Hops' Hikes & Bites: March 2017

Bite 32 Southbourne, Dorset

Via Christchurch Harbour

(CH only suitable for craft with 1.2m min draft. Limited anchoring options http://www.visitmyharbour.com/harbours/channel-west/christchurch/)

Where's Southbourne I hear you say? No marina there is there? Nope; but there’s a lovely beach, and it’s just a few miles from Christchurch Harbour. If you keep your boat in this area Southbourne is well worth the short trip, by foot, bike or bus, as the place is positively buzzing with exciting new food possibilities, alongside some good ol faithfulls, such as Deli Rocks and Ludo Lounge and the wonderful Larder House. This compact street houses a swathe of dynamic independents. We know we are very lucky in this area with food, bike and hike options, not mentioning the sailing grounds, but Southbourne has a certain edge with Jimmy’s Iced Coffee constantly putting a smile on our face with his mischievous musical skills and beach skate vibe, and from Gio’s feather head dress (Deli Rocks) to Sarah’s mezze mix (Velo Dom) it’s obvious they love living here, and are very happy to try things out on us. I haven’t even mentioned new super stylish, vegtastic duo at Roots yet – or the boys at Conker Spirit, who have been making quality, locally botanicised gin here for nearly 3 years as they got their license just before our first Fish & Ships festival at Portland Marina. Now let’s walk this blessed high street:

Deli Rocks taking no prisoners

First up is Ludo Lounge, a very popular hang out for all ages, from breakfast through to evening chill. Rub shoulders with families, baby clubs, students playing draughts and Cludo to good old locals in for a pint, a chat or, indeed, Monday quiz night. Most popular? The breakfast club deal - £6.95 for the full Lounge or Veggie breakfast with tea or filter coffee, available Mon-Frid until 12. Clifton Coffee served here.

But as I step into Deli Rocks I question what I was thinking about? Here’s the real deal – and some. I’m greeted by the vision that is Giovanni Dora (Italian red Indian meets Keith Richards) and he hands me a cup of coffee; I love coffee, but realised it takes the stress away to simply be offered a decent cup of Italian roast without going through the tasting notes and providence, just occasionally, and chatted with a local who’d popped in for some prosciutto for dinner that evening.

Moving on, as a Brewhouse & Kitchen has recently opened here, but before I reach it the brightly painted windows of Velo Domestique catch my eye. This is my sort of place: bikes to the left, bar ahead, kitchen over to the right, and old science lab stools taking detention along the wall.

Sarah is turning out some great, simple food. Try the mezze, with sourdough from Bakehouse24 in Ringwood, Boscanova coffee, no faff here, just great filter, pour overs and indeed, tasting notes! This excellent café developed from a Pop-Up last summer and with kick starter funding has been open 10 months. I urge you to visit, with or without the bike, but they’ll probably fix this whilst you have lunch, take note Mike Townshend.

I’m meeting old pal Geoff Phillips from Marina Projects for lunch and we’ve decided to eat at the Larder House, favourite hub here for fine Sherries/ tapas and everything fabulous in between that they can cook in the enormous wood fired oven.

Geoff knows Southbourne very well, but even he has not yet visited Velo Domestique or the Brewhouse, as he’s never had the need to pass the crossroads. We need to address this I say. He replies that I also need to check out the Wight Bear Ale House, which lets you bring in a takeaway and even provides the plates – how cool is that? What is going on here I ask Geoff? He is still waiting to do the beer Masterclass at the ‘oh so cosy for such an enormous place’ Brewhouse & Kitchen.

And we mull over the modern delights of both Southbourne and Christchurch as we tuck into moules and wonderful meat balls on home made pasta with slow roast passata, washed down with some fine sherries before heading upstairs to view the infamous library – oh yes – this is the place to come, without the lead piping, for a crisp cocktail after hours, and add a notch to James’ martini board.