trees, well maintained beds of vibrant flowers and plants, the long stretch of soft golden sand and of course, the blue rolling waves of the Med.

Sole kitchen

As the place starts to buzz with hungry, fresh-off-the-beach holidaymakers and regulars ranging from retired couples to twenty-something office workers, a Warm ½ Lobster Salad and a Vegetable Wrap with Spinach Tortilla find their way to our table and our eyes and palates are treated to more gastronomic delights.

The ½ lobster is meaty and succulent and with its refreshing rocket and parmesan salad, asparagus holandaise and scrumptious pesto-covered crushed new potatoes, this is the ideal summer lunch.

The Vegetable Wrap also caters well for warmer weather, with a touch of Moroccan magic (cous-cous and sultanas) and delectably dressed salad leaves. In fact, we don’t find one morsel of food on either plate that isn’t bursting with flavour.

After a truly luxurious lunch, we head to the Beach House’s ample sunlounger area, down on the sand, where we enjoy their selection of deliciously fresh and fruity cocktails whilst basking in the sun . With the waves at our feet and ice-cold Mojitos in our hands, there really is no better way to unwind.

That’s entertainment

As the sun begins to set, we retire to the stylishly decked Beach Lounge, where sumptuous cushioned sofas welcome those who want to extend their Beach House experience well into the balmy evening.  And with an impressive array of live entertainment, such as New Life – a jazz/funk/soul band, classic lounge jazz from Dario, funky chillhouse from DJ Andrew Bergo and Caribbean Fever with coast favourites, Adam and Eve regularly performing, it’s easy to spend a whole a day at The Beach House, kicking back, relaxing and indulging your senses without breaking the bank.

Where: On the beach, close to the Don Carlos Hotel in Elviria

Cuisine: Modern European

Clientele: Beach House regulars of all ages

Ambience: Laid-back chic

Service: Friendly, professional and attentive

Opening Hours: Lunch (12.30 – 18.00) and dinner (19.00 – 22.30) except Sundays (last orders at 17.00)

Reservations Tel: 0034 952 839 458

X- Factor: You can make a day of it