Beach House, The

If you're looking to relax and spend a day or two in the seaside village of West Wittering, this friendly, family run, bed and breakfast guest house and licensed restaurant gives you a further opportunity to unwind from the strains of modern life. It is bordered by sandy shores of Chichester Harbour, which is 'a conservation area of outstanding natural beauty', and the rolling South Downs.

The golden sands of the award-winning beach are a delightful ten minute level walk, whilst many of the smaller sailing clubs including Itchenor and Dell Quay are within easy reach. Breakfasts, coffees and cakes are served from 8am, lunch from 12 and dinner from 6. While the atmosphere is relaxed and makes one feel at home, there is nothing laidback about the quality of their cooking. Seafood is a speciality and all dishes are homemade and freshly cooked.

Meals can be enjoyed either inside the New England style dining area or outside on the heated, wood decked verandah. You could start with a delightful crayfish, mango and avocado salad or goujons of calves' liver lightly coated in oatmeal. The Beach House fish and chips is especially popular.

Among main courses seared scallops and chorizo vie for attention with slow cooked braised lamb shanks in the company of a garlic, thyme and rosemary sauce. Leek and mushroom crumble appears in a creamy brie dressing for vegetarians.

A two-course lunch is served on Wednesdays to Fridays and a children's menu is available up to 7pm as are special diet options. Their wine and beer list works hard to match the style of food and is reasonably priced. Theme nights are hosted on special occasions during the winter months and include Burns, St Patrick's Day and opera gala evenings.