Sam’s On The Beach, Polkerris, Cornwall

When this second outpost of popular Fowey bistro Sam’s describes itself as “on the beach”, it’s not kidding!

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from Sam’s image gallery

Located in the old RNLI lifeboat station on Polkerris beach, customers can enter from the back or up the ramp and steps from the sandy beach itself. Our table by the window gives us wonderful views. Only a few hardy souls are braving the cold and rain outside during our June visit.

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Inside is a large open space with wooden floors and walls and a soaring high ceiling strung with Scandi-style heart banners. The open kitchen and bar are on a platform level at the back. On the walls are a commemorative plaque for the RNLI, two specials boards and a few random pictures.

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The menu is surprisingly extensive. As well as starters are sections for moules, shellfish and fish, meat dishes, salads and pizzas. I’m usually put off by long menus, wondering how a small kitchen can offer so much variety and still keep everything fresh but this place has a great reputation so I put my worries aside.

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Hungrier than Pete, I decide to have a starter and a main. My soft shell crab (£7.25) is served over salad, with a sweet chilli drip. Served hot out of the fryer, this is a generous portion and that’s just as well as it’s delicious!

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At just £16.95 I cannot resist the Seafood Platter for 1. On ordering, I’m told that they are out of the palourde clams that usually come with the mussels, so it will be mussels mariniere only. Fine by me! Also on the plate are hot freshly grilled sardines and tiger prawns and chilled crab claws, smaller prawns and a slice of tasty focaccia. Fabulously fresh, I tear into all of it, happily.

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Not in the mood for seafood, Pete chooses instead the Hot Meat pizza £11.45 for the 10 inch medium). A decent base is topped with chorizo, salami, parma ham, jalapenos, red onions and pepper dews [sic]. It’s a combination he really enjoys, though as a seafood lover, I can’t help look at my dishes and feel a bit smug!

Pudding is out of the question, though choices such as Beach Lemon Meringue Mess (£5.50) and Cappuccino Coffee Chocolate Pot (£4.95) do tempt.

This is a great place to stop for a meal. If you’re visiting the Cornish South Coast, I recommend you make a visit.

 

Our visit to Sam’s On The Beach was part of a week-long South West Tour courtesy of The Food Travel Company. They are a new company offering specialist trips for food (and drink) lovers, with group departures and customised itineraries available.

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