Restaurant at Hell Bay Hotel

One can only speculate about the origins of the name for this lovely bay in the Isles of Scilly - let's just say it might have been a bad day. It is more commonly associated with heart lifting seascapes and escape from the less admirable of life's little pressures. There is nothing enormously sophisticated about the cooking, but the cause of simple straightforward food is served well and, as one might expect those dishes, which have their genesis from the sea, are especially good. Dawn fresh crab, lobster and fish are hand picked form the local boats, supplies of fine meats, vegetables and fruits are brought in daily. In the evening you can dine al-fresco warmed by a patio heater, or indoors with a backdrop of breathtaking, uninterrupted views across the Great Pool and beyond - next stop New York!

A typical dinner could begin with char-grilled chicken Caesar salad, garlic croutons, parmesan shavings; roast Cornish goat cheese, Bryher tomato confit, balsamic oil or seared scallops, with new potato and bacon salad, chilli syrup. Then assiette of seafood, tagliatelle, tiger tail prawns, fish cream; roast rack of lamb, mint jus, sage mash, roast parsnip and carrots; char-grilled rib eye steak, fondant potatoes, tomato salsa, béarnaise sauce or vegetable risotto, grilled vegetables, parmesan. Finishing with: chocolate truffle cake, forest fruit coulis; glazed lemon tart, clotted cream or meringue, strawberries and cream.

A simpler menu is offered at lunchtime, with many of the dishes being available in large or small portions. There is an extensive bar menu, so lunch can be a flexible feast, and there are high teas for the children.