Venus Cafe - Blackpool Sands

Writing this with the rain pouring down on what should be a beautiful July day it is hard to believe that we are supposed to be experiencing a warming climate, where the red wine will be produced from grapes grown as far north as Glasgow, tra la tra la.

Well maybe, so let's be charitable and acknowledge that The Venus Company, who specialise in relatively sophisticated beach eating, have got it right, and I'm not just talking about mustard in the ham sandwiches.

There's a wonderful array of locally sourced products, with many organic products amongst them, on the menu. If you're an early surfer or you've been thrown out of your hotel for whatever reason, there's breakfast on the beach with plenty of choices for both the rash or the restrained. Going on into the day there's plenty of 21 day aged organic beef in a variety of manifestations, and even I, a rabid carnivore have to admit I am impressed by Clive's organic vegetarian pies. The breadth of the menu is truly extraordinary.

However, the place is at its best when the sun finally sets and the barbecued lobster, nicely accompanied by a bottle of the local and much commended Sharpham white wine.

So full marks to Venus for showing us how it should be done.