SEAHORSE BISTRO
We’ve been running restaurant reviews for quite some time now but as yet we’ve not visited the bistro in my home marina, Deacons, in Bursledon. Why? Well, no particular reason, but it might just be because subconsciously I always wonder how long the place is going to last – I’ve been berthing my boat at Deacons for ten years now and in that time there have been at least four incarnations of the marina’s on-site restaurant. Again, the question has to be why? My view, rightly or wrongly, is that in terms of location, location, location, being tucked around the back of the Deacons’ main building is not ideal. The marina itself is relatively small, it doesn’t attract that many visitors and being out of sight of the main road doesn’t help the restaurant attract passing trade. That said, under its current management the establishment looks to be doing OK – there are always people either inside or out whenever I go by – so hopefully now is the right time for a review.
Seahorse Bistro describes its mission as providing quality breakfast, brunch and lunch for berth holders, locals and visitors. They also have a drinks licence and do afternoon teas. While I’ve not indulged personally, the tempting cake displays behind the counter certainly look promising. The small but perfectly formed premises has a bright and airy interior, and an elevated south-facing outdoor terrace with views over the pontoons and the Hamble. The current incumbents have been in place for over a year now and everything I’ve purchased from them has been freshly prepared to order. That means you might have to wait a few minutes for your food, but in my book that’s no bad thing.
The fare on offer at Seahorse Bistro is straightforward and uncomplicated – the Chorizo Hash comprising chorizo, fresh asparagus, cherry tomatoes, green beans, new potatoes and an egg, is about as extravagant as it gets. The foundation here is the good range of standards, from a full English to pies, sausage rolls and toasties – the restaurant does them all. my point of view, the Seahorse Bistro does its simple job perfectly. And for me and my fellow berth holders who spend many days a year lovingly maintaining and tending to our boats, often in the depths of winter, there is nothing better than a helping of comfort food to keep you going. Hence, a procession of boaters in boiler suits can often be spotted crossing the hardstanding from the pontoons in order to top themselves up with the King of Comfort Foods – the bacon sandwich.
Apparently we Brits were scoffing bacon sarnies as long ago as the 19th century, and Seahorses Bistro’s bacon sandwich remains true to the original blueprint by being exactly what it should be. Served with no frills, it is merely a couple of rashers of thick-cut back bacon jammed between two doorsteps of bread, the only concession to modernity being a choice of white or granary. For those wishing to take them away so they can admire their handiwork while munching them, the restaurant provides a foil wrap to keep the rashers warm. So, with all said and done, just one question remains unresolved: red sauce, brown sauce, or no sauce at all?
VERDICT: Wholesome, freshly prepared food stands Seahorse Bistro in good stead.
MBY RATING ★★★★★
BASED ON: Food, ambience and value for money.
COST: £24 for a full English breakfast and tea for two.
TIMES: Monday-saturday 0900 – 1500 Sunday 1000 – 1500 (In season) Monday-saturday 0900 – 1600 (winter)
CONTACT: www.seahorsebistro.co.uk
TELEPHONE: 07700 138838