EAST BEACH CAFE (LITTLEHAMPTON)

[zuriga1]

We took the day off and drove the hour down to get a sea breeze at Littlehampton, next to Worthing. As the East Beach Cafe had been mentioned in Delicious Magazine this month, it seemed a likely candidate for a small lunch. The magazine blurb made the place look a bit larger than it was, but no problem as we arrived early. An hour later, the cafe was buzzing - inside (with doors open to the breeze) and at a few outdoor tables right on the beach.

The menu is small, although there were three, nice-sounding asparagus specials. Many were having what looked like very good fish and chips. I had to make do with a smoked chicken salad and Mr. Z. had a delicious mushroom soup (he who does not eat much lunch). The bread was yummy. All the dishes seem lovingly and well prepared, and the service was cheerful and very professional.

The building is fairly new and of a strange design, inspired by a piece of driftwood. Around the side is a small extension selling drinks and ice cream. I ate a Mr. Whippy as we drove off towards Arundel.

[judithuk]

I think i can safely claim to be the only person of this board who is actually a native of Littlehampton, but I got out asap. However since my parents died I no longer spend much time there, but still have a house to sell.... The local food standards are low although foodie daughter living in London ate there recently and pronounced it both better than expected and most of the reviews. I would recommend the Arun View pub ( by the river, near to the station) for good fresh fish, at least it was fresh last time I ate there, and I have high standards after growing up eating freshly caught fish. but remember Brits eat fish on the bone, rarely filleted before cooking

[zuriga1]

I cannot blame you for leaving and expanding your horizons! Many of us do the same, regardless the size of the town where we grow up.

I'm happy to hear your daughter shared our opinion of the cafe. It was a really good experience. I wonder if they stay open all year round.

[judithuk]

thanks but my leap from Littlehampton to Manhattan has the natives baffled, but I think that is exactly why I did leave!! but try the Arun View, it is much more 'local' than East Beach Cafe. However there is a restaurant in nearby Angmering with a similar name, mercifully wiped from my memory, which was as close to John Cleese in Fawlty Towers as I ever hope to experience.

[zuriga1]

And I leapt from the NYC suburbs to Leatherhead... I see a pattern here. Thanks for the Arun View tip... shall try it in the future.

[Hasan]

You might well be the only Littlehampton native on here. I grew up in Worthing and have also made the jump to NYC. (Well its a work in progress to make it permanent).

[Harters]

"remember Brits eat fish on the bone, rarely filleted before cooking"

Wishful thinking, in my experience. My complaint would be that too often we are served fillets in restaurants, rather than whole fish or unfilleted portions.

[abby d]

we went last month and loved it - there is a post on my blog which includes photos of the building.

we shared fish n chips, potted crab and salt & pepper squid. all were lovely, the only slight oddity the flavoured oil which was drizzled over the squid which was a bit harsh - i think it was cuury flavoured, did try to confirm but the waitress was clueless.

most people around us were eating burgers which did look very good too.

[zuriga1]

Glad to see you agreed with my favorable views. I will definitely get the fish and chips next time .. if I lose a few pounds!

The lady in the next table was having the crab liguini, and it looked very nice. Her small daughter of about 3 seemed to be loving it. :-)

[zuriga1]

Here's a photo of the place in case anyone is interested.